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Basement Renovator in Toronto

The concept of people living comfortably in their homes while making an extra income by renting out their basements is widely accepted in Toronto City. This option offers convenience in affordability for people intending to rent, especially students, seniors, and young professionals. Sure, it’s a trend, but you must be familiar with the relevant building codes and bylaws before you transform your basement into a rental space. This applies to property owners renovating their basements with the intent to rent them out.

Converting a basement into a legal basement apartment requires specialized skills, effort, experience, and money. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done or that you must spend thousands of dollars to finance the project. RenoDuck is a reputable company offering the specific services you need to convert your basement into an excellent Toronto legal basement apartment successfully.

What is a Legal Basement Apartment?

A legal basement apartment, also known as a secondary suite, accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or in-law suite, is a complete residential unit located in the basement of a home and meets specific legal requirements and building codes set by local authorities.

Legal Basement Starts with a Plan

RenoDuck is a trusted company with a valid Building Code Inspection Number. Our professionals take into consideration all safety precautions and legal requirements when designing our clients’ basement conversion plans. Once the plan is ready, the property owner will be able to request a permit to follow through with the project.

Unless you have a good plan, it’s impossible to get the right permits to get the project done. Thus, it’s best to get a qualified, skilled, and experienced building contractor to draw out the basement renovation or conversion plans. Our experts know what must be included and what specific permits you require for your legal basement apartment in Toronto.

Why Choose RenoDuck for Your Basement Suite Renovation Project?

  • Reno Duck provides high-quality basement suites renovation and finishing services across the greater Toronto area
  • Take advantage of full design consultation including drawings that help envision the final product. We don’t charge you a dime for this service
  • We only employ experienced, knowledgeable and passionate tradesmen in the industry
  • You never pay us anything until you are completely satisfied with our work
  • We always deliver on time. If we are late in project completion, we will pay you
  • We are prepared to beat any estimate. Give us a call to request a free quote

Converting Basement into Legal Apartment in Toronto 

Check with your municipality before you begin converting your basement into a rental apartment. Building codes and other relevant regulations vary depending on the location of the property. Some municipalities allow these conversions while others don’t. By getting the right information from relevant authorities, you will avoid investing your money and time if the project isn’t feasible. Besides, it will help you budget effectively if the regulations allow the conversion of basements into a legal basement apartment.

Sure, you can make a few basement renovations to look like an apartment, but that isn’t enough. Your legal basement apartment must pass professional inspections, and that means you must plan accordingly to ensure this new living space has everything your future tenant needs. If the basement conversion project is feasible, it’s time to get it started.

Legal Basement Requirements Toronto

Basement conversion into a legal secondary suite must follow specific regulations to ensure the apartment is safe for tenants. A legal basement apartment is regulated under Chapter 150 of Toronto Zoning By-Law 569-2013. The law states the following:

In Toronto, a legal basement apartment is regulated under Chapter 150 of Toronto Zoning By-Law 569-2013. The law states the following:

  • 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 RenoDuck 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 with UL268A. 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 can be a source of an extra income. You can use the extra dollars to repay your mortgage, pay your bills, or save it. Note that there are specific laws that may come into play in such a situation. So, it makes sense to consult with an expert.

Your eldest son/daughter is probably growing fast and needs privacy. Did you know that your basement can serve as a separate space for your adult kids? After all, you and your adult kids will enjoy some privacy while remaining close by.

Your basement is part of your property. If you have decided that the transformed basement looks good and want to use it then why not? Go for it. You can always rent it out later if needed. The bottom line is, you should get your basement conversion project done by an expert.

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Renoduck – Certified Basement Apartment Contractor

RenoDuck 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.

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FAQ About Basement Apartment Renovation

Sometimes it is important to create a secondary exit for your basement apartment if you do not already have one. This is not only a safety precaution but it is also required by law. A fire exit is a legal necessity for any rental unit and should be given careful consideration during the planning process. If you are unsure about how to go about this, we recommend consulting with a professional. This additional exit will also help keep the renovation materials and equipment out of the main living area. The location of the secondary exit has to be in line with the basement apartment’s floor plan. It is best to consult with an expert before making any final decisions.

As a safety precaution, the basement apartment should also comply with the fire code. This is required by law and includes four must-haves: escape exits, fire detectors and alarms, fire containment, and electricity safety requirements. A secondary exit is required in addition to the primary exit. The secondary exit doesn’t necessarily have to be a door. It can be a window that leads to the outside. As long as it meets the size and placement requirements, it’s fine. A smoke detector is also a requirement. As for the electrical safety requirements, a professional should inspect the wiring to ensure it meets the current electrical code.

After your basement apartment passes the electricity and fire safety inspections, you will receive a Certificate of Compliance. The basement also has to be registered after meeting the Municipality Property Standards. If your basement is new, it must also meet the Building Code demands for your area.

You don’t have to worry. As long as you work with professionals and get the right permits, your basement apartment will be registered in no time. The registration process is fairly simple.

While it may be possible to DIY a small basement apartment, we recommend working with professionals. Not only will this save you time and money, but it will also ensure that the job is done right. Working with professionals also has its perks. For example, they can help you get the permits you need and make sure that your basement apartment complies with all the local codes and regulations. A DIY for a small basement may cost $5,000, while a contractor may cost are higher. While it may be attractive to save money by doing it yourself, the risks are simply not worth it.