Transform your underutilized basement into a vibrant, functional living space with the expert team at Forest City Design & Service. Based in London, Ontario, we handle complete basement renovations—from planning to finish—offering tailored solutions to suit every lifestyle and budget.
Local Expertise: Deep understanding of building codes, permit requirements, and climate-specific concerns in London, Ontario.
Customized Designs: Whether it’s a guest suite, home theatre, playroom, gym, or legal rental unit, we’ll help you unlock your basement’s potential.
End-to-End Project Management: From moisture control and insulation to lighting, drywall, flooring, and finishing touches, we handle it all—ensuring quality and consistency.
Transparent Pricing & Free Consultations: We deliver clear, upfront cost breakdowns and provide free, no-obligation consultations to kickstart your project.
Initial Consultation & Design
Inspect existing conditions, address moisture or structural concerns, and review permit requirements.
Collaborate on layout options—guest units, entertainment zones, offices, or custom storage.
Framing, Insulation & Vapor Barriers
Build walls and partitions, install efficient insulation and moisture-protective layers for comfort and longevity.
Electrical, Plumbing & Permits
Handle all wiring, fixtures, plumbing setups, and permit coordination—with clear communication at every step.
Drywall, Ceilings & Flooring
Install drywall and choose ceiling styles (drywall, drop panels, or customized finishes).
Apply durable, moisture-resistant flooring (vinyl, laminate, engineered wood, or carpeting).
Finishing Touches
Paint, trim, and baseboard installation.
Add custom features like bars, home theatres, guest suites, or built-in cabinetry.
Final Walkthrough & Handover
Detailed final review and walkthrough to ensure your satisfaction and understand ongoing care and maintenance steps.
| Renovation Type | Rough Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Finish (drywall, flooring, paint) | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Mid-Range (added lighting, custom features) | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| High-End (w/ bathroom, kitchenette, custom work) | $75,000 – $120,000+ |
| Bathroom Addition | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Basement Suite (legal units) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
Costs vary based on size, finishes, and scope. Request a free estimate to get tailored pricing.
Guest/In-Law Suites — Private, comfortable living areas complete with bedroom and bathroom.
Home Offices — Quiet, organized spaces optimized for productivity.
Entertainment Rooms — Home theatres, games zones, or lounges for family fun.
Home Gyms or Playrooms — Safe, functional setups with appropriate flooring and lighting.
Rental Units — Turn your basement into a legal, self-contained rental (with permit-compliant entry and safety) .
Storage & Built-Ins — Custom shelving and organization solutions.
Maximize the value and livability of your home with a professional basement renovation by Forest City Design & Service. We’re based in London, Ontario and offer local expertise, great craftsmanship, and seamless project management.
Contact us today for your free consultation and quote:
Phone: 519-494-3673
Email: info@forestcitydesign.ca
Serving London, Ontario and surrounding areas
Yes. If your renovation involves structural changes, plumbing, electrical, adding a bathroom, or creating a legal rental suite, you’ll need a building permit. Our team helps with all permit applications and ensures your project meets local building codes.
Costs vary depending on size, finishes, and features. On average in London, Ontario: Basic finishes: $25,000 – $45,000 Mid-range (with lighting, custom features): $45,000 – $75,000 High-end suites or luxury designs: $75,000+ We provide free, detailed estimates based on your goals and budget.
Most projects take 6–12 weeks, depending on complexity. A simple finish may take 4–6 weeks, while adding a full bathroom or rental unit could extend to 12–16 weeks.
We recommend moisture-resistant materials like vinyl plank, laminate, or engineered hardwood. Carpet with waterproof backing is also an option for comfort in bedrooms and rec rooms.
Yes. We specialize in basement apartment conversions that meet London’s zoning, fire safety, and egress window requirements. This can generate rental income while increasing your home’s value.
We address moisture before starting renovations by inspecting foundations, adding waterproofing, and installing vapor barriers. Proper insulation, ventilation, and drainage are key to a healthy, long-lasting basement finish.
Your basement can be customized into: Guest or in-law suites Home offices Entertainment or theatre rooms Fitness areas Playrooms Storage and built-ins Legal rental units
Yes! A finished basement adds usable square footage, improves resale appeal, and can deliver strong ROI—especially if converted into a suite.
Renovating your basement can offer numerous benefits. Firstly, it provides additional living space without the need to expand the footprint of your home. This could mean creating a cosy home theatre, a guest room for visiting family and friends, or even a dedicated home office. Secondly, a well-executed basement renovation can increase the value of your home, making it a wise investment should you decide to sell in the future.
Planning a basement renovation involves several crucial steps: Assess the Space: Understand the current condition of your basement, including any structural issues or potential problems like moisture and mould. Set a Budget: Determine how much you will spend on the renovation and prioritize your expenses. Define a Vision: Clearly define what you want the finished space to look like and how it will be used. This will guide your design choices and help keep the project on track.
Basement renovations can come with unique challenges, including: Moisture Control: Basements are prone to moisture problems, leading to mould and mildew. Ensure proper waterproofing and consider installing a sump pump if necessary. Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent musty odours and maintain air quality. Include proper ventilation solutions in your renovation plan. Lighting: Basements often lack natural light, so a good lighting plan is essential. Use a combination of overhead, task, and accent lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Choosing the right flooring for your basement is critical due to the environment's unique conditions. Here are some options: Vinyl Flooring: Durable, water-resistant, and available in various styles, making it a popular basement choice. Carpet: Provides warmth and comfort but may only be suitable for moisture-prone areas if you choose moisture-resistant options. Tile: Water-resistant and easy to clean, but it can be cold underfoot. Consider adding radiant floor heating for added comfort.
Deciding whether to DIY your basement renovation or hire a professional depends on your skills, experience, and project complexity. DIY can save money, but it's essential to know your limits. Tasks like framing, drywall installation, and painting can be suitable for DIY, while electrical work, plumbing, and structural changes are best left to professionals.
Depending on the extent of the renovation, your basement may not be fully accessible while the work is in progress. If the renovation involves significant construction, such as framing, plumbing, or electrical work, you may need to limit access for safety reasons. We strive to minimize disruption and work with homeowners to accommodate their needs during the project.
A renovated basement can be used for a variety of purposes, such as: Additional Living Space: Create extra bedrooms, a guest suite, or a living room. Entertainment Area: Set up a home theatre, game room, or bar area for entertaining friends and family. Home Office or Gym: Turn your basement into a quiet workspace or a fitness area. Rental Unit: Add a separate entrance, kitchenette, and bathroom to create an income-generating rental unit. Our team helps design the space based on your needs, ensuring it is functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Proper waterproofing is crucial in a basement renovation to prevent moisture and water damage. We recommend installing: Sump Pumps: To remove excess water and to avoid flooding. Moisture Barriers: To protect floors and walls from moisture buildup. Proper Ventilation: To prevent mould and mildew by keeping the air dry and circulating. Our team provides expert basement waterproofing solutions to safeguard your investment.
Finishing or renovating a basement can significantly increase your home's value by adding usable square footage. It also enhances the overall appeal to potential buyers. A well-renovated basement can offer a return on investment (ROI) of 70-75%, mainly if it includes desirable features like extra living space or a bathroom.
Yes, adding a bathroom to your basement is a popular upgrade that increases the space's functionality and value. Our team handles all aspects of bathroom installation, including plumbing, ventilation, and tiling, ensuring the new bathroom is comfortable and compliant with local building codes.
If budget constraints or timing are a concern, you can renovate your basement in stages. For example, begin with framing and drywall, then add flooring, lighting, and finishing touches later. We can help create a phased renovation plan that suits your budget and schedule.
To make your basement energy-efficient, consider installing: Energy-Efficient Insulation: Proper insulation keeps your basement warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing heating and cooling costs. LED Lighting: Energy-saving LED lighting fixtures use less electricity and last longer. Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors: If your basement has windows or doors, upgrading them can help minimize heat loss.