We converted two basement rooms to legal bedrooms in our East York semi-detached. The main work was installing egress window wells on both rooms — Toronto requires this for any sleeping room below grade.
What we were working with: Two existing small slider windows, about 18x24 inches each. Way below egress requirement. Plan was to cut the foundation, install larger windows, and add wells.
Toronto permit process: Applied through the city’s online portal. Building permit took 19 days. Inspector came out at three stages: pre-pour (well installation), rough-in, and final. The inspector was thorough — he measured the opening, checked the sill height (must be within 1.0m of floor), and verified the well gave enough clearance to open the window.
The actual work:
- Foundation cutting (concrete saw, two windows): $1,200
- Window supply and install (casement, white vinyl, 32x24 opening): $1,800 for both
- Galvanized steel window wells (48x48): $380 for two including hardware
- Excavation and gravel drainage bed: $600
- Drainage pipe from each well to weeping tile: $1,400 (this was the lesson — see below)
- Waterproofing around window bucks: $350
- Permit: $380
- Total: $6,110
The lesson: The first well we built relied on gravel infiltration. After the first heavy rain it filled to within 2 inches of the window sill. Clay soil in East York does not infiltrate. We added the drain pipe connection to both wells and the problem was completely solved. Do not skip this step in Toronto clay.
Basement is now legally a 2-bedroom unit. Rents for $1,850/month.