Basement Development in Calgary

For any reasonable change beyond a coat of paint, a building permit is likely going to be required.

You will require a permit if:

• The basement is being developed for the first time
• You are making structural changes such as moving or removing walls on any floor of the house
• You are creating new openings in interior or exterior walls (new or relocated windows, new doors)

From the City of Calgary’s website regarding building permits.

Basement Renovation Costs in Calgary

At Towns Construction, we specialize in high-quality basement developments tailored to your needs. Our pricing starts at $40,000 for a basic basement featuring one bedroom and a living area. While we recommend including a bathroom for functionality, we can customize your space as requested.

We use premium materials on every project, ensuring lasting value. Some contractors may offer lower prices, but they often cut corners on quality—we don’t.

A typical basement, including one bedroom, a living area, and a bathroom, starts at $45,000, varying based on design and features.

If you’re looking for a legal secondary suite, which includes a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and all the necessary sound and smoke seals to meet City of Calgary code requirements, pricing starts at $80,000.

Popular Add-Ons

• Home Theatre Package – From $350
• Custom Bar – $3,000 to $30,000
• Fireplace – $1,200 to $6,000
• Soundproofing – From $1,000

From entertainment spaces to custom bars, fireplaces, and soundproofing, we bring your vision to life. Whether it’s a cozy retreat or a rental suite, we ensure top-tier craftsmanship.

Call Towns Construction today for a free quote!

The time it takes to add an extra bathroom can vary based on several factors, including the scope of the project, your home’s layout, and whether it’s a full renovation or a simple installation. Here’s a general timeline:

• Basic Bathroom Addition (e.g., small powder room): This could take around 2 to 4 weeks. The work mainly involves plumbing, electrical, and installation of basic fixtures like a toilet and sink.
• Full Bathroom Addition (e.g., shower, bathtub, etc.): A more complete bathroom installation may take 4 to 6 weeks. This includes plumbing, electrical, drywall, tiling, and installation of a shower or bathtub.
• Complex Bathroom Additions (e.g., in basements or when structural changes are needed): If the bathroom is in a tricky location or requires significant modifications (like moving plumbing or changing walls), it could take 6 to 8 weeks or longer, depending on the complexity.

These timelines can vary based on permit requirements, material availability, and contractor schedules. It’s always a good idea to get an estimate from a contractor for a more specific timeline.

Basic Timeline Estimates

• Unfinished to Finished Basement (Basic Renovation): 6-10 weeks
• Custom or High-End Basement (Wet bar, theater, bathroom, etc.): 8-12+ weeks
• Legal Secondary Suite (Additional permits, separate entrance, kitchen, etc.): 10-12+ weeks

Step-by-Step Timeline

1. Planning & Permits (1-4 weeks) – Design, blueprints, and obtaining necessary approvals.
2. Framing & Insulation (1-2 weeks) – Building walls, adding insulation.
3. Electrical & Plumbing (1-2 weeks) – Running wiring, plumbing rough-ins.
4. Drywall & Painting (2-3 weeks) – Hanging drywall, mudding, sanding, priming, and painting.
5. Flooring & Finishes (1-2 weeks) – Installing flooring, trims, doors, lighting, and fixtures.
6. Final Inspections & Touch-Ups (1-2 weeks) – City inspections, minor fixes, and final walkthrough.

Yes! At Towns Construction, we do much more than just basement developments. We offer a full range of renovation and construction services to help transform your home or investment property, including:

Our Services:

• Basement Developments – From basic renovations to full suites, we create functional and stylish spaces.
• Full Home Renovations – Kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, and more.
• Legal Secondary Suites – Fully compliant with City of Calgary regulations.
• Home Additions – Expand your living space with seamless additions.
• Custom Garages – Built to match your needs, from basic storage to workshop spaces.
• Exterior Upgrades – Siding, roofing, decks, and fences.
• New Builds – Custom homes designed and built to your exact specifications.
• Commercial Construction – Office spaces, retail, and industrial buildings tailored to your business needs.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home, build from the ground up, or enhance your commercial space, Towns Construction delivers quality craftsmanship and exceptional service on every project.

Contact us today for a free consultation!