How Long Does a Basement Renovation Take in Ottawa?

The short answer

A standard mid-range basement renovation in Ottawa typically takes about 6 to 12 weeks of on-site work, plus 2 to 6 weeks for permit review beforehand, according to HomeStars’ 2026 Ottawa guide. Contractors often have a 3 to 6 week backlog in peak season, so book early if you have a firm date.

What the City of Ottawa says about the permit

The City states that a building permit is required to finish a basement. Its approximate timeline, based on the service level approved by City Council, is about 5 business days for the first review. If the City asks for changes, your resubmission adds time, which is why planning a few weeks of allowance is sensible.

See our guide on whether you need a permit to finish a basement for what to submit and which inspections to expect.

The usual sequence

HomeStars describes the order of work this way:

• Design and permit drawings
• Permit review
• Waterproofing and any structural work
• Framing and rough-ins (plumbing and electrical)
• Rough inspections
• Insulation and drywall
• Finishing, flooring and paint

Covering a wall before it is inspected can mean opening it up again, so each inspection is scheduled before walls close.

What makes it take longer

• Moisture or foundation problems found before finishing, which need to be fixed first
• Adding a bathroom, which brings plumbing rough-ins and more inspections
• Structural changes, egress windows or an electrical panel upgrade
• Custom materials with long lead times
• Resubmitting drawings after permit comments

Published costs to plan alongside the schedule

These ranges come from HomeStars’ 2026 Ottawa guide, updated in August 2026. They are published figures for context and are not Aelia quotes. We checked them in October 2026.

• Whole basement renovation: about $35,000 to $95,000, with most 700 to 900 square foot basements between $50,000 and $75,000 for a mid-range finish
• Basement bathroom addition: about $15,000 to $30,000 on top of other work
• Waterproofing and insulation upgrades: about $5,000 to $15,000
• Permit fees: typically about $500 to $1,500 depending on scope

Can you stay in the house?

In most cases, yes. Basement work is largely self-contained, though dust, noise and occasional utility interruptions are unavoidable. Ask your contractor about the week-by-week sequence, especially if an electrical panel upgrade or major plumbing work will shut off services.

Plan your basement

The most reliable schedule comes from a site visit and drawings. Aelia Construction and Design offers free estimates across Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, Nepean and Orleans.