Basement Renovations & Development in Calgary, Okotoks
Transforming Basements Into Warm, Functional Living Spaces Built for Your Lifestyle
Your basement holds incredible potential. Whether you’re looking for more room for family life, a dedicated office, a private guest suite, or a revenue-generating secondary suite, we design and develop basements that feel natural, comfortable, and truly connected to the rest of your home. From planning and permits to construction and finishing, our team handles everything with precision, transparency, and craftsmanship you can trust.
Looking for more upgrades? Explore our full range of home renovations.
Trusted in Calgary & Okotoks
+50 Five-Star Reviews
Licensed & Insured
Full Written Warranties
Red Seal Trades
✔ Itemized, no‑pressure estimates
✔ Clean, respectful jobsite
✔ Permit‑aware planning
At Elevation Renovations, we provide high-quality renovations throughout Calgary, Okotoks, and the Foothills—
without the layers of management, sales staff, and overhead that drive up costs at large renovation companies.
We’re a small, owner-led team. That means the people planning your renovation are the same people overseeing the work.
coordinating trades, and checking the details on site. Fewer handoffs. Clear communication. Better value for your budget.
Our clients appreciate that they’re paying for skilled work and careful planning.
not a showroom, sales commissions, or unnecessary administrative layers.
Why Homeowners Are Finishing Their Basements Now More Than Ever
Your basement may be the most valuable square footage in your home—and the least used. A properly finished basement adds comfort, versatility, and long-term value without changing your home’s footprint.
Benefits of a Professionally Developed Basement
Your basement is often the largest unused area in your home. When developed properly, it becomes warm, comfortable, and fully functional—adding value, flexibility, and long-term comfort.
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Expand your usable living space dramatically
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Increase property value and resale appeal
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Create a warm, cozy family zone for movie nights or hosting
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Add bedrooms or bathrooms without major renovations
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Build a legal or non-legal suite for long-term rental income
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Create a dedicated home office or gym away from daily distractions
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Improve energy efficiency through better insulation and lighting
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Design a flexible space that grows with your family
A basement renovation is one of the highest-return upgrades you can make—both financially and for quality of life. For ideas on how your basement can work with updates on the main floor, you can also review our home renovation services.
What We Can Build in Your Basement
Your vision drives the design. We help you choose a layout that fits your life today and adapts for the future.
Popular Basement Spaces Homeowners Love
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Family room / TV lounge with built-in sound or media features
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Extra bedrooms with proper egress windows
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Full bathrooms with modern fixtures and custom layouts
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Home theatre or media room with acoustic options
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Wet bar or full kitchenette for entertaining or suites
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Dedicated home office with sound reduction and smart storage
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Fitness room or studio with proper flooring and ventilation
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Laundry room improvements for function and convenience
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Custom storage solutions to keep the home organized
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Children’s play area or teen lounge
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Legal or non-legal basement suites
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Craft, workshop or hobby rooms
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Pet-friendly spaces or mudroom extensions
Whatever you imagine, we design and build it with care, drawing on experience from bathroom renovations and kitchen renovations throughout your home.
Our Complete Basement Renovation Process
Renovation shouldn’t be stressful. We follow a proven, transparent workflow that keeps your project organized and predictable—from the first conversation to the final walkthrough.
Step 1: In-Home Consultation & Assessment
We begin with an on-site meeting to understand your goals and review the existing space.
During this visit, we assess:
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Ceiling height, beams, posts and ductwork
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Foundation condition and moisture history
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Electrical, plumbing and HVAC layout
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Window sizes and potential egress requirements
This gives us a complete picture of what’s possible and what’s needed before design begins.
Step 2: Custom Design & Detailed Planning
Next, we turn your ideas into a clear, functional layout that fits how you live.
Your design plan includes:
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Room layout options and flow
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Bedroom, bathroom and storage placement
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Electrical, lighting and HVAC improvements
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Material and finish recommendations
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Transparent pricing and timeline expectations
This step ensures your basement is planned with purpose, comfort, and long-term value. Compare this to our wider approach on the renovation services page.
Step 3: Permits, Drawings & Code Compliance
Once the design is approved, we prepare all drawings and handle the full permit process.
We take care of:
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Creating permit-ready construction plans
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Submitting applications to the city
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Coordinating inspections and revisions
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Ensuring building, plumbing and electrical code compliance
This keeps everything legal, safe, and fully documented for future resale.
Step 4: Professional Construction & Build-Out
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With permits in place, construction begins, and our skilled trades bring your plan to life.
This stage includes:
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Framing, insulation and vapour barrier systems
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Plumbing, electrical and HVAC rough-ins
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Egress window installation (if needed)
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Drywall, ceilings, flooring and finishes
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Trim, paint, fixtures and custom details
We maintain a clean worksite and provide consistent updates throughout the build.
Step 5: Final Inspection, Cleanup & Handover
When construction is complete, we review the entire space with you to ensure everything meets expectations.
This final step includes:
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Complete walkthrough and quality inspection
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Testing fixtures, systems and safety features
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Touch-ups and adjustments if needed
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Full cleanup and space preparation
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Warranty outline and care guidance
Your new basement is now ready to enjoy—finished, polished, and built to last.
Renovation Resources: After your project is finished, protect your investment with our Post‑Renovation Maintenance Checklist (Calgary & Okotoks)—what to do in the first 30 days, seasonal upkeep, and how to keep finishes looking new.
Basement Renovation Costs & Timelines
We provide clear, honest pricing and realistic timelines so you know exactly what to expect before the project begins.
Typical Basement Investment Ranges
Every basement is different, but most projects fall into these common ranges:
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Basic basement finishing: From $35,000+ for open living spaces
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Full basement development: $60,000–$120,000+ with bedrooms, bathrooms and custom features
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Basement suites: Pricing depends on code requirements, egress, plumbing and mechanical upgrades
Your final estimate is based on size, layout, materials, and the amount of mechanical work. You can also compare this with pricing seen in our bathroom renovations.
Project Timeline Overview
A well-planned basement renovation moves smoothly when each stage is coordinated properly:
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Basic finishing: Approximately 4–6 weeks
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Full development: Typically 6–8 weeks
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Suite or complex layout: Often 8–10+ weeks
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Permit approvals: May extend timelines depending on city processing
We provide a detailed schedule during the planning phase so you always know what’s next.
Renovation Resources: After your project is finished, protect your investment with our Post‑Renovation Maintenance Checklist (Calgary & Okotoks)—what to do in the first 30 days, seasonal upkeep, and how to keep finishes looking new.
Planning basement renovations in Okotoks? Read our Basement Renovations in Okotoks: Cost, Timeline & Planning Checklist to budget smarter, avoid permit surprises, and get accurate quotes.
Basement renovations succeed or fail below the surface
A finished basement only performs as well as the systems behind the walls. Moisture control, insulation strategy, ceiling height decisions, mechanical planning, and code compliance all determine whether a basement feels like living space — or a compromised afterthought.
We treat basements as technical builds, not cosmetic upgrades.
1. Moisture is assessed before finishes are planned
No basement renovation should begin without understanding how moisture moves through the space. Water intrusion, vapour drive, and seasonal humidity all affect material selection and wall assemblies.
We assess moisture conditions first so insulation, framing, and finishes are designed for long-term performance, not short-term appearance.
4. Code requirements shape design, not just inspections
Egress, fire separation, stair geometry, and smoke control are not optional considerations. They influence room placement, window sizing, and overall layout.
We design basement renovations to meet code from the outset so inspections confirm work—not halt it.
2. Ceiling height dictates layout and scope
Ceiling height affects everything: room layout, bulkhead placement, lighting strategy, and mechanical routing. Poor planning here results in awkward soffits and reduced usability.
We plan layouts around available height and mechanical constraints before framing begins to avoid compromises later.
5. Sound control is planned into the structure
Basements often sit directly below primary living areas. Without proper sound control, finished spaces transmit noise both ways.
We incorporate sound-mitigation strategies during framing and insulation so the basement functions as true living space, not a noise amplifier.
3. Mechanical and HVAC planning happens early
Basements often rely on existing systems that were never designed for finished living space. Heating, cooling, ventilation, and airflow must be evaluated before walls are built.
We coordinate mechanical planning early so finished spaces are comfortable year-round, not retrofitted after the fact.
6. Scope is locked before finishing begins
Basements offer many “add-on” opportunities once construction starts. Without clear scope control, projects expand quickly and unpredictably.
We finalize scope, selections, and sequencing before finishing so timelines and budgets remain controlled.
What this means for clients
A basement renovation should add usable, comfortable square footage—not hidden problems. Our approach prioritizes system performance, code compliance, and durability so the space feels intentional, compliant, and fully integrated into the home.
Client Testimonials
Our reputation is built on communication, craftsmanship, and consistently delivering results homeowners love.
— Megan R., Calgary
“Our basement is now the most comfortable room in the house. Professional, clean and excellent workmanship from start to finish.”
— Chris D., Okotoks
“We added a full bathroom, bedroom, and family room. The quality is outstanding, and the process was easy thanks to their clear communication.”
— Danielle S., Foothills
“Our new basement suite passed inspections with no issues, and the finish quality is fantastic. Highly recommend this team.”
See more transformations in our project gallery.
What happens next?
1) We reply within 1 business day
2) Quick 15-minute phone consultation
3) On-site visit + clear, itemized estimate
4) No pressure—you decide how to proceed
5) We respect your time and your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer the most common questions homeowners have before starting a basement renovation.
Do you handle permits? Yes. We prepare the drawings, submit the applications, and coordinate all inspections. You don’t have to deal with the city at any stage. Can you build a basement during winter? Definitely. Since the work is indoors, winter projects often move just as smoothly as summer ones. Do you install egress windows? Yes. We install egress windows and wells, ensuring they meet all current escape and safety regulations for bedrooms and suites. What flooring is best for basements? Vinyl plank, tile, engineered hardwood, and low-profile carpet are the most popular. We help you choose options that resist moisture and hold up long-term. Do you build legal basement suites? Yes—depending on local zoning and code requirements. We handle permits, ventilation, egress, plumbing, and electrical to ensure full compliance. How soon can you start? Start dates vary based on the season and project load, but we provide a clear timeline after your consultation and lock it into your agreement. What’s included in a full basement development? Design, planning, permits, framing, insulation, vapor barrier, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, drywall, flooring, paint, trim, fixtures, and all finishing touches.
For more questions about whole-home projects, visit our home renovation FAQs.