How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement in Ottawa? (2025 Breakdown)
- Ron Selmani
- May 30
- 2 min read
Thinking about finishing your basement? Whether you’re planning a cozy family hangout or a legal income suite, it’s smart to understand the costs before you start.
At R&G Walls, we’ve helped homeowners across Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, and Nepean turn cold concrete spaces into beautiful, livable rooms. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to basement finishing costs in Ottawa in 2025.
📊 Average Cost to Finish a Basement in Ottawa
Type of Basement Finish | Average Cost (CAD) |
Standard Rec Room (unfinished) | $40–$60/sqft |
Legal Basement Apartment | $65–$90/sqft |
Luxury Basement with Custom Finishes | $100+/sqft |
💡 A basic 1,000 sqft basement costs between $40,000–$90,000 depending on design, materials, and legal requirements.
🧱 What’s Included in a Full Basement Finish?
1. Framing
Walls, soffits, bulkheads
Utility room framing
Closet framing and layout
2. Insulation & Vapour Barrier
Rigid foam or batt insulation
Poly barrier to meet code
Fireblocking where needed
3. Electrical & Plumbing (subcontracted)
Pot lights, outlets, switches
Bathroom rough-ins, drains, fans
Legal suite wiring and panel upgrades if needed
4. Drywall & Finishing
1/2" or 5/8" drywall (fire-rated as needed)
Taping, mudding, sanding
Priming, painting, and soundproofing
5. Flooring & Trim
Vinyl plank, tile, or carpet
Baseboards, casings, doors
Optional: custom built-ins or accent walls
🔥 Legal Basement Costs
If you’re finishing a legal secondary dwelling unit (for rental income), expect:
Permit-ready drawings & inspections
Fire-rated drywall assemblies
Egress windows in bedrooms
Soundproofing between units
Fire caulking and CO/smoke detectors
📌 Legal units cost more, but increase home value and rental potential.
📅 How Long Does It Take?
Size of Basement | Estimated Timeline |
Small (500–700 sqft) | 2–3 weeks |
Medium (800–1,200 sqft) | 3–5 weeks |
Legal Suite (with permits) | 5–8 weeks |
We work fast, clean, and keep you updated every step of the way.
🛠️ How to Save Money
Finish in phases (e.g., main room first, bathroom later)
Choose standard finishes over custom
Do your own painting or flooring (optional)
Avoid cutting corners on code compliance—it costs more later
🏆 Why Choose R&G Walls?
We’re not a big box reno company. We’re a hands-on, experienced Ottawa drywall and reno team that does clean, code-compliant work from start to finish.✔ Framing to finish with one point of contact✔ Transparent pricing, detailed quotes✔ Legal basement experts—no shortcuts✔ Serving Ottawa for over 20 years
📞 Call or text 613-869-7391 to book a free estimate📍 We serve all of Ottawa, including Kanata, Orleans, Nepean, and surrounding areas
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