From initial planning through final touches, find the right professional for every phase of your basement project:
Basement Finishing
Complete transformation of an unfinished basement into livable space, covering framing, insulation, vapour barrier, drywall, electrical, plumbing, flooring, trim, and paint. In NB, a full basement finish typically takes 6-12 weeks depending on scope, whether a bathroom is included, and whether foundation issues need to be addressed first.
Expect $25,000-$75,000 for a full basement finish. The range is wide because a simple rec room in a Moncton bungalow is a very different project from a full in-law suite with a bathroom, laundry, and separate entrance in a Saint John home.
Waterproofing
Interior and exterior waterproofing systems to manage groundwater and moisture infiltration. NB's freeze-thaw cycles, heavy spring runoff, and high water tables in many areas make waterproofing the single most critical step before any finishing work begins. Interior solutions include drainage channels, sump pumps, and vapour barriers. Exterior solutions involve excavation, membrane application, and weeping tile replacement.
Interior waterproofing runs $3,000-$10,000 depending on the perimeter length and pump requirements. Exterior waterproofing can reach $10,000-$25,000+ due to the excavation involved.
Foundation Repair
Crack injection, wall stabilization, and structural reinforcement for aging or damaged foundations. Many older NB homes have poured concrete, concrete block, or even original rubble stone foundations that have developed cracks from decades of frost heave, soil movement, and hydrostatic pressure. Small cracks can be sealed with epoxy or polyurethane injection, while bowing walls may require carbon fibre straps or steel bracing.
Foundation repair costs range from $500 for a single crack injection to $15,000+ for wall stabilization. Addressing foundation issues before finishing is essential to protect your investment.
Basement Bathroom
Full or half bathroom additions in below-grade space. Adding a basement bathroom involves tying into existing drain lines or, in many NB homes with slab-on-grade or shallow drains, installing a sewage ejector pump system. A bathroom is often the most valuable upgrade in a basement finish, turning the space into a self-contained living area suitable for guests, tenants, or aging parents.
A basement bathroom addition costs $8,000-$20,000 depending on fixture selection, tile work, and whether an ejector pump is required. Rough-in plumbing should be planned early to avoid cutting into the slab after finishing is complete.
Insulation
Spray foam, rigid foam board, and batt insulation to meet NB energy code requirements for below-grade living space. New Brunswick's cold winters demand proper insulation in basement walls and rim joists to prevent heat loss, condensation, and mould growth. Spray foam has become the preferred choice for NB basements because it provides both insulation and an air/vapour barrier in a single application.
Basement insulation typically costs $3,000-$8,000 depending on the method, wall area, and whether rim joists are included. Proper insulation dramatically reduces heating costs and prevents moisture problems behind finished walls.
Underpinning & Lowering
Excavating beneath existing foundations to increase basement ceiling height. Many older NB homes have basements with ceilings under 7 feet, which does not meet building code for habitable space. Underpinning involves systematically lowering the basement floor in sections while supporting the existing foundation, then pouring new footings at the deeper level. Bench footing is a less invasive alternative that angles the new floor down from the existing foundation wall.
Underpinning costs $150-$300 per square foot depending on soil conditions, depth required, and access. It is the most expensive basement upgrade but is often the only way to turn a crawl space or low-ceiling basement into legal living area, adding significant value to the home.
Egress Windows
Installation of code-compliant egress windows for basement bedrooms. NB building code requires any basement bedroom to have an egress window large enough for emergency escape, with a minimum opening of 3.8 square feet. Installation involves cutting through the foundation wall, excavating a window well outside, and framing and finishing the opening. Egress windows also bring natural light into below-grade spaces, dramatically improving livability.
Egress window installation runs $2,500-$5,000 per window including the window well, excavation, and interior finishing. Planning egress locations early in the design phase avoids conflicts with exterior grading, landscaping, and utility lines.