How it Works
Your basement building process made as simple as possible - divided into different stages so you know what to expect throughout the project.
Our transparent approach allows our clients to feel at ease as your basement undergoes development.
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Discovery
Discovery is where your project begins. We take time to understand how you want your space to look, feel, and function, while also discussing a rough investment range based on your goals and project scope, so you have a realistic starting point before design begins.
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We come to you
We Come to You is where we visit your home to see the space in person. We take measurements, review the layout, and begin developing a custom floor plan and project specifications tailored to your basement.
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Quoting
Quoting is where we provide a detailed, comprehensive price based on your finalized layout and specifications. We work to keep the project within your target budget, and unlike many contractors, we don’t estimate, we quote, so you know exactly what your investment looks like before construction begins.
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Walk-Through & Rough-In
This is where we meet on site and work hand in hand with you to lay out the floor plan directly in the space. We review the entire project scope and specifications one final time, ensuring everything is aligned before construction moves forward. This stage also marks the official start of construction, beginning with framing and plumbing and electrical rough-ins.
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Construction
This is where we really shine, no one has more experience in basement construction than our team. After rough-ins and City inspections, drywall is installed and finished to a Level 4 standard, and ceiling texture is applied. Doors, casing, trim, and baseboards follow, with trim professionally sprayed on-site. The first coat of paint is applied, and a construction walk-through is completed before final finishing.
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Final Touches
Flooring, tile, lighting, switches, and plugs are installed, followed by bathroom fixtures and vanities. Final paint is applied, and both City and independent third-party inspections are completed. Finishing touch-ups are done throughout, the space is professionally cleaned, and a final homeowner walk-through wraps up the project.
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5 Year Warranty
Our commitment doesn’t end at completion. We stand behind our work for 5 years after your final walk-through, giving you long-term confidence in the quality of your basement. It’s added peace of mind, knowing we’re here if you ever need us.
-
Discovery
Discovery is where your project begins. We take time to understand how you want your space to look, feel, and function, while also discussing a rough investment range based on your goals and project scope, so you have a realistic starting point before design begins.
-
We come to you
We Come to You is where we visit your home to see the space in person. We take measurements, review the layout, and begin developing a custom floor plan and project specifications tailored to your basement.
-
Quoting
Quoting is where we provide a detailed, comprehensive price based on your finalized layout and specifications. We work to keep the project within your target budget, and unlike many contractors, we don’t estimate, we quote, so you know exactly what your investment looks like before construction begins.
-
Walk-Through & Rough-In
This is where we meet on site and work hand in hand with you to lay out the floor plan directly in the space. We review the entire project scope and specifications one final time, ensuring everything is aligned before construction moves forward. This stage also marks the official start of construction, beginning with framing and plumbing and electrical rough-ins.
-
Construction
This is where we really shine, no one has more experience in basement construction than our team. After rough-ins and City inspections, drywall is installed and finished to a Level 4 standard, and ceiling texture is applied. Doors, casing, trim, and baseboards follow, with trim professionally sprayed on-site. The first coat of paint is applied, and a construction walk-through is completed before final finishing.
-
Final Touches
Flooring, tile, lighting, switches, and plugs are installed, followed by bathroom fixtures and vanities. Final paint is applied, and both City and independent third-party inspections are completed. Finishing touch-ups are done throughout, the space is professionally cleaned, and a final homeowner walk-through wraps up the project.
-
5 Year Warranty
Our commitment doesn’t end at completion. We stand behind our work for 5 years after your final walk-through, giving you long-term confidence in the quality of your basement. It’s added peace of mind, knowing we’re here if you ever need us.
FAQ's
Some frequently asked questions to help you. Don’t see an answer to your question?
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Do I need a permit to develop/finish my basement in Calgary?
Yes! If your basement renovation includes structural changes, new electrical/plumbing work, adding bathrooms or bedrooms, or creating a legal suite, a building permit (and possibly a development permit) is required by the City of Calgary. Permits ensure safety and compliance with code and are often handled by professionals. CLICK HERE for more
-
What type of permits might I need?
Depending on the work:
- Building and Safety Permits — all major renovations.
- Electrical Permits — for wiring or panel upgrades.
- Plumbing Permits — for new/changed plumbing fixtures.
- Development Permits — sometimes needed for legal suites.
CLICK HERE for more info
-
Do I need egress windows and minimum ceiling heights?
Yes! Bedrooms and main living areas must meet code for safe exit window sizing and minimum ceiling heights, which is especially important when adding bedrooms to your basement.
-
What factors influence cost the most?
Costs are mainly influenced by basement size, how many bathrooms are included, the level of electrical and plumbing work required, the finishes you choose, and whether it will be a legal suite.
-
Can a basement be turned into a rental suite?
Yes, you can rent out a basement, but it must follow Calgary’s building and safety codes. That includes separate entry, fire protection measures, proper ventilation, and the right permits in place. LEARN MORE here.
-
Does finishing a basement add value to my home?
Yes! A professionally developed basement often increases usable living space and resale value, though “value added” varies by market and the quality of the renovation.
-
How much does it cost to develop a basement?
Every basement is different and each homeowner has different requirements but with a quick call to us we can give you a rough idea over the phone, based on the size and features you would like. CLICK HERE to learn more.
-
What would be the first step in my basement development or makeover?
The first step is calling and scheduling a comprehensive visit from our design team. They will create a plan that maximizes space while keeping the basement functional and attractive. CONTACT US to explore all the options.
-
Do you offer warranty on your basement developments?
Yes. We offer a full 5 year warranty on products, materials and workmanship CLICK HERE for more information
-
Can you provide references and testimonials?
We are always happy to provide multiple references and testimonials at your request. Please view the testimonials that appear on our website. We are also a HomeStars verified company please visit their website to see many more testimonials CLICK HERE
-
Do you offer financing?
Yes, we offer financing through FinanceIT you can finance up to 15 years. These are open-ended loans, which means that you can pay off the balance at any time with no penalty. CLICK HERE to apply or learn more
-
How long will it take?
Basement builders is a custom builder and we strive to get your project completed in a reasonable timeline. That being said our vast amount of selections along with our custom products can take a little longer to build. Generally, a basement will take 10- 15 weeks. The more custom the project the longer the timeline. We don't want to rush perfection but we can give you our timelines in the quoting process.
-
Do you carry liability insurance?
Yes, we carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance. All our sub-contractors are similarly insured and also have their own WCB insurance.
-
How will I know if my basement is up to code?
We will provide you with fully approved rough-in and final inspections from each municipality we also conduct third party inspections through Mike Holmes Inspections.
-
Are your prices fixed or can they increase after the contract is signed?
Yes, our prices are fixed. The only time that cost overruns might occur is when the customer makes changes to the original plan or scope, any changes made will need the approval of the homeowner.
-
Do I need a permit to develop/finish my basement in Calgary?
Yes! If your basement renovation includes structural changes, new electrical/plumbing work, adding bathrooms or bedrooms, or creating a legal suite, a building permit (and possibly a development permit) is required by the City of Calgary. Permits ensure safety and compliance with code and are often handled by professionals. CLICK HERE for more
-
What type of permits might I need?
Depending on the work:
- Building and Safety Permits — all major renovations.
- Electrical Permits — for wiring or panel upgrades.
- Plumbing Permits — for new/changed plumbing fixtures.
- Development Permits — sometimes needed for legal suites.
CLICK HERE for more info
-
Do I need egress windows and minimum ceiling heights?
Yes! Bedrooms and main living areas must meet code for safe exit window sizing and minimum ceiling heights, which is especially important when adding bedrooms to your basement.
-
What factors influence cost the most?
Costs are mainly influenced by basement size, how many bathrooms are included, the level of electrical and plumbing work required, the finishes you choose, and whether it will be a legal suite.
-
Can a basement be turned into a rental suite?
Yes, you can rent out a basement, but it must follow Calgary’s building and safety codes. That includes separate entry, fire protection measures, proper ventilation, and the right permits in place. LEARN MORE here.
-
Does finishing a basement add value to my home?
Yes! A professionally developed basement often increases usable living space and resale value, though “value added” varies by market and the quality of the renovation.
-
How much does it cost to develop a basement?
Every basement is different and each homeowner has different requirements but with a quick call to us we can give you a rough idea over the phone, based on the size and features you would like. CLICK HERE to learn more.
-
What would be the first step in my basement development or makeover?
The first step is calling and scheduling a comprehensive visit from our design team. They will create a plan that maximizes space while keeping the basement functional and attractive. CONTACT US to explore all the options.
-
Do you offer warranty on your basement developments?
Yes. We offer a full 5 year warranty on products, materials and workmanship CLICK HERE for more information
-
Can you provide references and testimonials?
We are always happy to provide multiple references and testimonials at your request. Please view the testimonials that appear on our website. We are also a HomeStars verified company please visit their website to see many more testimonials CLICK HERE
-
Do you offer financing?
Yes, we offer financing through FinanceIT you can finance up to 15 years. These are open-ended loans, which means that you can pay off the balance at any time with no penalty. CLICK HERE to apply or learn more
-
How long will it take?
Basement builders is a custom builder and we strive to get your project completed in a reasonable timeline. That being said our vast amount of selections along with our custom products can take a little longer to build. Generally, a basement will take 10- 15 weeks. The more custom the project the longer the timeline. We don't want to rush perfection but we can give you our timelines in the quoting process.
-
Do you carry liability insurance?
Yes, we carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance. All our sub-contractors are similarly insured and also have their own WCB insurance.
-
How will I know if my basement is up to code?
We will provide you with fully approved rough-in and final inspections from each municipality we also conduct third party inspections through Mike Holmes Inspections.
-
Are your prices fixed or can they increase after the contract is signed?
Yes, our prices are fixed. The only time that cost overruns might occur is when the customer makes changes to the original plan or scope, any changes made will need the approval of the homeowner.
