It’s not a mystery that the average price of a home in Canada rises yearly. Developing your basement can be a great way to get ahead of the trend and ensure that your home is appealing to potential buyers on the market, so that you can get a foot ahead in the real estate game and make the most of your investment. That being said, a basement development project is a huge endeavour.

There are many aspects to remodelling a basement in Canada and many things to consider that may change the course of your overall design. We highly recommend taking into account the factors we list in this article and keeping them in mind for when you choose to undergo your project. And, if you have any questions, give us a call.

What to Consider Before You Begin Basement Development in Canada:

Tackling a home renovation project – especially basement development – is no easy task. There’s a lot to consider before construction even begins. Below, we’ll address the factors to consider before you begin your basement development project. Building your basement with these in mind can help ensure your project is successful and worth every penny.

The Accruement of Building Permits

Although, like many things, the value of building permits in Canada has risen (by 10% as of May 2023) acquiring building permits for your new renovations is still an essential step in the overall building process, and must be accomplished before any actual construction can begin.

Check with your local municipality to understand the permit requirements for basement development. A professional basement development company, like Basement Builders, may also do this step on your behalf, but it helps to be aware of what is necessary (and what restrictions may be in place depending on where you live, since this can alter your design plans.)

Building Codes

Familiarize yourself with the relevant building codes and regulations in your area, wherever it is that you may live. These codes dictate safety standards, structural requirements, and other essential guidelines for basement development. Being aware of them means that you can set up your design plan with ease without having to worry about doubling back on any decisions you’ve already made due to restrictions as per your local area’s building code regulations.

Egress Requirements

This ties in with the step above, but if you plan to incorporate a living space/bedroom in your finished basement, you must ensure it is in compliance with egress requirements, including proper-sized windows and/or accessible emergency exits.

Foundation and Structure

Have a professional inspect the foundation and structural integrity of the basement to identify any issues that need to be addressed before construction. When you choose to work with a development company, like Basement Builders, we do a full in-house inspection prior to establishing your design, so we have a clear idea of what we’re working with and any limitations that may exist.

Heating and Ventilation

Assess the heating and ventilation needs of the basement to ensure comfort and compliance with building codes. Any issues can be addressed during the renovation process, but this will also add to the cost. Consider, as well, the layout of your design and how heating/ventilation factors in.

Accessibility

Consider accessibility for all occupants, ensuring that the basement is easily reachable and usable by everyone. If you plan to rent out the basement to a potential tenant, alongside having to ensure it follows “basement suite” legal requirements, it will need to be accessible. Walk-out basements are the best choice for this.

Design and Layout

Choosing to work with a professional is your best bet of ensuring your design and layout is realistic and optimizes your space. Basement Builders will ensure your basement space meets your needs and requirements while staying compliant with local regulations.

Budget

Basement development projects can be costly, but they do have a significant ROI! You’ll still need to consider how much you want to budget for your project. Consider things like construction costs, permits, materials, and the cost of hiring a professional. Get a quick estimate with Basement Builders to see roughly what your finalized basement may cost you.

Timeframe

Finally, consider timeframe. Your professional basement developers will be able to give you a rough inkling of what the renovation timeframe will look like, but always account for delays or unforeseen challenges. In this time, try not to plan any big trips or huge house parties.

Basement Development With Basement Builders

Basement Builders, a locally-based company, focuses on expert basement development and renovations in Calgary and its neighboring regions. With more than 15 years of experience in home remodeling, basement construction, and development, our primary commitment lies in ensuring customer satisfaction and delivering top-notch quality. As the leading basement development contractor in Calgary, our reputation is built on a steadfast dedication to completing each project only when our clients are entirely content with the results.

Get a free estimate today to begin the process of preparing for your basement development project. We can’t wait to help you create the basement of your dreams.