Planning & Building Your Basement
A truly livable basement is not about “finishing” a lower level. It is about turning a space with limitations into a room that feels easy to live in every day. Follow our full process here.
CONTACT AND PLANNING
We start with the real purpose, not the floor plan
Whether it’s a family rec room, a legal rental suite, space for aging parents, a teen zone, a home office, a gym, a guest suite, or a mix of several, the purpose decides everything.
Layout, plumbing, sound control, storage, lighting, and how separate it feels from upstairs, it all flows from how you will actually use the space. That’s why, from the initial phone call through site visits,we focus on understanding that purpose so the space truly works for you.
A livable basement always answers this question: What will people do down here, daily, weekly, and seasonally?' We design around your answer, not ours.
Handle moisture and air first
In Calgary, many basement problems are comfort problems, not design problems. Moisture, drafts, and stale air can make even a beautiful basement feel cold or musty.
If it does not feel dry and fresh, it will never feel like home.
During our site inspection, we check for visible signs of moisture, rim joist insulation, Vapor barrier conditions, grading, and downspouts, and plan for items including the floor system, radon considerations, ventilation for bathrooms, laundry, and suites.
Plan an indoor air purification solution that helps remove pollutants, and odors if required.
Map the obstacles and design around them
Basements come with fixed elements like stairs, posts and beams, ductwork, plumbing stacks, electrical panels, water tanks, and limited window locations. Instead of trying to hide these later, we map them first and design the layout to work with them.
How we do it:
Design a proper mechanical room for safety, sound control, and easy servicing
Turn posts into features like shelving, a bar, or hide in a wall
Align walls with beams and duct runs to reduce bulkheads
Keep kitchens and bathrooms close to existing plumbing to control costs.
We aim to optimize the layout around these limitations while carefully considering necessary trade-offs.
Win ceiling height with smart planning
Low ceilings are one of the biggest reasons basements feel like basements. The goal is not only to meet code, it is to make the space feel open and comfortable.
What we do:
Design bulkheads to run along hallways, not across main rooms where possible
Keep bulkheads clean and minimal, fewer is better
Choose slim, low profile lighting to protect headroom
Avoid thick floor build ups that steal height. Unless needed for warmth
Rule of thumb: place the main living areas where the ceiling is highest, and put storage and utility where it is lower.
Make it bright, on purpose
Basements feel dark when lighting is an afterthought. In a livable basement, lighting is part of the design.
What we do:
Increase natural light when possible with larger windows, proper window wells, and added windows where the home and budget allows
Use glass doors or openings to an office or gym so natural light can flow into the rest of the basement.
Build a lighting plan with layers, ambient for overall brightness, task where you work, accent for warmth
Use more fixtures than upstairs, plus dimmers and separate zones
Keep light colour warm and consistent throughout
for smaller spaces, keep the wall color bright, and flooring warm.
If you want a basement to feel like the main floor, lighting must be intentionally designed, not simply added.
Choose finishes that support usage
Basements work harder than most rooms. Finishes need to handle traffic, moisture changes, and daily use, not just look good. During the visit, clients make high-level finishing choices, such as vinyl or carpet flooring, sharp or rounded corner edges, tiled shower floors, acrylic bases or tubs. This information allows us to dial in the fixed priced quote.
What we prioritize:
Durable flooring that stands up to spills and wear
Bathroom finishes and ventilation that control humidity
Built ins and millwork that make posts and odd corners feel intentional
Build a layout that flows
A livable basement has flow. When you walk in, the space should immediately make sense. We use site-specific conditions alongside sound design principles and building code requirements to maximize usable square footage in your renovation.
What works well:
An open main area with clear zones for TV, play, or games
Hallways only when needed for bedrooms, privacy, or suite separation
Storage planned in from day one, like under stairs, linen, and seasonal space
Bathrooms placed for everyday use, not just for easy plumbing
For legal suites, we also plan for real tenant living:
A private entry
A natural kitchen and living area layout
Proper bedroom and egress placement
Strong sound control between units
Fixed priced quote
We offer a transparent, category-detailed price list that accounts for your project and our expertise. The price stays fixed unless you change the project scope.
The information gathered during the site visit or video inspection allows us to provide a highly precise quote for your basement project.
We start with standard items and pricing, while including any specific items requested by the client. A reasonable budget is provided for selectable items like vanity light fixture, which the client can choose to upgrade, only paying the cost difference for the upgraded item; labor remains fixed.
The quote clearly captures everything included within the scope and provides an exclusion list. We also maintain a list of possible upgrades, such as upgrading from a standard tub to a tiled shower base.
Our standard package materials List
FLOORING
6mil Luxury Vinyl Plant flooring for selection from our vendor: Standard option for Living area/kitchen
Porcelain Tiles (12x24) for Bath Walls and Floor
40oz CARPET TEMPT COL ALLURE INSTALLATION WITH 8 LBS 7/16 UNDER PAD: Standard option for Bedrooms and Stairs
CABINETS/COUNTERTOPS
Painted Grade Shaker style or slab cabinet doors, oak textured melamine, box construction: Particle board
Chrome/satin nickel handles
Quartz Countertop: Remnant; standard profile will be 3cm eased edge.
Upgrade Options: Solid wood cabinets, Ply wood box, Full slab, Sets of Drawers, Bronze/Gold/Black hardware
FRAMING/DRYWALL
2X4, 2x6, 2xx spf stud with treated bottom plate
1/2 Gympsum board for walls and ceiling
Mold resistant board on tub or shower walls
Ceiling Finish: Knockdown texture
Wall Finish level-4: Drywall, tape, mud, sand, ready for paint
Upgrade Options: Metal Framing, 5/8 Drywall, Flat ceiling, Level-5 wall finish.
ELECTRICAL
3-Light Bathroom Vanity Light Fixture
Standard AFCI outlets, Standard switches, no limit on outlets, or pot lights. GFCI outlet around wet zones
Flush mount fixtures for Bedroom
4-inch LED pot light for living and kitchen area
Cat 5e ethernet cable
Smoke/Carbon monoxide alarms
Upgrade Options: Client can upgrade to any light fixtures of their choice and pay the difference from our standard selections allowance.
Panel upgrade from 100amps to 200amps
Sub-Panel
dimmer switches
MAAX 60L x 30W -inch Alcove acrylic bathtub- White or equivalent
BATHTUB
Upgrade Option includes acrylic base with 8mm -10mm shower glass, Tiled shower base with Tile-redi base or Schluter system.
Niche
Shower bench
Electric floor heating with Ditra heat
Basement door to match main floor
DOOR & TRIMS
Baseboards: Up to 4″ MDF baseboards (flat stock)
Casing: Up to 3″ MDF casing (flat stock)
Mitred joint
Window: MDF jamb extensions/casing or returned drywall.
HVAC
Suite: 40,000BTU 2-burner furnace (Lenox, Goodman or equivalent)
80CFM bath fan
Plastic Round diffusers for heat vent and plastic grills for return air vents
CLEANING & WASTE MGMT
Drop off 15 yard lidded bin to manage waste throughout construction
Maintain site cleanliness through out construction
Professional post construction cleaning of the basement
Contract & Permits
We close out this phase with a signed contract and a permit ready drawings for permit applications
The contract confirms the full scope of work, final floor plan and specifications, materials and finishes, project price and milestone payment schedule, construction timeline, and both parties’ obligations, change order process, and warranty details.
PRE-BUILD
Schedule Trades and Order Materials
We schedule all trades and confirm the construction sequence to keep the project moving smoothly. We also finalize, order, and coordinate delivery of all materials so everything is on site and ready before work begins.
Before work begins, we send you a project summary note with your confirmed start date, project schedule, work hours, what to expect during construction, emergency contacts, and when you will receive project updates.
Communication
Site Preparation
We protect your home by laying floor protection from the entrance to the basement and sealing off key areas to help control dust. We install a lockbox for secure, scheduled access. Before framing begins, we mark the floor plan on the floor so you can clearly visualize each room, confirm door and wall locations, and make any small layout adjustments early when it is easiest and most cost-effective.
A bin is dropped off to manage construction waste.
Required construction notices displayed per city bylaws
BUILD STAGE
Demolition
Strategic removal of existing materials to prepare for new construction.
Controlled demolition: Careful removal of any existing walls, ceiling, or flooring
Debris containment: We remove debris mainly through the basement windows straight into the bin outside. This helps reduce dust and keeps the rest of your home cleaner.
Waste disposal: Proper disposal of construction waste
Framing
The skeleton of your new space takes shape with precision and code compliance.
Wall framing: 2x4 or 2x6 studs installed per structural requirements and building code
Ceiling framing: bulkheads built for HVAC runs and Plumbing lines
Insulation blocking: Fire blocks and backing installed for future drywall and fixtures
Framing inspection prep: Site cleaned and organized for upcoming city framing inspection
Plumbing Rough-In
All water supply and drainage systems installed.
Drain and vent lines: ABS piping installed per plumbing code for all fixtures
Water supply lines: Hot and cold PEX lines run to sinks, shower, laundry, kitchen
All lines tested for leaks before concealing in walls
Fixture blocking: Backing installed at correct heights for toilets, sinks, showers hardware’s
Plumbing inspection scheduling: City rough-in plumbing inspection booked and completed
Electrical Rough-In
Complete electrical system installed to power your new living space as per Alberta electrical code.
Wiring installation: All circuits run to outlets, switches, lights, and appliances
Pot light placement: Recessed lighting cans positioned and wired per layout plan
Bathroom ventilation: Exhaust fan wiring with proper venting to exterior
Low-voltage wiring: Data cable, and door bell rough-ins
GFCI protection: Ground fault outlets installed in bathroom and wet bar areas
Panel upgrades: Sub-panel installation if needed to support new loads
Electrical inspection: City rough-in electrical inspection passed
HVAC Rough-In
Climate control systems designed and installed for year-round comfort.
Ductwork installation: Heat and return air ducts sized and routed to required spaces
Register locations: Vents positioned for optimal air flow and furniture placement
Furnace connections: Extensions from main system or independent heating as needed
Gas line extensions: If gas fireplace or appliances included in scope
Book and pass inspections
Drywall Installation
Walls and ceilings covered, taped, and finished to level-4.
Drywall hanging: Sheets installed on ceilings and walls, minimizing seams
Taping and mudding: All joints and fasteners covered with multiple coats
Corner bead installation: Metal or vinyl corners for crisp, durable edges
Sanding: Smooth finish achieved with progressive sanding between coats
Texture application: Knockdown ceiling texture or smooth finish per your selection
Primer coat: Sherwin Williams or Cloverdale primer applied to prepare surfaces for paint
Flooring Installation
Beautiful, durable flooring installed with precision and care.
Subfloor preparation: Concrete sealed, leveled, and prepared for flooring type
Underlay installation: Moisture barrier and padding as required by flooring type
Tile work: Bathroom and wet bar tile installed with DensShield® Tile Backer on shower/tub wall
6mm, 20mil (wear layer), Luxury vinyl plank: Click-lock or glue-down LVP installed per manufacturer specs
Carpet installation: 40 oz carpet with 8LBS 7/16 under pad in bedrooms
Transition strips: Professional transitions between flooring types and at doorways
Painting & Finishing
Professional paint application bringing your color selections to life.
· Surface preparation: All surfaces cleaned, filled, and sanded for perfect finish
· Trim and door priming: All wood elements properly primed before painting
· Wall painting: Two coats of your selected colors applied with quality paint
· Trim and door painting: Finish coats on all trim, doors, and baseboards
· Touch-ups: Final inspection and touch-up of any imperfections
· Paint schedule: Record of all colors and brands provided for future reference
Trim & Millwork
Installation of all finishing carpentry for a polished look.
Baseboard installation: Baseboards installed, nail holes filled and ready for paint
Door casing: Trim around all doorways with tight miters and sanded joints
Window : MDF jamb extensions
Built-ins: Custom shelving, closet systems, or entertainment centers if specified
Fixtures & Finishes
All selected fixtures installed and tested.
Electrical devices: All switches, outlets, and cover plates installed
Light fixtures: Pot lights, vanity lights, and decorative fixtures mounted
Plumbing fixtures: Toilets, sinks, faucets, and showers installed and tested
Cabinet installation: Kitchen and bathroom cabinets leveled and secured
Countertop installation: quartz, or granite tops templated and installed
Hardware: Cabinet pulls, door handles, and towel bars installed
Appliances: If included, all appliances installed and connected
Quality Assurance
Rigorous multi-point inspections at every stage of construction.
Stage inspections: Project manager reviews work at completion of each trade
Code compliance verification: Double-checking all work meets or exceeds building code
Workmanship standards: Each trade’s work reviewed against our quality benchmarks
Issue resolution: Any deficiencies identified and corrected immediately
Client walk-throughs: Optional mid-project site visits to review progress
Final City Inspection
Official approval from the City of Calgary that all work meets building code.
Pre-inspection review: Our team conducts thorough check before calling city inspector
Final inspection scheduling: City inspector visit coordinated and completed
Code compliance verification: Inspector confirms all systems meet current building codes
Occupancy approval: basement receives occupancy permit or all permit closed.
Deficiency corrections: Any items flagged by inspector corrected immediately
Documentation: Copy of passed inspection and permits provided to you.
CLOSE OUT STAGE
Pre-Walkthrough Prep
Professional cleaning and preparation before handover
Construction cleaning: All dust, debris, and construction materials removed
Detail cleaning: Windows, fixtures, floors, and surfaces cleaned
Paint touch-ups: Final touch-ups on any scuffs or marks from final installations
Hardware adjustment: All doors, drawers, and cabinets adjusted for smooth operation
Fixture polishing: All chrome, fixtures, and hardware cleaned and polished
HVAC startup: System balanced and all registers delivering proper airflow.
Final Walkthrough
Guided tour of your completed space with opportunity to review every detail.
Scheduled walkthrough: Dedicated time for you to tour the completed basement
Feature demonstration: How to operate all systems, fixtures, and features
Quality review: Together we inspect finishes, fixtures, and overall workmanship
Punch list creation: Document any minor items needing attention
Client satisfaction: Address questions and ensure you are completely satisfied
Photography: photos taken for our portfolio
Punch List Resolution
Swift completion of any final details identified during walkthrough.
Item documentation: All punch list items clearly documented with photos
Priority scheduling: Items scheduled for completion within 7 business days
Quality completion: Each item addressed to same high standards as original work
Final cleaning: Touch-up cleaning after punch list completion
Documentation Handover
Complete project records for your files and future reference.
· As-built drawings: Final plans showing actual construction and any field changes
· Permit documents: Copy of building permit and passed inspection certificates
· Product manuals: Warranty info and manuals for all fixtures and appliances
· Paint schedule: Complete record of all colors, brands, and finish types used
· Warranty documents: Our warranty information
· Maintenance guide: Care instructions for finishes, fixtures, and systems
Warranty & Support
Ongoing support and warranty protection for your peace of mind.
Warranty overview: Clear explanation of what is covered and for how long
Service request process: Simple procedure for warranty or service requests
60-day follow-up: We check in within two month to ensure everything is perfect
Emergency contact: After-hours contact for urgent issues
Ongoing relationship: We are here for future projects and questions
Site Restoration
Your home returned to original condition with all protection removed.
Protection removal: All floor runners, barriers, and temporary protections removed
Lockbox removal: Access hardware removed and keys returned
Exterior cleanup: Any outdoor staging areas or waste bins removed
Project Celebration
Celebrating the successful completion of your basement transformation.
Final payment: Review and process final payment per contract terms
Project review: Discussion of what went well and any lessons learned
Testimonial request: Invitation to share your experience
Referral program: Information about our client referral benefits
Thank you: Our genuine appreciation for trusting us with your home
Enjoy your space: Time to move in furniture and start enjoying your new basement
See Our Recent Builds
Ready to get started?
Ask for a quote and let’s start building your new remarkable basement.
