New homes · Secondary suite
Basement apartment plumbing in new homes
Ontario allows additional units on most residential lots. Roughing in a basement apartment while the house is being built costs a fraction of adding it later.
Overview
What plumbing does a basement apartment need?
Kitchen
Sink, dishwasher and appliance connections.
Bathroom
Toilet, vanity and shower or tub, drained below grade.
Laundry
Separate or shared laundry connections.
Separate shut-offs
Unit-level shut-off so each unit can be isolated.
Hot water
Shared or dedicated water heating, sized for two households.
Fire separation
Pipe penetrations sealed to maintain fire separation.
How we do it
How do we plan a basement apartment during construction?
The drains for a basement unit are set in the underground stage, so the decision has to come early.
- Decide before the slab so drains for the suite kitchen and bathroom are set.
- Size water and hot water for two households.
- Separate shut-offs for each unit.
- Fire-stopped penetrations between units.
- Inspected with the house, so the suite is ready to finish any time.
Adding a suite?
Tell us before the underground stage. We add the suite to the plumbing plan and quote.
Send drawingsPricing
What affects the cost of basement apartment plumbing?
We quote a fixed price from drawings or a site visit. These are the things that move the number.
Rough-in only or finished
Rough-in now and finish later, or complete now.
Fixture count
Kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
Hot water
Shared tank or a separate unit.
Drain depth
Fixtures below the sewer may need a pump.
Timing
During construction versus retrofit.
Separate metering
Optional separate water tracking.
FAQ
Common questions
Is it cheaper to rough in a basement apartment during construction?
Yes, much cheaper. Drains go in before the slab and supply lines before drywall, with no concrete cutting.
Can a basement apartment share the water heater?
It can if the heater is sized for both units. Many owners choose a separate unit for independence.
Do basement units need separate shut-offs?
Separate shut-offs let each unit be isolated for repairs without cutting water to the whole house.
Do I need a permit for a secondary suite?
Yes. Secondary suites need a building permit. We handle the plumbing permit and inspections.
Related
Related services
Underground plumbing
Building drain, sewer connection, sump pit and backwater protection below the slab.
Learn more →Rough-in plumbing
Drain, waste and vent piping plus PEX or copper supply lines inside the framing.
Learn more →Finish plumbing
Fixtures, faucets, toilets, water heater or boiler hook-up and final inspection.
Learn more →Water service installation
New or upsized water line from the property line to the house, sized for the whole home.
Learn more →Radiant floor heating
Hydronic in-floor heating with a boiler or combi unit, designed with the plumbing.
Learn more →We work across Etobicoke · North York · Toronto · Scarborough · Mississauga · Vaughan · Brampton · Richmond Hill
Adding a suite to your build?
Decide before the slab. Send the drawings and we add it to the quote.