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WeRenovate.com
Home of The Renovation Co-op
A Toronto-Based Organization
Legal Basement Apartment Conversions
This is a
Featured Project
Eligible for up to $5,000
in Subsidies and Credits
Obtaining the Building Permit
Recent developments:
Throughout 2004, significant changes were made to the Ontario Building Code, which have streamlined the overall Permit Application Process.
These changes (effective as of Jan, 2025) have made obtaining a Building Permit for a Basement Apartment Conversion a much easier process, given the elimination of many of the previous restrictions.
However, this has also created additional concerns for the safety of both homeowners and tenants, forcing local municipalities to develop a tougher, "Zero-Tolerance" Inspection Process..
And the first step is making sure that you hire an experienced, architectural specialist to provide the drawings and permit processing for your Basement Apartment project.
If you do not have your own architectural specialist, we'll provide you with an estimate for this service.
See Architectural Design & Permit Services
Basement Underpinning
For Basement Apartments, the Ontario Building Code calls for a minimum overhead height (between the concrete floor and the bottom of the ceiling joists (approx. 6.4" for most basements)
The Underpinning process includes breaking up the existing concrete floor, excavating the earth down 1-2 feet, then extending the foundation walls downward with poured concrete.
Normally, this process can add up to 2 feet in height to the basement.
The Renovation Co-op includes member-contractors who regularly perform both the Underpinning and Basement Apartment conversions.
Basement Entrances
If you only want to get a basement entrance installed, we will be happy to provide you with an estimate.
However, a building permit will be required first.
If you have already obtained a permit for this work, you will be required to submit a copy of the final, stamped drawings to our estimating team before we are able to process an estimate for the work.
Otherwise, we will provide you with a price to supply the final drawings and permit through our own member-design team.
Subsidies & Rebates
As a "Featured Project", a Basement Apartment Conversion is entitled to receive an enhanced subsidy credit of up to $5,000.
Your estimate will display the breakdown of the individual subsidies/credits that will be applied towards the final contract price.
See Subsidies & Rebate Programs
Privacy Concerns...
A common concern with regards to Basement Apartments is the potential loss of privacy for both the homeowner and the tenant due to noise.
Creaky flooring on the first floor can be very disturbing to the tenant, and loud music played by the tenant can be disturbing to the homeowner.
Soundproofing Packages
And although our contractors (who regularly convert basements into rental units) already utilize a series of construction methods designed to diminish noise, there are some homes that require additional ways to cut down unwanted noise.
We offer a series of additional soundproofing packages that include special noise-cancelling materials inserted into the basement ceiling, along with the professional "tightening" of wood flooring throughout the first floor.
These special packages will be offered as "add-ons" to the final contract price of the renovations.
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