Built From 400+ Real GTA Contracts

What will your basement cost?

Real numbers from completed Desire Basements projects across the GTA, priced live as you build your space. No email required.

$103,000 median project  ·  $100/sq ft typical  ·  5.0★ 73 Google reviews
01 — Your Space
1,000 sq ft
02 — Finish Level

Essential

$55 /sq ft

Clean, warm, complete. Permits, framing, pot lights, LVP flooring.

Signature

$70 /sq ft

Feature walls, designed bulkheads, upgraded millwork and lighting.

Luxury

$90 /sq ft

Custom everything. Stone, integrated LED coves, hotel-grade detail.

03 — Add The Wow
Custom Wet BarMillwork, sink, fridge rough-in, stone top
+$15,000
Home TheatreAcoustic treatment, riser, wiring, star ceiling ready
+$20,000
Walkout EntranceExcavation, stairs, door — permits included
+$15–25,000
04 — Income Mode
Legal Basement ApartmentKitchen, bathroom, fire separation, separate entrance
Your Estimate
Estimated investment
$70,000
Typical range $63,000 – $77,000
The rental math

GTA legal suites rent for $1,700–$2,400/mo in 2026 → gross payback in roughly 4–6 years. Underpinning for low ceilings ($350–600/linear ft) is quoted separately.

Every real quote is fixed and itemized before you sign — this estimate uses the same per-square-foot data as our 2026 Cost Report. Monthly payments available via financing.
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What neighbours actually paid

Median completed-project values from Desire Basements contracts. Half of recent projects fell between $75,000 and $150,000.

GTA Median
$103K
2024–2026 projects
Aurora
$112K
highest-median city
Per Sq Ft
$100
typical, all-in
Since 2019
2.6×
median cost growth

Calculator questions

How accurate is this calculator?

It uses the same per-square-foot tiers and adder values as our published 2026 Cost Report, which is built from real completed contract values. Your fixed quote comes after an in-home visit and a free 3D design, and it is itemized and locked before you sign.

What does the per-square-foot price include?

Permits and inspections, metal-stud framing, moisture-resistant drywall, insulation, electrical, HVAC, flooring, painting and full detailing. It is an all-in build number, not a starting-from teaser.

Why is the legal apartment shown as a range?

Suites are scoped differently: entrance excavation, fire separation and kitchen specs move the number. Purpose-built legal suites typically land between $75,000 and $110,000+, with underpinning extra where ceilings are under 6'11".

How long will my project take?

Typical construction runs about eight weeks from start to final walkthrough, and most projects finish within 4 to 11 weeks. The written timeline in your quote is backed by our $200/day on-time guarantee.