Basements are some of the most common renovation areas with massive potential for increased living space, comfort and resale value. It has countless possibilities, whether to add a gym or entertainment room, benefit from additional storage or an office, add a guest room or even a full basement suite. As often it is not just a simple renovation but a full remodel of the basement, it can be challenging for homeowners to calculate the cost as there are many factors to consider, such as the size, style, materials, labour and complexity of the design.
So if you are worried about the basement renovation cost in Toronto, our free guide will give you more information about the average cost and insight into which factors will affect the cost.
Cost Breakdown of Basement Renovations in Toronto
There are many factors to consider when looking at a basement renovation, which can wildly affect the costs. The first step of any basement project is to decide which purpose you want your basement to have and what you would like to see. This is important to begin budgeting the costs because if you want to put up or move walls, add a bathroom, add windows, or a door, you will be looking at widely differing prices. Here are some average costs of basement renovations in Toronto:
A turnkey renovation without bathroom averages about $25,000 to $40,000. This typically includes stripping the basement, removing all flooring, walls and more, remodeling the basement as per your design, installing new flooring and walls, insulating the area, adding a ceiling and painting the basement.
If you want to add a bathroom, you will have to calculate about $12,500 to $20,000 depending on the size and features, as the contractor will have to lay plumbing which is a significant cost factor.
If you want to add or move walls, then for gypsum walls and joint sealing, you should budget about $3/sq. ft., and roughly $1,800 for the joints. Adding a ceiling averages $3 – $7/sq. ft., flooring $5 – $9/sq. ft. and insulation $2 – $4/sq. ft.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Basement Renovation
Framing
Generally, the wooden framing that outlines the room is the first step in creating spaces. Here, all features, such as the placement of doors, windows and closets, are laid out, and the required materials for this are wood and hardware to keep everything in place. On average, you must budget about $15-$30 per linear foot of the wall, including materials and labour.
Plumbing
Proper water supply and drain are critical if you want to install a bathroom or a kitchen in your basement. Plumbing is the first thing to take care of in any wet basement renovation. Generally, plumbing costs are calculated by the fixture and include labour and materials. The price can vary widely, depending on the number of fixtures and the complexity of the setup. Typically, you must budget between $1,500 and $15,000 (or more).
Due to the many variables, it is critical to contact a professional basement renovation company to learn more about your project’s cost.
Drywall Installation
After the framing is completed, the next step is to install the drywall. A basic drywall panel is 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide, with varying thicknesses. Typically, the installation will be around $1.50 per square foot, with the total amount depending on the number of walls, the thickness of the drywall panels and size of the basement. There also are other, more expensive options, which can include features such as mould resistance or soundproofing.
Flooring
The flooring is another critical factor of basement renovations as it is essential for both the look and comfort. There are several options, such as vinyl, hardwood, carpeting, ceramic tiles or engineered wood.
Vinyl is one of the most versatile options as it is waterproof, durable, and can also mimic the look of hardwood or tile. The average price is between $1 and $8 per square foot.
Tile is not the cheapest but the most durable choice. It is also waterproof, making it an excellent choice if your basement is damp or prone to flooding during storms. It can be, however, cold to step on. You can, on average, calculate between $5 and $20 per square foot.
Carpet is often the first option that comes to mind when considering flooring for your basement. It is one of the, if not the best, choices in terms of comfort, as most basement floors are concrete. There is not just the traditional wall-to-wall carpeting to consider but also convenient carpet tiles that can be easily replaced. The average price ranges from $7 to $12 per square foot.
There also are other options, such as floating flooring or heated flooring.
Painting
The cost will depend on the paint quality and if you want to add different colours or patterned paint features, which can increase the cost of painting your basement. Generally, the price ranges from $3 to $7 per square foot.
Ceiling
Ceilings are a great finishing touch to complete your basement. There are many different options, with widely varying pricing as well.
The most common ceiling installation is sheet panels, which cost around $12-$30 per panel.
Then there are drop ceilings that can be used to hide ductwork or wiring. For example, their acrylic panels can imitate more expensive materials and create beautiful designs. The average cost is $2-$6 per square foot. Please note that drop ceilings are not recommended for low-ceilinged basements as you will lose space.
Finally, tongue and groove wood panels can add a completely different look. These panels average about $1-$3 per square foot.
Electrical Features
Most basements don’t have a lot of natural light, so installing lighting fixtures is critical, not just for the functionality of the space, but they can also be used as style elements. Similar to plumbing, there are many factors to consider, such as how many fixtures you need and which style and size, so the cost for electrical will typically range from $50 to $100 per hour.
How to save on the cost of the basement?
Renovating a basement is a significant and potentially expensive project, so knowing the basement renovation cost in Toronto is essential before beginning a project and a professional basement renovation contractor can help you.
Senso Design is a leading basement renovation contractor in Toronto and the GTA and has over 20 years of experience in woodworking and interior design. We work with the most prominent Western European manufacturers using the most advanced German and Italian equipment to ensure the best possible quality. We think outside the box and don’t try to force preconceived ideas on our customers but work with you to realize your ideas.
Senso Design offers free, no-obligation consultations, so contact us today at 416-900-3675 to learn about your options and how we can help you realize the basement of your dreams. Our prices are guaranteed to stay the same as when you signed the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the average basement renovation in Ontario?
The cost for a basement renovation varies wildly, depending on the size and complexity of the remodel, the quality of materials used and more. Generally, a basement renovation without bathroom averages about $25,000 to $40,000. To add a bathroom, you must calculate about $12,500 to $20,000, depending on the size and features.
How much does finishing a 1000 sq ft basement in Ontario cost to finish?
There are many factors to consider to calculate the cost of finishing a basement. We recommend contacting a professional basement renovation company like Senso Design for a free, no-obligation cost estimate. Call us today at 416-900-3675 to learn about your options and how we can help you realize the basement of your dreams.
Do you need a permit to finish a basement in Toronto?
It depends. Every municipality has its own rules and regulations concerning alterations to a building, so it is essential to check the rules before finalizing your design. Generally, if you make structural changes, such as plumbing or adding a window or door, you will need a building permit.
What happens if I finish my basement without a permit in Ontario?
There can be severe consequences for finishing your basement without a permit. You may receive a fine, and the municipality could force you to remove any walls, ceilings, or other things you installed to inspect if the work complies with the building code. In the worst case, you may be forced to remove the renovation entirely.
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