Legal Basement in Oakville – Expert Secondary Suite Renovations and Legalization
Why Oakville Homeowners Are Adding Legal Basement Suites in 2026
Are you searching for a trusted, fully licensed contractor for a legal basement suite in Oakville, Ontario? We specialize in 100% code-compliant secondary suites (also called legal basement apartments, in-law suites, or garden suites) that pass Oakville Region inspections the first time.
Rental Demand
Strong rental demand from young professionals, healthcare workers at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, and families near the 403/QEW corridor
Rent Value
Average legal 2-bedroom basement rents: $2,300 – $3,200/month (utilities included)
Multi-generational living
Many families in Oakville (Bronte, Clearview, Glen Abbey, River Oaks, West Oak Trails) choose legal suites for multi-generational living.
Laws and regulations
New Ontario-wide zoning rules + Oakville’s Additional Residential Unit (ARU) by-law now make registration faster and easier than ever
What Makes a Basement “Legal” in Oakville?
To be registered with the Town of Oakville and Halton Region, your suite must meet ALL of these requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Units | Up to two secondary units allowed on residential properties (one inside the home + one garden suite or two inside if zoning permits). No stacking in low-density zones. |
| Ceiling Height | Minimum 1.95 m (6′5″) finished ceiling height over 100% of the basement floor area. |
| Separate Entrance | Mandatory separate side or rear entrance. Front entrances heavily restricted. Must meet setback rules (typically 1.2 m from side lot lines). |
| Windows/Egress | Every bedroom requires an egress window: minimum 0.35 m² openable area, maximum 1 m sill height from floor, and unobstructed for emergency exit. |
| Parking | Minimum one dedicated off-street parking space for the secondary suite (tandem parking permitted). |
| Fire Separation | 45-minute (or higher) fire-rated separation between units (walls, floors/ceilings), fire-rated self-closing door, interconnected hard-wired smoke & CO alarms on all levels, and smoke alarm inside every bedroom. |
| Heating & Ventilation | Independent or properly zoned heating; kitchen range hood must vent directly outside (minimum 900 cfm if no window in kitchen). |
| Registration | Mandatory registration with the Town of Oakville’s Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Registry before renting or occupying (free online process we complete for you). |
Full official rules: City of Oakville– Secondary Suites (Basement Apartments)
We handle everything: permits, drawings, fire-safety plans, HVAC design, and final registration with the Town For legal basement in Oakville.
Last updated: December 03, 2025. Verify latest bylaws with Town of Oakville.
2026 Pricing – Legal Basement apartment in Oakville
| Suite Type | Size | Turnkey Price (2026) | Avg Monthly Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom + Den Legal Suite | 650–850 sq ft | $60,000 – $100,000 | $1,600 – $2,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Legal Suite | 850–1,200 sq ft | $90,000 – $125,000 | $2,000 – $2,500 |
| 3-Bedroom / Multi-Generational | 1,200–1,600 sq ft | $100,000 – $150,000+ | $2,500 – $3,000 |
Includes separate entrance, full kitchen, luxury vinyl flooring, quartz counters, pot lights, and all permits.
Most Popular Layouts for secondary suite in Oakville Right Now
- Classic 2-bedroom with open-concept living/kitchen (perfect for rental)
- Large 3-bedroom for Punjabi/Hindu/Sikh joint-family living (big kitchen + island)
- 1-bedroom + den with walk-in laundry (ideal for young professionals or seniors)
Timeline – From Deposit to First Rent Cheque
- Week 1–2: Free in-home consultation + engineered drawings
- Week 3–6: Submit & receive permits (we expedite)
- Week 7–10: Construction & rough-in inspections
- Week 11–12: Final finishes + Town of Oakville registration inspection
- Move-in ready in 3 months (faster than most competitors)
Why Choose Us for Your Oakville Legal Basement Suite?
- 50+ legal suites completed in Oakville, Oakville, Mississauga & Brampton
- In-house structural, mechanical & fire-code engineers
- $2 million liability insurance + full WSIB coverage
Free Legal Suite Eligibility Check (Takes 15 Minutes)
We’ll visit your Oakville home (Coates, Dempsey, Harrison, Scott, Beaty, Bronte Meadows, Old Oakville, etc.), measure ceiling height, check drain locations, and tell you exactly:
- If your home qualifies today
- How many bedrooms are possible
- Exact cost & rental income projection
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Looking for a legal basement in Oakville? You’re in the right place. We specialize in creating fully compliant, income-generating basement apartments, and in-law suites, secondary suite and Legal basement in Oakville.
FAQ – Most Commonly Asked Questions About Legal Basement in Oakville
As of December 2025, a legal 2-bedroom basement apartment in Oakville is currently renting for $1,900 to $2,400 per month, with most falling in the $2,000–$2,300 range. This almost always includes all utilities (hydro, water, heat, and often internet).
You’ll find lower-end units around $1,900–$2,000 in areas like River Oaks or Clearview, while newer or premium walk-out basements in Glen Abbey, Bronte, Joshua Creek, or near the hospital and GO station commonly reach $2,200–$2,400.
Yes, 100% required for any legal secondary suite, adding a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, or structural changes. Even simple finishing needs a permit if you ever want it to be legal or insurable.
Usually $25,000–$65,000 to bring an older illegal suite up to 2025 code (new entrance, egress windows, fire separation, electrical upgrade, etc.).
Yes We offer all sorts of renovation and upgrades in basement. You can contact us for more details and information about your specific need.
Everywhere: Bronte, Glen Abbey, River Oaks, West Oak Trails, Clearview, Falgarwood, College Park, Joshua Creek, Uptown Core, Old Oakville, and Lakeshore areas.
Yes. Front-door shared entrances are almost never approved anymore. We usually install a side or rear separate entrance that meets the 1.2 m side-yard setback.