Basement Renovations
Transform unused basement space into finished living areas your family actually uses
Most Durham Region homes are sitting on 800–1,200 square feet of unfinished basement — space that's currently storing holiday decorations and collecting dust. A basement renovation turns that dead space into usable living area at a fraction of the cost per square foot of building an addition or moving to a bigger home.
Floor & Bath Design brings the same design-build approach to basements that we apply to our kitchen and bathroom renovations. Our founder Peter Mularczyk's Mechanical Engineering background is especially relevant for basements — moisture management, HVAC integration, structural considerations, and building code compliance are engineering problems as much as design ones.
Basement Renovation Services
Full Basement Finishing
Starting from an unfinished space: framing, insulation, electrical (panel upgrade if needed), pot lighting, drywall, flooring, and paint. We create a floor plan that maximizes the usable area while working around mechanicals (furnace, water heater, electrical panel) and structural elements (columns, beams, bulkheads). The result is a clean, comfortable living space with proper lighting, ventilation, and climate control.
Basement Bathrooms
Adding a bathroom is the single most impactful upgrade to a basement — it turns the space from a bonus area into a truly independent living zone. We install full three-piece and four-piece bathrooms, including shower with Schluter waterproofing, vanity, and toilet. If your home has a plumbing rough-in, we connect to it; if not, we cut into the concrete to run new drain lines.
Rec Rooms and Entertainment Spaces
Media rooms, home theatres, games areas, and wet bars. We handle the acoustic considerations (sound isolation between floors), electrical requirements (dedicated circuits for AV equipment), and lighting design (dimmable zones, LED strips, pot lights on separate switches) that make these spaces genuinely enjoyable to use.
Home Offices and Studios
The shift to remote work has made basement offices one of our most requested projects. We create dedicated workspaces with proper lighting, ventilation, data wiring, and sound separation from the rest of the house. Having a real office — with a door — makes working from home sustainable.
Basement Kitchenettes and Wet Bars
For in-law suites, rental units, or entertainment basements. We install compact kitchenettes with sink, counter space, cabinetry, and appliance provisions. Wet bars with undercounter fridge, sink, and storage. Plumbing and electrical are handled as part of the permit process.
Moisture — The Basement Question
Every basement renovation starts with a moisture assessment. We won't frame over a damp wall or install flooring on a wet slab — that's how you get mold, rot, and a renovation that fails within five years.
Common moisture solutions we implement:
- Interior waterproofing membrane on foundation walls before framing
- Dimple board drainage mat creating an air gap between foundation and framing
- Sump pump installation or upgrade with battery backup
- Dehumidifier integration into HVAC system
- Moisture-resistant materials — mold-resistant drywall (purple board), LVP flooring, pressure-treated bottom plates
If your basement has a history of water intrusion, we'll recommend addressing the source (grading, weeping tile, exterior waterproofing) before starting interior work. It costs more upfront but saves the entire renovation from premature failure.
Basement Renovation Cost Guide
| Project Scope | Cost Range (CAD) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Basic finishing (800 sq ft) | $30,000–$50,000 | 6–8 weeks |
| Basement + 3-piece bathroom | $45,000–$70,000 | 8–10 weeks |
| Full reno with wet bar & built-ins | $60,000–$100,000 | 10–14 weeks |
| In-law suite (separate entrance) | $80,000–$120,000+ | 12–16 weeks |
Cost per square foot typically ranges from $40–$80 depending on finish level and whether a bathroom is included. The biggest variables are bathroom plumbing (especially without a rough-in), flooring choice, and how much custom millwork is involved.
Featured Projects
Our Process
- Free basement assessment — We inspect the space for moisture, measure dimensions, identify mechanicals that need to be worked around, and discuss your goals. About 60–90 minutes.
- Design and floor plan — Detailed layout showing room locations, bathroom placement, electrical plan, and bulkhead strategy. We optimize every square foot while maintaining code-required ceiling heights and egress.
- Permits — Building permit application covering framing, electrical, plumbing (if applicable), HVAC, and egress. We schedule all required inspections.
- Rough-ins — Framing, electrical wiring, plumbing rough-in, HVAC ducting. Inspected and approved before we close walls.
- Finishing — Insulation, drywall, taping, flooring, trim, paint, fixtures, and final connections.
- Final inspection and walkthrough — Municipal final inspection followed by our walkthrough with you.
Serving Durham Region
We finish basements across Durham Region:
Ready to Finish Your Basement?
Book a free in-home consultation. We'll assess your basement's potential, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed quote.