In some old sitcoms like “The ‘70s Show,” the basement was always depicted as a slightly shady area meant for teenage hijinks. But in today’s homes, the basement is where the full potential of the home is waiting to be tapped.

Be it in a duplex, a laned home, or a front-attached garage home in Calgary, the below-grade spaces is where the home can, in fact, become another home.

Developing legal secondary suites has become one of the hottest trends in the new home industry today, and the basement can turn the home into anything from a multi-generational property for aging parents; as an income-generating space that could take in renters to help pay down the mortgage faster; and, as always, a rumpus room for kids of all ages.

Trust the builder

Of course, developing the basement on your own after taking possession of the home – “sweat equity” it’s called – is always an option, but most of Calgary’s homebuilders offer the choice of developing the basement of your new build home and realize its full potential faster and easier.

NuVista Homes’ Annie Nguyen, sales associate in Bridgeport, says there are several advantages to have the basement developed by the builder.

“Developing the basement during the initial build offers a level of efficiency and quality that’s difficult to achieve afterward and may cost more due to reconfiguration of existing mechanical and/or HVAC elements,” she says.

“Because the structure is open and accessible during the home’s construction, the space can be engineered with optimal ceiling heights, window placement, and mechanical routing, resulting in a brighter, more functional lower level.”

Kristina Plank, Senior marketing Manager at Excel Homes, adds that cost is another thing to consider. “Developing the basement later is often more expensive because you’d need to create a new layout, bring trades back in, and potentially deal with longer construction timelines,” she says.

“And of course, there’s the convenience factor,” Plank adds. “If you wait and do it later, you’ll have a construction crew working in your home after you’ve already moved in, which can be noisy, disruptive, and inconvenient. So, if it’s within your budget, doing the basement development during the initial build often makes the most sense.”

Things to consider

There is a growing interest in developing secondary suites or semi private living spaces, but there are things to consider.

Legal suites with a full kitchen will require additional permits and costs that can take longer to get approved by the local city planning department. “Legal suites are not always permissible in every community, so customers would need to talk to your home builder to ensure that is an option,” Nguyen points out.

Plank says additional consideration in the placement of windows and separate entrances must be made in homes on zero lot lines (ZLL).

“We have many communities with zero style lots and we have thoughtfully designed our basement suite layouts that work within those requirements. We place rooms with windows in a way that complies with the zero-lot line rule of keeping one side wall free of windows. For example, if a bedroom or room requiring a window would normally be placed along a side wall, we would instead move it to the front or rear of the home. We have also modified our layouts to be more efficient and to maximize space in a ZLL model,” she says.

The cost of developing a basement varies depending on the home model, square footage, and the features a homeowner wants included, Nguyen says. “For a one bedroom basement with a kitchen and full bathroom, the investment typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000. This range reflects the full scope of work – from framing and drywall to plumbing, electrical, flooring, cabinetry, and finishing details. The final price depends on whether the client wants a full kitchen or kitchenette, the size of the living area, and any additional upgrades such as upgraded flooring or cabinetry.”

Design trends

As for design trends, Nguyen says full basement kitchens and well designed wet bars have become increasingly popular, especially for homeowners who enjoy entertaining. “Many homeowners are putting more intention into their basement spaces, and we’re seeing a strong shift toward upgrades that make the lower level feel just as livable and valuable as the main floors,” she says.

“Additional cabinetry continues to be a popular choice, especially for those wanting more storage or a more functional kitchen. Spa inspired bathrooms with tiled showers and upgraded fixtures are also in high demand, as buyers look to create a comfortable, private retreat for guests or extended family.”

Plank mentions that one trend they have noticed gaining in popularity with basement developments is having luxury vinyl plank flooring in kitchens and other wet areas. “It has the look and feel of hardwood, but it’s more durable and water-resistant, which makes it a great fit for those spaces.”

She adds that in regular, non-suited basement developments, Excel is also seeing a trend toward larger, open-concept spaces that can serve multiple purposes. “For example, homeowners may use the area as a movie room, home gym, games room, or a combination of some.”

Lastly, for basement suites, two-bedroom layouts have become very desirable and popular. They maximize your space and help increase your rental income, Plank adds.

Basement lifestyle

The best way to see a basement development in action is in showhomes, and many showhome parades in the new communities feature this.

NuVista’s showhome in Bridgeport, Chestermere, features an exceptional upgraded basement development that adds more than 500 sq. ft. of beautifully designed living space. A spacious living area anchors the layout, complemented by a kitchenette complete with modern cabinetry, quartz countertops, floating shelves, undermount cabinet lighting, and premium Samsung appliances.

“What makes this space truly stand out is how intentionally it mirrors the finishes, materials, and overall aesthetic of the upper floors, Nguyen says. “Rather than feeling like an afterthought, the basement is crafted as a natural extension of the home – polished, functional, and designed with the same level of care and craftsmanship that defines the Bridgeport showhome.” For more information, visit nuvistahomes.com

Excel Homes recently opened their Hawthorne showhome in the new community of Princeton just east of Calgary.

“Our 814-square-foot basement development in Hawthorne is actually a legal secondary suite that complies with building code, and it’s a great example of how to maximize a two-bedroom layout while still creating plenty of room for entertaining, along with a full kitchen, all while maintaining a cohesive feel with the rest of the home upstairs,” Plank says.

“The two bedrooms are thoughtfully designed, with access to a separate main bath, while one of the bedrooms also includes its own ensuite. Just off the entrance, there’s also a conveniently located stackable laundry area with quick access to the bedrooms. Little details like that can make a big difference and add a lot of value for the homeowner,” she adds. Go to excelhomes.ca for more.

Nguyen states that altogether, these choices reflect a growing desire to transform the basement into a high value part of the home – “not just extra square footage, but a space with purpose, personality, and endless potential.”