Basement finishing

Do you have a basement that's just used to store old stuff? Or worse, a damp basement that smells musty and no one wants to go down into?

It's a waste of space. Plus, it's also a health hazard for your family.

The good news is that a well-finished basement is like adding a whole floor to your home. A family room for the kids. A quiet office for working from home. A guest room. Or just a place where you can relax without disturbing anyone.

But be careful: finishing a basement isn't just about putting up drywall and painting. If it's not done properly, you'll end up with mold, warped walls, and moisture problems that will cost you a fortune.

We know this because we spend our time repairing basements that others have wrecked.

Why So Many Finished Basements Have Problems

We see the same mistakes all the time:

No adequate insulation

Many contractors simply apply drywall directly to concrete walls. The result: a cold basement in winter, condensation, and eventually mold behind the walls.

Poor ventilation

A basement needs to breathe. Without proper air circulation, moisture builds up. It smells musty, and it becomes a perfect breeding ground for mold.

Poorly insulated floor

A basement floor directly on concrete slab is freezing cold. Plus, it can cause moisture problems if there isn't a properly installed vapor barrier.

Neglected plumbing and electricity

Adding a bathroom or kitchenette after the fact costs three times as much if it isn't planned from the outset.

How to Really Finish a Basement

We always start with a thorough inspection. We check:

• Are there any signs of water or moisture infiltration?
• Are the foundations sound?
• What is the current ventilation like?
• Where are the plumbing outlets and electrical panels?

If moisture or mold is found, fix it BEFORE finishing anything. Otherwise, you'll just be hiding the problem, and it'll get worse.

Once everything is clean and dry, we move on to the actual finishing.

The Steps of Finishing

Thermal insulation of walls

We use high-quality rigid insulation panels (not cheap foam) on foundation walls. This retains heat, prevents condensation, and creates a barrier against moisture.

Installing an insulated subfloor

We install a subfloor system with an integrated vapor barrier. This insulates against the cold from the concrete slab and allows the floor to breathe properly.

Carpentry and gypsum

We build a solid 2×4 frame, run the electrical wires and plumbing if necessary, and install Type X (moisture-resistant) drywall in high-risk areas.

Bathroom plumbing

If you want to add a bathroom, we install a lift pump (if necessary) and all the piping according to standards. Don't fool around with the plumbing - it's too important.

Compliant electrical system

Outlets, lighting, distribution panel—everything is done according to Quebec electrical code. We work with certified electricians.

Final floor

Vinyl, floating, carpet—we'll help you choose what's best for your basement's intended use. For a children's playroom, we often recommend SPC vinyl (waterproof and easy to clean).

Finishing and painting

We apply the drywall joints properly, sand them, and paint them. The final result should be as beautiful as a normal floor in your home.

What You Can Create in Your Basement

Family room

A beautiful open space for watching movies, playing video games, or letting the kids play with their trains without disturbing the rest of the house.

Extra room

Perfect for hosting guests or for a teenager who wants privacy. Make sure there is a window that complies with emergency exit regulations.

Home office

With remote working, having a quiet space downstairs is worth its weight in gold. You can even add soundproofing so you won't be disturbed.

Full bathroom

Shower, toilet, sink—everything you need to make your basement fully functional. Super convenient if you entertain often.

Bar area or secondary kitchen

A small sink, a refrigerator, cabinets—perfect for parties or just so you don't have to go upstairs to get things.

Training room

A sturdy floor, mirrors, good lighting—we can set up your personal gym.

Managing Moisture: The Key to a Successful Basement

In Quebec, basement moisture is our number one enemy.

Here's how to control it:

Permanent dehumidifier

We always recommend installing a good dehumidifier with an automatic drain. This keeps the humidity level below 50%, which prevents mold from growing.

Adequate ventilation

Ensure that air circulates properly. Sometimes this means adding fans or connecting the basement to the main HVAC system.

Verified external drainage

If your land is poorly drained, water will always try to get in. We can tell you if you need to improve your exterior drainage before finishing the basement.

Vapor-barrier membrane properly installed

Wherever necessary—under the floor, behind finished walls—high-quality membranes are installed to block moisture.

How Much Does It Cost and How Long Does It Take?

A 600-800 square foot basement typically costs between $25,000 and $45,000, depending on what you want (bathroom, kitchen, quality of finishes).

In terms of time, allow approximately 3-5 weeks for a complete project. We will provide you with a clear timeline from the outset.

Yes, it's an investment. But you literally gain an entire floor of living space. Plus, it adds value to your home if you ever decide to sell.

Why Trust SRQ?

We've finished dozens of basements in the region

We are familiar with the typical problems found in Quebec homes—old drains, poured concrete foundations, groundwater issues.

Let's solve the real problems first

If your basement has moisture issues, we'll tell you straight up. And we'll fix them before hiding anything. It's not profitable for us, but it's the right thing to do.

5-year warranty on labor

If our drywall joints crack or our plumbing leaks, we will come back and repair it free of charge.

RBQ license 5811-7821-01

We work according to standards, with permits when necessary. Everything is done by the book.

Ready to Reclaim That Lost Space?

Call us for a free assessment. We'll come to your home, take a look at your basement, and discuss what you want to do with it.

After that, you will receive a detailed quote with everything included. No surprises, no hidden fees.

Contact us at 418-476-1747 or via the form on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all basements be finished?

Most of them, yes, but first you have to check that there are no problems with damp or water infiltration. If there are, you have to fix them before you start. A basement that leaks or is very damp must be dealt with first.

How long does it take to finish a basement?

For a standard basement of 600-800 square feet, allow 3-5 weeks. If you want to add a full bathroom or kitchen, it can take 6-8 weeks. We give you a realistic timeline from the outset.

Do I need a permit to finish my basement?

Yes, in most municipalities in Quebec, you need a permit if you add a bedroom, a bathroom, or if you make major electrical or plumbing modifications. We take care of checking your city's requirements and can manage the permits for you.

How can you prevent mold in a finished basement?

The key is humidity control. Install adequate insulation and vapor barriers, and make sure air can circulate properly. We also recommend having a permanent dehumidifier. If you do it right from the start, you won't have any problems.

Can a legal bedroom be added to the basement?

Yes, but it must meet certain standards: minimum ceiling height (6 feet 5 inches), compliant emergency exit window, smoke detector, good natural lighting. We make sure everything is up to code so that your room is legal and safe.

What is included in your price?

Everything: insulation, the framing, the drywall, the painting, flooring, basic electrical work, lighting. If you want a bathroom or kitchen, that's an extra that we add to the quote. We give you the full price up front—no surprises along the way.

My basement has a ceiling height of 6 feet. Is that sufficient?

For a space to be considered habitable in Quebec, it must have a minimum ceiling height of 6 feet 5 inches. If your basement is too low, you can dig out the slab (but this is a major project). Otherwise, you can convert it into a storage room, playroom for children, or workshop—uses that have fewer restrictions.