Kopman Build has been finishing and converting Toronto basements for 25 years. Whether you're creating a legal secondary suite, a family room, a home office, or a rental unit, we deliver it to Ontario Building Code with the permits and inspections it needs.
A basement renovation in Toronto is one of the highest-ROI home improvement investments available. Legal secondary suites add income and resale value. Finished family rooms and home offices add livable square footage that buyers price in. But the difference between a basement done right and one that causes problems is almost entirely about code compliance — proper fire separation, egress, ventilation, and electrical. Kopman Build doesn't cut corners on this. Every basement we finish is permitted, inspected, and signed off.
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.
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 in Toronto's low-basement stock.
Interior and exterior waterproofing, sump pits, weeping tile, and drainage solutions before finishing.
We visit your 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, 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 Toronto typically costs $60,000–$130,000 for a standard finish. A legal secondary suite runs $80,000–$150,000+, including plumbing, fire separation, egress windows, separate mechanical, and permit fees. Underpinning adds $30,000–$80,000+ depending on depth and scope. We provide detailed estimates before any commitment.
Yes. Any basement renovation involving structural changes, new walls, electrical, plumbing, or secondary suite creation requires a building permit from the City of Toronto. Kopman Build manages all permit applications, required inspections, and final sign-offs.
Toronto's Second Suite bylaw requires: a minimum ceiling height (typically 1.95m), egress window in sleeping areas, fire separation between units (fire-rated assemblies), separate HVAC or dedicated heating, an accessible entrance, and smoke and CO detector requirements. We build to these standards and permit and inspect all work.
A standard basement finish takes 8–14 weeks. A legal secondary suite typically takes 12–18 weeks due to the additional inspections and systems work required. Underpinning adds 4–8 weeks to the schedule before finishing can begin.
Kopman Build delivers permitted, code-compliant basement renovations across Toronto and the GTA. No-obligation consultation.
Request a Consultation