What's included
A basement apartment is only worth building if it is legal. An unpermitted suite can't be insured properly, can't be declared when you sell, and can be ordered closed. Legal suites are one part of the renovation and building work we do across the Ottawa area.
Our guide covers Ontario Building Code requirements and Ottawa's dual zoning by-laws, with a 60-second self-check tool.
Read the Ottawa Legal Basement Guide →- Assessment of whether your basement can meet code before you spend anything
- Building permit application and drawings submitted to the City of Ottawa by us
- Egress windows, ceiling height and fire separation brought up to what inspections require
- Framing, insulation, drywall, alarms and detectors
- Kitchen and bathroom fit-out for the suite
- Flooring, trim and finishing throughout
How long it takes, and what it costs
No price lists: the honest number depends on your room and materials. One fixed, itemised figure follows an on-site visit, changed only if you ask in writing. A minimum deposit of $2,000 starts the design stage.
From first call to final sign-off
Feasibility check
Before any money is committed: ceiling height, egress window access and zoning.
Drawings & permit
Drawings are prepared for the building permit and submitted.
Build & inspections
We build to the permitted drawings and coordinate each inspection before anything is closed up.
Final sign-off
After final inspection we walk the unit with you.
What clients say
4 five-star reviews on Google, shown exactly as written.
“Went the extra mile on many facets of our kitchen makeover. Friendly and knowledgeable. Would hire again.”
“Great Job! Clean execution and superb attention to woodwork details.”
“We had SS Carpentry and Renovations complete work on our kitchen and tiles, and we’re very happy with the results. The workmanship was excellent, the finishing was clean and professional, and they paid great attention to detail. They were reliable, respectful, and easy to work with throughout the project. Our kitchen looks amazing, and we’re very pleased with how everything turned out. I would definitely recommend SS Carpentry and Renovations to anyone looking for quality renovation work.”
“We had an amazing experience getting our backyard deck and some accent work done in our bedrooms. Akash made custom walnut floating shelves and did a really good job installing everything. Whole work was done ahead of schedule and quality workmanship. Highly recommended.”
Legal Basements questions
Meeting the Ontario Building Code for secondary suites and local zoning: ceiling height, a compliant egress window, fire separation and interconnected alarms. A permit and inspections make the unit legal.
Not automatically. Where a basement falls short the floor can sometimes be lowered, but that is significant structural work. The feasibility check tells you first.
A legal bedroom needs a compliant means of escape. If there isn't one, an opening is cut into the foundation wall for a window well.
Yes. A basement finished for your own family is a different, cheaper project than a rentable suite.
Get a free estimate
We come back within one working day. No cost, no sales pressure.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 437-288-5105.
Other services
Kitchen and bathroom renovations
Full kitchen and bathroom renovations: cabinetry, counters, tile and fixtures, fitted to the millimetre.
Learn more →Custom TV feature walls
Custom architectural media walls and backlit panelling, built in our workshop, fitted flush on site.
Learn more →Flooring and tile installation
Hardwood, engineered, vinyl and tile, levelled properly underneath so the finish lasts.
Learn more →