An unfinished basement. A whole new way to live.
Turn the space downstairs into a family room, home office, guest space, or somewhere to unwind. We develop unfinished basements and renovate existing ones.
Financing available through Financeit
AI design inspirationBetter living,
down to the details.
You already have the space. Let’s make it useful. We plan around the way you live, talk through the details that matter, and bring the work together from the first layout to the final finish.
- Basement layout & planning
- New development & existing basement renovations
- Family rooms, bedrooms & home offices
- Licensed plumbing & electrical professionals
- Bathrooms, heating & ventilation coordination
- Flooring, trim & interior painting
Every home is different. We’ll confirm the right scope and materials in your free estimate.
THE COMPLETE JOB, COORDINATED
One project.
The right professionals.
Licensed plumbers. Licensed electricians. Qualified heating and ventilation specialists. We bring the right professionals together with our renovation crew, from the work behind the walls to the final finishes.
DHI coordinates the complete job, so you have one point of contact throughout your renovation.
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Heating & ventilation
- Framing & finishing
CALGARY SECONDARY SUITES
A separate home.
A plan for doing it right.
Thinking about a legal basement suite? Start with the requirements that shape your layout. These are key planning checks for a new secondary suite in Calgary.
A self-contained home
Provide cooking, bathroom, living and sleeping space. The entrance must be reachable from outside without going through the main home; a shared stairwell can work with private unit entrances.
City requirements: A self-contained homeRoom to stand comfortably
New basement suites need at least 1.95 m of ceiling height. Necessary drops beneath beams or ductwork may reduce this to 1.85 m.
City requirements: Room to stand comfortablyBedroom escape windows
Each bedroom needs an escape window with a clear opening of at least 0.35 m², with no dimension below 380 mm. It must open without tools or keys.
City requirements: Bedroom escape windowsSpace outside the window
For new suites, bedroom window wells need at least 760 mm of clear space in front of the window. The open window must not block that escape space.
City guidebook (PDF): Space outside the windowSeparation that protects
Plan smoke-tight separation between homes and around common and mechanical spaces, including sealed joints and openings, suitable doors, and sound-control construction.
City guidebook (PDF): Separation that protectsAlarms that work together
Plan hardwired, interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms serving both homes. Smoke alarms are required in bedrooms, on each floor, and in common and mechanical spaces. CO alarms must be within 5 m of bedrooms.
City guidebook (PDF): Alarms that work togetherSeparate heating & ventilation
New suites need independent heating and ventilation, with no shared air system between homes. That does not always mean two furnaces: the right design may use another approved heating system with separate ventilation.
City guidebook (PDF): Separate heating & ventilationPermits before the work
A building permit is required, plus electrical and plumbing permits for that work. A development permit may also be needed, depending on your address and design.
City requirements: Permits before the work
Already have a suite?
Suites built before March 12, 2018 may qualify for different requirements. Check the City’s existing-suite rules before planning upgrades. Complete the required permits and inspections, then verify the suite’s status on Calgary’s Secondary Suite Registry.
First, a conversation.
Then, a clear plan.
Know what happens next, from the first visit to the final walkthrough.
Tell us what you have in mind.
We listen to your ideas, look at your space, and talk through what is possible.
Get a clear plan and quote.
Know the scope, materials, and estimated timeline before the work begins.
Leave the details to us.
We get to work, keep you in the loop, and treat your property with care.
Enjoy coming home.
We walk through the finished work together and take care of the final details.
Good questions.
Straight answers.
Have a question about your basement or another project?
Let’s talk it throughDo you coordinate licensed trades for the whole job?
Yes. DHI brings together licensed plumbers, licensed electricians, qualified heating and ventilation specialists, and our renovation crew. We coordinate the work from the first layout to the final finishes, with one point of contact for your project.
Can you renovate an already finished basement?
Yes. We work on both unfinished basements and existing spaces that need a new layout or fresh finishes. Tell us what is not working for you now, and we can discuss the possibilities.
Can I finance my renovation?
Financing is available through Financeit, subject to approval. Start with a project estimate, then ask us about payment options. The provider confirms your rate, terms, and eligibility before you decide.
What is included in a basement estimate?
We discuss the layout, intended use, materials, finishing, and work needed for your space. Your written estimate sets out the proposed scope. Requirements such as permits and specialist trades are reviewed for your project.
What areas do you serve?
We work with homeowners in Calgary and surrounding communities, including Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, and Chestermere. Contact us to check availability for your address.
Is the estimate really free?
Yes. Your initial consultation and project estimate are free, with no obligation to move forward. We will discuss your goals and explain the proposed work so you can decide with confidence.
How long will my project take?
Timing depends on the size of the project, material availability, and weather. We will discuss the expected schedule with your estimate and keep you informed if anything changes.
BASEMENTS. PAINTING. DECKS & FENCES.
Tell us what
you have in mind.
A free estimate. A clear scope. A good place to start.