What is a realistic budget for finishing a basement in Burnaby?

Basement finishing in Burnaby typically costs between $50-$100 per square foot, meaning a 600 sq ft basement ranges from $30,000-$60,000, while a larger 1,000 sq ft space runs $50,000-$100,000.

The wide range depends heavily on your finish level and scope. A basic finish ($50-$65/sq ft) includes drywall, basic flooring like luxury vinyl plank, standard electrical outlets, and simple lighting. A mid-range renovation ($65-$85/sq ft) adds features like a bathroom, wet bar, upgraded flooring, pot lights, and better trim work. High-end finishes ($85-$100+/sq ft) include custom millwork, hardwood or tile flooring, full kitchenette, premium fixtures, and sophisticated lighting systems.

Major cost factors include whether you're adding a bathroom (adds $15,000-$25,000), kitchen or wet bar ($8,000-$20,000), and the existing condition of your basement. Older Burnaby homes may need electrical panel upgrades, moisture remediation, or ceiling height adjustments to meet current BC Building Code requirements. If you're creating a secondary suite, expect additional costs for separate entrance ($3,000-$8,000), fire separation, and meeting egress window requirements.

This also includes the city's building permit requirements and inspection process. Burnaby Building Department (604-294-7130) requires permits for electrical, plumbing, and structural work. Permit fees typically range $500-$2,000 depending on scope. The permitting process takes 4-8 weeks for straightforward basement finishing projects.

What's typically included: framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, basic electrical (outlets, lighting), and painting. What costs extra: plumbing rough-in, HVAC modifications, built-in storage, and high-end finishes. Many contractors quote materials and labor together, but clarify what's included upfront.

Professional help is essential for electrical and plumbing work, which must be done by licensed contractors and inspected by Technical Safety BC. While you can handle some finishing work like painting, the mechanical systems require professionals for both safety and code compliance.

Get quotes from 3-4 contractors, ensure they're properly licensed and insured, and factor in 10-15% contingency for unexpected issues like moisture problems or electrical upgrades common in older Burnaby homes.