Project goals
- Create a second fully functional, code-compliant unit
- Maximize rental income and ROI for the client
- Improve safety, functionality, and marketability
- Modernize both units with cohesive, contemporary finishes
- Ensure full legal compliance (fire separation, egress, electrical, plumbing)
What we did
The work behind the transformation.
Full Basement Conversion to a Legal Second Unit
The original basement was outdated and underutilized. We transformed it into a bright, efficient apartment with:
- A full kitchen
- Separate laundry
- New 3-piece bathroom
- Legal egress window
- Proper fire separation & soundproofing
- Individual heating zones
This new unit meets all Ontario Building Code and fire safety requirements.
Structural, Plumbing & Electrical Upgrades
To ensure the home operates as two independent units, we completed:
- Dedicated electrical panel setup
- New plumbing runs for the second kitchen and bathroom
- HVAC upgrades and additional ventilation
- Reinforced floor structure
- Smoke/CO detectors interconnected between units
These improvements increased efficiency and allowed the home to pass all inspections smoothly.
Complete Renovation of the Main Unit
The upper unit also received a full makeover:
- New flooring and trim
- Fresh paint throughout
- Modern lighting and fixtures
- Updated kitchen with new finishes
- Refreshed bathroom
The result: a bright, stylish home ideal for owners or tenants.
Exterior Enhancements
To support the duplex layout and increase curb appeal, we added:
- A dedicated entrance for the lower unit
- Updated steps and exterior lighting
- Driveway modifications for separate parking
- Minor landscaping to freshen the exterior
The results
A completed space built for real life.
The property is now a fully legal, two-unit home with exceptional rental potential and strong resale value. Key benefits:
- Two independent, modern living spaces
- Low-maintenance finishes ideal for tenants
- High return on investment for the client
- A property that meets all legal and safety requirements
- Significantly improved market appeal
The homeowner was thrilled with the transformation and impressed by how smoothly the project moved through planning, permit approvals, and final inspections.