Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from Ottawa homeowners.
How do I prevent basement carpet from getting that musty basement smell?
Preventing musty basement carpet smells requires controlling moisture, improving ventilation, and choosing the right mat...
What is the minimum closet size for a basement bedroom to count as a bedroom?
In Ontario, there's actually no minimum closet size requirement for a bedroom - and technically, a closet isn't even req...
Can I install a gas dryer in my basement if there is no existing gas line?
Yes, you can install a gas dryer in your basement even without an existing gas line, but this requires professional gas...
What is the best way to hide exposed pipes in a finished basement?
The best approach for hiding exposed pipes in a finished basement depends on their location and type, with dropped ceili...
Should basement bedroom doors swing in or out?
Basement bedroom doors should swing into the bedroom (inward), not out into the hallway or common area. This is the stan...
What color schemes make a basement feel less like a basement?
Light, warm color schemes are the key to making a basement feel like a natural extension of your home rather than a dark...
Is it better to have carpet or hard flooring in a basement home theater?
For basement home theaters, hard flooring is generally the better choice over carpet, primarily due to moisture concerns...
What trim style works best in a basement with 7-foot ceilings?
For 7-foot basement ceilings, simple, streamlined trim profiles work best to avoid making the space feel cramped. Avoid...
Can I use regular paint on basement walls or do I need special basement paint?
You can use regular paint on basement walls in most cases, but moisture-resistant paints are often the better choice for...
What is the best ceiling height for basement pot lights?
For basement pot lights, the optimal ceiling height is 8 feet minimum, with 9 feet being ideal for proper light distribu...
How do I screen tenants for my basement apartment?
Screening tenants for your basement apartment requires a systematic approach that balances finding quality tenants with...
What utilities should be included in a basement apartment's rent?
When renting out a basement apartment in Ottawa, most landlords include heat and electricity in the rent, while water an...
Should I furnish my basement apartment or rent it unfurnished?
The decision between furnished and unfurnished largely depends on your target tenant market and investment goals - furni...
What happens to my basement apartment if the tenant damages it?
When a tenant damages your basement apartment, you have several legal protections under Ontario's Residential Tenancies...
How does rental income from a basement suite affect my taxes?
Rental income from a basement suite is considered taxable income by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and must be reported...
Can I Airbnb my basement suite, or does Ottawa have restrictions?
Yes, you can Airbnb your basement suite in Ottawa, but there are specific regulations you must follow under the city's s...
What are my obligations as a landlord for a basement apartment in Ontario?
As a landlord renting a basement apartment in Ontario, you have extensive legal obligations under the Residential Tenanc...
Does having a basement apartment affect my homeowner's insurance?
Yes, having a basement apartment will definitely affect your homeowner's insurance, and you must notify your insurer bef...
How much can I charge for a 1-bedroom basement apartment in Kanata?
Rental rates for a 1-bedroom basement apartment in Kanata typically range from $1,400-$1,800 per month, with most qualit...
What ROI can I expect from adding a legal basement apartment in Ottawa?
Adding a legal basement apartment in Ottawa typically delivers a 15-25% return on investment, with rental income of $1,2...
Is it safe to hang heavy items from basement ceiling joists?
Yes, basement ceiling joists can safely support heavy items when proper mounting techniques are used and weight limits a...
What causes basement floors to heave, and can it be fixed?
Basement floor heaving is typically caused by hydrostatic pressure from groundwater or frost action beneath the concrete...
Can I cut into my basement foundation wall to add a larger window?
Cutting into a foundation wall for a larger window is possible but requires structural engineering approval and proper p...
How do I know if my basement floor crack is structural or just cosmetic?
Most basement floor cracks are cosmetic settling cracks, but width, movement, and accompanying signs determine if they'r...
What is the process for removing a partial basement wall to expand the space?
Removing a partial basement wall requires careful planning and professional assessment, as it could be load-bearing and...
Is it possible to add a basement under an existing Ottawa home addition?
Adding a basement under an existing addition is technically possible but represents one of the most complex and expensiv...
Can I relocate my basement stairs to a different location?
Yes, basement stairs can typically be relocated to a different location, but this is a complex structural project that r...
What is involved in raising the basement ceiling height in an Ottawa home?
Raising basement ceiling height in Ottawa typically involves either lowering the basement floor (underpinning) or raisin...
How do I know if my basement walls are load-bearing or just partition walls?
Determining whether basement walls are load-bearing is crucial before any renovation work, as removing a load-bearing wa...
Can I remove a support post in my basement to open up the space?
Removing a basement support post is extremely dangerous and potentially catastrophic - this requires immediate structura...
Is radiant floor heating compatible with luxury vinyl plank flooring?
Yes, radiant floor heating is generally compatible with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, but proper selection and inst...
What causes some basement rooms to be colder than others after finishing?
Uneven basement temperatures after finishing are typically caused by inadequate insulation, poor HVAC design, or air lea...
Can I use my existing furnace if I'm adding 800 square feet of finished basement?
Your existing furnace may or may not handle the additional 800 square feet - it depends on your current system's capacit...
Do I need makeup air if I install a range hood in my basement kitchen?
Yes, you'll likely need makeup air for a basement range hood, especially if it's a high-CFM unit or part of a secondary...
What is the best placement for heat registers in a basement with low ceilings?
For basements with low ceilings, floor registers are typically the best choice for heat distribution, as they maximize y...
Can I install a gas fireplace in my basement without a chimney?
Yes, you can install a gas fireplace in your basement without a traditional chimney by using direct vent or vent-free ga...
Why does my finished basement get so hot in the summer even with air conditioning upstairs?
Your finished basement is getting hot because heat naturally rises from below, your HVAC system likely wasn't designed t...
Is it worth adding air conditioning to just the basement if the upstairs already has central air?
Adding basement-only air conditioning can be worthwhile if your existing central air system can't adequately cool the ba...
What size mini split do I need for a 600 sq ft basement in Ottawa?
For a 600 square foot basement in Ottawa, you'll typically need a 12,000-18,000 BTU mini split system, with most install...
Can I add a cold air return to my basement without major ductwork changes?
Yes, you can often add a cold air return to your basement without major ductwork modifications, but the feasibility depe...
Is it normal for my basement to smell musty only in summer months?
Yes, it's very common for Ottawa basements to develop musty odors specifically during summer months. This seasonal patte...
What causes basement windows to fog up in the winter, and how do I fix it?
Basement window fogging in winter is caused by warm, humid indoor air hitting the cold glass surface, creating condensat...
How do I know if efflorescence on my basement walls is a serious problem?
Efflorescence itself isn't dangerous, but it's a clear warning sign that moisture is penetrating your basement walls - a...
Should I install a sump pump even if my basement has never flooded?
Yes, installing a sump pump is often a smart preventive investment even if your basement has never flooded. Climate chan...
What is the best dehumidifier size for a 1000 square foot Ottawa basement?
For a 1000 square foot Ottawa basement, you'll typically need a 50-70 pint dehumidifier, though the exact size depends o...
Can I finish my basement if the floor gets damp during heavy rain?
You should not finish your basement until you resolve the moisture issue - finishing over a damp floor will lead to mold...
What causes horizontal cracks in basement walls, and are they serious?
Horizontal cracks in basement walls are typically more serious than vertical cracks and often indicate structural pressu...
How often should sump pump batteries be replaced in Ottawa homes?
Sump pump backup batteries should typically be replaced every 3-5 years in Ottawa homes, though annual testing and monit...
Is interior waterproofing as effective as exterior waterproofing for Ottawa clay soil?
Interior waterproofing can be effective in Ottawa's clay soil conditions, but exterior waterproofing remains the gold st...
Why does my basement only leak during the spring thaw in Ottawa?
Spring basement leaks in Ottawa are extremely common due to our unique climate conditions - you're experiencing the perf...
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