Complete the home’s potential with a developed basement

The basement was the one room in the house that people looked down on, literally and figuratively. It used to be the least appealing room that many used to store seasonal decor and other seldomly used items. The key phrase though is “used to be,” as today the utility and beauty of the basement is in full display.

Whether it is a man-cave, a femme flat, a game room or home theatre, the basement is extra living space that everyone can use. Developing the basement can fulfill the full potential of the home and just a little imagination is all it takes to unlock all its potential.

These days, the basement takes an even more prominent role, as its development is encouraged to use as a rental space or even as an AirBnB spot to augment the household income.

In Calgary, most single-family homes have a basement, and some townhomes too. Some are now designed with nine-foot ceilings that make the lower level feel less dungeon-y. The popularity of including a side entrance to the home has made the basement development even more functional and appealing as a rental space. And of course, a basement development on a walkout lot is the high-water mark for lifestyle points.

Many homebuilders now offer developing the basement with the construction of the pre-sale home to save the owner the trouble of doing it themselves later. We spoke with a few Calgary homebuilders to find out how they can help fulfill the basement dream.

What’s the advantage of developing the basement?

Many of the new communities in Calgary are now zoned for developed basement suites and homebuyers are realizing the full potential of the home by including this in their mortgage.

Pamela Burns, Director, Sales & Marketing at Sterling Homes says developing the basement lets homeowners maximize all available space.” It can provide additional living space, an extra bedroom, a home office, a movie room, or even a revenue-generating suite. Choosing to have your basement developed by a builder, rather than relying on sweat equity, saves time and ensures quality and consistent design throughout the home.”

Wendee Bishop, Marketing Manager & Creative Director for NuVista Homes and Augusta Fine Homes, agrees. “Basement suites can be a desirable option for renters due to their lower costs compared to above-ground apartments. In addition, the homeowner can qualify for more funding from their banks or even gain mortgage approval, if they are getting a legal suite created when they are building their home.”

Besides the earning potential, she says a finished basement gives the entire home better energy efficiency. “Proper insulation and heating in a developed basement can reduce overall energy consumption and lower utility bills.”
She adds that developing the basement can lead to better moisture control and improved air quality. “This is especially important in Calgary’s varied climate, where basement dampness can be an issue.”

Jennifer Currie de Urrutia, Director of Sales at Hopewell Residential, says it only makes sense to get the basement developed by the builder building your new home, as it streamlines the whole process. “One distinct advantage of developing a basement when purchasing a new home is the easy process and consistency in quality and finishes throughout your new home. No need to complete and submit new building permits or hire a contractor, everything is completed seamlessly as part of your new homebuying journey and backed by the same warranty program as the rest of your home.”

How much typically for a builder to do basement development?

There is a wide discrepancy when it comes to calculating costs for developing the basement with your builder and it can vary wildly depending on what’s being done.

Sterling Homes’ Burns says the cost of basement development typically depends on various factors such as the size of the space, the desired design, the quality of materials, and whether the development includes a suite. “A simple basement development can cost approximately $50,000, while a full basement suite development is $90,000. Additions like a media room, gym, bar area, extra bedrooms, or a kitchen can incur additional costs. However, these features can enhance your resale value and potentially enable you to qualify for a larger mortgage.”

At NuVista, Bishop says standard basement development starts at around $35,000 which depends on square footage and what you are adding into it. “Fully developed legal suites starts at $70, 000 as there is separate HRV ventilation, fire sealing, full kitchen and code requirements. Of course, you can add a side entrance if applicable.”

But homebuyers should be aware of deals. Hopewell Residential is running a limited time promotion to get half-off basement developments on select front-garage home models in Hotchkiss, Mahogany and Rangeview, Currie de Urrutia says.

Basement design innovation

Basement development has come a long way over the years and these spaces can often feel just as bright and airy as the main and upper floors. Windows that let in natural light make a big difference in how bright the space can feel and walk-out basements provide the best lighting due to the size of the windows it can accommodate.

Other important factors to consider would be the location of the mechanical room. In order to maximize the square footage of the home, it is beneficial if all the mechanical systems can be tucked away into one corner of the basement to allow for more open space for the other rooms.

A walkout basement, offering direct access to outdoor space, can be a perfect spot for a recreational area or a naturally lit rental suite. These designs have gained popularity because they can enhance the feel of space and natural light in the home.

For a traditional basement, Burns says Sterling Homes would focus on optimizing the space for comfort and functionality, considering ideal lighting conditions and the potential for additional windows. “A separate side entrance can be beneficial in adding value to the property, providing a more private access for occupants or future renters.”

Examples to check out

Burns says Sterling Homes is particularly proud of a recent basement development they did in their new Ambleton showhome, which features a one-bedroom legal basement suite. “This space offers an expansive, versatile layout that feels very unlike typical basements. Large windows let in ample natural light, making the rooms inviting and comfortable. The suite also includes a separate entrance for potential tenants, ensuring privacy. This stylish and functional design exemplifies our commitment to quality construction.” Find out more at sterlingcalgary.com.

Bishop says NuVista Homes and Augusta Fine Homes have developed numerous beautifully designed basement suites tailored to customers’ diverse needs. “These range from smaller detached homes, where clients desired versatile lower-level spaces, to more complex setups such as a customized suite for a young adult with mobility challenges, complete with an elevator and a bespoke layout to meet his specific requirements.”

Their showhomes strive to showcase how families can maximize and enjoy the additional square footage of the basement. “We often get creative, featuring spaces such as movie rooms, gyms or yoga studios, art and crafting rooms, as well as wine and gaming rooms. For walk-out basements, the design often emphasizes the large windows and outdoor patios to create an inviting and functional living area,” Bishop says.

The Parkview in Hudson by NuVista Homes offers an elegant, sophisticated space perfect for socializing and playing card or board games. It features a wet bar, gathering areas ideal for watching movies or digital games, and a full bath along with an additional bedroom for guests who stay overnight. Go to nuvistahomes.com for more.

While The Henderson in Harmony by Augusta Fine Homes elevates this concept to a grander scale.” Designed for both entertainment and practical living, this space is ideal for adult children attending university or saving for their own place. It includes a walk-in wet bar with dual fridges and a dishwasher, a large gym for stress relief, two spacious bedrooms each with a desk and separate bathrooms, and its own laundry on the lower level.” Get more information at augustafinehomescalgary.com.

Currie de Urrutia says that at Hopewell it doesn’t matter whether the space is small or large, “our team thoughtfully designs functional basements that maximize living spaces that are made to live.”

Hopewell has value added inclusions such as 9-foot basement foundation heights, thoughtfully designed floorplan options and designer curated finishes.

Hopewell’s The Lyall in Mahogany has a two bed, two bath basement suite. “From form to function, this basement suite has the flexibility to accommodate a variety of homebuyer and renter needs,” she adds. Go to hopewellresidential.com