Burnaby & Metro Vancouver
Basement renovation in Burnaby
Turn an unfinished or dated basement into bedrooms, a family room, a bathroom or a rental suite, with the permits in order.
A basement is the cheapest square footage you will ever add to a Burnaby home, because the foundation, roof and walls already exist. The work that makes it comfortable is mostly invisible: moisture control, insulation, proper egress windows for bedrooms, and plumbing that drains the right way. We get those right first.
Finishing, renovating or adding a suite
There are three common basement projects. Finishing an unfinished space into a rec room, bedroom or office. Renovating an older finished basement that is cold, dark or damp. Adding a secondary suite with its own kitchen, bathroom and entrance, which has its own set of rules. If a suite is the goal, see laneway homes and secondary suites.
Moisture first
Before we frame anything we look for signs of water: staining, efflorescence on concrete, musty smells, past flooding. Finishing over a moisture problem traps it behind drywall. If there is an issue, it is dealt with first and it is listed clearly on the quote.
Permits for basement work
Finishing a basement in Burnaby normally involves a building permit plus plumbing and electrical permits for new bathrooms and circuits. Adding a bedroom brings egress-window requirements. We confirm what your project needs and handle the applications. The Burnaby permit guide explains the rules in plain language.
Flooring below grade
Concrete slabs stay cool and can carry moisture, so solid hardwood is rarely the right choice downstairs. Vinyl plank, tile and engineered products with a proper underlay hold up far better. We will recommend what suits your slab and budget.
Plan ahead
Guides for this project
- Do You Need a Permit to Renovate in Burnaby?Which Burnaby renovations need a building, plumbing, gas or electrical permit, which do not, and how a basement project moves through the City.
- How to Choose a Renovation Contractor in BCSeven checks before you sign with a BC renovation contractor: licence, registration, insurance, written scope, payment schedule, permits and reviews.
- How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Burnaby?Typical Metro Vancouver bathroom renovation ranges by scope, the line items that move the total, and the Burnaby permit rules that apply.
Google reviews
Homeowners on working with us
I would not hesitate to call this team again for any future renovations. Their workmanship is exceptional, and the final results were absolutely outstanding. Thank you to Moin and the team for another job well done. While renovations can be a messy process, the incredible outcome made it completely worthwhile. Highly recommended!
Mary G., Google review
I came to Naimi Contracting with a half-baked idea for a Japanese bathhouse themed bathroom renovation, and Moin made it into a reality! I am completely satisfied with their work, and I would definitely hire them again for future jobs. …
Thomas O., Google review
We hired Naimi Contracting to work on our second floor renovation, the scope of works involving renovation of our two bathrooms, walk in closets in the master bedroom room, closets in all bedrooms, plus replacement of the whole carpet in …
Chih-Chung Y., Google review
FAQ
Questions we get asked
Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Burnaby?
In most cases yes. Framing new rooms, adding a bathroom or changing electrical work are all permit items. Replacing flooring or painting an already-finished basement is not. We confirm it for your specific job.
Can a basement bedroom be legal?
Yes, if it meets the requirements for egress, ceiling height and smoke alarms. We check these during the site visit.
Can you add a bathroom in the basement?
Yes. Whether the drains can run by gravity or need a pump depends on where your main sewer line sits, which we check before quoting.
Can you turn my basement into a rental suite?
Yes. A secondary suite has additional requirements for fire separation, entrances and ventilation. See our laneway homes and secondary suites page.
Free estimate
Tell us about your project
We come out, measure and send a written, itemized quote.
More services
Other work we do
Kitchens
Layout changes, cabinets, quartz, tile, lighting and appliances, built and coordinated by one contractor.
Bathrooms
Main bathrooms, ensuites and powder rooms: waterproofing, tile, showers, tubs, vanities and plumbing.
Laneway & Suites
Laneway homes and secondary suites for family or rental income, built to the City's rules.
Whole-Home
Several rooms or the whole house, planned as one project with one schedule and one contractor.
General Contracting
Additions, structural repairs, custom builds and permit-managed projects run by one accountable contractor.
Tile, Floors & Decks
Tile, flooring, drywall, painting, decks, cabinets, countertops and waterproofing, alone or as part of a bigger job.