Transform Your Basement: Regular & Legal Suites!

manages every stage, design, permits, construction, and handover, under one specialized roof!

*
*
*
About Us
Maple Leaf Basement is a full-service basement renovation company serving the Greater Toronto Area, specializing in legal basement apartments, regular basement finishing, basement underpinning, and complete basement design, drawings, and permit management.

What sets Maple Leaf Basement apart:

  • Licensed trades on every project — licensed electricians with ESA permits, licensed plumbers with plumbing permits
  • In-house design and permit management — BCIN-qualified designers, OBC-compliant drawings, all permits managed from application through close-out
  • Structural engineering coordination — P.Eng. stamped drawings on every underpinning and load-bearing scope
  • Full transparency — detailed written estimates, written material specifications, and written contracts before construction begins
  • 1–2 year workmanship warranty — all completed work backed in writing
  • GCL insured and WSIB compliant — verifiable certificates provided before work begins

Services

Design / Drawing / Permit

Professional architectural plans, drawings, and municipal approvals secured before any work.

Regular Basement Finishing

Convert your unfinished basement into a comfortable, functional, and livable space.

Legal Basement Renovation

Fully finished, code-compliant basement suite ready for rental and legal occupancy.

Basement Underpinning

Increase your basement ceiling height with professional underpinning, the only code-compliant solution in the GTA.

Gallery

Testimonials

     

 Maple Leaf Basement transformed our unfinished basement into a beautiful family room. The team was professional, punctual, and kept us informed throughout. The finished space is warm, well-lit, and our kids use it every single day. Exactly what we envisioned. 

Sarah L.
Toronto
     

 We engaged Maple Leaf specifically for design and permit management before bringing in our own construction team, and the experience was outstanding from the very first consultation. Their drawings were complete, accurate, and fully OBC-compliant, approved on first submission with no comments or revision requests from the city building department. The permit process that we had dreaded turned out to be entirely stress-free because their team managed every communication and every inspection scheduling on our behalf. Their knowledge of Hamilton's specific permit requirements saved us weeks of back-and-forth and kept our project on schedule. We would not hesitate to recommend their design and permit service to any GTA homeowner. 

Steven N.
Oshawa
     

 Maple Leaf handled everything - design, permits, construction, and registration. Our legal basement apartment was completed on time and rent-ready at handover. We found a tenant within two weeks. The rental income already covers our monthly financing payment. Best investment we have ever made in this home. 

David K.
Toronto
     

 We needed a comfortable and private guest suite for visiting family members who stay with us regularly. Maple Leaf designed a bedroom, ensuite bathroom, and sitting area that functions beautifully as a self-contained space. The finish quality is excellent throughout - flooring, drywall, trim, and fixtures all done to a high standard. Our family loves staying there and always comments on how comfortable and well-designed it feels. Professional team, clean job site every day, and no surprises on the final invoice. Exactly as quoted. 

Lisa C.
Hamilton
     

 We wanted a proper home theatre, not just a television on a wall. Maple Leaf delivered exactly that - tiered seating, acoustic insulation, dimmable lighting, and full equipment integration. The result exceeded every expectation we had going in. Our family has not visited a movie theatre since it was completed. 

Jennifer M.
Vaughan
     

 Maple Leaf finished our basement with an open entertainment area and a custom wet bar that has become the centrepiece of every gathering we host. The cabinetry, countertop, plumbing, and lighting are all beautifully executed and clearly built to last. Every guest who visits comments on how impressive the space looks and feels. The team was skilled, organized, and communicative throughout the entire project. They delivered exactly what we discussed during the design phase without a single surprise. 

Robert H.
Whitby
     

 Maple Leaf built our below-grade separate entrance from excavation through to final finishing. The team was knowledgeable, code-compliant, and thorough at every stage. The finished entrance looks clean and blends beautifully with the home exterior. They managed every permit and inspection without any involvement from us whatsoever. A completely seamless experience from start to finish. 

Michael T.
Scarborough
     

 We were genuinely nervous about navigating the permit process for a legal basement suite. Maple Leaf handled every application, inspection, and municipal registration without us making a single call to the city ourselves. The finished unit is modern, functional, and beautifully finished throughout. Our tenant moved in the week after handover. The rental income has already made a meaningful difference to our monthly household budget and we could not be more satisfied. 

Christine W.
Markham
     

 Adding a bathroom to our basement made a significant difference in how our family uses the space every day. Maple Leaf managed the plumbing permit, rough-in, and full finish without a single issue arising. The 3-piece bathroom is beautifully tiled, well-designed, and exceeded our expectations in every way. Worth every penny and then some. We could not be happier. 

Amanda R.
Kitchener
  
Design / Drawing / Permit
At Maple Leaf Basement, every project is carefully planned before a single board is cut. The most expensive mistakes in GTA basement renovations happen before construction begins - missing permits, structural surprises, and code errors that could have been caught at the design stage. Our in-house service eliminates these problems from the start.

We focus on three key areas:

  • Design Services — floor plans, 3D visualizations, layout development, and material selection
  • Construction Drawings — BCIN-qualified architectural drawings, complete and OBC-compliant for permit submission
  • Permit Management — Building, ESA, and plumbing permits prepared, submitted, and managed through final close-out

⚠️ Important: Unpermitted work can result in stop-work orders, mandatory demolition, fines up to $50,000, and serious complications at resale. We never build without required permits.
Reno / Construction
At Maple Leaf Basement, basements are all we do, and that singular focus means every process we've built, every supplier relationship we've developed, and every lesson learned from hundreds of completed GTA projects goes exclusively toward making your renovation better.

What We Do:

  • Basement finishing and renovation — family rooms, home theatres, gyms, home offices, and guest suites
  • Legal basement apartment construction — fully permitted, OBC-compliant secondary suites for rental income
  • Design, drawings, and permit management — complete pre-construction planning and permit administration
  • Below-grade and separate entrance construction — code-compliant access for legal suite projects

When you hire Maple Leaf Basement, you get a team that has already solved every problem your basement is likely to present. If your project is your basement, you are in the right place.
Financing
A finished basement or rent-generating legal suite shouldn't have to wait until you've saved the full project cost. Through our trusted financing partner Financeit, Maple Leaf Basement offers flexible renovation financing that makes your project possible today, on a payment schedule that fits your budget.

Financing at a Glance:

  • Amount: $500 to $100,000
  • Approval: Fast, many applications same-day or next-day
  • Payments: Monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly
  • Credit check: Soft inquiry only, no impact on your score
  • Early repayment: Available without penalties on qualifying plans
  • Promotional options: Deferred payment plans available

What You Can Finance:

  • Basement finishing and renovation
  • Legal basement apartment construction
  • Design, drawings, and permit management
  • Below-grade and separate entrance construction
  • Any combination of the above
Basement Ideas
Not sure what you want to do with your basement? That's exactly where we start. At Maple Leaf Basement, many of our best projects began with a homeowner who simply knew they wanted to do something with the space, but hadn't yet decided what.

Your basement could become:

  • Family room or entertainment space — the most-used room in your home
  • Home theatre — designed for the experience, not just a big TV in a box
  • Home office or workspace — proper separation, lighting, and focus
  • Home gym — always available, always private, never crowded
  • Guest suite or in-law space — comfortable, private accommodation for family
  • Wet bar and entertainment bar — the destination for every gathering
  • Playroom or children's space — contained, bright, and built for creativity
  • Legal basement apartment — generating $1,500–$2,800/month in rental income
Cost Guide
At Maple Leaf Basement, we believe in complete pricing transparency. The following reflects what a properly permitted, licensed-trade, warranty-backed basement renovation genuinely costs in the current GTA market.

Regular Basement Finishing:
  • Basic (open plan, no bathroom): $40–$60+ per sq ft
  • Standard (+ 3-piece bathroom): $60–$90+ per sq ft
  • Mid-range (multiple rooms, wet bar, custom elements): $80–$110+ per sq ft
  • Premium (home theatre, custom bar, high-end finishes): $100–$130+ per sq ft

Legal Basement Apartment:
  • Standard conditions: $90,000–$130,000+
  • Complex conditions (underpinning, waterproofing): $130,000–$200,000+
  • Below-grade entrance only: $10,000–$20,000+

What Drives Your Cost:
  • Basement size and layout complexity
  • Whether a bathroom is included
  • Ceiling height and underpinning requirements
  • Material selections and finish level
Why Choose Us
Choosing the right basement contractor is one of the most consequential decisions a GTA homeowner can make. At Maple Leaf Basement, the difference is specific and verifiable, not marketing language.

Here's what sets us apart:

  • Basement specialists — it's the only work we do
  • One team — design, permits, and construction under one roof
  • Every permit managed in-house — Building, ESA, and plumbing on every project
  • Licensed trades on every project — licensed electricians, licensed plumbers, BCIN-qualified designers
  • Real insurance & WSIB compliance — verifiable, documented, and provided on request
  • 1–2 year workmanship warranty — in writing, backed by a real company
  • Transparent, itemized pricing — every line item documented before work begins
  • Flexible financing & up to 5% price match — $500–$100,000 through Financeit
Our Process
Uncertainty is the primary source of renovation stress. At Maple Leaf Basement, our six-step process is designed to eliminate that uncertainty, not by pretending complications don't exist, but by managing them transparently at every stage.

From first conversation to finished basement:

  • Step 1 — Consultation: Free in-person site assessment, goals, and budget discussion
  • Step 2 — Design & Drawings: Floor plans, 3D visualizations, and OBC-compliant construction drawings
  • Step 3 — Permitting: All applications prepared, submitted, and managed in-house
  • Step 4 — Construction: Licensed trades, coordinated sequencing, and regular project updates
  • Step 5 — Quality Inspection: Internal review and all city and ESA inspections coordinated
  • Step 6 — Handover: Room-by-room walkthrough, permit close-out package, and warranty documentation delivered

One process. Total transparency. Your finished basement, done right.

Service Areas

Maple Leaf Basement provides basement finishing, legal basement apartment construction, and complete design, drawing, and permit management across the GTA and surrounding communities.

Ajax
Ancaster
Angus
Aurora
Barrie
Bolton
Bowmanville
Bradford
Brampton
Brantford
Brock
Burlington
Caledon
Cambridge
Clarington
Cobourg
Concord
East Gwillimbury
East York
Etobicoke
Georgetown
Georgina
GTA Centre
GTA East (Durham)
GTA West
Guelph
Hamilton
Innisfil
Kawartha Lakes
King City
Kitchener
Maple
Markham
Milton
Mississauga
Mono
New Tecumseth
Newcastle
Newmarket
North York
Oakville
Orangeville
Oshawa
Peterborough
Pickering
Port Hope
Port Perry
Rexdale
Richmond Hill
Scarborough
Thornhill
Toronto
Unionville
Uxbridge
Vaughan
Waterloo
Whitby
Whitchurch-Stouffville
Woodbridge
York
Call/Text:
+1 (647) 560-0708
Call or text us today for a free consultation and no-obligation estimate. The conversation costs nothing, and it leaves you with a clear picture of what your basement could become, what it will cost, and exactly what to expect.

Get Estimate

Ready to get started? Whether you have a clear vision for your basement or are just beginning to explore what is possible, the team at Maple Leaf Basement is here to help. Reach out today, the conversation costs nothing.

What to Expect After You Contact Us:
  • We respond within one business day — no long waits, no chasing
  • We schedule a free in-person consultation — a thorough site assessment at your property, at no cost and no obligation
  • Honest professional advice — we tell you exactly what is possible, what it costs, and what the process looks like
*
*
*
*




 
 
 
 
 

FAQs

Maple Leaf Basement specializes in three core services: regular basement finishing and renovation - transforming unfinished or outdated basements into family rooms, home theatres, gyms, offices, and guest suites; legal basement apartment construction - fully permitted, OBC-compliant secondary suites that generate $1,500–$2,800/month in rental income; and complete design, drawing, and permit management - the full pre-construction planning and permit administration service that supports both. Basements are all we do, and that singular focus makes us better at it than any general contractor serving the GTA.
Regular finishing ranges from $40–$60+ per sq ft for a basic open-plan finish to $100–$130+ per sq ft for premium custom elements. A standard 700 sq ft finish with a 3-piece bathroom typically runs $50,000–$70,000+. Legal basement apartments start at $90,000–$130,000 for standard conditions and $130,000–$200,000+ for complex conditions requiring underpinning or significant waterproofing. Every Maple Leaf Basement estimate is detailed, itemized, and based on an in-person site assessment - provided at no cost and no obligation.
Regular finishing for 600–900 sq ft typically takes 6–10 weeks from construction start. Legal basement apartments require 10–16 weeks of construction plus 4–8 weeks for permit approval. Premium custom renovations can run 12–22 weeks. Legal suites requiring underpinning add 4–8 more weeks to the construction phase. Design and permit phases precede construction in all cases. We provide a detailed project schedule before any work begins and communicate any adjustments proactively throughout the project.
Most GTA basement renovations require a building permit and often ESA and plumbing permits. Any new habitable space, structural modifications, new plumbing rough-ins, or electrical work requires permits. Legal basement apartments always require all three permit types - building, ESA, and plumbing - plus municipal registration at completion. Maple Leaf Basement manages every permit stream completely in-house, from first application through final close-out. You never contact a building department yourself at any stage of your project.
Yes, in almost all cases. Basement renovation is below grade and does not require homeowners to vacate. We use dust containment measures at the stairwell throughout construction and clean up daily. The vast majority of GTA families remain comfortably in their homes for the full duration of their basement project. We manage the job site to minimize disruption to your household's daily routine from start to finish.
Yes. Every completed Maple Leaf Basement renovation is backed by a written 1–2 year workmanship warranty delivered at project handover - not a verbal assurance, not fine print. Any defect in our workmanship identified within the warranty period is corrected at no cost to you. Our warranty is backed by a licensed, insured, WSIB-compliant company with a verifiable track record of completed GTA basement projects. When we hand over your finished basement, we stand behind it in writing.
Yes, and every credential is verifiable on request before you sign anything. We carry General Commercial Liability insurance protecting your property throughout construction. We are fully WSIB compliant, eliminating your injury liability exposure. All electrical work is performed by licensed electricians under ESA permits. All plumbing is performed by licensed plumbers with required permits. BCIN-qualified designers prepare all permit drawings. We provide all documentation without hesitation, ask any contractor you are evaluating for the same.
Yes, completely free with no obligation to proceed. Our estimate process includes a free in-person site visit to assess your specific basement, a thorough discussion of your goals, budget, and timeline, and a detailed written estimate itemizing every scope element individually. What we quote is what we expect you to pay - no hidden costs, no vague line items, and no surprise additions once construction begins. No cost, no pressure, and no obligation to move forward.
Yes, by up to 5% when the comparison is genuinely equivalent: same scope, same materials, same licensed trades, same permit management, and same workmanship warranty. We do not compete with quotes that skip permits, use unlicensed workers, or carry no warranty, those are not equivalent quotes. They are a significantly riskier product. If you have received a lower quote for a genuinely equivalent scope, contact us and we will review it.
Contact Maple Leaf Basement today for a free, no-obligation consultation and detailed written estimate. Reach us by email at maple.leaf.basement.renos@gmail.com, through our website at mapleleafbasement.ca, or by filling out our online estimate request form. We respond to all inquiries within one business day, schedule a convenient in-person site visit, and deliver a detailed written estimate at no cost. The first conversation costs nothing, and it leaves you with a clear picture of what your basement could become.

Contact Us

  • Maple Leaf Basement

Ready to get started? Have questions about your basement finishing & renovation? Whether you're in the early planning stages or ready to book a consultation, our team is here to help. Reach out through any of the options below and we'll respond promptly.

*
*
*
*