Forest Hill's 1920s–1950s custom homes — across Forest Hill Village, North Forest Hill, and South Forest Hill — require a basement contractor who understands older Toronto construction, not just production builds. Kopman Build has been renovating basements in this neighbourhood for over 25 years, permitted and built to Ontario Building Code.
Forest Hill is one of Toronto's most distinguished neighbourhoods — and its housing stock reflects that. The custom homes built between the 1920s and 1950s throughout Forest Hill Village, North Forest Hill, and South Forest Hill carry character that mass-market contractors simply aren't equipped to handle. Shallow stone foundations, aging knob-and-tube electrical, low ceiling heights, and complex original floor plans demand genuine expertise before a single stud wall goes up.
South Forest Hill's proximity to the Eglinton corridor and TTC stations makes legal secondary suites and rental units particularly attractive investments. Finished lower levels that comply with Toronto's Second Suite bylaw add income and significant resale value in a market where buyers already expect premium finishes throughout.
Dustin Kopman founded the company in 1999 after growing up working in construction through his family's firm, G& G Enterprise. Every Forest Hill project is managed by someone who understands the craft — and the neighbourhood — not just the sales pitch.
Full secondary suite creation compliant with Toronto zoning, Ontario Building Code, and City of Toronto Second Suite requirements — well-suited to South Forest Hill properties near transit.
Finished basement family rooms, home theatres, and entertainment spaces designed to match the premium character of Forest Hill custom homes above.
Dedicated basement home offices with appropriate egress compliance, lighting, and electrical for modern professional setups.
New basement washrooms and ensuites, including rough-in plumbing, tiling, and fixture installation to match the quality expected in Forest Hill homes.
Basement underpinning and bench-pinning to increase ceiling height — essential for many of Forest Hill's 1920s–1940s stone-foundation homes.
Interior and exterior waterproofing, sump pits, weeping tile, and drainage solutions for older Forest Hill foundations before any finishing begins.
We visit your Forest Hill property, listen to your goals, and document the project in writing — scope, budget, and timeline.
A detailed line-item estimate with allowances and contingencies, so you know the number before committing.
We manage all City of Toronto permit applications, engineering consultants, and approvals — nothing falls through the cracks.
Full-time site supervision, weekly updates, and open-book cost tracking throughout the project.
Structured handover with all documentation, warranties, and a 12-month attendance window post-completion.
In Forest Hill, where the housing stock consists largely of 1920s–1950s custom homes in both North and South districts, basement renovation costs typically run $80,000–$150,000 for a finished recreation or living space. Older foundations often require additional waterproofing, structural assessment, or underpinning to achieve adequate ceiling height, which can add $30,000–$80,000 to the project. Legal secondary suites in Forest Hill properties start at $100,000 and vary with existing conditions. We provide detailed estimates before any commitment.
Yes. The 1920s–1950s custom homes common throughout Forest Hill Village, North Forest Hill, and South Forest Hill frequently have shallow stone or brick foundations, low ceiling heights, and aging plumbing and electrical systems that must be addressed before finishing can begin. An experienced contractor who understands older Toronto housing stock — not just production homes — is essential. Kopman Build has worked extensively in Forest Hill and adjacent neighbourhoods for over 25 years.
Yes. Forest Hill falls within the City of Toronto's jurisdiction, so any basement renovation involving structural changes, new walls, electrical, plumbing, or secondary suite creation requires a building permit from the City. Kopman Build manages all permit applications, City of Toronto inspections, and final sign-offs on every project.
In many cases, yes — though the older construction typical of Forest Hill often requires upgrades to meet Toronto's Second Suite bylaw requirements: minimum 1.95m ceiling height, egress windows in sleeping areas, fire separation between units, separate or dedicated HVAC, and a separate entrance. South Forest Hill properties near Eglinton and the subway corridor are particularly attractive for rental income. We assess each property's existing conditions and advise on feasibility before any work begins.
Kopman Build delivers permitted, code-compliant basement renovations in Forest Hill and across Toronto. No-obligation consultation.
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