Frequently Asked Questions
Investing in your home is a major decision, and you likely have questions before starting your journey. We’ve answered the essentials here, but please reach out if you need more clarity—we’re here to ensure you move forward with absolute confidence.
Handymen and discount contractors often provide lower upfront pricing, but those quotes rarely reflect the full scope required to build a proper basement or legal suite. Basements are complex projects that involve permits, inspections, mechanical systems, smoke separation requirements, and coordination between multiple professional trades. When these details are overlooked early in a project, it often leads to costly rework, long delays, and major frustration for homeowners. Notorious Suites is a professional contractor that specializes exclusively in basement construction. Our estimates reflect the real cost of completing the project properly using qualified trades and proven construction processes. The result is a well-built basement completed efficiently, without the expensive corrections that commonly occur when projects begin with inexperienced or under qualified contractors.
Notorious Suites completes basement suites in 12 weeks. This timeline is clearly defined in every contract we sign. We also provide a schedule guarantee. If we fail to complete the project within this timeline, we provide a $1500.00 credit back to the client. Our team manages every stage of construction including trade scheduling, inspections, and site coordination so the project moves forward without delays. The only situation that can extend the schedule is if the homeowner chooses to add or modify scope during construction through approved change orders.
Notorious Suites provides a one-year workmanship warranty on all completed projects. This warranty covers the quality of the work completed by our team and our trades. If any workmanship related issue arises during the first year, we will return and correct it. Our approach is simple. Build the project properly the first time using experienced trades and proven construction methods. The warranty exists to provide homeowners with additional peace of mind knowing the work is backed by a professional contractor that stands behind the finished product.
Yes. Basements are what we do. Notorious Suites specializes exclusively in basement construction. This includes legal basement suites, full basement developments, and high-end custom basement spaces. While many clients come to us for income generating suites, we also build luxury basements designed around how homeowners want to use the space. That can include features such as custom wet bars, full home theatres, speakeasy style lounges, gym spaces, wine rooms, golf simulators, and fully customized entertainment areas. Because our entire company focuses on basements, we understand the design and construction details that make these spaces work properly below grade. Whether the goal is rental income, family living space, or a high-end entertainment basement, our team has the experience to deliver a professional result.
City inspections are a normal and expected part of any permitted construction project. At Notorious Suites, we have a full understanding of the building code requirements for basement construction and secondary suites. Our projects are planned and built to meet those requirements from the start. Inspection dates are scheduled well in advance and coordinated with the construction schedule to keep the project moving efficiently.
Because our pricing already accounts for the full scope required to meet code, there are no unexpected costs related to inspections or compliance.
Every home and family situation is different. During the planning phase we review your goals and explain the minimum code requirements for basement suites. From there, homeowners can choose to go beyond those requirements depending on their preferences. This may include additional sound control measures, layout adjustments to improve privacy, or discussions around parking and exterior access. Our role is to explain the available options and help you choose the approach that best fits your home and lifestyle.
Notorious Suites specializes in developing basements once a sound structure is in place. If a basement has issues related to foundation cracks, sump pumps, or water infiltration, we can help identify potential concerns and recommend consultation with trusted specialists who focus on those areas. Once the basement structure is ready for development, our team can move forward with the construction process. With our extensive experience completing basements, we can also walk homeowners through the various soundproofing options available depending on their personal requirements.
First Time inspection Pass Rate: 95%
Yes. Notorious Suites builds basement suites to meet the applicable City of Calgary and Alberta building code requirements for legal secondary suites.
That includes the key construction, safety, layout, smoke separation, ventilation, and egress requirements needed for approval. Our team understands what it takes to build a suite properly and we plan the project accordingly from the start.
Yes. A properly built basement suite should be comfortable, efficient, and built to perform well over the long term.
Notorious Suites completes basement suites using modern materials, proper insulation methods, efficient mechanical planning, and construction practices designed to support comfort and performance. The exact level of efficiency can vary depending on the existing home and the scope of work, but energy performance is always an important part of the planning process.
Yes. Separate entrances are a common part of many basement suite projects.
Notorious Suites can assess your property and determine the best approach based on the layout of the home, grade conditions, and applicable code requirements. In many cases, that means modifying an existing side entry or creating a new dedicated entrance to provide safe and practical access to the suite.
Yes. This is one of the core services offered by Notorious Suites.
Many homes in Calgary already contain basement suites that were built without permits or that no longer meet current building code requirements. Our team can review the existing space, identify what upgrades are required, and complete the work necessary to bring the suite up to legal standard.
The City of Calgary also offers a Pre-Existing Secondary Suite Program, which allows homeowners with existing suites to apply for legalization even if the suite was originally built without permits. Through this program, the City works with homeowners to upgrade the suite so it meets current safety and building requirements.
Notorious Suites has experience working through this process and can guide homeowners through the steps required to legalize their suite.
Yes. A properly built basement suite can be a major value add.
A legal suite can create rental income, improve affordability, and make the property more attractive to future buyers. It can also increase the overall functionality of the basement by turning unused space into a finished living area with real purpose and long term value.
Because our pricing already accounts for the full scope required to meet code, there are no unexpected costs related to inspections or compliance.
Yes. Notorious Suites assists with the planning process required to move a basement project forward properly.
That includes developing the layout, coordinating required drawings, and preparing the project for permits and construction. The goal is to make sure the basement is planned correctly from the beginning so the build process runs smoothly.
Notorious Suites can provide design support during the planning phase, including visual tools that help clients better understand the proposed layout and finished space.
For clients who want a more detailed visual representation of their future basement, we can provide 3D renderings of the design. This allows you to see how the space will look and feel before construction begins.
3D renderings are available as an optional service at an additional cost, depending on the level of detail requested.
Yes. Notorious Suites handles the permitting and inspection process as part of the project.
That includes coordinating the required permits, managing inspection scheduling, and ensuring the work is completed in line with the requirements for approval. Our team manages this process so clients do not have to navigate it on their own.
Every basement and every client is different, so accessibility needs are reviewed on a project by project basis.
Notorious Suites can discuss your goals during the planning stage and incorporate practical layout decisions and features that improve accessibility where possible. The best approach depends on the existing home, the available space, and the specific needs of the people who will be using it.
Notorious Suites specializes exclusively in basement construction.
Our team brings dozens of years of combined construction experience across multiple segments of the industry. This includes residential construction, large scale commercial projects, and specialized basement development work.
That breadth of experience matters. Building basements properly requires a deep understanding of structure, building systems, building codes, and how different trades must work together in a confined space.
Because basements are our focus, we bring a high level of knowledge, planning, and execution to every project. This is not a company trying to do everything. It is a company built around doing basements properly.
Project start dates depend on our current projects schedule and the time required to complete the planning and permitting process.
Before construction begins, we complete the design, finalize the scope of work, and obtain the required permits. Once those steps are complete and a construction start date is scheduled, the project moves forward according to our established construction timeline.
Notorious Suites builds basement suites in 12 weeks once construction begins, with our schedule guarantee clearly outlined in our contracts.
Yes. Notorious Suites assists with the planning and drawing process required to move a basement project forward properly.
This includes developing the layout, coordinating the required drawings, and ensuring the project is designed in a way that supports permitting and construction. Proper planning is a critical step in making sure the basement is built correctly and the project runs smoothly.
Architectural drawings and planning are not offered as a standalone service. They are provided as part of a full basement development or basement suite project completed by Notorious Suites.
Basement suites can be an excellent option for multi-generational living when they are planned properly.
A well designed basement suite can create separation, privacy, and independence for family members while still keeping everyone under one roof. This can be especially valuable for aging parents, adult children, extended family, or families looking for a more flexible living arrangement.
In fact, approximately 80 percent of the basement suites we built in 2025 were designed for multigenerational living. Many families are choosing this option as a way to support relatives, share housing costs, and create flexible living arrangements within the same property.
Notorious Suites can design the space around your specific needs, whether that means a more private layout, improved soundproofing, a separate entrance, or features that make day to day living more comfortable for everyone. The goal is to create a basement that functions well for your family today while also adding long term value and flexibility to the property.
Our process is designed to deliver basement projects in a clear, organized, and professional manner from initial consultation through final completion.
The typical project progression includes:
- Initial consultation to understand your goals and evaluate the basement space
- Preparation of a detailed project estimate
- Design development and client approval of the final layout
- Submission and approval of required City permits
- Construction of the basement project
- Completion of required inspections
- Final project walk-through and handover
Because basements are our core specialization, this process has been refined to ensure projects move efficiently while maintaining a high standard of construction and organization.
Notorious Suites has partnered with Financeit to provide flexible financing options for basement projects.
Through this partnership, homeowners can apply for financing that allows the cost of their basement development or basement suite to be paid over time through manageable monthly payments. This can make it easier for clients to move forward with their project without needing to fund the entire cost upfront.
Many homeowners also choose to explore financing through their mortgage provider or home equity line of credit. During the consultation process, we can discuss the available options and help guide you toward the solution that best fits your situation.
Homeowners can view public reviews on Google as well as project photos and testimonials directly on the Notorious Suites website. These reviews provide insight into the experience past clients have had working with our team.
We also provide references proactively. References from previous clients are included with every estimate we send out. We believe transparency is important and we have nothing to hide when it comes to the quality of our work or the experience our clients have had working with us.
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From the Owner
We can’t wait to hear what you’ve been dreaming about.
Reach out today and lets turn your renovation dreams into reality.
– Nathan Lauzon