Get a clear price, a custom design and a basement built properly from the start, from finished family spaces to legal rental suites.
Finished living space, entertainment areas, or a legal second unit. This is what we build.
Rental and income suites with separate entrances, egress windows, fire safety, ventilation, a full kitchen and a bathroom.
See what it could earnHome theatres, wet bars, fireplaces and built-ins that make the space a place to gather.
Basement bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchenettes with proper rough-ins and drainage.
Framed walls with insulation and a vapour barrier, built to keep the space warm and dry.
Pot lights, outlets, smoke and CO alarms, and panel work where needed.
New or rebuilt stairs with safe, code-compliant railings, including glass and cable options.
Vinyl plank, engineered wood or tile over a prepared slab, with clean finishing details.
Purpose-built rooms designed around how you will use them.
See what a legal basement apartment could earn in your town, how much of your mortgage it could cover, and the return on your build.
Step by step
A basement renovation builds an entire finished space inside a concrete shell. Here is the order that keeps it dry, code-compliant and livable.
13 stages, start to finish
We lay out the rooms, whether that's a rec room, bedrooms, a bathroom or a kitchenette, and check ceiling height and window sizes against Ontario's egress requirements before anything is finalized.
Permit drawings are submitted and electrical, plumbing and HVAC subs are booked. Most basement renovations legally require a permit, especially if a bedroom or bathroom is being added.
Framing lumber, insulation, doors, flooring and fixtures are ordered so the crew isn't waiting mid-build.
Any dampness or cracks are dealt with first, then a subfloor system is installed over the concrete. Finishing over a damp basement is the single most expensive mistake to undo later, so this step never gets skipped.
Stud walls define the new rooms and closets, and bulkheads are framed to hide ductwork and pipes without dropping the ceiling more than necessary.
Wiring, pot light boxes, and plumbing for any bathroom or kitchenette are run, and HVAC ductwork is extended to heat and cool the new rooms, all before the walls close up.
Exterior walls are insulated and sealed to current code, which is what keeps the space warm, dry and free of condensation behind the drywall for years.
Walls and ceilings are hung, taped, mudded, sanded and primed, turning framed rooms into an actual space for the first time.
Flooring goes down through the main areas, with tile in any wet zones like a bathroom or laundry room.
Walls and ceilings are painted before trim and cabinetry go in, so there's no cutting in around finished millwork.
Baseboards, casings and interior doors are installed once the paint is dry and the floor is down, defining the finished lines of every room.
Kitchenette cabinets, a bathroom vanity, and all plumbing and electrical fixtures and appliances are installed and hooked up.
We fix any marks from the build, clean the whole space and walk it with you room by room before handover.
Illustrative sequence — icons represent each construction stage. Real project photos appear throughout the rest of this page.
Working with us
The short version of what to expect on your basement project, beginning to end.
Job photos from recent projects in Oshawa and Whitby. Open any photo to enlarge it.
Choosing materials
Cost, durability, upkeep and lifespan side by side, so you can choose with confidence.
Basements have concrete below and moisture around, so the floor matters more here than anywhere else.
From our workFinished basements, rental suites and rooms with moisture risk
Can dent under heavy furniture; needs a flat subfloor
Dry, well-controlled basements where you want real wood
Flooding or high humidity can ruin it; needs a proper subfloor
Dry basements on a budget
Not waterproof; swells if the basement floods
From our workBasement bathrooms, laundry rooms and entryways
Cold underfoot; consider in-floor heat
Rule of thumb. For a basement, waterproof floors are the safest bet. LVP is the most popular choice. Use porcelain in bathrooms and laundry rooms, and keep real wood for dry, well-controlled basements.
Approximate installed cost per sq ft. Subfloor systems and moisture barriers are quoted separately when needed. Costs are approximate installed prices for Durham Region and the GTA (CAD) and vary with product, size and site conditions. They are for comparison only. Your free design and written, itemized quote will give you exact numbers.
Ceilings hide ducts, pipes and wiring, and set how bright and tall the room feels.
From our workMost finished basements, with cove and pot lighting
Harder to reach pipes and wiring; damaged if it gets wet
Utility areas and spaces that need easy access
Needs extra height and can look commercial
Rule of thumb. Drywall gives the cleanest look. Use a drop ceiling only where you need regular access to valves, cleanouts or wiring; access panels solve most of that in drywall.
Approximate installed cost per sq ft of ceiling, including finishing and paint. Costs are approximate installed prices for Durham Region and the GTA (CAD) and vary with product, size and site conditions. They are for comparison only. Your free design and written, itemized quote will give you exact numbers.
What goes between the concrete and your new floor decides how dry, warm and solid it feels.
Any finished floor, including carpet, and rooms that see heavy use
Raises the floor at doors and stairs; uneven slabs need shimming
Floating vinyl plank (5 mm or thicker) and laminate, especially where headroom is tight
Not for tile, carpet or thin vinyl; the slab has to be flat
Rule of thumb. DMX 1-Step is the lean choice under floating vinyl plank or laminate when every bit of ceiling height counts. DRICORE costs more but gives a solid base that works under any floor and feels warmer underfoot.
Approximate installed cost per sq ft of floor, before the finished flooring. Both systems let moisture from the slab dry out instead of getting trapped under your floor. Costs are approximate installed prices for Durham Region and the GTA (CAD) and vary with product, size and site conditions. They are for comparison only. Your free design and written, itemized quote will give you exact numbers.
We will walk you through the options at your site visit and price them side by side, so you can see exactly what each choice does to your budget.
Straight talk on cost
What drives the price of a basement renovation, where you can save, and where cutting corners costs you more later. No jargon and nothing hidden.
A rough split for a typical basement project. Every job is different, and your itemized quote shows your own numbers.
The biggest cost drivers
A legal suite adds fire separation, egress windows, alarms, minimum ceiling heights, separate systems and more inspections.
Adding a bathroom or kitchenette below the main drain can mean cutting the slab or installing a pump.
Cracks, leaks and humidity must be dealt with first. Finishing over a damp basement is expensive to redo.
Working around them takes extra framing and design to keep the space usable and bright.
More circuits, pot lights and a kitchen can push you into a panel upgrade.
Smart ways to spend less
Run plumbing for a future bathroom now and finish it when your budget allows.
Fewer walls and doors mean less framing, drywall and trim.
Working with the furnace, panel and drains where they are avoids costly moves.
LVP costs less than tile or hardwood and suits basements well.
Finish the main living space first and leave storage and utility areas for later.
Where quality pays for itself
Fixing leaks and using proper vapour control and insulation keeps the space dry, warm and mould-free.
Proper exits, alarms and separations protect your family and your insurance.
Unpermitted work can complicate insurance and resale.
Basements need many circuits and lights. Under-building it is hard to fix after drywall.
If your basement has ever been wet, protection against water is cheap next to a flooded finished space.
Some of the biggest price gaps between contractors come from what is left out, not what is included.
Ask about flooring, lighting and bathroom-fixture allowances. Are the amounts realistic for what you want?
These are real costs. Cheaper quotes sometimes leave them out.
Old wiring, rot or damp can appear once walls open. Know how surprises are handled.
A single lump sum makes it impossible to compare quotes fairly.
Every Ramsauer quote is written and itemized, so you can see all of this line by line before you commit.
18 Google reviews
Rated 4.3 out of 5 by our clients on Google
Real reviews from real homeowners, straight from Google. Hover over (or tap) any review to pause it and read it in full.
We worked with Ramsauer Renovations to enlarge and renovate our primary bathroom/ensuite. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish. From the initial meet and greet, the design consultation, to the breakdown of time line and prices, up the very end. Ramsauer renovations were a delight to work with. They were communicative, responsive and detail oriented. Demo days were quick and the crew always ended the day with vacuuming and cleaning their work area. They were respectable and mindful to the fact that we remained living in house during renos. They were very attentive to design details and you could tell they took pride in their craftsmanship. Ramsauer Renovations were reliable on time lines and pricing, their estimations also proved to be very accurate. We felt comfortable approaching them with any questions and concerns and never felt anxious about having them in our house unsupervised while we were at work. Overall this was a fantastic experience and we couldnt be happier with our new primary ensuite bathroom. We would definitely be turning to Ramsauer Renovations for any future projects and 100% recommend their services.
Ramsauer Reno renovated my basement with top notch professional service. We received great quality service and communication quickly and they were easy to work with. Jim and his team were always willing to answer my questions or make a recommendation even after the work was completed. Every aspect of the project was done professionally with great products and great service. They were neat and clean. I have no hesitation in recommending Ramsauer Reno to anyone thinking of renovating their basement or home renovation. We will definitely be using Ramsauer Reno for our next home improvement project!
Excellent work, they will work with you to ensure your project meets your needs and budget. Ramsaur Reno has renovated 2 bathrooms for me, extremely satisfied with both.
Straight answers about pricing, permits and timelines. Anything else, just ask.
Yes. Any major basement renovation, especially creating a legal apartment, requires permits to make sure the work meets building codes for safety, plumbing and electrical systems. We handle the permit process for you.
A legal basement apartment needs the proper permits, a separate entrance, fire safety compliance, egress windows, ventilation, and a full kitchen and bathroom.
Most basements fall between $27,000 and $90,000+, depending on size, finishes and whether it is a personal space or a legal rental unit. A full legal suite involves more investment for code compliance.
A standard finished basement typically takes 3–4 weeks. A full legal apartment with plumbing, electrical and inspections takes closer to 2 months.
Yes. Even if the basement is already finished, it can be upgraded to meet legal standards with the right permits, design changes and safety upgrades.
How-to guides, design ideas and trends for your basement project.
5 min read
What makes a basement unit legal, and how to plan the project so it passes inspection the first time.
Read articleA legal second unit can add usable space, rental income and value to your home. It also has to meet strict rules, so planning matters.
Ceiling height, window size and the location of ducts, beams and the panel can decide what is practical. A site visit early on saves you from designing something that can't be built.
Requirements and zoning for second units vary by municipality and change over time. Check with your local building department, or let us handle the discussion.
A legal suite generally takes longer than a standard finished basement, roughly two months when plumbing, electrical and inspections are included.
The takeaway: start with the rules, then design the layout, so the unit is legal, comfortable and built once.
4 min read
Lighting, colour, ceilings and layout tricks that turn a low-ceilinged basement into a place you want to be.
Read articleThe best finished basements don't feel like basements. Design choices do most of the work.
Recessed pot lights spaced evenly provide general light. Add lit coves, wall lighting or feature lighting so the room doesn't feel flat. Dimmers let one room serve as a family space and a movie room.
Where windows are small, larger egress-size windows and light-coloured trim help. Glass railings and open stair designs let light travel through the space.
Soft neutral walls and a light or mid-tone floor reflect light. Vinyl plank and engineered flooring give a warm, wood look and handle a below-grade environment well.
Keep bulkheads tidy and painted the same colour as the ceiling so they disappear. A single flush ceiling height feels larger than a mix of levels.
A fireplace wall with built-ins, a wet bar or a home theatre wall gives the space a purpose and a place for the eye to land.
The takeaway: light, warm and tidy wins in a basement. Plan lighting and ceilings before the walls go up.
3 min read
Income suites, multigenerational living and flexible rooms are shaping how homeowners use their lower level.
Read articleThe lower level is becoming one of the most flexible spaces in the house. These are the directions we see homeowners asking about.
With housing costs high, many homeowners are adding a legal second unit to offset their mortgage or house family. Good layouts give each unit its own light, entrance and privacy.
Suites for parents or adult children, with their own kitchenette and bathroom, are increasingly common.
Home offices, gyms and guest rooms that can change roles over time. Built-in storage and simple, adaptable layouts help.
Theatre and bar spaces are shifting toward warmer, more residential finishes, with stone or wood feature walls, built-ins and integrated lighting.
Better insulation, moisture control and air quality are part of the conversation, since a basement people enjoy needs to be warm and dry.
Our advice: design the basement so it can change with you. Good bones, generous light and smart storage never go out of style.
How we work
Plan, price and build with permits and inspections included.
Send the quick form or call. Tell us what you want the space to do.
We visit, measure, and check ceiling heights and windows, so the plan fits your basement.
We map out the layout, features and full scope, whether it is a family room, a suite or both, with a detailed estimate and no surprises.
A clear contract and permits arranged, then framing, insulation, rough-ins, finishing and inspections, ending in a final walkthrough.
Planning your project? Get a free design and estimate.
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