RICHMOND HILL · VAUGHAN · MARKHAM · TORONTO · GTA
Legal Basement Apartments & Secondary Suites
Turn your basement into a legal, income-generating apartment. Razco builds code-compliant secondary suites across the GTA — design, engineered drawings, permits, egress, fire separation and the full build, handled by one team.
Get a Free Quote — (647) 561-3333📐
Built to Ontario Building Code
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Permits & Drawings Handled
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Egress & Fire Separation
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1-Year Workmanship Warranty
What Makes a Basement Apartment “Legal” in Ontario?
A legal secondary suite must meet the Ontario Building Code and your municipality’s zoning. We design and build to every requirement:
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Separate Entrance
A private, code-compliant exterior entrance for the suite.
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Egress Windows
Bedrooms need windows sized for safe emergency escape.
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Minimum Ceiling Height
May require underpinning or floor-lowering in older homes.
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Fire Separation & Alarms
Fire-rated ceiling/walls between units and interconnected smoke/CO alarms.
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Soundproofing & Insulation
Proper sound and thermal separation between the units.
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Independent HVAC & ESA Electrical
Heating and ESA-certified electrical that meet code.
What Does a Legal Suite Cost?
Budget $90–$140 per sq ft — typically $80,000–$130,000+ for an 800–1,000 sq ft suite, because of egress, fire separation, a separate entrance and permits. A legal suite can earn $1,500–$2,500+ per month in rent — often paying for itself within a few years.
See the full 2026 basement cost breakdown →What We Build
- Full design and permit-ready engineered drawings
- Separate entrance and egress windows
- Fire-rated separation and soundproofing
- Kitchen / kitchenette and full bathroom
- Bedrooms, living area and laundry
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and complete finishing
Our Process
1
Free Assessment
We check ceiling height, layout and your municipality’s rules and confirm what’s possible.
2
Design & Permit Drawings
Code-compliant plans prepared, engineered and submitted for permit.
3
Building Permit
We obtain the permit before any work begins.
4
Build
Entrance, egress, framing, fire separation, kitchen, bath and mechanicals.
5
Inspections
We coordinate all municipal and ESA inspections.
6
Finish & Handover
A move-in-ready, fully legal apartment with warranty.
Legal Basement Apartment FAQ
Are basement apartments legal in the GTA?
Yes — secondary suites are permitted across most of the GTA when they meet the Ontario Building Code and local zoning. We confirm the rules for your address and build to code.
How much does a legal basement apartment cost?
In 2026 budget $90 to $140 per square foot, typically $80,000 to $130,000+ for an 800 to 1,000 sq ft suite.
How much rent can a legal suite earn?
A legal one or two bedroom suite in the GTA typically rents for $1,500 to $2,500+ per month, often covering the build cost within a few years.
Do I need a permit for a basement apartment?
Yes — a legal secondary suite always requires a building permit and inspections. Razco manages the drawings, permit and inspections.
How long does it take to build?
Most legal suites take 8 to 14 weeks depending on egress, underpinning and scope.
Build a Legal Basement Apartment
Permits, egress, fire separation & full build across Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham & the GTA. Licensed, insured, 1-year workmanship warranty.
(647) 561-3333