Waterproofing & Moisture Control
A properly sealed basement protects your investment from water damage and mold, ensuring a comfortable and healthy environment.
Unlock Your Basement’s True Potential
Turn that underused space into a stylish living area, cozy guest suite, or profitable rental apartment designed around your lifestyle. Gain the flexibility you’ve been looking for by maximizing every square foot of your home—while elevating its functionality and market value. It’s time to transform your basement from forgotten to unforgettable.
Basements weren’t always meant for living— historically, they were more about extra storage and housing the furnace. But with structural underpinning, you can add serious headroom and turn that underused space into a whole new functional floor for your home.
Different Types of Basement Renovations
UNDERPIN TO GAIN HEIGHT
Dig deeper through underpinning to gain height and open the possibility for features like radiant floors.
BUILD A SECONDARY UNIT
Transform your basement into a versatile living space, ideal for nannies, in-laws, or as a rental unit complete with essential amenities.
REARRANGE THE LAYOUT
Maximize your basement’s potential by reconfiguring the layout to gain more living space and remove awkwardly placed utilities.
ADD A SAUNA
Upgrade your basement with custom basement sauna, an affordable way to bring a touch of luxury and wellness into your life.
Income-Generating Rental Suites
Turn your basement into a legal rental unit, helping you generate extra income while adding significant value to your property.
In-Law Suites
Home Office
Entertainment Rooms
Home Theatres
Children’s Play Spaces
Give the kids room to roam and explore with a dedicated play area that keeps toys organized and contained.
Fitness Studios
Hobby & Craft Rooms
Wine Cellars & Tasting Areas
Expanded Storage Solutions
Underpinning
Adding headroom to your basement through underpinning not only makes the space feel more open but also unlocks its potential as a fully livable floor in your home.
Improved Insulation
Keep your basement warm during Canada’s colder months with effective insulation that reduces energy costs and boosts comfort.
Egress Windows
Installing larger windows floods the basement with natural light, provides ventilation, and meets safety requirements for an additional bedroom or rental suite.
Heated Floors
Radiant heating underfoot adds luxury and comfort, making basement living spaces cozy year-round.
Soundproofing
Reduce noise transfer between floors with modern soundproofing techniques—ideal for a rental suite or media room.
Open-Concept Layouts
Maximize your basement’s usable space by creating a seamless flow between living, dining, and entertainment areas.
Kitchenette or Wet Bar
Adding a small kitchen or bar area expands your options for hosting guests, creating a rental unit, or simply enjoying a convenient snack station.
Additional Bathroom
A well-appointed basement washroom or spa-like ensuite adds convenience and boosts property value.
Home Theatre or Entertainment Center
Create the ultimate retreat with a projector or large-screen TV, surround sound, and comfortable seating for movie nights and sporting events.
Flexible Office or Workspace
Perfect for remote work or home-based businesses, a dedicated office space in the basement offers quiet and privacy.
Custom Storage Solutions
Cabinets, shelving, and built-ins help keep your basement organized—an especially popular feature in smaller Toronto homes.
Smart Home Integration
Incorporating technology—from smart lighting to security systems—makes your basement renovation both modern and efficient.
Custom Millwork
Whether it’s built-in cabinetry, custom shelving, or stylish wall units, our dedicated craftsmen ensure each piece is tailored specifically to your basement’s unique layout and functionality as needed.
Basement Walkouts and Additional Entrances
Creating a separate entrance or walkout adds convenience and privacy—perfect for rental units, guest suites, or simply easy backyard access.
Benefits of a Basement Renovation
Additional Living Space
Expand your living area, which can include underpinning to increase floor height, to achieve a fully functional and appealing basement.
Increase functionality
Remove uneven floors, low-hanging bulkheads or poorly designed bathrooms, to improve flow and aesthetic appeal
Income Generation
Create an opportunity for income generation by converting your basement into a rental space.
Waterproofing and Efficiency
Secure your basement from moisture and maintain optimal temperature with comprehensive waterproofing and insulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit for my basement renovation?
Absolutely. In most cases, the City of Toronto requires a building permit for basement renovations, especially if you’re adding or modifying plumbing, electrical, or structural elements. At Oriel Renovations, we’ll guide you through the permit application process to ensure your project meets all local building codes and regulations.
How long does a typical basement renovation take?
Project timelines vary based on the scope of work—simple cosmetic updates may wrap up in a few weeks, while a full-scale renovation with structural changes or legal suite requirements can span a few months. We always strive to provide a clear timeline before we begin, and we keep you informed of progress every step of the way. As a general guide, most basement renovations will take anywhere from 2 – 6 months.
How much does a basement renovation in Toronto typically cost?
Basement renovations in Toronto typically cost $50,000 to $400,000+. This price includes insulation, flooring, lighting, and finishes to create a livable space. Underpinning, or adding features like a bathroom, kitchenette, or guest suite can push the cost upwards to the higher end of that range.
Can I create a legal rental unit in my basement?
In most cases, yes. However, legality involves meeting Toronto’s zoning, fire safety, and building code requirements. We’ll work with you to design and construct a compliant rental suite, ensuring you have proper egress windows, fire-rated separations, any required safety measures.
A well-designed basement can significantly increase your home’s resale value and market appeal—especially if it includes features like an additional bedroom, bathroom, or separate entrance. A finished basement also enhances your home’s functionality, providing a space for work, guests, or rental income.
How do you handle moisture and waterproofing issues?
Moisture control is crucial for any basement renovation. Our approach includes assessing foundation walls, sealing or repairing cracks, and recommending proper insulation and ventilation systems. We also use high-quality materials and techniques—like sump pumps and vapour barriers—to keep your basement dry and healthy.
What are some ways to increase natural light in my basement?
Egress windows, window wells, and strategically placed light wells can all brighten up a basement. We’ll evaluate your home’s layout to suggest the best solutions, ensuring you get as much natural light as possible while meeting safety codes.
Can I install a full kitchen or bathroom in the basement?
Absolutely. Whether it’s a kitchenette for entertaining or a fully equipped kitchen for a rental suite, we have the expertise to install the necessary plumbing, ventilation, and electrical systems. For bathrooms, we’ll ensure you have proper drainage, ventilation, and waterproofing to avoid future issues.
What if my basement has low ceilings or structural obstacles?
Many older Toronto homes have basements with low ceilings or support columns that limit usable space. One effective solution is underpinning—a construction method that involves lowering the basement floor by extending the foundation downward. This not only increases ceiling height but also improves structural stability. We can also look at relocating or modifying structural supports to open up the space. Every project is different, so we’ll recommend the most practical and cost-effective approach for your home.
How do I maintain my newly renovated basement?
Regular upkeep includes managing humidity levels (a dehumidifier can help), monitoring for leaks, and ensuring your HVAC system is in good condition. When you work with Oriel Renovations, we’ll provide maintenance tips and follow-up support so you can enjoy your renovated space for years to come.
COST OF A BASEMENT RENOVATION
The cost of a basement renovation in Toronto can widely vary, depending on the basement size, extent of renovation, and your choice of finishes. Generally, you can expect costs to range from $75,000 to $300,000.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
A typical basement renovation takes anywhere from two to four months, depending on the project’s scale and complexity.
Challenges with Basement Renovations
MOISTURE PROBLEMS
Address potential moisture issues with comprehensive waterproofing and dehumidification solutions.
STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES
Overcome structural challenges such as low ceilings or support pillars by incorporating them into your design plan.
SITE ACCESS
Navigate limited access for underpinning or secondary entrances with a strategic pre-construction plan to set clear pathways and expectations.
CODE REQUIREMENTS
Ensure your renovated space, especially secondary units, adheres to standards for height, natural light, and necessary egress points laid out in the building code.
Understand the Pre-construction Process
Are you planning a renovation project but concerned about uncertainties and escalating costs? A pre-construction process can help you minimize those risks and ensure the success of your project.
With a detailed plan and thorough assessment of your needs before construction begins, you can eliminate costly assumptions, surprises and budget creep.
RECENT TORONTO RENOVATIONS
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Steven Fielding2025-03-04 17:07:002025-03-14 15:56:06Maple Grove Tranquil Retreat
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Raphael Lopoukhine
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Raphael Lopoukhine2024-01-30 16:17:582024-04-10 18:16:42Midtown – First FloorSteps in the Renovation Process
Get in Touch
If you are planning a renovation project, or even in the early stages of thinking about one, we encourage you to reach out so we can learn more and offer you some valuable next steps.
