Welcome to Olympic City!

You’re in the right place!  We are a husband and wife team who LOVE this business and love doing good work for good people.  We’re believe in the face-to-face version of this business built and not the one that hides behind websites and fake five star reviews.

As a husband-and-wife team we’ve been in and around the home business for over thirty years.  And because of that, we can’t possibly convey all of that experience in a few mouse clicks.  Reach out.  Connect.  Come see us at one of the home shows.  We are quietly one of the fastest growing renovation companies in Calgary and look forward to hearing about your project large or small. Just FYI, EVERY contractors bread and butter are smaller projects so don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Basement Renovation vs Development: What’s the Difference?

Basement Renovations

Basement Renovation vs Basement Development: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been researching basement projects in Calgary, you’ve probably seen both terms used — sometimes interchangeably. But they actually mean different things.

Basement Development

Definition: Finishing an unfinished basement for the first time. Taking raw concrete floors, bare studs, and exposed mechanicals and turning them into finished living space.

What it includes: Framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, electrical, plumbing, HVAC extension, bathroom, bedrooms, living areas.

Typical cost: $40,000 – $140,000 depending on scope and finish

Basement Renovation

Definition: Updating or replacing existing finished basement space. Gutting old finishes and rebuilding, or upgrading specific areas.

What it includes: Removing existing finishes, replacing flooring/walls/fixtures, updating layouts, modernizing bathrooms, refreshing design.

Typical cost: $25,000 – $100,000 depending on scope

Which Do You Need?

Unfinished basement (concrete + studs): You need basement development.

Outdated finished basement (1980s wood paneling, old carpet): You need basement renovation.

Converting to a legal suite: Could be either — depends on current state.

Cost Factors That Apply to Both

  • Size of basement (per-square-foot pricing)
  • Ceiling height (underpinning adds $30K+)
  • Moisture/waterproofing needs
  • Bathroom rough-in (exists or needs new)
  • Electrical capacity (panel upgrades)
  • Egress windows (required for bedrooms)

Ready to Start?

Contact Olympic City Renovations for a free consultation.

Olympic City Renovations serves Calgary, Priddis, Okotoks, and surrounding communities. We specialize in kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement developments, and luxury garage builds.

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Planning your renovation? Start with our complete Calgary renovation guide.