Question 1

Is Urban Square Developments licensed and insured in Alberta?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Urban Square Developments is a fully licensed and insured contractor operating in Alberta. We carry general liability insurance and all required trade certifications for the work our Electrician, Plumber, Hvac & Gas perform.

Question 2

Do you require an up-front deposit before starting work?

Accepted Answer

No. Urban Square Developments does not require an up-front deposit. We complete a substantial portion of your project before accepting any payment. This policy reflects our confidence in our work and our commitment to display trust.

Question 3

Which areas do you typically work in?

Accepted Answer

We service Calgary (all quadrants — NW, NE, SW, SE), Airdrie, Okotoks, and Chestermere.

Question 4

How can I request an estimate?

Accepted Answer

Call us at (403) 815-7525, email info@urbansquaredevelopments.com, or use the contact form on our website. We'll schedule a convenient time to visit your home — evenings and weekends available — and have an honest discussion on what you are considering for your project.

Question 5

Do you have all the Licensed Trades Partners to complete my project?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have our prefered team of Electrician, Plumber, Hvac, Gas, Engineer, Architect, Concrete Cutting, that we have worked with for years & trust without question.

Question 6

How much does basement development cost in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

Most Calgary basement developments range from $35,000 to $55,000 depending on square footage, finish level, and whether a bathroom or bedroom is included. A basic open-concept rec room without bathroom or bedrooms typically start around $30,000. A fully finished basement with  bedrooms, a bathroom, and living room typically fall in $40,000–$55,000+ range depending on square footage and choices a homeowner has in mind for their space. Average cost is our most asked question & the hardest to answer without knowing project specific details.

Question 7

Do I need a permits to develop my basement in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mutiple in fact. A building permit is required for basement development in Calgary. Along with all Trade Permits required for each project.ie Electric, Plumbing, Gas, Hvac. Urban Square Developments coordinates all required City of Calgary inspections.

Question 8

How long does basement development take in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

A typical Calgary basement development takes 6–8 weeks from permit approval to final inspection. Permit processing by the City of Calgary typically adds 2-4 weeks before construction begins.

Question 9

Do I need an egress window in my basement bedroom?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alberta Building Code & City of Calgary requires an egress window in every basement sleeping room. The window must meet minimum size requirements for emergency exit.

Question 10

Can I choose my own materials for my basement development?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prefer this approach. It ensures we are building what a homeowner has in mind for their space. Each homeowner has different ideas or requests for their space like  "Green Backsplash" or "Shag Carpet" and we don't judge.. lol. We are simply there to build it.

Question 11

How much does a Secondary Legal Suite cost in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

Secondary Legal Suites in Calgary typically cost $60,000–$80,000 depending on the existing basement condition, suite size, # of bedrooms and finish level. What we like homeowners to realize about these projects is, you are essentially building a condo in your basement for under a 100k. The only other option available is to purchase a condo for 220k-260k in a less than desirable area and pay the $300/month maintenance fees for a condo complex.There is a reason there is over 30,000 Secondary Legal Suites in Calgary. It is usually the cheapest way to create long term income potential.

Question 12

What makes a basement suite 'legal' in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

A secondary legal suite must have a valid City of Calgary building/development permit, meet fire separation requirements between units, have egress windows in all sleeping areas, a separate entrance, a full kitchen, and a full bathroom & separate heating system. It must pass all required City of Calgary inspections.

Question 13

How long does it take to build a Secondary Legal Suite in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

From permit approval to construction completion, most secondary legal suite projects take 7-9 weeks. City of Calgary permit processing typically adds 3-6 weeks before construction begins.

Question 14

Can I rent out an unpermitted basement suite in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

Renting an unpermitted suite carries significant risk — City of Calgary fines, insurance voidance, and serious liability in the event of a fire or injury. Urban Square Developments builds suites that are fully legal, and compliant from day one. We do not entertain requests from homeowners who wish to cut corners & not obtain all neccesary permits.

Question 15

Will I need a concrete separate entrance for my Legal Suite?

Accepted Answer

Secondary Legal Suites in Calgary are required to have a separate entrance. Sometimes a door can be cut into a stairwell above grade to achieve this without having to build concrete steps to the basement floor level. Concrete stairwell separate entrances are not a small task and cost roughly $18,000-$25,000 from the few reputable companies in Calgary who do this type of work.The price to complete a separate entrance would be on top of what a typical Secondary Legal Suite costs so having to include this puts homeowners at the high end of construction costs for a Secondary Legal Suite in Calgary.

Question 16

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

Calgary kitchen renovations range from $15,000 for a basic refresh (new countertops, hardware, paint) to $60,000+ for a full gut-and-rebuild with custom cabinetry and appliances.

Question 17

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

A standard Calgary bathroom renovation typically costs $8,000–$15,000. A full master ensuite gut-and-rebuild with custom tile and fixtures can reach $25,000+.

Question 18

Do you handle kitchen and bathroom renovations on main floors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Urban Square Developments handles complete Kitchen Remodels & Bathroom Renovations only when completing main-floor Full Home Remodel updates. We are simply too busy to accept Bathroom & Kitchen projects as stand alone requests.

Question 19

Do you have trades contacts like electricians and plumbers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate all required licensed trades — electricians, plumbers, hvac & gas fitters —

Secondary Legal Suite & Basement Development Questions Answered

General Questions

Basement Development

Secondary Legal Suites

Home Renovation

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