Legal Basement Renovations in London, Ontario
Convert Your Basement Into a Legal Secondary Suite
Thinking of converting your basement into a legal rental unit or fully finished secondary suite in London, Ontario? At London Renovations, we specialize in legal basement renovations that meet all Ontario Building Code and City of London by-law requirements. Whether you want to create a secondary rental unit, an in-law suite, or simply transform your unfinished basement into a modern living space, our licensed team ensures it’s done right — safe, compliant, and built to last.
What Is a Legal Basement Apartment?
A legal basement apartment (also called a secondary unit or second suite) is a self-contained living space in your basement that meets all legal requirements set by:
The Ontario Building Code (OBC)
London zoning by-laws
Fire Code and Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) standards
This means your basement apartment is safe, insurable, and can legally be rented out.
Why Build a Legal Basement?
✔️ Rental Income Potential – Generate extra monthly income by renting your legal suite.
✔️ Increase Property Value – A finished legal basement can significantly boost resale value.
✔️ Safe & Compliant – We follow fire codes, egress window requirements, and zoning laws.
✔️ Flexible Living Space – Perfect for in-law suites, student rentals, or extended family.
See Our Recent Legal Basement Renovations 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.
Our Legal Basement Renovations Services Include:
✅ Zoning & Code Compliance
We evaluate your property and work with you to ensure your plans comply with London’s secondary dwelling rules.
🏗️ Basement Apartment Construction
We build legal basement apartments with proper entrances, soundproofing, kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces.
🔥 Fire Safety Upgrades
We install fire-rated drywall, smoke & CO detectors, safe egress windows, and fire-separated utilities to meet Ontario Fire Code.
⚡ Electrical & Plumbing
Licensed professionals ensure that your basement suite has fully code-compliant electrical and plumbing systems.
🚪 Separate Entrance Construction
Need a walkout or side entrance? We handle excavation, structural work, and permits to create legal separate access.
Legal Basement Requirements in London, ON
To make your basement a legal secondary dwelling, the City of London and Ontario Building Code require:
Minimum ceiling height (usually 6’5″ or higher in most areas)
Separate entrance (walkout, side entrance, or interior with fire separation)
Egress window(s) in bedrooms
Fire-rated drywall & separation between units
Proper ventilation & heating
Electrical safety certification (ESA)
Plumbing compliance
City permits & inspections
💡 Don’t worry — we handle all permits, inspections, and approvals so your basement is 100% legal and safe.
Cost of Legal Basement Renovations in London, Ontario
Legal basement renovations typically range from $20,000 to $120,000+, depending on size, features, and whether you need a separate entrance or new plumbing/electrical. We provide clear estimates, detailed breakdowns, and transparent pricing.
Ask about our financing options for legal secondary units.
| Basement Renovation Type | Average Cost Range (London, ON) |
|---|---|
| Basement Finishing (non-legal) | $20,000 – $50,000+ |
| Legal Secondary Suite Conversion | $45,000 – $95,000+ |
| Full Basement Apartment | $60,000 – $120,000+ |
Costs vary based on size, design, and finishes. We provide free, detailed quotes after a site visit.
Ideal Properties for Legal Basement Conversions
Detached homes
Semi-detached homes
Homes with walk-out basements
Bungalows with unfinished or large basements
Multi-unit investment properties
Unsure if your home qualifies? Contact us for a free property assessment.
Who We Work With
Homeowners wanting to offset mortgage payments
Real estate investors and house-hackers
Multi-generational families
Landlords expanding rental inventory
What Clients Say
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“London Renovations helped us turn our unused basement into a legal rental unit. They took care of everything, including permits and fire code updates — highly recommend!”
— Jason D., London ON
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Professional, responsive, and reliable. Our legal basement apartment looks amazing and passed all inspections on the first try.”
— Emily S., Hyde Park
Step-by-Step Legal Basement Process
- Initial Consultation & Site Visit
- Feasibility Assessment & Code Review
- Design, Layout & Permits
- Construction Begins
- Inspections & Compliance Approval
- Final Touches & Turnover
We keep you informed at every step — and deal directly with city officials so your project stays on track.
Service Areas – Basement Renovations Near You
We provide legal basement renovations in:
London, Ontario (all neighbourhoods: Byron, White Oaks, Masonville, Hyde Park, Stoney Creek, etc.)
Surrounding areas: St. Thomas, Strathroy, Dorchester, Komoka, Ilderton
Book a Free Legal Basement Renovations Consultation
Ready to turn your basement into a legal apartment or in-law suite? Let London Renovations help you unlock the full potential of 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
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about legal basement renovations to help guide you through the process:
1 Is a permit required for a basement apartment?
Yes. You need building, plumbing, and often electrical permits. We take care of all paperwork and inspections.
2 How long does it take to build a legal basement suite?
Most projects take 6–12 weeks, depending on complexity and permit timelines.
3 Can I build a basement suite in any home?
No — your home must meet certain zoning and building code criteria. We offer a free eligibility check.
4 Do you work with real estate investors?
Yes! We’ve worked with dozens of investors turning single-family homes into profitable duplexes.
London’s Legal Basement Renovation Experts
Whether you’re planning a secondary rental unit or a family in-law suite, London Renovations delivers safe, code-compliant, and beautifully finished basements that add value to your home.