Why You Should Consider Adding a Basement Apartment to Your Home
- Braeden Darlington
- Jul 15, 2025
- 2 min read
Unlock passive income, increase property value, and future-proof your home — all from your basement.
Whether you are an empty nester trying to make use of wasted space, or a young family trying to get by in this crazy real estate market. If you own a home in Simcoe County, chances are you’ve thought about how to make the most of your property. One of the smartest and most valuable upgrades you can make is converting your basement into a legal secondary suite — also known as a basement apartment.
At BDAR Built, we specialize in helping homeowners turn underused space into income-generating rental units that are code-compliant, professionally built, and tenant-ready.
Here’s why adding a basement apartment might be the best decision you’ll ever make for your home.
💰 1. Generate Steady Monthly Income
Adding a legal basement apartment can bring in anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000+ per month in rental income, depending on the size, location, and quality of the unit.
That extra income can:
Help cover your mortgage
Offset rising property taxes and utility costs
Be reinvested into further home improvements or savings
🏠 2. Increase Your Property Value
A home with a legal secondary suite is often more attractive to buyers and can appraise significantly higher. Many real estate investors actively seek properties with ready-to-rent basement units because they provide positive cash flow from day one.
A properly designed and permitted unit can increase your home’s resale value by $50,000 to $150,000+, depending on your local market and finishes.
📈 3. Make Your Home Work for You
If your basement is currently used for storage or laundry, it’s not pulling its weight. A basement apartment transforms that unused space into a functional, livable, and profitable part of your home.
Modern basement suites can include:
Full kitchens
Private entrances
Large windows (with legal egress)
In-suite laundry
Smart layouts with lots of natural light
🏗️ 4. Legal Second Suites Are Encouraged by Municipalities
Many municipalities in Simcoe County — including Barrie, Orillia, Innisfil, and New Tecumseth — are actively supporting residential intensification by making it easier to add legal basement apartments.
Some offer:
Fast-track permit processes
Reduced development fees for second units
Educational resources for homeowners
Our team at BDAR Built is fully up to date with local zoning and Ontario Building Code requirements — so we’ll guide you through the entire approval and permit process.
🔒 5. Add Flexibility and Security for the Future
A basement apartment isn’t just about income — it also gives your home flexibility:
A place for aging parents or adult children
Temporary housing if your financial situation changes
A suite you can Airbnb (in permitted areas)
And if you ever plan to sell, it becomes a huge selling feature for buyers looking for mortgage help or multigenerational living space.
🛠️ Ready to Explore Your Options?
At BDAR Built, we help homeowners across Simcoe County unlock the full potential of their properties. From design and permits to construction and final inspection, we handle the entire process — legally and professionally.
👉 Book a free consultation today to find out if your basement qualifies for conversion — and what kind of income it could generate.
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