Frquently Asked questions

Most professional basement renovations in the Greater Toronto Area start at $55 per square foot and up, a 1,000 sq ft project starts in the $55,000 range. This starting price is based on an open concept design. During an in-home consultation all details are reviewed to generate a high-level quote for the client. This quote will be based on standard finishes, plumbing details, electrical details, bathrooms, kitchens, millwork, custom features, and any structural work.

Quotes vary because companies include different scopes; permits, design, plumbing fixtures, warranty, difference in labour quality, and mainly differences in finishes/materials. A low price frequently means those items will be added back later as “extras”. Make sure you put every quote side by side at the same scope to ensure you are comparing apples to apples.

Yes, a professionally finished basement typically returns about 70–120% of its cost at resale in the Greater Toronto Area, and a legal basement apartment can return even more through rental income. In a high-priced market like Toronto, usable square footage is one of the most valuable features you can add to a home. The quality of the final product ultimately determines the true value of your investment.

Most basement renovations within the Greater Toronto Area take on average 6 to 12 weeks of construction once permits are approved. A simple open finish can be done in as little as 5–6 weeks; a legal suite with a kitchen, bathroom, and separate entrance can run 10 weeks or more.

A typical basement finishing schedule moves through these stages:
• Week 1: Demolition, disposal, and any moisture or structural fixes.
• Week 2: Framing, rough-in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
• Week 3: Inspections, insulation, and drywall.
• Week 4: Taping and sanding
• Week 5: Tiling (bathrooms and showers).
• Week 6: Flooring, trim, and doors.
• Week 7: Painting.
• Week 8: Fixtures, finishes, final inspection, and your walkthrough.

Yes, basement renovations run year-round in the Greater Toronto Area, including through winter. Because the work happens indoors below grade, snow and cold rarely affect the schedule, and winter is often a quieter season for contractors which can mean faster scheduling.

At Desire Basements, we are widely known for the finished quality of our basements, and this is only possible due to the trades that work with us. Every single trade that works with us has been with us since the beginning. Just ask out clients, during the days that several different specialists show up together it feels like a family gathering rather than a construction site. Consistency is what keeps quality and timelines reliable.

Yes, you need a building permit whenever a basement renovation is finished for personal use or as a secondary unit. Both require the minimum building inspections which are structural, framing, insulation, plumbing, and HVAC. A secondary unit will have additional requirements based on the scope of your project.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the most popular and practical basement flooring in the GTA because it is waterproof, warm underfoot, and durable. It handles the moisture and temperature swings of a below-grade space far better than hardwood or solid laminate. The golden rule is to make sure the minimum thickness of the LVP used is 7MM and above.

Desire Basements offers a lifetime workmanship warranty that is transferable to the next owner if you sell your home. The warranty covers the quality of the work and installation. A transferable warranty is a massive resale asset, as buyers value a finished basement that comes with documented, guaranteed work.