Mimico's 1930s–1960s bungalows and semis sit on some of Etobicoke's most rapidly gentrifying streets, just steps from the lake — making a properly permitted basement renovation one of the highest-ROI investments available in the neighbourhood. Kopman Build has worked in this housing stock for over 25 years, and we understand the ceiling height constraints, moisture conditions, and City of Toronto approval process specific to Mimico homes.
Mimico is in the middle of a generational shift. Long-time owners are cashing out, and buyers arriving from the broader Toronto market are investing heavily in properties that were underimproved for decades. A finished basement — done to code, with permits — adds livable square footage that buyers now expect, and legal secondary suites generate rental income in a neighbourhood where lakefront proximity and Mimico GO access drive strong tenant demand.
Mimico's bungalow stock presents specific challenges that reward an experienced contractor. Low original ceiling heights frequently require underpinning before any finish work can begin. Proximity to the lake means moisture management is not optional — it has to be addressed before insulation and drywall go in. And the rapid pace of gentrification means City of Toronto inspectors are active in this area; work done without permits carries real resale risk. Kopman Build permits every project, manages every inspection, and builds to Ontario Building Code.
Dustin Kopman founded the company in 1999 after growing up working in construction through his family's firm, G& G Enterprise. That hands-on background means every project is managed by someone who understands the craft — not just the sales pitch.
Full secondary suite creation compliant with Toronto zoning, Ontario Building Code, and City of Toronto Second Suite requirements — including fire separation and egress windows.
Finished basement family rooms, home theatres, play areas, and entertainment spaces with proper insulation and sound isolation.
Dedicated basement home offices with appropriate lighting, egress compliance, and electrical for modern work-from-home setups.
New basement washrooms and ensuites, including rough-in plumbing, tiling, and fixture installation.
Basement underpinning and bench-pinning to increase ceiling height — essential for many of Mimico's low-clearance 1930s–1960s bungalows.
Interior and exterior waterproofing, sump pits, weeping tile, and drainage solutions — critical given Mimico's lakefront proximity and older foundation stock.
We visit your Mimico 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 permit applications with the City of Toronto, 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.
Basement finishing in Mimico typically costs $65,000–$135,000 for a standard finish. Mimico's 1930s–1960s bungalows often have low ceiling heights, so underpinning to achieve code-compliant headroom adds $35,000–$85,000+ before finishing begins. A legal secondary suite — increasingly common in Mimico given strong rental demand near the lake — runs $85,000–$155,000+ including plumbing, fire separation, egress windows, and permits. We provide detailed line-item estimates before any commitment.
Many Mimico bungalows built in the 1930s–1960s have basement ceiling heights of 6–6.5 feet — below the 6'11" (2.1 m) minimum typically required for a habitable secondary suite. Underpinning or bench-pinning is often required to reach legal ceiling height. Kopman Build assesses ceiling height, structural conditions, and soil during the initial consultation and will advise whether underpinning is necessary or optional for your goals.
Yes. Mimico falls within the City of Toronto's jurisdiction, and Toronto's Second Suite bylaw permits legal basement suites in most residential zones. Requirements include minimum ceiling height (1.95 m), an egress window in each sleeping area, fire separation between units, separate or dedicated heating, and a code-compliant entrance. Kopman Build manages the full permit process with the City of Toronto and builds to all applicable Ontario Building Code standards.
A standard basement finish in Mimico takes 8–14 weeks from permit issuance to handover. If underpinning is required — common in Mimico's older bungalow stock — add 4–8 weeks before finishing begins. A legal secondary suite typically takes 12–18 weeks in total due to additional inspections, systems work, and fire-separation requirements. We provide a detailed schedule at the estimate stage so you know what to expect.
Kopman Build delivers permitted, code-compliant basement renovations in Mimico and across Etobicoke. No-obligation consultation.
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