Legal Basement Apartment Contractor in Toronto & York Region

It must meet the Ontario Building Code and fire safety rules, comply with the local zoning by-law, and be built under a building permit with the required inspections. The Province summarizes this on its second unit page.

Yes. Toronto lists adding a second suite as work that requires a building permit (When do I need a building permit), and Richmond Hill states that additional residential units require a building permit (City of Richmond Hill). Electrical work also needs an ESA permit. AVL coordinates these with you; the City and ESA decide on approval.

Bedrooms in a second unit need a way to get out in an emergency that meets the Ontario Building Code, usually a window or door of a required size. Many existing basement windows are too small, so a new or enlarged opening is often part of the work. We check this on the first visit.

Cost depends on the current state of the basement, whether egress windows or a separate entrance are needed, fire separation, plumbing and kitchen work, heating and ventilation, electrical work, drawings and permit fees, and the finishes. AVL gives a written quote after the feasibility visit rather than a generic range.

It depends on the design, the permit review time, the construction scope and the inspection schedule. We give you a project-specific schedule once the scope is set.

No. Ceiling height, egress, zoning, parking, entrances and the existing structure can limit what is possible. A feasibility visit tells you whether your basement is a good candidate before you spend on design.