Basement Renovation · Cambridge, Ontario
How Much Does a Basement Renovation Cost in Cambridge? (2026 Guide)
What finishing a basement costs in Cambridge in 2026, by type of home and by what you add — a bathroom, an egress window, an apartment, or waterproofing first.
The short answer
A finished basement in Cambridge generally runs $35,000–$75,000. A rec room and home office in a newer Hespeler or Clemens Mill home with a poured foundation and an existing bathroom rough-in sits toward the low end. A legal basement apartment with a separate entrance, egress windows, a kitchen and a full bath — or any basement that needs waterproofing first — sits at the top of the range or above it.
Where your Cambridge home lands
- 1990s–2010s subdivisions (Hespeler, Clemens Mill, Fiddlesticks, River Flats): poured concrete, 8-foot ceilings, bathroom rough-in in the slab. Lower half of the range.
- 1950s–70s bungalows and splits (Preston, East Galt, along Franklin and Dundas): block foundation, lower ceilings, no rough-in, often a 100-amp panel. Middle of the range; add a bathroom and it climbs.
- Century homes (downtown Galt, West Galt): stone foundations and low headroom. Often a partial finish is the realistic scope; a full living space may mean lowering the floor, which is priced separately.
What moves the number
- Square footage. The base cost scales with the area being framed, wired, drywalled and floored.
- A bathroom. On an existing rough-in it's a contained add. Cutting the slab and adding an ejector pit is a bigger one.
- Egress windows. Each legal bedroom needs one; cutting a block or poured wall and installing a well is a fixed, meaningful cost per window.
- Waterproofing. If the basement has ever taken water — and near the Grand and Speed many have — this comes first and is priced separately.
- A legal apartment. Fire separation, a second kitchen, a separate entrance and the permit process add up; the rent usually justifies it.
- Finishes. Vinyl plank and drywall ceilings are the sensible standard; built-ins, wet bars and tile push the number up.
How to keep it in range
Use the rough-in you have. Keep the bathroom small. Choose a drywall ceiling over a drop ceiling — it's cheaper and gains headroom. And deal with water before framing, even if it means a smaller finish this year.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to finish a basement in Cambridge?
Yes. Framing, electrical, plumbing, bedrooms and egress windows all need a City of Cambridge building permit and inspections. It's included in our quotes.
How much does a basement apartment add to the cost?
Enough that it usually sits at the top of the range. The separate entrance, egress windows, fire separation and second kitchen are the big items — but a legal unit in Cambridge rents well and typically pays itself back.
Should I waterproof before finishing?
If there's any history or sign of water, yes, and we'll quote it as a separate line so you can see exactly what it costs.
Get a Free Basement Renovation Quote
Ranges are general estimates for the Cambridge area and vary by project. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote specific to your job.