Question 1

How much does a basement renovation cost in the GTA?

Accepted Answer

Most professional basement renovations in the GTA start at $55 per square foot and up — a 1,000 sq ft project starts in the $55,000 range, based on an open-concept design. During your in-home consultation we review every detail — finishes, plumbing, electrical, bathrooms, kitchens, millwork and structural work — and build your itemized quote from there.

Question 2

Why is your quote different from other companies?

Accepted Answer

Quotes vary because companies include different scopes — permits, design, plumbing fixtures, warranty, labour quality, and mainly finishes and materials. A low price frequently means those items come back later as "extras." Put every quote side by side at the same scope so you're comparing apples to apples.

Question 3

Is a finished basement worth it for resale value?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a professionally finished basement typically returns about 70–120% of its cost at resale in the GTA, and a legal basement apartment can return even more through rental income. Usable square footage is one of the most valuable features you can add.

Question 4

How long does a basement renovation take?

Accepted Answer

Most basement renovations in the GTA take 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. Every quote includes a written timeline backed by a $200/day on-time guarantee.

Question 5

What does the timeline look like week by week?

Accepted Answer

Week 1: demolition, disposal, moisture or structural fixes. Week 2: framing and rough-in plumbing, electrical, HVAC. Week 3: inspections, insulation, drywall. Week 4: taping and sanding. Week 5: tiling. Week 6: flooring, trim, doors. Week 7: painting. Week 8: fixtures, finishes, final inspection and walkthrough.

Question 6

Can you finish a basement in winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes — basement renovations run year-round in the GTA, including through winter. The work happens indoors below grade, so snow and cold rarely affect the schedule, and winter is often a quieter season that can mean faster scheduling.

Question 7

Do I need a permit for a basement renovation in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a building permit is required whenever a basement is finished for personal use or as a secondary unit. Both require minimum building inspections covering structural, framing, insulation, plumbing and HVAC work. A secondary unit has additional requirements based on scope.

Question 8

Do you subcontract your work or use in-house crews?

Accepted Answer

Every trade used has worked with Desire Basements since the beginning, keeping quality and timelines consistent and reliable across projects.

Question 9

What's the best flooring for a finished basement?

Accepted Answer

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) — it's waterproof, warm underfoot and durable, and it handles a below-grade space's moisture and temperature swings far better than hardwood or solid laminate. The recommended minimum thickness is 7mm and above.

Question 10

What does your warranty cover, and is it transferable?

Accepted Answer

A lifetime workmanship warranty covers the quality of the work and installation, and it's transferable to the next owner if the home is sold — a resale asset for buyers who value documented, guaranteed work.

Ask the owner. Get a straight answer.

Built on trust, backed in writing

Ready to move forward?