Blog Archive

Basement Space Planning & Layout Guide

How to plan your basement layout. Measuring, zoning, circulation, room sizes, and working around fixed elements.

Dec 12

Health & Safety

Basement Radon Testing & Mitigation Guide for Ottawa

Radon testing and mitigation for Ottawa basements. Why Ottawa has higher risk, how to test, understanding results, and mitigation options.

Dec 10

Basement Color & Design Guide

Best colors and design strategies for basements. Working with limited light, color psychology, and creating inviting spaces.

Dec 8

Basement Renovation in Manotick & Rural Ottawa: Complete Guide

Rural Ottawa basement renovation guide. Manotick, Greely, and surrounding areas. Well/septic considerations, costs, and local factors.

Dec 4

Basement Renovation Financing Options in Ottawa

How to finance your basement renovation. HELOC, renovation mortgage, personal loans, contractor financing, and choosing the right option.

Dec 2

Basement Soundproofing Guide: Complete Noise Control

How to soundproof your basement. STC ratings, ceiling and wall treatments, HVAC noise control, and room-specific solutions.

Dec 1

Basement Renovation in Stittsville: Complete Area Guide

Stittsville basement renovation guide. Local housing stock, costs, conditions, rental market, and neighbourhood-specific information.

November 2025

Nov 28

Rental Income Tax Guide for Canadian Landlords

How rental income is taxed in Canada. Deductible expenses, CCA, principal residence exemption, and record keeping for landlords.

Nov 26

Basement Gym & Fitness Room Guide

Building a basement gym. Space requirements, flooring, ventilation, equipment planning, and cost breakdown.

Nov 25

Basement Renovation in Alta Vista: Complete Area Guide

Alta Vista basement renovation guide. Local housing stock, hospital district, costs, conditions, and neighbourhood-specific information.

Nov 22

Basement Renovation: DIY vs Hiring a Contractor

Should you DIY your basement renovation? Honest assessment of what you can do yourself, what needs a pro, true costs, and hybrid approach.

Nov 21

Basement Ceiling Options: Complete Guide

All basement ceiling options explained. Drywall, drop ceiling, exposed, and specialty options with costs, pros, cons, and recommendations.

Nov 19

Basement Apartment Insurance Guide for Ottawa Landlords

Insurance requirements for basement apartment landlords in Ottawa. Coverage types, tenant insurance, claims scenarios, and how to get proper coverage.

Nov 18

Basement Renovation in Centretown & Downtown Ottawa: Complete Guide

Central Ottawa basement renovation guide. Heritage homes, older foundations, urban challenges, and rental market information.

Nov 15

Maintenance

Basement Pre-Winter Checklist for Ottawa Homeowners

Prepare your basement for Ottawa's harsh winter. Sump pump, pipes, heating, and emergency preparation checklist.

Nov 14

Secondary Suites

Secondary Suite vs Rooming House: Understanding the Difference

Key differences between secondary suites and rooming houses in Ottawa. Legal requirements, regulations, and which is right for you.

Nov 12

Basement Laundry Room Design Guide

Complete guide to basement laundry rooms. Plumbing, electrical, ventilation, layout options, storage, and costs.

Nov 10

Basement Renovation in Gloucester: Complete Area Guide

Gloucester basement renovation guide. Local housing stock, costs, conditions, rental market, and neighbourhood-specific information.

Nov 8

Basement Insulation Guide for Ottawa Homes

Complete guide to basement insulation. Types, R-values, moisture considerations, and best practices for Ottawa's climate.

Nov 5

Tenant Screening & Lease Agreement Guide for Ontario Landlords

Complete guide to tenant screening and lease agreements in Ontario. What you can ask, Ontario Standard Lease, deposits, and best practices.

14 min

Nov 3

Basement Renovation: What to Expect (Process Guide)

What to expect during your basement renovation. Pre-construction through completion, living through renovation, and your role in the process.

Nov 2

Secondary Suites

Basement Apartment Separate Entrance Guide

Complete guide to separate entrances for basement apartments. Location options, building code requirements, design considerations, and costs.

Nov 1

Basement Renovation in Nepean: Complete Area Guide

Nepean basement renovation guide. Local housing stock, costs, conditions, rental market, and neighbourhood-specific information.

October 2025

Oct 30

Maintenance

Basement Seasonal Maintenance Guide for Ottawa

Year-round basement maintenance schedule for Ottawa homeowners. Spring, summer, fall, and winter tasks to prevent problems.

Oct 28

Basement Lighting Design Guide: Brighten Your Space

How to light a basement properly. Ambient, task, and accent lighting, fixture selection, and design tips for windowless spaces.

Oct 25

Bill 23 & Secondary Dwelling Rules in Ontario

How Bill 23 changed secondary dwelling regulations in Ontario. Three units as-of-right, development charge exemptions, and what it means for Ottawa homeowners.

Oct 22

Basement Renovation in Orléans: Complete Area Guide

Orléans basement renovation guide. Local housing stock, costs, conditions, rental market, and neighbourhood-specific information.

Oct 20

Basement Home Office Guide: Design & Setup

Creating an effective basement home office. Lighting, ventilation, electrical, and design tips for productive work spaces.

Oct 18

Costs & Pricing

Basement Kitchen & Wet Bar Cost Guide for Ottawa

Complete guide to basement kitchen and wet bar costs in Ottawa. From simple wet bars to full kitchens, with planning tips and requirements.

Oct 15

Basement Waterproofing Guide for Ottawa Homeowners

Complete guide to basement waterproofing in Ottawa. Interior vs exterior systems, sump pumps, drainage, and preventing water problems.

Oct 12

Basement Rental Income & ROI Guide for Ottawa

Calculate your basement apartment ROI. Ottawa rental market data, income projections, expense analysis, and investment comparison.

Oct 10

Basement Renovation in Barrhaven: Complete Area Guide

Barrhaven basement renovation guide. Local housing stock, costs, conditions, rental market, and neighbourhood-specific information.

Oct 8

Basement Fire Safety & Egress Requirements in Ottawa

Complete guide to fire safety and egress requirements for Ottawa basements. Egress windows, smoke alarms, fire separation, and exit requirements.

Oct 5

Basement Renovation in Kanata: Complete Area Guide

Kanata basement renovation guide. Local housing stock, costs, conditions, rental market, and neighbourhood-specific information.

Oct 3

Costs & Pricing

Basement Bathroom Cost Guide Ottawa: Complete Pricing & Planning

How much does a basement bathroom cost in Ottawa? Complete guide covering 3-piece, 4-piece, rough-in costs, and everything you need to know.

Oct 1

Basement Renovation Timeline: What to Expect in Ottawa

How long does a basement renovation take? Detailed timeline by project type, phases, permit timing, and factors affecting schedule.

September 2025

Sep 30

Basement Flooring Guide: Best Options for Ottawa Homes

Complete guide to basement flooring options. LVP, tile, carpet, epoxy, and what works best for Ottawa's climate and basement conditions.

Sep 28

Ontario Building Code Requirements for Basements

Key Ontario Building Code requirements for basement renovations. Ceiling height, egress, fire safety, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC standards.

14 min

Sep 25

Basement Home Theatre Guide: Design & Build

Complete guide to building a basement home theatre. Room design, acoustics, seating, AV equipment, and cost breakdown.

Sep 22

Ottawa Basement Permit Guide: When You Need One & How to Apply

Complete guide to basement permits in Ottawa. When permits are required, application process, inspections, and tips for a smooth approval.

Sep 18

Complete Guide to Being a Basement Apartment Landlord in Ottawa

Everything Ottawa homeowners need to know about renting a basement apartment. Legal requirements, tenant rights, insurance, taxes, and best practices.

20 min

Sep 15

Hiring a Basement Contractor in Ottawa: Complete Guide

How to find, evaluate, and hire a basement contractor. Getting quotes, contracts, payment structure, and avoiding problems.

14 min

Sep 12

Costs & Pricing

Basement Renovation Cost Guide Ottawa 2025: Complete Pricing Breakdown

Comprehensive guide to basement renovation costs in Ottawa. Per square foot pricing, cost by project type, factors affecting price, and how to budget your project.

15 min

Sep 5