Greely, rural south-east Ottawa

Basement renovations in Greely

Greely's detached homes often have full basements, and finishing one is an efficient way to add space. Adding a bedroom or bathroom down there can trigger a septic review, so the plan starts with the system's capacity.

Typical basement renovation in Greely, with HST $62,700 to $84,200 $78 to $105 per sq ft for 800 sq ft

An open basement during renovation with a steel beam, insulated ceiling joists and a bright windowAI image

What basements cost in Greely

Typical project totals and the price per square foot, with HST, by type of job and finish level, priced for rural Ottawa. Choose a row to open it in the estimator with Greely prices.

Typical total with HST for basement renovation in Rural Ottawa, by type and finish level
Typical sizeBasicMid-rangePremium
Basement renovation800 sq ft$47,300 to $63,500$59 to $79 per sq ft$62,700 to $84,200$78 to $105 per sq ft$90,500 to $121,400$113 to $152 per sq ft

Prices are estimates based on published Ottawa and Ontario price guides, checked October 2026. They are not an offer. A firm written quote follows a site visit. Prices for Greely include about 5% over central Ottawa for travel and delivery.

Homes in Greely

What the local housing means for basements.

The population rose from about 4,100 in 2004 to about 5,430 by the end of 2010, with the City issuing an average of 81 building permits a year from 2001 to 2010. Almost all homes are single-detached, and most lots are between half an acre and two acres.

  • Because nearly every lot is on a well and septic system, a secondary suite is limited to one additional unit, and new bedrooms or bathrooms start with a septic check.
  • Large lots leave room for additions, decks and porches, placed around the well and the septic bed.
  • Homes near Shields Creek, the Osgoode Marsh or other wetlands can sit inside a conservation authority's regulated area.

More about renovating in Greely

Permits and approvals

What to check in Greely before basements work starts. Rules change, so we confirm what applies to your address.

  • Conservation authority

    South Nation Conservation describes Shields Creek as lying within Greely, in a subwatershed that drains to the South Nation River, so it is likely the authority for most of the village; we check both authorities' mapping by address. SNC permits are needed for development in floodplains, on unstable slopes, in wetlands and within 30 m of a wetland. The 2012 community design plan sets a 30 m setback on each side of Shields Creek and protects the Osgoode Marsh; we confirm whether it applies to a given lot.

  • Secondary suites on a well and septic system

    Greely lots on a private well and septic system can have one additional unit, and the City asks owners to confirm with the Ottawa Septic System Office that the septic system can carry the extra load. Adding bedrooms or bathrooms elsewhere in the house can raise the same question, so the septic check comes before design.

  • Septic systems

    The Ottawa Septic System Office administers the Building Code rules for septic systems in Ottawa: it reviews designs, issues permits for new and replacement systems and inspects them. An addition, a new bathroom or extra bedrooms can mean confirming the existing system's capacity, so we check it before design.

  • Building permits

    The City generally requires a building permit to finish a basement, move or remove walls, alter plumbing, add or enlarge windows and doors, and build an addition. Replacing kitchen cabinets without moving plumbing fixtures usually does not need one. Electrical work is inspected separately by the Electrical Safety Authority.

Good to know

How much does a basement renovation cost in Greely?

A mid-range basement renovation of about 800 sq ft typically comes to $62,700 to $84,200 with HST, based on published Ottawa and Ontario price guides checked October 2026. With basic finishes the same job is about $47,300 to $63,500; with premium finishes, about $90,500 to $121,400. Size, the state of the house and what you add all move the number, so use the estimator for your own project. A firm quote follows a site visit.

Will my septic system limit my renovation?

It can. Adding a bathroom, bedrooms or a suite on a Greely lot can mean confirming the septic system's capacity with the Ottawa Septic System Office, and sometimes upgrading it. We build that check into the plan before design.

Why are Greely prices higher in the estimator?

Greely is priced at rural rates, about 5% over central Ottawa, mostly for travel and delivery. Septic upgrades and approvals are extra and depend on the lot.

Planning a basement renovation in Greely?

Price it in the estimator with Greely rates, then send it to us. We confirm the numbers on a site visit and follow up with a written quote.