Basements are the underdogs of a house. They’re either a treasure trove of possibilities or a creepy storage dungeon you avoid after dark.
But, a good basement renovation can turn that forgotten space into the MVP of your home. Think cozy family hangout, sleek home office, or even the ultimate in-law suite (because your parents visiting doesn’t have to mean chaos)!
To help you out, we’ve rounded up Ottawa’s best basement renovation contractors who know how to transform those gloomy corners into stunning, functional spaces. These pros have the vision to see past the cobwebs and the expertise to tackle tricky jobs.
So have your dream renovation wishlist, scroll on, and let’s give your basement the glow-up it deserves. Who knows? You might actually want to hang out down there.
How can I make my basement feel brighter and more inviting?
To brighten your basement, consider adding recessed lighting, larger windows, or light-colored finishes like paint and flooring.
Mirrors can reflect light and make the space feel bigger, while LED lights provide energy-efficient brightness. Using lighter furniture and décor can also help create an airy, welcoming vibe.
1. Ottawa General Contractors

Address: 1886 Merivale Rd #200
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 24 hours
- Saturday and Sunday – Closed
Contact number: +16132259991
Ottawa General Contractors (OGC) has earned praise for their ability to bring dream basements to life, whether it’s a modern living space or an intricate remodel.
Clients are thrilled with the polished results, noting the transformations were clean, functional, and a major value boost to their homes.
We liked how OGC pays attention to the finishing touches—one client’s outdated basement turned into a beautiful living space with a playroom for the kids.
Another client highlighted their flexibility, saying minor warranty fixes were quickly addressed, even years after completion. That’s long-term commitment right there.
However, we also noticed reports of disjointed planning and design hiccups, like changes mid-project that led to unexpected compromises. Be sure to clarify scope and budget early to avoid surprises.
Overall, if you’re looking for full-scale basement renovations in Ottawa, OGC has delivered impressive results for many homeowners, turning fixer-uppers into functional, gorgeous spaces.
Smooth process and high-quality results
“We engaged with OGC for our basement renovation in 2024. The process was smooth from beginning to end. We were very happy with the end results, and the high quality finish.
Our project and construction manager (Jim and Abdull) were excellent. Very professional, kept us on schedule and on budget, and provided timely updates.
As with many construction projects, there were a few small hiccups, but these were dealt with immediately by the team at OGC. Overall we were very happy with the project.”
-Dirushan Naidu, Google Review
Professional team and excellent management
“I was very satisfied with the basement renovation project managed by Jim Summers. All the trades people were hardworking, disciplined, knowledgeable and very polite.”
-Christine Konopka, Google Review
2. Dream Touch Renovations

Address: 46 Grenfell Crescent Unit A
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 2 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Contact number: +16138624555
Dream Touch Renovations (DTR) brings a strong mix of affordability and transformation to the basement renovation scene in Ottawa.
We love how they focus on creating spaces that reflect the homeowner’s vision, with one client particularly thrilled that their basement flood nightmare turned into a cozy, updated living area.
Clients frequently mention their budget-friendly approach, saying the team worked within their means while still delivering solid, quality results. We like that kind of flexibility—it’s a win in our books.
However, there were a couple of bumps for clients who expected additional work outside the project scope. One shared they wished verbal promises, like building a greenhouse, had been included in writing.
A good takeaway here? Always get everything documented upfront.
If you’re looking for a basement upgrade that doesn’t break the bank and delivers a functional, refreshed space, DTR has proven to be a great pick for Ottawa homeowners.
A stress-free renovation experience
“Oh where to start! Working with Moe and team at DTR has been a phenomenal experience. Moe was patient and kind and walked me through my basement process from start to finish while he patiently answered all my questions, making me feel completely at ease!
Thank you so much Dream Touch Renos!”
-Nanoosh 2050, Google Review
Affordable basement renovation done right
“The team was excellent. They did a great job with the basement renovation after our basement flood. It was very affordable the owner really worked within our budget. There’s more pictures to come.”
-Alana Michaels, Google Review
3. Penguin Basements LTD.

Address: 906 Magnetic Dr
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday 8 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday 9 AM to 3 PM
- Sunday- Closed
Contact number: +16138006100
Penguin Basements is a go-to for Ottawa homeowners looking to maximize their basement space, especially for smaller homes or townhouses.
Clients appreciate the straightforward designs and functionality, turning unfinished basements into cozy family spaces or extra living areas. One client’s 350 sq/ft basement now feels like a whole new level of their home.
We also noticed a mix of experiences when it comes to design. Some were thrilled with modern finishes and open layouts, while others felt promises didn’t quite align with the final product.
If you’re considering Penguin, we’d recommend keeping an eye on changes to plans and ensuring clear communication throughout.
A big plus here is flexibility—one DIY couple who tackled finishing touches on their own said Penguin was helpful in guiding them through material sourcing. It’s that kind of support that makes projects smoother for homeowners.
In short, Penguin delivers functional basements, perfect for families needing more space.
Confident choice for a future basement renovation
“Great experience all around. I called in for a free estimate and although we didn’t end up going through with our basement reno, my wife and I were very happy to have all our questions answered and are confident with Penguin for when we’re ready.
-Darin Morrison-beer, Google Review
Smooth process with great quality and results
“From the opening call with Guy, to the sales process with Matt, to the build with Rodrigo, we had a great experience.
We had a few obstacles along the way as you would expect with any renovation project, however they were very responsive and worked closely with me to resolve any issues. My project stayed on time and on budget and the quality of work was great!
If you are looking to renovate your basement, I would recommend working with Penguin.”
-Rebecca Caradonna, Google Review
4. Magnolia Construction

Address: 73 Renfrew Ave #2
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 24 hours
- Sunday – Closed
Contact number: +16136175157
Magnolia Construction knows how to tackle basement renovations with creativity and a keen sense of style.
Clients love how they balance practical solutions with design recommendations that elevate the final look—one couple even said Magnolia’s suggestions often improved their original ideas.
We like that Magnolia doesn’t just stick to the script; they take pride in understanding your style and making thoughtful, proactive recommendations.
We also love hearing about their consistent quality. One homeowner turned their unfinished basement into a sleek rec room and bathroom, sharing how Magnolia navigated pandemic delays and materials shortages while staying impressively on time.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Time management issues have come up for some clients, with delays stretching projects longer than expected.
If you’re working with tight deadlines, we’d recommend locking in clear milestones at the start to avoid surprises.
That said, Magnolia’s results speak for themselves. They turn forgotten spaces into beautiful, modern basements that add real value to homes.
Exactly what I wanted and finished on time
“After this company was recommended to me, I went online to read their reviews. That convinced me to hire them to finish my basement.
Joey (owner) and his team were amazing! They were professional, friendly, and best of all, they completed everything on time!
They were also always willing to answer my millions of questions lol. The final product was exactly what I wanted. I would use Magnolia Construction for any home improvements in the future.
I highly recommend them!”
-Jennifer Vila, Google Review
From unfinished to fabulous with stunning results
“I had Magnolia Construction renovate my totally unfinished basement. They did a fabulous job .They were always available for questions I had through out the project.
They built another bedroom and bathroom in my basement and a gorgeous TV rec, room and installed beautiful flooring .The project manager and owner Joey were great to deal with .
They completed all the work on time and I know it wasn’t easy to do with some materials hard to get.I would highly recommend them to anyone. Thanks for everything guys”
-Gman Watson, Google Review
5. To Do Done

Address: 373 Bronson Ave
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – Closed
Contact number: +18002363663
To Do Done lives up to its name for Ottawa homeowners looking to refresh their basements. Clients have praised their ability to tackle even the trickiest projects, like fixing decades-old DIY disasters or dealing with unexpected structural issues (hello, broken joist!).
We love how transparent To Do Done is with costs. One homeowner appreciated their updated quotes and communication throughout, which helped avoid budget surprises.
Plus, their attention to detail—like identifying and fixing hidden plumbing and electrical issues—earned big points from clients.
That said, some reviews mention inconsistency in trade work and concerns about project pricing. If you’re eyeing To Do Done, be sure to clarify expectations and double-check the project details to ensure everything aligns with your vision.
At the end of the day, To Do Done delivers functional, well-finished basements that homeowners love to show off. Whether you’re starting fresh or repairing an old space, they’re a solid choice.
Efficient repairs with great flexibility and communication
“I hired To Do Done to help me with a basement repair/renovation after a flood. Right from the start communication was very good and once their team (Glen, Aldo and Tesfaye) got started they worked efficiently to get our place useable once more.
I really appreciated them adapting to my requested changes, as I decided that I wanted to do some of the work myself. Glen and Aldo were working in our home for about a month and were very friendly, knowledgeable and professional throughout.
I wouldn’t hesitate to hire them again. Thanks!”
-John Pym, Google Review
Efficient repairs with great flexibility and communication
“Really great work and really good communication with the team! We are very happy with the work they did on our basement renovation!”
-Scott Craig, Google Review