In Toronto City, it is common for people to live comfortably in their houses and earn additional money by renting out their basements. This option offers convenience in affordability for people intending to rent, especially students, seniors, and young professionals. Yes, it is popular, but before you turn your basement into a rental area, you need know the applicable construction standards and legislation. This is relevant to homeowners who are remodeling their basements with the goal of renting them out.
It takes certain knowledge, work, experience, and financial resources to turn a basement into a legally permitted basement apartment. However, that does not imply that it is impossible or that funding the project will cost thousands of dollars. A respectable business called Mammdov provides the particular services required to properly transform your basement into a top-notch, legally permitted basement apartment in Toronto.
A Legal Basement Apartment: What Is It?
A legal basement apartment, sometimes referred to as a secondary suite, auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU), or in-law suite, is a fully furnished residential space that is situated in a home’s basement and complies with local construction rules and legal requirements.
A Plan Is the First Step in a Legal Basement
A reputable business with a current Building Code Inspection Number is Mammadov. When creating plans for our clients’ basement conversions, our experts take into account all safety measures and regulatory regulations. The property owner will be able to apply for a permit to proceed with the project once the plan is complete.
Obtaining the necessary approvals to complete the project is impossible without a solid plan. Therefore, it is best to have a trained, experienced, and talented building contractor create the blueprints for the basement conversion or restoration. For a legal basement apartment in Toronto, our professionals are aware of what needs to be included and what particular permits you need.
Why Should Your Basement Suite Renovation Project Be Done by MAmmdov?
Mammadov offers top-notch finishing and renovation services for basement suites throughout the greater Toronto area.
Benefit from a comprehensive design consultation that includes illustrations to help you visualize the finished project. There is no fee associated with this service.
We exclusively hire skilled, informed, and enthusiastic craftspeople in the field.
We always deliver on time, and you do not get paid unless you are happy with the work we do. We are willing to surpass any estimate, and we will reimburse you if the project is completed later than expected. Call us to obtain a free quote.
Converting Basement into Legal Apartment in Toronto
Before you start turning your basement into a rental flat, check with your municipality. The location of the property affects building codes and other pertinent requirements. While some localities permit these transformations, others do not. If the project is not possible, you can save time and money by obtaining accurate information from the appropriate authorities. Additionally, if the legislation permit the conversion of basements into legal basement apartments, it will assist you in creating an efficient budget.
It is not enough to just renovate your basement to make it look like an apartment. In order for your legal basement apartment to pass expert inspections, you must make the necessary plans to make sure your potential tenant has all they need in this new living area. It is time to begin the basement conversion project if it is viable.
Legal Basement Conditions Toronto
To guarantee the safety of the apartment for renters, certain rules must be followed while converting a basement into a legitimate supplementary suite.
Secondary Suites are allowed in townhouses, detached and semi-detached homes
Townhouses can only have one secondary suite
There are additional entrance, parking as well as building requirements which can be more restrictive than the Ontario Codes. If you want to learn more about it, visit Chapter 150 of the By-Law to get more information.
How to Make Basement Legal?
Our experts will help you turn your basement into legal in accordance with the building codes, applicable fire codes, and electricity safety authority regulations. Generally, illegal basement apartments in Toronto are known to be a risk to the tenants and other people living in the property as well. Therefore, it is best for you, the homeowner, to adhere to the strict guidelines for converting a basement into legal one.
Areaway and all other forms of egress
All new basement apartments must have emergency exits. A safe, unobstructed exit from the apartment to the outside is essential. Depending on your location, there are specific regulations regarding the size and number of exits your newly converted apartment must have. An entryway, commonly known as an areaway, is a must-have for your apartment.
For your suite to be a legal basement apartment, you have to include a common exit. Legal basement apartments are allowed to have a common exit with the main dwelling unit, but only if they both have an interconnected smoke alarm. If the primary entrance is through the main unit, the second unit must have a second means of escape. There are several common violations in basement apartments. Our team will help you ensure you do everything right. We will also help you provide proof to the authorities and new tenants that show your basement apartment is legal.
Fireproofing
By the fire code for basement apartments in Ontario, in addition to fire escapes, your legal basement apartment must have all other fireproofing aspects in accordance with your municipality’s requirements. Ideally, the authorities will demand a fire-rated entry door. The same applies to all basement windows, though there might be a limitation to the number of windows necessary.
Some municipalities might require the fire-rated entry doors to close automatically. This lets tenants evacuate quickly without worrying about closing a door in case of a fire. Since the door is fire-rated, it can successfully contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to outdoor areas.
Soundproofing
It’s recommended to enhance the privacy of your future tenants by soundproofing your legal basement apartment. You can choose an effective soundproofing option depending on whether you need quick fix soundproofing or a long-term solution.
Converting a basement into an apartment is a challenging task, and it is in your best interest to discuss your options with an expert. The right building contractor like MAmmdov will help you pick the right materials, and you will never regret choosing to work with us.
Plumbing Requirements for Legal Basement Apartments in Toronto
When it comes to plumbing, a legal basement apartment must have the following:
Sink: Both the bathroom and kitchen should have functional sinks.
Hot/cold water: These should be available in the bathroom, kitchen, and any laundry facilities.
Access to the laundry: The laundry facility can be shared, but access must be provided to the basement unit.
Kitchen sink: Kitchen Sink: A separate kitchen sink is necessary for the secondary unit to be considered legal
Separate water shut-off valve: Your basement apartment should also have a separate water shut-off valve. Depending on the situation, a backwater preventer valve might have to be installed.
Backwater Preventer Valve: Depending on the plumbing setup, a backwater preventer valve may need to be installed to protect against sewage backups.
Septic System Compatibility: While a legal basement apartment can be in a home with a septic service, the existing septic system should be able to support the additional load.
Heating and Cooling System
It is okay for a legal basement apartment in Toronto to share a furnace and ducts with the main unit. It is, however, required to have a special smoke detector that complies. The detectors should be able to shut the furnace off in case of an emergency. The kitchen and bathroom in the second unit must have adequate ventilation. Ventilation can be an exhaust fan or a window.
What to Do with Legal Basement Apartment
What should you do with your basement? Rent it out, transform it into a bi-generational home, or keep it for other uses?
Once our professional building contractors ensure your legal basement apartment adheres to all rules and regulations, you can use it in different ways.
Renting Out Your Legal Basement Apartment in Toronto
Convert it into a bi-generational home
Other uses
How Much Does a Legal Basement Apartment Renovation Cost in the GTA?
Minimum Cost Maximum Cost
Estimated Cost Range (CAD) $80,000 $200,000
Converting a basement into a legal apartment (a separate, code-compliant dwelling unit) in the Greater Toronto Area can cost roughly between $80,000 and $200,000. This extensive project essentially involves constructing a fully functional living space in the basement, complete with a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom(s), and living area, all meeting building code requirements. Costs include everything from basic structural work (framing, insulating, drywalling the space) to major system installations like electrical wiring, lighting, plumbing for a bathroom and kitchen, HVAC or separate heating systems, and necessary egress points (such as enlarging windows or adding a separate entrance) for safety. Legal requirements add to the complexity: you may need fire-rated materials or even a sprinkler system, proper sound insulation between units, and permits and inspections to ensure the apartment meets all municipal regulations. The wide cost range reflects factors such as the size and layout of the apartment (a small studio will cost less than a multi-room apartment), the starting condition of the basement (unfinished vs. partially finished), and the quality of finishes and appliances you choose. Given the scale of this renovation, careful planning and adherence to legal standards are a must, which is why it’s one of the more expensive basement projects.
Learn More About Basement Renovation Cost
Mammadov – Certified Basement Apartment Contractor
Mammadov is among the most reputable building contractors in Toronto. We take pride in providing reliable services and expert guidance when it comes to choosing building materials, planning your renovation, and getting permits. Our experts work with the client from the moment they contact us to the completion of the project to ensure the newly converted basement apartment adheres to all building codes and other relevant regulations.
We work round the clock to offer our clients the highest possible level of satisfaction.
- FAQ About Basement Apartment Renovation
- Does Your Basement Apartment Need Two Exits?
- Does the Basement Apartment Comply with the Fire Code?
- Does the Apartment Need to Be Registered?
- Should You DIY Your Basement Apartment?
- Learn more about Legal Basement Apartment