Basement Renovations
Legal Basement Apartments and Secondary Suites in Toronto and the GTA
A suite that passes inspection is worth far more than one that does not. We build them to be legal from the start.
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A basement apartment can help with a mortgage, house a parent or give an adult child some independence. Done without permits, it can also void insurance, cause problems on resale and put tenants at risk. The rules exist mostly for fire safety, and they are manageable when they are part of the plan from day one.
Every project starts with a feasibility check. Zoning, ceiling height, window sizes for emergency exits, a separate entrance, fire separation between units, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and heating and ventilation all come into it. Some houses meet the requirements easily. Others need changes, and a few are not a good fit. We tell you which before you spend money on design.
What is included
Basement apartments by Lintel
Feasibility review
A site visit and review of zoning, layout, headroom and exits before design starts.
Drawings and permits
Permit drawings prepared and the building permit and inspections managed.
Fire separation
Ceilings, walls and doors between units built to the required fire-resistance details.
Egress and entrance
Enlarged or new windows and a separate entrance where the layout needs them.
Kitchen and bathroom
A full suite kitchen and bathroom, with plumbing and venting planned for below grade.
Alarms and mechanical
Interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and heating and ventilation for both units.
Before you build
What to plan for
Ceiling height and windows decide a lot
Minimum heights and emergency exit windows are two of the most common hurdles. We measure both on the first visit, since they can change the scope more than anything else.
Rules vary by municipality
Each municipality applies the provincial rules through its own zoning and permit process, and requirements change over time. We confirm what applies to your address before design.
Think about sound between units
Fire separation helps, but tenants and owners both appreciate extra sound insulation in the ceiling. It costs far less to add during construction than after.
FAQ
Basement apartments: common questions
Is my basement apartment legal?
A basement unit is legal when it meets zoning and the building and fire code requirements and was built or brought up to standard with the proper permits. If you have an existing unit, we can review it and tell you what it would take to make it compliant.
Do I need a separate entrance for a secondary suite?
Most suites need their own entrance or a shared entrance that meets fire separation and exit requirements. The exact arrangement depends on your layout and municipality, which we confirm during feasibility.
How long does it take to build a legal basement apartment?
Permits can take several weeks or longer depending on the municipality. Construction typically takes a few months, longer if windows need to be enlarged or a new entrance is cut in.
Can every basement become a legal apartment?
No. Very low ceilings, zoning limits or the cost of new exits can make some basements a poor fit. We would rather tell you that early than design something that cannot be approved.
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Start your basement apartments project
Tell us a little about your project. We will call within one business day to arrange a site visit, then show you a design in 3D and a fixed price before anything is built.
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