Questions and answers

An experienced local builder visits your home, looks at the space, talks through what you'd like and answers your questions. It's free, and there's no obligation to go ahead.

It depends on the size, the layout, bathrooms or a kitchen, windows and the finishes you choose. Two basements of the same size can end up very different, which is why we don't publish a price list. After the free estimate, your builder puts together a written quote for your plan.

Yes. Basement development needs a building permit from your municipality, plus permits for the trade work. Your builder can apply for them and book the inspections.

It depends on the size of the project, permit and inspection timing, and the materials you choose. Your builder can give you an estimated schedule with your quote.

Yes. Most people start with a rough idea. Your builder can suggest layouts and options at the estimate, and our guides cover the basics before you book.

Your contract is with the independent general contractor who builds your basement. Their name is on your written quote.

Some dust and noise come with any renovation. Ask your builder at the estimate how they'll close off the work area and protect the rest of your home.

Yes. Building or finishing a bedroom, bathroom or living room needs a building permit, plus electrical, plumbing, gas or HVAC permits for the trade work. Your builder can apply for them and book the inspections.

It depends on the size of the project, permit and inspection timing, material availability and any changes made along the way. Your builder can give you an estimated schedule with your quote.

Only if there's a way out that meets code: a window with at least 0.35 m² of clear opening and no side under 380 mm, or an exterior door. If your window is too small, it can be enlarged as part of the project.

Look for moisture or cracks on the walls and floor, make sure the ground slopes away from the house, and extend downspouts 1.5–2 m from the foundation. Your builder can look at it with you at the free estimate.

Health Canada recommends testing every home for at least 3 months on the lowest level you use. If levels are above 200 Bq/m³, it's easier to plan mitigation before the walls and floors are finished.

Yes, but roughing in the plumbing while the basement is open usually costs much less than breaking into finished walls and floors later.

It depends on the work. Flooring, paint and cabinets don't need one. New rooms, structural changes, new or larger windows and new wiring or plumbing do. Your builder can confirm what applies and take care of the permits.

Often, yes. Your builder looks at what's there at the free estimate and tells you what could stay, which can keep the cost down.

Mention it at the estimate. Your builder can work out what needs to be opened up, inspected or redone under a permit, and include it in the plan.

Often, yes. Alarms must be hardwired and interconnected, and a renovation can require adding them. Hardwired alarms can't be swapped for battery-only ones.

It's approved under zoning with a development permit, built under a building permit and trade permits, and passes inspection. That protects you, your tenant and your insurance.

Often, yes. The most common hurdles are ceiling height, the entrance, bedroom windows and heating. Your builder can check them at the free estimate.

It needs its own heating and ventilation. That can be a second furnace, or another setup the code allows, such as permanent alternate heating with separate ventilation.

It depends on the municipality. A suite needs both a development and a building permit, so it takes longer than a regular basement. Your builder can give you an estimated timeline with your quote.

In most of the region, suites are allowed in single detached homes, and often in semi-detached and duplex homes. Rules on parking, entrances and size differ by municipality. See your area page, and ask your builder at the estimate.

CMHC offers insured mortgage refinancing for homeowners adding a self-contained suite, based on the value after the work. Ask your lender if it fits your situation.

Usually, yes. New drain lines are cut into the concrete floor and connected to the main drain. Your builder can check drain depth and location at the estimate.

Yes, in most cases. A new bathroom needs a building permit and a plumbing permit, plus an electrical permit for new wiring. Your builder can apply for them.

It depends on whether there's a rough-in, the finishes you choose and inspection timing. Your builder can give you an estimated schedule with your quote.

If your home was built before 1989 and doesn't have one, it's worth considering. It stops sewage from backing up into your basement, and EPCOR or Strathcona County may cover part of the cost.

Yes. An exhaust fan ducted outside is a must. Basements hold moisture, and a bathroom without ventilation leads to mould.

The sink needs a plumbing permit and new circuits need an electrical permit. In Edmonton, a wet bar for your own use doesn't need a development permit. Your builder can take care of the permits.

No. A kitchenette for your family is part of your home. A kitchen in a separate unit with its own entrance can make it a secondary suite, which has extra zoning and code requirements.

Ask your builder at the estimate. Cooking appliances add electrical and ventilation needs, and a full kitchen can change how the city sees your basement.

Usually close to existing plumbing, which keeps the cost down. Your builder can look at your drain and water lines at the estimate.

Every bedroom needs a way out: a window with at least 0.35 m² of clear opening and no side under 380 mm, or an exterior door. Rooms like a rec room, bathroom or laundry room don't.

Yes. In Edmonton, adding a window or changing its size needs a permit. Replacing a window with the same size doesn't. Your builder can take care of the permit.

Yes. Before any digging, buried lines are located through Utility Safety Partners. The service is free, but requests need at least three full working days.

Not if it's installed and drained properly. The well sits above grade, drains through washed rock, and a cover keeps snow and rain out.

It depends on the foundation, access for digging and inspection timing. Your builder can give you an estimated schedule with your quote.