FAQs - our process

For standard basement finishing, the design phase typically takes 1–3 weeks. Legal basement apartments requiring full OBC-compliant construction drawings typically take 2–4 weeks. Projects with complex structural elements, load-bearing modifications, or underpinning requirements take longer. At Maple Leaf Basement, we provide a clear design phase timeline during the initial consultation so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.

For standard basement finishing in most GTA municipalities, plan for 4–8 weeks from a complete first submission. Legal suite applications take a similar range. Committee of Adjustment variance applications add 3–4 months to the timeline. At Maple Leaf Basement, our complete and accurate first submissions minimize comment rounds and reduce city review time — getting your project into construction faster than incomplete submissions requiring multiple revision rounds.

Construction at Maple Leaf Basement follows the approved drawings in a planned sequence — demolition, structural work, waterproofing, framing, rough plumbing, rough electrical, insulation, drywall, city rough-in inspections, drywall finishing, flooring, trim, cabinetry, paint, fixtures, and final inspection. Our project manager coordinates all trade activity, keeps the schedule on track, and keeps you informed throughout every stage of the construction process.

For standard basement finishing, plan for at least one building inspection and one ESA electrical inspection. Legal basement apartment projects require multiple inspections — structural framing, plumbing rough-in, electrical rough-in, fire separation assembly, and final occupancy inspection. At Maple Leaf Basement, we schedule, coordinate, and attend every required inspection in-house. You are never responsible for contacting an inspector or managing inspection scheduling yourself.

At Maple Leaf Basement, we communicate any unexpected discovery immediately — documented, photographed, explained clearly, and presented as a specific cost-and-scope adjustment for your approval before any additional work proceeds. We never address unexpected conditions and charge for them without your prior written authorization. Complete transparency on every discovery is a non-negotiable commitment on every project we undertake regardless of scope or complexity.

Minor changes — finish selections and minor layout adjustments not affecting permitted elements — are managed through a clear change order process with transparent pricing at Maple Leaf Basement. Changes affecting permitted elements require revised drawings and resubmission to the building department, adding time and cost. We invest thoroughly in the design phase before submitting to minimize the need for changes once construction is underway and permits are issued.

Before any client walkthrough, Maple Leaf Basement conducts a systematic internal quality review of all completed work against the construction drawings and our quality checklist — framing, drywall finish level, flooring installation, fixtures, electrical, plumbing, trim, and paint. Any item not meeting our standard is corrected before you see the space. We do not rush the final stages — nothing is considered done until it meets our quality standard.

Maple Leaf Basement project handover includes a comprehensive room-by-room walkthrough with you reviewing all completed work. Any remaining items are addressed on the spot before the walkthrough is concluded. A complete permit close-out package is delivered including all permit cards, inspection records, and certificate of completion. Written workmanship warranty documentation is provided. For legal suite projects, municipal registration guidance is provided so your suite is ready for its first tenant immediately.

Our written workmanship warranty exists precisely for this situation. If you identify any defect in our workmanship within the warranty period, contact Maple Leaf Basement directly. We schedule a prompt site visit, assess the issue thoroughly, and address it at no cost to you. Our warranty is backed by a licensed, insured, WSIB-compliant company with a verifiable track record — not a one-person operation that may not be operating next year.