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Finished basement apartment with pot lights and vinyl flooring by LIR Design

Legal Basement Apartments in Barrie & the GTA

Rental income, built to code. Luxury look, honest price.

Turn Your Basement Into Rental Income

A legal basement apartment can help pay your mortgage and add real value to your home. Ontario allows additional residential units in many houses, but every city has its own zoning rules and the unit has to pass inspection before a tenant moves in. That is where we come in: we check what your property needs, take care of the permits and build the whole unit, from framing to the final coat of paint.

Want a finished basement for your own family instead? See our basement renovation page.

What a Legal Basement Unit Needs

Every property is different, and we confirm the exact requirements for your address before we quote. In most cases a legal unit needs:
- A building permit and inspections at each stage.
- Fire separation between the units and interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- A safe way out: a separate entrance or properly sized egress windows.
- Enough ceiling height, light and ventilation for living space.
- Plumbing, electrical and heating done to code.
- Good sound insulation between the floors, so you and your tenants both stay comfortable.

How We Build Your Basement Apartment

One team, one proposal and one point of contact from the first visit to the day your tenant gets the keys.

  • Free In-Home Estimate

    We look at your basement, entrances, windows and mechanicals, and talk through your budget and rental plans.

  • Layout and Proposal

    You get a layout and one all-inclusive proposal with the price agreed upfront and HST shown line by line.

  • Permits

    We prepare what the city needs and take care of the permit process for you.

  • Construction

    Framing, plumbing, electrical, insulation, drywall, flooring, kitchen and bathroom, all by our insured in-house team. Most basements take about 4 to 8 weeks of construction.

  • Inspections and Handover

    We stay with the project through the final inspection, so the unit is ready to rent.

  • From Our Basement Job Sites

    Finished basement apartment hallway and bedroom
    Basement living area during flooring installation
    Basement framing for a new rental unit
    Basement subfloor installed before flooring
    Basement with walk-out door during renovation
    Flooring installation in a renovated lower level
    Finished basement with pot lights

testimonials

Hear It From Our Customers

Real homeowners, real projects. Read more reviews and leave your own on our Google profile.

Ilnar A.
Google

"I had my basement renovated into a legal duplex. Alex and Vlad were great. Everything was handled with professionalism and completed timely for the new tenants to move in. Prices were very reasonable as well."

Mikhail K.
Google

"They always clean during the work period and you can see progress every single day… they always recommend stuff that won’t hit ur pocket, but gonna look good at the same time. Finished even a bit earlier as well."

Liza G.
Google

"I am incredibly grateful to these guys for making my basement into an absolute dream! … Their work was incredibly clean and tidy. If you’re thinking of creating a basement, I highly recommend them without a doubt!"

Egor G.
Google

"Their attention to detail, professionalism, and exceptional craftsmanship surpassed all expectations. Very clean and tidy work."

Volodymyr B.
Google

"We have had multiple renovations completed by Vlad and his team. They have always been clean, kind and professional. They are willing to talk through the process and discuss any issues that arise…"

Mohsen Y.
Google

"The talks we’ve had around price have always been super smooth and I’m happy with the services. He knows his stuff. And he delivers whatever the needs are."

Alexander C.
Google

"The team consistently does an amazing job, ensuring cleanliness and organization, while keeping you informed and displaying expertise in their work."

Leonid R.
Google

"Team that makes your life easier. Amazing attention to details as well as great advising skills to customer’s specific needs."

Uliana
Google

"What amazes me about these guys is the high level of quality of work performed."

Rony B.
Google

"Very professional, fast, super high quality and an amazing service!! Would definitely recommend to anyone!"

Andriy L.
Google

"Excellent work, I was extremely happy with the result. Would definitely recommend!!!"

Alex D.
Google

"Best services that you can get!!"

Yegor B.
Google

"Great service!"

Ruslan S.
Google

"Great guys."

Why Homeowners Choose LIR Design

- One family team with over 27 years of combined experience and 700+ completed projects.
- Fully insured, with permits and inspections handled for you.
- One all-inclusive price, agreed upfront, with HST shown line by line.
- Materials ordered and delivered by us, and a site that is cleaned up every day.
- Rated 5.0 on Google by our clients. Read the reviews.

Legal Basement Apartment FAQ

Can my basement become a legal apartment?

Many can, but it depends on your zoning, ceiling height, entrances and windows. We check your property during the free estimate and tell you honestly what it will take.

How long does it take?

Most basement projects take about 4 to 8 weeks of construction once the permits are in place. You get the timeline for your project in your proposal.

Do you take care of the permits?

Yes. We handle the permit process and stay with the project through the inspections.

How much does a legal basement apartment cost?

Every basement is different, so we do not quote a price over the phone. After a free in-home estimate you get one all-inclusive price, agreed upfront, with no surprises in the middle of the job.

Can I follow the work while I am away?

Yes. We keep you updated by phone and messages, and we can also give you access to our online client portal with progress and photos.

Areas We Serve

We take on basement apartment projects across Barrie, Innisfil, Bradford, Newmarket, Aurora, King City, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham and North York. Not sure if we cover your area? Ask us, we will tell you right away.

Also see: basement renovation, kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation.

Get Your Free Basement Apartment Estimate

Tell us about your project and get a free, all-inclusive estimate. Luxury look, honest price.

Free, no-obligation estimate. Call or text us and we'll book a time to see your project.

+1 (647) 825-0575 Call for a free estimate
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Mon–Fri 7 AM–8 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM