A basement is more than just extra storage — it’s an opportunity to expand your living space, increase your property value, and generate rental income. At Cheema Custom Homes, we specialize in basement finishing and creating legal basement units for homeowners across Canada.

Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy entertainment area, a modern in-law suite, or a fully compliant rental unit, our team has the skills, experience, and knowledge of local building codes to bring your vision to life — safely and legally.

Why Finish Your Basement?

A finished basement is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the usable square footage of your home. Here’s why many Canadian homeowners are choosing basement renovations:

1. Expand Living Space

Need a family room, home office, gym, or guest bedroom? A finished basement gives you the flexibility to create any space your family needs — without moving or building an addition.

2. Increase Property Value

Well-designed, high-quality basement finishes improve home value and appeal to buyers. Legal basement units can generate income, making your property even more attractive.

3. Create a Legal Rental Unit

Many homeowners in cities like Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton are converting their basements into secondary dwelling units (SDUs) to legally rent out for extra income.

4. Comfort and Efficiency

Insulated and professionally finished basements help reduce energy loss, improve indoor air quality, and make your home more comfortable year-round.

What Is a Legal Basement Unit?

A legal basement unit (also called a secondary suite or legal secondary dwelling) is a self-contained apartment in your basement that complies with municipal and provincial codes in Ontario, Alberta, and other parts of Canada.

To be legal, the basement must meet requirements related to:

• Ceiling height
  
  
• Window sizes and egress
  
  
• Fire separation and soundproofing
  
  
• Independent HVAC and electrical systems
  
  
• Private entrance and accessible exit
  
  
• Plumbing and ventilation
  
  
• Zoning and building permits
  
  

At Cheema Custom Homes, we help you navigate these requirements and handle all inspections, permits, and approvals.

Our Basement Services

As part of our basement finishing & legal unit renovation category, we offer full-service solutions, including design, construction, and legal compliance.

✅ Basement Finishing

• Framing, insulation, and drywall
  
  
• Flooring and ceiling installation
  
  
• Electrical and plumbing rough-ins
  
  
• Paint, trim, and final finishes
  
  
• Built-in storage, fireplaces, and entertainment walls
  
  

✅ Legal Basement Conversions

• Secondary unit design and layout
  
  
• Code-compliant kitchen and bathroom installations
  
  
• Fire-rated construction and separations
  
  
• Egress windows and separate entrance creation
  
  
• Electrical, HVAC, and plumbing updates
  
  
• Permit acquisition and city inspection coordination
  
  

✅ Custom Basement Designs

• Open-concept family rooms
  
  
• Home theaters and games rooms
  
  
• Home gyms and yoga studios
  
  
• Kids’ playrooms
  
  
• In-law or nanny suites
  
  
• Office or co-working areas
  
  

The Process: From Unfinished to Legal Living Space

At Cheema Custom Homes, we follow a step-by-step process to ensure your basement project is efficient, high quality, and 100% compliant with local regulations.

Step 1: Free Consultation & Site Assessment

We inspect your basement, take measurements, and discuss your goals — whether you’re finishing the basement for personal use or converting it into a legal suite.

Step 2: Design & Layout Planning

Our team creates 2D or 3D design mockups showing the future layout, including bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, living area, and mechanical spaces.

Step 3: Permit & Compliance Management

We handle the entire legal process: drawings, permit submissions, zoning checks, and coordinating with your local municipality for inspections.

Step 4: Construction & Code Integration

Once permits are approved, we begin construction with full attention to fire code, ceiling heights, soundproofing, plumbing, and ventilation.

Step 5: Final Finishes & Inspection

We install finishes — flooring, paint, fixtures — and schedule final inspections to get occupancy approval. Your legal basement unit is now ready to use or rent.

Legal Requirements in Major Canadian Cities

Here’s a quick overview of what’s generally required for legal basement units in key cities:

Note: These requirements may vary slightly depending on your municipality. Cheema Custom Homes stays up-to-date with all legal changes and requirements.

Materials & Features We Use

We focus on quality, comfort, and code compliance:

• Insulated subfloors for warmth
  
  
• Luxury vinyl plank or laminate for waterproof durability
  
  
• Recessed LED lighting to brighten low ceilings
  
  
• Soundproofing insulation between floors
  
  
• Legal fire-rated drywall and doors
  
  
• Kitchen cabinetry and quartz countertops
  
  
• Modern bathrooms with low-flow fixtures
  
  

Why Choose Cheema Custom Homes?

We’re not just contractors — we’re your renovation partners, helping you turn underutilized space into something valuable, comfortable, and legal.

✔ Fully Licensed & Insured

We’re certified in multiple municipalities, with experience in both residential renovation and legal compliance.

✔ One-Stop Solution

From design and demolition to final inspection, we handle the entire project — permits included.

✔ Rental Income Experts

Want to turn your basement into an income property? We help design for ROI, durability, and tenant appeal.

✔ Transparent Quotes

We offer detailed, upfront pricing that includes all labor, materials, and city permit costs — no hidden fees.

Basement Unit Income Potential

Creating a legal rental suite in your basement isn’t just a renovation — it’s an investment.

Here’s what homeowners typically earn in rental income across Canadian cities:

With a well-designed, code-compliant unit from Cheema Custom Homes, you can offset your mortgage or earn passive income safely and legally.

What Our Clients Say

“Cheema Custom Homes handled everything — permits, construction, and inspection. Now we have a beautiful basement apartment that’s generating income!”
— Amandeep S., Brampton

“Our basement went from empty concrete to a gorgeous rental unit. The process was smooth and the finish is stunning.”
— Fatima K., Mississauga

“We finally have space for our parents to live comfortably. Thanks to the Cheema team for making the legal suite process easy.”
— Rajan B., Toronto

Cities We Serve

We proudly build legal basement units and finished basements across:

• Toronto
  
  
• Mississauga
  
  
• Brampton
  
  
• Oakville
  
  
• Vaughan
  
  
• Calgary
  
  
• Edmonton
  
  
• Surrounding suburbs
  
  

If you’re not sure whether your city allows legal basement suites, our team will help check local regulations for you.

Get Started Today

Ready to unlock your basement’s full potential? Whether you want more space or an income-producing rental unit, Cheema Custom Homes is your trusted renovation partner.