Legal basement apartment drawings and permits in Ontario
Engineer-prepared permit drawings for basement suites and second units. We design it to code, handle the structural work, and get your package ready for the building department.
- Permit drawings and structural engineering from one team
- Separate side entrances, egress windows and fire separation
- New suites and legalizing an existing basement unit
- Fixed quote before any work starts
Serving homeowners, investors and contractors across Ontario, including Durham, the GTA, London and Ottawa.
Can your basement become a legal unit?
In most serviced urban areas of Ontario, a house can now have up to three residential units, so a basement apartment is usually allowed. What decides whether yours gets a permit is the detail: how people get in and out, how the two units are separated for fire, and whether the structure can take the changes. That's what our drawings show the city.
Separate entrance
A new side door cut through the foundation, with the lintel, stairs and retaining walls designed.
Egress windows
Bedroom windows sized and detailed so there's a way out in a fire.
Fire separation
Walls, ceiling and doors between the two units specified to the rating the code requires.
Alarms and ventilation
Interconnected smoke and CO alarms, plus the heating and ventilation layout for the suite.
Structure
Beams, posts and any load-bearing wall changes, engineered so the city doesn't send it back.
How it works
From first call to a permit-ready drawing package.
Tell us about the basement
Send the address and a few photos. We check zoning and what the city will need.
Fixed quote
You get one price for the drawings and engineering before anything starts.
Measure and design
We measure the space and draw the suite to the Building Code and Fire Code.
Permit package
You get stamped drawings for your application, and we answer the examiner's comments.
Other basement permit drawings we do
The same team handles the structural work that often comes with a basement suite.
Basement building permit drawings
Finishing or renovating a basement that needs a permit, even without a second unit.
Separate side entrance
Foundation openings, below-grade stairs and retaining walls for a walk-up entrance.
Load-bearing wall removal
Beam and post design to open up the basement or main floor.
Garage and garden suites
Converting a garage or building a second unit in the backyard.
Questions we get about basement suites
Can my basement become a legal apartment?
In most serviced urban areas of Ontario, a house can have up to three residential units, so a basement apartment is usually allowed. Your municipality's zoning, parking and servicing rules still apply, and the basement has to meet the Building Code and Fire Code for a second unit. We check this before any drawings are started.
Do I need an engineer for basement permit drawings?
Many basement suites need structural design: a new side entrance cut through the foundation, a widened window for egress, or a load-bearing wall that has to move. Having drawings and engineering from one team avoids back-and-forth when the city asks for structural details.
My basement is already finished. Can it still be legalized?
Yes. We document what is there, show what has to change to meet code, and prepare drawings for the permit to legalize the existing unit.
How much do basement permit drawings cost?
It depends on the size of the basement and whether structural work like a side entrance is involved. Send us the address and a few photos and we will give you a fixed quote.
Which areas do you serve?
All of Ontario, including Durham Region, the GTA, London, Ottawa and surrounding areas. Much of the work can be done from photos and a site measure.
Ready to make your basement a legal unit?
Send us the address and a few details. We'll tell you what's needed and give you a fixed price.
Get a free quote
Tell us about the basement. We reply within 1 hour.
Thank you
We have received your request and will be in touch shortly.