Finished our unfinished 900 sq ft Mississauga basement with a full wet bar, rec room, and bathroom. The wet bar was the centrepiece — sharing the full scope and cost.
Permit:
Building permit from Mississauga: $1,420. Required drawings for plumbing and electrical layout. Contractor submitted the drawings; I just needed to sign the application. 4 inspections total — passed all on first attempt.
Wet bar scope:
- Custom cabinet uppers and lowers (matching the look of our kitchen — same company did both)
- Quartz countertop with waterfall end panel
- Undermount bar sink (Kraus, 15-inch)
- Bar faucet (Delta)
- Bar fridge (Frigidaire 4.5 cu ft)
- Kegerator rough-in (drain, dedicated circuit) — not installed yet, space reserved
- Backlit floating shelves for liquor display
Wet bar cost: $18,400 (cabinets, countertop, appliances, rough-in, electrical)
Rest of basement:
- LVP flooring (800 sq ft): $5,600
- Framing and drywall: $8,200
- Drop ceiling (600 sq ft): $4,400
- Pot lights (14): $1,540
- 3-piece bathroom: $9,800
- Paint: $1,200
- Egress window (bedroom): $4,200
Total project: $54,760 + $1,420 permit = $56,180
Now renting the basement bedroom/bathroom area to my brother-in-law at below-market rate. No regrets — the space is used constantly.