What does a basement development cost in Calgary & Area?

What does a basement renovation cost in Calgary? It depends on what you need, and what you want.

At Basement Builders, our prices start as low as $41,000 or $450/month* with financing to develop a basement with one bedroom and a living room for an average-sized home. We don’t recommend doing this type of basement as it doesn’t include a bathroom, but we are happy to do it if requested.

We pride ourselves on using top-quality products that last, and we use these high-standard items no matter what your budget. Some builders may offer a lower price, but they may be using sub-par products to get to that price point.

On average, a typical basement starts around $41,000 or $450/month* with financing to develop a basement with one bedroom, a living room, and a bathroom for an average-sized home, while it varies according to our client’s wish lists and needs. This may sound higher than some of the competition, but please keep in mind our philosophy isn’t based on doing the bare minimum. We deliver a product that you will be happy with for years to come.

Our goal is to deliver a proposal based on exactly what you need and want. If you’d like to add other features to your basement, we offer a variety of options.

Many homeowners in Calgary generate extra income with a secondary suite, but it can be complicated to meet all the code requirements. We specialize in building code-compliant legal basement suites in Calgary that include separate heating systems, along with full smoke and fire separation.

Generally, a separate suite with a full kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom starts at $85,000 to build, or $900/month* with financing. Payments through financing begin 30 days after construction begins.

Many people desire a basement that is an entertainment hub for their home. With that in mind, we offer a home theatre package that starts at $350 or $3.50/month* with financing.

A custom bar is a natural addition for those who enjoy entertaining at home. We build custom bars exactly to your requirements, within the range of $3,000 - $30,000, or with financing from $40/month - $400/month*.

For our long winters, nothing beats the cozy addition of a fireplace. We offer our clients a variety of styles, ranging in price from $1200 - $6000, or with financing from $14/month* - $80/month*.

Another much-requested option by many of our clients is sound muffling, also called sound deadening. Our prices for sound deadening start at $1000 for the average home, or $109/month* with financing.

When it comes to building the best basement for your family, the sky’s the limit! We’ve built climbing walls in kids’ bedrooms, secret play nooks, lady lairs, and man caves, raised seating for home theatres, golf simulators, and glass-encased wine storage rooms that put beloved collections front and center.
Learn about tips for saving on basement renovations to make the most of your investment.
If you can dream it, we can build it. Call us today for a free quote.

*Pricing should be treated as an example only, it is based on financing and is subject to change based on current interest rates the overall value of the Calgary basement development, and/or upgrade overall value. A formal quote and financing application will determine all these aspects long before homeowners make any commitments with Basement Builders. CLICK HERE FOR A QUOTE QUOTE or CLICK HERE FOR FINANCING APPLICATION

Not All Quotes Are Equal

If you’re comparing several custom quotes, make sure they include the same items, so you can compare apples to apples.

Some of the listed items below aren’t included with other builders which means you will have to pay more. At Basement Builders all we include everything as a standard.

• Basement drawings and permits
• Handling of all inspections (Some companies make you deal with the inspectors yourself)
• Inclusion of specific model numbers and products being installed so you know exactly what you’re getting.
• Builder grade products (Some developers supply homeowners grade products from home depot or Rona) It may look the same buts it’s not.
• High-quality products as a standard (Some builders say the products they are installing are of high quality but they aren’t. This is where a builder will cut costs to look like they are offering a cheaper price when they are just offering a cheaper product)
• Light installation and supply (Some builders don’t include a lighting budget in your development)
• Stone countertops and under-mount sinks
• Kitchen quality cabinetry (Some builders supply pre-made vanities of extremely low quality)

We break down the pricing of every component of your project in a straightforward, transparent manner — with no room for interpretation.

• Our pricing is all-inclusive, with no additional fees or costs. The price only changes if you add or remove something. Read Our Reviews
• We do not quote on lower quality materials, except by client request
• We don’t limit the number of outlets/plugs or switches
• We don’t add a markup on upgrades
• We charge the same price to install your selections, no matter what the price of your selections may be

Looking for basement development in Airdrie? Contact us today for a quote.

Whether you’re looking to create a dedicated home office, a theater room, or a secondary suite, a basement renovation can be a cost-effective way to add functional space to your home. With careful planning and consideration of the costs involved, homeowners can create a beautiful and functional basement space that meets their needs and budget.

Planning a Basement Renovation

Planning a basement renovation requires careful consideration of several factors, including the size of the space, the materials and labour required, and the overall cost. Homeowners should start by determining the purpose of the renovation and what they want to achieve with the new space. This will help them decide on the layout, design, and features of the renovation, such as custom lighting, egress windows, and wet bars.

It’s also essential to consider the costs involved, including the cost of materials, labour, and permits, as well as any additional costs for features like plumbing rough-ins and electrical work. By carefully planning the renovation, homeowners can ensure that the project stays on budget and meets their needs.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Basement in Canada?

If you’re starting from scratch and need to build a basement, costs can vary significantly depending on the cost per square foot, whether you’re adding a basement to new construction or excavating one for an existing home.

Average Cost to Build a basement

Building a basement from scratch for a new home usually runs about $35 to $55 per square foot, so a 1,000-square-foot basement would set you back $35,000 to $55,000. If you’re adding a basement to an existing house, it’s pricier because digging and laying a new foundation is trickier—expect to pay $70,000 to $120,000 for a standard-sized basement. These are just the construction costs, though; you’ll still need to add the cost of finishing it to get the full picture.

Average Budget that you may need to Complete the Basement 

Here is an average of the costs for renovating and finishing a 1000-square-foot basement to help you get an overview:

• Insulation: $9,000 to $15,000
• Painting: $6,500 to $12,000
• Carpet or laminate flooring: $8,000 to $12,000
• Electricity: $6,000 to $8,500
• Plumbing (If Adding a Bathroom): $6,500 to $12,000
• Permits: $2,000 to $4,000
• Other (Hardware, Trim, Doors): $3,000 to $5,000

Your budget would increase for more expensive finishes, such as a home theater system or custom wine cellar.

Why the Variety in Costs?

The cost of your project can vary a lot depending on a few key things. If you’re just adding a simple family room with basic plumbing and electrical work, it’ll be cheaper than building something like a full bathroom or kitchen. The materials you pick make a big difference too—fancy stuff like hardwood floors, custom cabinets, or quartz countertops will bump up the price. Labor costs depend on who you hire, their experience, and how busy the construction market is in Calgary. Also, don’t forget about permits—you’ll need them to make sure your project follows local building codes. For example, a big open-concept living area might keep costs on the lower side, but if you’re adding multiple rooms, high-end finishes, and a bathroom, expect to pay more.

Finishing a basement: Does it add value in Canada?

Totally, finishing your basement in Canada is a smart move! It’s not just about getting more space to live in—it’s like putting money in the bank for your home. A finished basement makes your place way more appealing to buyers, boosting its value and making it easier to sell. When you’re planning the reno, think about different ceiling options. They don’t just look good; they can do things like cut down on noise and fit your style or budget.

How Much Value Can It Add?

According to real estate experts, a well-finished basement can add 35% to 75% of the project cost to your home’s overall value. For example, spending $50,000 on a functional basement space could potentially boost your home’s resale value by $15,000 to $35,000.

Factors That Impact Value

Several factors determine how much value your finished basement will add:

• Purpose: A fully independent suite with a bathroom and kitchen will appeal more to buyers, especially in Calgary, where secondary suites are increasingly popular.
• Quality: High-quality workmanship and materials will leave a lasting impression and justify a higher resale price.
• Customization: Keeping the layout neutral and adaptable increases the likelihood that future buyers will see it as useful to their needs.

Finishing a basement isn’t just about resale, though! It’s also about adding tailored functionality to your home, whether that’s a playroom, home theater, or rental suite.

Get Smart About Your Basement Development

Before diving into your basement project in Calgary, figure out what you really want and how much you’re ready to spend. Whether it’s a cozy hideaway or a full-on living space, there are tons of skilled contractors in the area to bring your ideas to life. Make sure to shop around—get a few quotes, check references, and nail down a solid timeline before you start.

For a new basement, think about stuff like flooring choices, making sure everything passes safety and code inspections, picking the right lighting, and choosing paint colors that make the space feel good and work well. If you do it right, finishing your basement isn’t just sprucing up a boring space—it’s adding a practical, comfy, and valuable part to your home.

Areas We Cover

In addition to Airdrie, we provide our basement development services to the following areas in Alberta:

• Calgary
• Chestermere
• Cochrane
• Okotoks
• Strathmore