What Homeowners and Investors Can Realistically Expect
Finishing a basement in Calgary is one of the most valuable upgrades you can make to your home — and also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to cost.
This page is designed to provide clear, realistic information about basement development pricing in Calgary, so you can decide early whether a turnkey basement project aligns with your goals and budget.
This is budget guidance only, not a quote.
Why Basement Development Costs Vary So Widely
There is no single price for a basement development. Costs vary depending on:
- Basement size and ceiling height
- Number of rooms and bathrooms
- Whether the space is for family use or a legal secondary suite
- Required permits and inspections
- Fire, sound, and life-safety requirements
- Existing electrical and mechanical capacity
Because of these variables, professional contractors price basements using ranges, not flat numbers.
Typical Basement Development Costs in Calgary
(Turnkey, mid-range finishes)
Standard Finished Basement
(Not a legal secondary suite)
Without a Bathroom
- 600–700 sq ft: $32,000 – $42,000
- 750–850 sq ft: $38,000 – $48,000
- 900–1,000 sq ft: $45,000 – $55,000
Typical scope includes open recreation space, storage, and basic finishes.
With One Bathroom (Most Common)
- 600–700 sq ft: $42,000 – $52,000
- 750–850 sq ft: $48,000 – $60,000
- 900–1,000 sq ft: $55,000 – $70,000
Most family basements in Calgary fall into the mid-$40,000 to mid-$60,000 range once a bathroom and finished rooms are included.
Legal Basement Secondary Suite Costs
(Registered & Code-Compliant)
Legal secondary suites are fully independent dwelling units and must meet strict City of Calgary and Alberta Building Code requirements.
Entry-Level Legal Suite
- 600–700 sq ft: $60,000 – $75,000
- 750–850 sq ft: $70,000 – $90,000
- 900–1,000 sq ft: $85,000 – $105,000
Mid-Range Legal Suite (Most Realistic)
- 600–700 sq ft: $70,000 – $90,000
- 750–850 sq ft: $85,000 – $110,000
- 900–1,000 sq ft: $100,000 – $130,000
Legal suites cost more because they are not just finished basements — they are complete, self-contained homes.
Why Legal Basement Suites Cost More
Independent Heating & Ventilation (Mandatory)
Legal suites must have independent heating and ventilation systems, not shared with the main house.
Common options include:
- Separate furnace with new ductwork: $8,000 – $12,000+
- Electric baseboards with HRV: $3,900 – $7,500+
- Ductless mini-split with HRV: $4,500 – $13,500+
Each system requires independent controls, mechanical permits, and proper fire separation.
Electrical System Requirements
Legal suites require:
- Dedicated or properly separated electrical circuits
- Often a 200-amp service upgrade
- Hardwired, interconnected smoke and CO alarms
Typical electrical costs:
- Panel upgrades: $3,000 – $5,000
- Full suite electrical: $6,000 – $8,500+
- Complex upgrades or new service: $12,000 – $18,000+
All work must be completed by a licensed electrician under permit.
Kitchens, Bathrooms & Egress
Legal suites must include:
- A full kitchen with proper ventilation
- At least one dedicated bathroom
- Bedrooms with code-compliant egress windows
Egress window cost:
- $2,100 – $5,000 per window
(Average approximately $3,550)
A separate entrance may also be required depending on layout and zoning.
Mechanical (Furnace) Room Construction
Furnace rooms must be built as smoke-tight, fire-separated spaces, including:
- 12.7 mm (½”) drywall on walls and ceiling
- Sealed penetrations
- Solid core, self-closing door
- No exit path through the mechanical room
These details are closely inspected and non-negotiable.
Soundproofing Between Units (STC Requirement)
Legal suites must meet a minimum STC rating of 43 (or ASTC 40).
This typically requires:
- Mineral wool insulation (minimum 150 mm / 6″)
- Resilient channels on ceilings or walls
- Double drywall assemblies
- Fully sealed joints and penetrations
Soundproofing is mandatory and adds material, labour, and inspection sensitivity.
Common Upgrade Ranges (Budget Guidance)
- Bathroom addition (3-pc / 4-pc): $12,000 – $25,000
- Additional bedroom: $5,000 – $8,000
- Flooring upgrades: $3,000 – $7,000
- Tile shower upgrade: $4,000 – $8,000
- Heated bathroom floor: $2,000 – $4,000
- Egress window (each): $2,100 – $5,000
All upgrades are priced clearly before construction begins.
Why Very Cheap Basement Quotes Often Fail
Extremely low quotes often exclude:
- Permit coordination
- Inspection management
- Proper fire and sound separation
- Electrical and mechanical upgrades
- Clear change-order processes
These omissions typically surface mid-project — when changes are most expensive.
Our Approach to Basement Development
We focus on turnkey basement development for homeowners and investors who want:
- Clear scope
- Realistic pricing
- Code-compliant construction
- Fewer surprises
Our process:
- Budget alignment
- Scope clarification
- Site review
- Formal proposal
Next Step: Confirming Fit Before a Site Visit
Before scheduling a site visit, we ask all clients to complete a short intake form to confirm:
- Project type
- Approximate size
- Expected scope
- Budget range
- Timeline
Request a Basement Consultation
(Intake form required prior to scheduling a site visit)
Final Thought
If your project aligns with the ranges above, a basement development can be a strong investment in your home or property.
If your expectations are significantly below these ranges, a partial finish or phased approach may be more appropriate.
Informed planning is always the best place to start.