Legal Basement Apartment Renovations in London, Ontario
Looking to add a legal basement apartment to your home in London, Ontario? At London Renovations, we specialize in basement finishing and secondary suite conversions that are fully compliant with the Ontario Building Code and City of London by-laws. Whether you’re planning to rent it out for extra income or create an in-law suite for family, we make the process seamless from permits to final inspection.
Why Build a Legal Basement Apartment?
✔️ Generate Rental Income – Offset your mortgage with a secondary unit.
✔️ Boost Property Value – Legal suites increase resale appeal and market value.
✔️ Safe & Compliant Living – Meet fire code, egress, and safety standards.
✔️ Flexible Use – Perfect for students, renters, or extended family.
Our Basement Apartment Renovation Services
We provide turnkey solutions for legal basement apartments in London, ON, including:
- Basement Design & Architectural Plans (layout, drawings, permits)
- Full Basement Finishing (framing, drywall, insulation, flooring)
- Plumbing & Electrical Upgrades (ESA-certified & city inspections)
- Kitchen & Bathroom Installations
- Separate Entrance Construction (side door, walkout, or interior upgrade)
- Egress Windows & Fire Exits (to meet Ontario Building Code)
- Fire Separation & Soundproofing (between units)
- Heating & Ventilation Compliance
- Painting & Final Touches
See Our Recent Legal Basement Apartment Projects
Check out our photo gallery for before-and-after pictures of legal second units, in-law suites, and basement conversions we’ve completed across London, ON.
Legal Requirements for Basement Apartments in London, ON
Building a legal basement apartment (also called a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit) in London, Ontario requires following the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and the City of London’s zoning and by-law regulations. Meeting these standards ensures your basement apartment is safe, habitable, and legally rentable.
A basement apartment in London, ON is considered legal if it:
- Meets the Ontario Building Code
- Passes all city inspections
- Has the proper zoning approval for a secondary unit
- Obtains all required building permits
Without meeting these requirements, the unit cannot be legally rented.
Here are the main legal requirements for a basement apartment in London, Ontario:
1. Ceiling Height
- The finished ceiling height must be at least 1.95 m (6’5”) over most of the living area.
- Some lower ceiling areas (such as under beams or ducts) may be slightly less, but must comply with OBC allowances.
2. Separate Entrance
- The unit must have its own private entrance (side door, back entrance, walkout, or through a common vestibule).
3. Egress Windows
- All bedrooms must have a proper egress (escape) window large enough for occupants to exit in case of fire.
- Minimum window opening: 0.35 m² (3.77 sq. ft.) with no dimension smaller than 15 inches.
4. Fire Safety & Separation
- The basement unit must have fire-rated drywall between the apartment and the rest of the home.
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in both units and interconnected.
- Fire separation doors may be required depending on layout.
5. Plumbing & Electrical Compliance
- All plumbing must meet code, with proper water supply and drainage.
- Electrical work must be inspected and certified by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
6. Heating & Ventilation
- The apartment must have adequate heating and ventilation.
- If using a shared HVAC system, proper fire dampers may be required.
7. Parking Requirements
- The City of London typically requires one additional parking space for the basement unit, unless located in certain exempted zones.
8. Permits & Inspections
- You must obtain a building permit before starting construction.
- The City of London will conduct inspections during and after construction to ensure compliance.
💡 Our team takes care of the entire process — from design and permits to final approval.
Cost of a Legal Basement Apartment in London, Ontario
| Renovation Type | Average Cost (London, ON) |
|---|---|
| Basement Finishing (non-legal) | $20,000 – $50,000+ |
| Legal Basement Apartment | $50,000 – $95,000+ |
| Full Secondary Suite Conversion | $60,000 – $120,000+ |
Pricing depends on basement size, condition, and desired finishes.
Client Reviews
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“London Renovations helped us build a legal basement apartment. They handled permits, city inspections, and now we rent it out to students — a smooth experience from start to finish!”
— Sarah M., London, ON
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“Our in-law suite turned out beautiful and fully legal. Professional and detail-oriented team.”
— Daniel R., London, ON
Service Areas – Legal Basement Apartment Renovations Near You
We provide legal basement apartment renovations in:
- London, Ontario (Byron, Hyde Park, Masonville, White Oaks, Stoney Creek, and all neighbourhoods)
- Surrounding areas: St. Thomas, Strathroy, Dorchester, Komoka, Ilderton
Start Your Legal Basement Apartment Project Today
Ready to create a legal basement apartment in London, ON? Trust London Renovations to deliver a safe, code-compliant, and beautifully finished suite that adds value to your home.
📍 London Renovations
📞 Call: 519-494-3673
📧 Email: info@londonrenovations.ca
🌐 www.londonrenovations.ca
📅 Book a Free On-Site Estimate
FAQ – Legal Basement Apartments in London, Ontario
Do I need a permit for a basement apartment?
Yes, a building permit is required for all legal basement apartments in London.
Can I rent my basement without making it legal?
No. Renting an illegal basement can result in fines and liability issues.
How long does the process take?
Most projects take 8–16 weeks, depending on city permit approvals and scope of work.
Do you handle design and permits?
Yes, we provide end-to-end service including design, permits, and inspections.
London’s Trusted Basement Apartment Renovation Experts
At London Renovations, we’ve helped homeowners across London and surrounding areas transform their basements into legal, income-generating, and family-friendly living spaces.