A Basement Renovation Contractor
Guelph Homeowners Can Rely On
Your basement is the most cost-effective square footage you can add to a Guelph home — the structure is already there. Whether you're after a finished family space, a home office, or a legal rental suite, the difference between a basement that lasts and one you regret comes down to how the work is done: moisture control, insulation, lighting and layout.
LUMA Build Design is a family-owned general contractor based in Centre Wellington, just north of Guelph, and we've been finishing basements across Guelph and Wellington County for over 20 years. From the older homes near Exhibition Park and the Ward to newer subdivisions in Kortright Hills, Westminster Woods and Pine Ridge, we know the local housing stock and how to build a basement that holds up.
We manage the full project — design, permits through the City of Guelph, and all trades including plumbing, electrical, framing, insulation and finishes. One team, one point of contact, from demolition to final walkthrough.
Basement Renovation Services in Guelph
Finished Basements
& Rec Rooms
A comfortable, fully finished living area for movie nights, kids and hosting. Flooring, lighting, built-ins and media walls, with the moisture and sound detailing that keeps the space comfortable year-round.
Basement Apartments
& Legal Suites
In-law suites and legal rental units built to code — with their own kitchen, bathroom, egress and separate entrance where the layout allows. A smart way to add rental income in a university city with steady housing demand.
Home Gyms, Offices & Studios
The electrical, ventilation, flooring and soundproofing that make a basement office or gym genuinely usable — not just a finished box. Built for how you actually plan to use the space.
Basement Bathrooms
& Wet Bars
Adding a bathroom or wet bar below grade comes down to plumbing — rough-in location, drainage and venting. We assess what's already there and build full bathrooms, powder rooms and bar areas that drain and vent correctly.
Legal Basement Apartments
& Secondary Suites in Guelph
With the University of Guelph driving steady rental demand, a legal basement apartment is one of the smartest ways to add long-term value or rental income to a Guelph home. But a legal suite has to meet Ontario Building Code and the City of Guelph's additional residential unit and zoning rules — minimum ceiling height, proper bedroom egress, fire separation between units, a compliant separate entrance, and parking requirements.
We design and build legal basement suites that meet those standards from day one, and we handle the permit application and inspections through the City of Guelph. Before you commit to a design, we assess whether your basement can meet the requirements — so you know exactly what's involved and what it's worth, with no surprises once the work starts.
Why Guelph Homeowners Choose
LUMA for Basement Renovations
Based Right in Wellington County
LUMA is based in Centre Wellington, just up the road from Guelph — close enough to be responsive and on-site quickly, with over 20 years working throughout the region. You're not waiting on a contractor driving in from another city.
​
One Team, Full Scope
Plumbing, electrical, framing, insulation, tile, cabinetry — all coordinated by LUMA. You have one point of contact from demolition to final walkthrough. Nothing falls between the cracks.
​
Moisture & Waterproofing Done Right
A finished basement is only as good as what's behind the walls. We identify and solve moisture, drainage and vapour issues before any finishing goes in — because the most expensive basement renovation is the one you have to tear out and redo.
​
Permits Handled
Finishing a basement, adding egress, or building a legal suite requires permits through the City of Guelph. We know what's required, file the paperwork and manage inspections — you don't navigate that alone.
​
Honest Pricing, No Surprises
A detailed quote before work begins. No costs added mid-project without a direct conversation first.
How a Basement Renovation Works With LUMA
Step 1 — Free Consultation We visit your Guelph home, look at the space, check moisture and ceiling height, and give you an honest picture of what's possible within your budget.
Step 2 — Design & Selection Layout, flooring, lighting, bathroom and suite options and finishes. Clear choices and honest guidance on what works in the real world.
Step 3 — Permits & Scheduling We handle any permits required through the City of Guelph and schedule all trades in the right sequence so your project runs efficiently.
Step 4 — Renovation Framing, waterproofing, insulation, plumbing, electrical, drywall, flooring, cabinetry and finishes — all managed in the correct order with no delays from uncoordinated trades.
Step 5 — Final Walkthrough Every finish, fixture and function checked before we hand the space back to you.
Frequently Asked Questions —
Basement Renovations in Guelph
Q: How much does a basement renovation cost in Guelph?
Costs depend on size, scope and finish level. A basic finished rec room with flooring, lighting and a finished ceiling typically starts around $35,000–$55,000. Adding a bathroom moves it to roughly $55,000–$85,000. A full legal basement apartment with its own kitchen, bath and separate entrance typically starts around $90,000 and up. Detailed quotes are provided after a free on-site consultation. → Confirm/replace these figures with your real pricing before publishing.
Q: Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Guelph?
In most cases, yes. Finishing a basement, adding a bedroom with egress, or creating a basement apartment requires a building permit through the City of Guelph. We assess what's required and handle the application and inspections.
Q: Can you build a legal basement apartment in Guelph?
Often, yes. The City of Guelph permits additional residential units, subject to ceiling height, egress, fire separation, separate entrance and parking requirements. We assess whether your basement can meet Ontario Building Code and city zoning before you commit to a design.
Q: How long does a basement renovation take?
Most finished basements take four to eight weeks once permits are in hand. Adding a bathroom or a full legal suite extends the timeline because of the additional rough-in, inspections and finishes.
Q: My basement leaks or feels damp — can it still be finished?
Usually, but the moisture has to be solved first. We identify the source, address waterproofing and drainage, and build the finish with proper vapour control so the dampness doesn't return behind your new walls.
Q: What areas do you serve for basement renovations?
LUMA renovates basements in Guelph, Fergus, Elora, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and the surrounding Centre Wellington and Wellington County area.
Satisfied Homeowners
LUMA replaced our walk-in shower. Everything about the renovation was perfect. From beginning to end, Luma kept us updated throughout.
His response time to any question we had was immediate. The renovation itself turned out better than we had hoped for. We would not hesitate to recommend LUMA, and will definitely be using them for any future projects. Thank you Luma for such a great renovation experience.
I just had my ensuite done by these gentleman as well as an exterior retainer wall and deck in Elora. I can't recommend them enough! The moment my husband and I reached out to LUMA we knew we had found our builder.
Whether you speak with Mason or Luke, you'll be greeted with a smile and a friendly email or phone call.
We are absolutely thrilled with our tub to walk-in shower renovation. This is definitely the smoothest renovation we have ever experienced!
The team is professional, timely and incredibly skilled. Every detail was handled with care and communication was seamless.
The final result exceeded our expectations. We would highly recommend LUMA Build Design to anyone looking for quality work and outstanding service.
Basement Renovation Contractors Across Wellington County & the KW Area
LUMA Build Design finishes basements across Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo and Wellington County. Wherever you're located, our team brings the same craftsmanship and full-scope project management.