Project photograph not yet available
Hero Photo, Finished Suite
Selected Work
A Legal Basement Apartment in Meadowvale
A 1,200 sq ft, two bedroom legal basement apartment in Mississauga, with a fully permitted below grade separate entrance, designed for rental income and multigenerational living.
At a Glance
Project Details
- Location
- Mississauga, Meadowvale
- Project Type
- Legal Basement Apartment
- Size
- 1,200 sq ft
- Layout
- Two bedrooms, three piece bathroom
- Timeline
- Approximately three months of active construction
- Permits
- Full building permit and ESA certification
Scope Highlights
- Structural
- 20-foot load bearing wall removal with steel beam
- Below Grade Entrance
- Fully permitted, engineered staircase with waterproofing and drainage
- Design
- Photorealistic 3D renderings + architectural drawings
- Mechanical
- Dedicated HVAC, code compliant ventilation
- Life Safety
- Interconnected smoke and CO alarms across the full home
- Trades
- ScaleBig vetted network
- Engineering
- Stamped drawings from licensed Professional Engineer
- Inspection
- Full municipal sign off
The Brief
The homeowner approached ScaleBig with two parallel goals: generate rental income from a fully legal secondary suite, and accommodate extended family with private, self contained living space. The existing basement was unfinished and required a complete build out, layout, structure, mechanical systems, fire and sound separation, and finishes, all coordinated to meet Ontario Building Code and Mississauga's second-suite requirements.
Design
Our in house designer led the design phase. Layout options were developed to maximize the 1,200 sq ft footprint without compromising bedroom sizing or shared spaces. Final selections included finishes, fixtures, lighting, and a custom tiled stand up shower in the three piece bathroom.
Photorealistic 3D renderings were produced before construction began, helping the homeowner review the proposed space and approve material selections before construction. Architectural drawings were developed in parallel to support the permit application and trades coordination.
Rendering & Final
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3D Rendering
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Finished Photograph
Side by side images will be published with client release.
Structure & Engineering
The most significant construction element was the removal of a 20-foot load bearing wall to open the basement floor plan. This work was developed in close coordination with a licensed Professional Engineer, who issued stamped drawings specifying the required support strategy.
A structural steel beam was installed to carry the load, supported by appropriately engineered posts and footings. Existing site conditions required rerouting both electrical and plumbing runs to accommodate the new structural geometry, work that was sequenced with the engineer's approval and the city inspector's sign off at each stage.
Behind the Walls
A legal basement apartment is defined as much by what isn't visible as by what is. Substantial planning and execution went into the mechanical, electrical, and code compliance work that sits behind the finished surfaces.
Below Grade Separate Entrance
A fully permitted below grade entrance was added to provide independent access for the suite, including excavation, an engineered retaining wall, code compliant stairs, and integrated drainage at the building envelope.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing was carried out at the new below grade entrance and at exposed foundation areas affected by the work, with attention to drainage and long term moisture management.
Sump Pump
A sump pump was installed to manage groundwater and protect the finished suite from water intrusion.
Structural Steel Beam
A structural steel beam was installed to carry the 20-foot opening where a load bearing wall was removed, supported by engineered posts and footings per the stamped drawings.
Fire Separation
Wall and ceiling assemblies were built to required fire resistance ratings to isolate the suite from the main dwelling.
Sound Separation
Floor and wall sound separation was achieved using resilient channel, Roxul Safe and Sound acoustic insulation, and 5/8" drywall, an acoustic assembly selected to help reduce sound transmission between the suite and the main dwelling.
Insulation
Wall and ceiling insulation was installed to meet current Ontario Building Code requirements for energy efficiency and thermal performance.
Fire Rated Pot Lights
All recessed lighting in fire separation assemblies was installed using fire rated fixtures, preserving the integrity of the assembly.
Custom Fire Rated Doors
Self-closing, fire rated doors were custom sized to suit the existing openings and meet code requirements at every separation point.
Egress Windows
Bedroom windows were sized and positioned to meet egress requirements, ensuring a code compliant secondary means of escape.
Separate Electrical Panel
A dedicated electrical panel was installed for the suite, isolating the basement service from the main dwelling.
Separate Plumbing Lines
Hot and cold water supply lines for the suite were run independently of the main dwelling, with dedicated shutoffs.
HVAC & Ventilation
A dedicated HVAC and ventilation strategy was designed for the suite, including make-up air and code compliant exhaust ventilation in the bathroom and kitchen.
Washer & Dryer Hookups
Dedicated washer and dryer hookups were installed for the suite, allowing independent laundry use.
Interconnected Smoke and CO Alarms
Interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were installed across the full home, basement suite and main dwelling, wired together so that any alarm triggers all units simultaneously.
Coordinated Inspections
Each phase was coordinated with the city inspector to ensure sign off before the next phase began, framing, rough ins, insulation, drywall, and final occupancy.
The Finished Suite
Behind the engineering and code compliance work sits the result the homeowner lives with and rents out. The suite was finished to a standard appropriate for long term residential use, with attention to durability, comfort, and quality of finish throughout.
Kitchen
A full secondary kitchen with cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and code compliant range ventilation, sized and laid out to serve a two bedroom suite comfortably.
Bathroom
A three piece bathroom with a custom tiled stand up shower, detailed during the design phase with our in house designer.
Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the suite, installed over DMX underlay for moisture protection, comfort underfoot, and additional thermal performance.
Lighting
A combination of recessed fire rated pot lights and selected fixtures, designed for even, comfortable illumination throughout the suite.
Finishes
Wall finishes, trim, doors, and hardware selected during the design phase to align with the homeowner's preferences and the rental-suitability requirements of a long term tenant unit.
Bedrooms
Two bedrooms sized for legal occupancy, each with code compliant egress windows.
Laundry
Dedicated washer and dryer hookups for independent suite use.
Gallery
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Project photography will be published with client release.
Client Note
Testimonial Pending
Testimonial to be published, the homeowner has agreed to a short video testimonial, to be added here when filming completes.
Planning a project like this?
If you're considering a legal basement apartment or structural renovation in Mississauga, Oakville or Burlington, we'd be glad to discuss the scope with you.
Book a Free ConsultationOr call us at 647-289-2823