RESIDENTIAL · ONTARIO & THE GTA
Basement Renovation & Legal Second Units in Ontario
Your basement is the cheapest room you’ll ever add to your home — it’s already built, already heated, already paid for. The only question is whether it’s working for you, or just holding boxes. USP turns basements across Toronto and the GTA into finished, usable space — including fully legal second units that can bring in rental income, with the permits and paperwork handled from start to finish.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
Two very different projects — which one is yours?
Before anyone gives you a price, it’s worth knowing which of these you actually want. They’re built differently and priced differently.
A Finished Basement
Extra living space for your own family — a rec room, a bedroom, a home office, maybe a bathroom. Comfortable, adds real resale value, and a more straightforward build.
A Legal Second Unit
A self-contained unit with its own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area and separate entrance — built to the Ontario Building Code and approved by the City. It’s the only version you can legally rent out, and it’s where the real long-term value is.
HOW IT WORKS
We handle the whole thing, start to finish
Six clear stages — from your first visit to your permit and inspection record in hand.
01
Assessment
We visit, check ceiling height, moisture, drainage, windows and access, and tell you honestly what your basement can become.
02
Zoning check
We confirm your property allows a second unit before you spend a dollar on design.
03
Design & drawings
Layout and permit drawings prepared to Ontario Building Code requirements.
04
Permits
We prepare, submit and manage the building permit application through approval.
05
Construction
Framing, insulation, fire separation, plumbing, HVAC, egress windows, kitchen, bathroom and finishes — trades coordinated throughout.
06
Inspections & sign-off
We book and attend every inspection through to final approval.
One company, one contract, one point of contact — instead of juggling a designer, a permit consultant, a contractor and separate trades who each blame the others.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Common questions about basement renovations
Straight answers on permits, legal units, cost and timing — before you commit to anything.
Almost always. Framing new walls, adding plumbing, electrical work, changing windows, or creating a rental unit all require a building permit from your municipality. We handle the application and the inspections as part of the project.
It has to be a self-contained home that meets the Ontario Building Code and Fire Code, and complies with your local zoning by-law — adequate ceiling height, a proper exit, egress windows, fire separation, interconnected smoke alarms, and permitted plumbing and mechanical work.
It depends on the size and condition of the basement, especially ceiling height and any moisture issues. We give you a clear written quote after a free site assessment and a no-obligation proposal — no guesses over the phone.
A straightforward finished basement is usually a few weeks of construction; a legal second unit takes longer, mostly because of permit review time. We give you a realistic timeline at the assessment.
Possibly not. Ask the City for the permit and inspection history for your address. We can review what’s there and tell you what it would take to bring it up to code.
We do — drawings, submission and every inspection through to sign-off.
Ready to see what your basement can become?
One free visit, an honest answer, and a clear written quote — no guesses over the phone.