Basement Renovations in Scarborough, Toronto

Toronto Region

Basement Planning in Scarborough

Scarborough's bungalows and backsplits from the 1960s and 70s sit on some of the most generous lots in the city, which is exactly why basement apartments and additions are such a common request here.

That combination of big lots and older construction shows up from Agincourt in the north down to Guildwood and Highland Creek along the bluffs, where basement apartment conversions and additions are especially common requests.

Planning a Basement Project in Scarborough

Scarborough is part of the City of Toronto, so zoning and building permits come from the City and Toronto Building. The legal secondary suite guide and the permit guide cover the basics, and the Toronto page lists the City’s flood-protection subsidy, backwater valve permit and ravine rules.

Scarborough includes ravines, the Rouge Valley and the Scarborough Bluffs, so some properties may fall under the City’s Ravine and Natural Feature Protection By-law. Check your address on the City’s ravine by-law guidance before you plan any digging.

Whatever the age of the house, the plan starts the same way: measure the ceiling height, look for signs of moisture, and decide whether you want a finished basement or a self-contained suite. Get those answers early and the rest of the project gets calmer. See basement renovation planning, underpinning, waterproofing and egress windows for the most common issues.