Basement development is the process of transforming an unfinished or underutilized basement into functional, finished living space that seamlessly integrates with the rest of your home. The ultimate goal is to maximize square footage and property value without building an addition, creating a valuable asset tailored to your specific needs, comfort, and potential income generation.
The process is comprehensive, ensuring the space is safe, comfortable, and legal.
Key stages include:
Planning and Design: Determining the optimal layout, functionality (such as extra bedrooms, a home office, a gym, or a legal secondary suite), and overall aesthetic of the new area.
Permitting and Code Compliance: Managing all necessary permits with local authorities like the City of Calgary to ensure the structure, electrical systems, plumbing, and safety features meet all current building codes.
Construction and Finishing: A multi-phase process that covers everything from framing walls and installing mechanical systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) to adding insulation, drywall, painting, flooring, and final customization like custom cabinetry or a wet bar.
Let us partner with you in making your basement vision a reality!
We are licensed contractors, adhering to City of Calgary permit requirements (we cover surrounding area, thanks to our partners), and managing costs that typically range from $30 to $100 per square foot.
When planning your basement development, keep the following crucial points in mind:
Navigating Permits: Securing the necessary permits from the City of Calgary is non-negotiable. Any new construction, structural alteration, or the addition of a legal secondary suite (which requires both building and development permits) must comply with local regulations. Many contractors handle this paperwork as part of their service.
Budgeting Realistically: Costs fluctuate based on material quality, size, and amenities (like adding plumbing). You should budget for:
Basic finishing: $30–$50 per square foot.
Standard finishing: $50–$80 per square foot.
Premium/Custom finishing: Often over $80 per square foot.
Expect to invest roughly $35,000 to $125,000 in total for an average project this year (2025).
Project Duration: While a typical renovation wraps up in 6 to 10 weeks, the timeline can stretch depending on the complexity of your custom design.
Boosting Your Equity: A finished basement is more than just extra room; it's a strategic investment that substantially expands your usable living space and enhances the resale value of your property.
When budgeting for a basement development in Calgary and surrounding areas, project costs typically span a wide range, generally falling between $30 and $100 per square foot, depending on your specific requirements.
To help you plan realistically:
Cost Breakdown & Budget:
Basic finishing: $30–$50 per square foot.
Standard finishing: $50–$80 per square foot.
Premium/Custom finishing: Often exceeds $80 per square foot.
Total Investment: For an average project in 2025, expect a total budget commitment ranging from $35,000 to $125,000. These costs are influenced by the quality of materials selected, the size of the space, and the inclusion of complex amenities such as new plumbing for bathrooms or wet bars.
At Ocon Services, we are affordable, providing value for money!
Popularly called Basement Grant in Calgary
OCON Services helps homeowners maximize the benefits of the City of Calgary Secondary Suite Incentive Program by integrating the program's requirements into their end-to-end design and construction process, making it simpler for clients to qualify for up to $10,000 in rebates.
Here is how they assist:
Eligibility Guidance: We ensure your project plan meets the City's specific criteria for a legal secondary suite, such as zoning requirements and safety standards, from the outset.
Permit Management: We handle the entire building permit application process, which is a mandatory prerequisite for applying to the incentive program itself. This ensures all documentation (detailed floor plans, mechanical/electrical documents, etc.) is correct and submitted properly.
Code-Compliant Construction: OCON specifically incorporates all the eligible safety elements into their build plan, ensuring they meet strict safety codes. These elements qualify for reimbursement, including:
Installing proper egress windows in bedrooms.
Implementing hardwired, interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Creating required smoke-tight barriers between the main dwelling and the suite.
Ensuring protected exits.
Installing split heat/separate air systems if needed.
Timing of Application: OCON helps homeowners understand that the incentive program application must be submitted and conditionally approved before work on the specific safety elements is completed to qualify for funding. They coordinate project timelines to align with this crucial requirement.
Documentation Support: While the homeowner must technically apply for the incentive themselves and receive the funds directly, OCON provides the necessary paid invoices and documentation required by the City to verify the costs incurred for the safety upgrades.
Accessibility & Efficiency Bonuses: They can also design and build the suite to meet the requirements for additional funding streams within the program, such as the bonuses available for accessible suites or energy-efficient upgrades.
By managing the technical and logistical complexities, OCON Services ensures that your basement development is not only up to code and built to your specifications but also positioned to successfully secure the maximum available municipal incentives.
Calgary - Secondary Suite Incentive Program (up to $10,000)
https://www.calgary.ca/development/home-building/secondary-suite-incentive-program.html?redirect=/suite-incentive
Calgary - Secondary Suite Incentive Application
https://forms.calgary.ca/content/forms/af/public/public/pl1311.html
OCON Services is a local construction company that is deeply rooted in the conviction that every space holds the potential to transform into a masterpiece.
We acts as a comprehensive, end-to-end partner in transforming your unfinished basement into a functional, safe, and personalized extension of your home. We provide expertise beyond simple construction, handling all aspects of the project and ensuring compliance with local Calgary codes and regulations.
We offers a full range of services, including:
Custom Design and Planning: We work with you to create a unique, functional layout that matches your lifestyle and needs (e.g., home theatre, gym, guest suite, legal secondary suite). This involves a custom free floor plan when we build for you.
Permit and Code Management: We manage the entire permit acquisition process (building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC) and ensure all work adheres to local building codes, including specific requirements for egress windows, fire safety, and secondary suite zoning in Calgary and surrounding areas.
Project Management: An OCON project manager coordinates all aspects of the renovation, including scheduling and overseeing various qualified tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, HVAC specialists, etc.), ensuring timely completion and quality control.
Construction and Installation: We perform all construction tasks, from initial framing and insulation to final finishes like drywall, painting, flooring installation, tiling, etc. to project completion and handover.
Moisture Control & Waterproofing: Basements are uniquely susceptible to moisture issues. We assess and implements specialized solutions like proper insulation and vapor barriers to prevent water damage and mold growth.
Specialized Installations: We incorporate custom features and complex installations such as built-in cabinetry, wet bars, specific lighting systems, and specialized wiring for entertainment systems.
Warranty and Insurance: We carry liability insurance and offer warranties on our workmanship, providing peace of mind and protection against future issues.
Overall Value Proposition
Ultimately, OCON Services saves you time, manages the complexity, and ensures the safety and quality of the project. Our expertise transforms an underutilized, blank canvas into a valuable asset that enhances your home's functionality, income generation, and market value without the stress of managing a complex DIY project or coordinating multiple contractors yourself.
In most cases, yes. Permits are typically required for basement developments that involve structural changes such as adding windows or expanding square footage. It's important to check with local building codes and regulations before starting any renovation project.
Common features found in finished basements include additional bedrooms or living spaces, bathrooms, home theaters, custom storage solutions, wet bars or kitchenette areas, and soundproofing for noise control.
Yes! Finished basements offer great flexibility for customization based on your needs and preferences. You can choose layout designs, elegant furniture, colors schemes , floorings options, etc.