How much does legal basement apartment cost in Toronto?

With Zigma Group, legal basement apartment starts from $72,000, and most projects fall between $72,000 and $125,000. Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026, and are confirmed after a site visit. The main factors are whether a new separate entrance has to be built; fire separation and egress window work; and kitchen and bathroom finish level.

What makes a basement apartment legal in Ontario?

It is permitted by local zoning, built under a building permit, meets Ontario Building Code requirements for fire separation, exits, ceiling height and ventilation, passes inspection, and is registered where the municipality requires it.

Can my existing basement apartment be legalised?

Often, yes. We compare it with the current requirements, prepare drawings, apply for the permit and carry out the corrections, which commonly involve fire separation, egress and electrical work.

Do you do legal basement apartment projects in Toronto?

Yes. We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.

Who issues the permit for this work in Toronto?

Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.

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Basements · Toronto

Legal Basement Apartment in Toronto

A legal second suite turns a basement into a self-contained rental or family apartment. The difference between legal and not is the permit, the fire safety and the inspections. In Toronto, much of the housing is pre-war: narrow semis and detached brick houses with plaster walls, old wiring and shared party walls.

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Compact new bathroom with a floating vanity and slate-grey floor tile — From our Cobblestone Drive renovation

Scope

What is included.

Feasibility check against zoning and the Building Code
Permit drawings and application
Fire separation and interconnected smoke alarms
Separate entrance and egress windows
Kitchen, bathroom and laundry
Electrical, heating and ventilation for a second unit

Cost

What it costs.

From $72,000

Most projects in Toronto: $72,000 to $125,000

What moves the price

Whether a new separate entrance has to be built
Fire separation and egress window work
Kitchen and bathroom finish level

Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026. Every project is confirmed with a written quote after a site visit.

Local knowledge

Legal Basement Apartment in Toronto.

Homes like these
Older basements tend to be low and damp, on stone or early concrete foundations, so waterproofing and often underpinning come first.
Housing
In Toronto, much of the housing is pre-war: narrow semis and detached brick houses with plaster walls, old wiring and shared party walls.
Permits
Building permits in Toronto are issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings, submit the application and book the inspections.
Areas we cover
We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park.
Suites and multiplexes
Toronto permits laneway suites, garden suites and, on most residential lots, up to four units in a house. That makes basement apartments and rear additions more feasible here than in many suburbs.
Tight lots
Narrow lots and shared walls mean additions and underpinning often need a minor variance or a neighbour's cooperation, so the approvals take planning.

Before you start

What to know.

The rules
Ontario now allows additional residential units on most urban residential lots, but each municipality sets its own registration and zoning details. A second suite must meet the Ontario Building Code and be built under a permit.
What inspectors look for
Fire separation between units, a safe exit, ceiling height, window size, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and properly inspected electrical work.
Existing unpermitted suites
An older basement apartment built without a permit can often be legalised. We assess what has to be opened up and corrected.

How we work

One team for every stage.

AssessWe survey the house as it stands.
Design and permitsDrawings and approvals before work starts.
Strip-outWhat is worn out comes off.
RebuildStructure, wiring, plumbing and walls.
FinishesCabinetry, tile, floors and paint.
HandoverWalkthrough and documents.

Questions

Legal Basement Apartment in Toronto: the short answers.

How much does legal basement apartment cost in Toronto?: With Zigma Group, legal basement apartment starts from $72,000, and most projects fall between $72,000 and $125,000. Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026, and are confirmed after a site visit. The main factors are whether a new separate entrance has to be built; fire separation and egress window work; and kitchen and bathroom finish level.
What makes a basement apartment legal in Ontario?: It is permitted by local zoning, built under a building permit, meets Ontario Building Code requirements for fire separation, exits, ceiling height and ventilation, passes inspection, and is registered where the municipality requires it.
Can my existing basement apartment be legalised?: Often, yes. We compare it with the current requirements, prepare drawings, apply for the permit and carry out the corrections, which commonly involve fire separation, egress and electrical work.
Do you do legal basement apartment projects in Toronto?: Yes. We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.
Who issues the permit for this work in Toronto?: Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.