Can You Add a Walkout to an Existing Basement?

Thinking about creating more usable space in your home? A basement walkout might be the answer you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re dreaming about a rental unit, a bright home office, or easier backyard access, the idea of adding a walkout to your existing basement is a game-changer. And yes, it’s possible, but not always simple.

Let’s break down the real steps, costs, and decisions that go into upgrading a basement in Burlington and adding a walkout, so you can plan smarter and avoid the mistakes that cost homeowners time, money, and stress.

Why Do Homeowners Add a Basement Walkout?

There’s a reason basement walkouts are in such high demand. The value they bring isn’t just about resale, it’s about everyday living.

• Direct outdoor access from the basement opens up functionality.
• Natural light and airflow turn a dark basement into a livable space.
• Separate entrances make it easier to build legal rental units or in-law suites.
• Improved property value when it’s time to sell.
• Convenient access to a backyard, garden, or patio without going through the house.

For families growing, aging in place, or looking to generate extra income by adding a legal basement in 2025, this upgrade isn’t just nice to have, it’s practical.

Can Every Basement Be Turned Into a Walkout?

Not every home is an automatic yes, but a surprising number can qualify with the right conditions and planning.

Look at the Lot

The first thing we check at Rich Home is the slope of your lot. If your house sits on a hill or a downward slope, you’re in luck, one basement wall might already be partially exposed, which makes this job far easier (and cheaper). If your lot is flat, it’s still doable, but requires deeper excavation, retaining walls, and more complex waterproofing.

Check the Basement Depth

Next, we look at the depth of your basement. A basement that’s buried too far below grade means a much bigger dig, and potentially running into moisture, utilities, or even bedrock. The deeper the dig, the more time, labor, and cost.

Foundation Type Matters

If your home has poured concrete walls, it’s much easier to work with than older stone or cinder block foundations. For older homes, we might need to reinforce the wall or install structural supports before even thinking about cutting through.

What’s Involved in Adding a Walkout in Home Basement?

This is not a small reno. You’re changing the structure of your home, which means permits, engineering, excavation, and precision.

Here’s what it actually takes:

Step 1: Site Assessment and Planning

We start out with a detail-by-detail walkaround. How much is in the basement below grade? Where are the new doors located? Is plumbing, etc., in the way? We refer to the local zoning ordinance to check on such things as setbacks, egress, and distance to the property line.

Step 2: Engineering and Permits

Before anyone even picks up a shovel, we have a structural engineer come in and check the foundation and approve the new door opening. We then prepare drawings and get permits from your city. Each city in Ontario has its own bylaws, we’re aware of them as we’ve worked in cities such as Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and so on.

Step 3: Excavation and Drainage

If that is approved, we begin digging. We dig around the chosen wall, sometimes down several feet, and then install drainage systems to prevent water from building up near the entrance. In flat ground, we usually include French drains and sump pumps to control water in the long run.

Step 4: Foundation Cut and Door Install

We precisely cut into the concrete foundation to create your new opening, frame it out, and install your chosen door, whether that’s a secure steel exterior door, double French doors, or a glass slider.

Step 5: Stairs, Retaining Walls, and Patio

We finish it off with safe, durable stairs, possible retaining walls to hold back the surrounding soil, and a new landing area or patio for outdoor use.

Realistic Cost Breakdown in Ontario of Adding a Basement Walkout

Every site is different, but here’s what most walkout basement projects cost when done properly across Ontario:

Task	Estimated Cost (CAD)
Engineering & Permits	$1,000 – $3,000
Excavation & Grading	$7,000 – $15,000
Concrete Wall Cutting	$2,000 – $4,000
Drainage & Waterproofing	$2,000 – $5,000
Door Installation & Framing	$2,500 – $6,000
Retaining Walls or Stairs	$3,000 – $8,000
Patio or Landing Area	$1,500 – $4,000
Total Range	$20,000 – $45,000+

Keep in mind: the cost can jump in older homes that need foundation reinforcement, homes with clay-heavy or rocky soil, or cities with strict permitting.

These numbers are general estimates and can vary widely based on your home’s layout, soil conditions, and city regulations. Reach out to Rich Home for a personalized, accurate quote based on your specific property and goals.

Common Pain Points Homeowners Face When Adding A Basement Walkout

These are the real things we see homeowners struggle with before they call us. We fix these issues, but we’d rather help you avoid them completely:

Poor Drainage Planning

Water is your basement’s worst enemy. We’ve seen walkouts turn into flood zones after the first rainfall because drainage wasn’t planned right. We always install waterproofing systems, exterior drains, and proper slopes to move water away from your home.

Rushing Without Permits

Some homeowners try to skip permits to save time. Bad idea. It can result in stop-work orders, fines, and even having to undo the work. We handle all permitting from day one, so you’re covered legally and structurally.

Cutting Corners on the Foundation

We’ve seen walls buckle because someone used a general contractor who didn’t bring in a structural engineer. This is your foundation, don’t risk it.

Budget Creep From Surprises

It’s not uncommon to run into old clay drain tiles, unstable soil, or unknown utility lines during excavation. At Rich Home, we always build in a contingency and walk you through possible scenarios before we start.

Where a Basement With A Walkout Makes the Most Sense

If you’re in one of these situations, a basement walkout could be the perfect next move:

• You’re turning the basement into a legal apartment (huge ROI in Toronto and Hamilton)
• Your backyard is sloped, making excavation easier and cheaper
• You want multi-generational living or a private in-law suite
• Your basement is already half-finished and needs a finishing touch
• You plan to sell your home in a few years and want a higher resale value

How to Save on Walkout Basement Costs (Without Regret Later)

Installing a walkout in your basement is not cheap. Skipping corners might seem tempting, but the secret is knowing where to pinch pennies without sacrificing safety and quality. Rich Homes witnessed the bright ideas homeowners do to save cash and the less-than-bright moves that set you back down the line (literally).

Below are some real, practical ways of saving money, without sacrificing the long-term worth of your investment.

Choose Your Patio Wisely

We get it, you’d like the backyard to look as pretty as the interior. But pavers and stamped concrete get real pricey real fast. A well-graded gravel patio is a budget-friendly option that’s tidy, drains well, and costs pennies on the dollar, usually just $1–$4 per square foot, compared to $8–$25 for pavers.

Stick With a Standard Door

French doors and sliders are beautiful but may add $1,000–$3,000 to the cost. If you are low on money, select a fiberglass or high-quality steel exterior door. You will still get the walkout functionality without paying top dollar for it, and you can always upgrade it later.

Skip the Extra Windows (For Now)

We all love natural light, but if you are already installing a glass door, that might be enough to illuminate the room. Basement windows of standard size will cost $1,500–$2,500 each, not including framing and waterproofing. If you’re not constructing a rental property or don’t have a requirement for extra egress, skip the windows for now and put them in later if needed.

Handle Some Finishing Work Yourself

No need to be a pro contractor to save a few bucks here. Minor finishing work like painting trim, installing door hardware, or even pouring gravel for your patio can be easily done over the weekend. Be realistic about what you can do, and don’t attempt to do the structural work yourself.

Don’t Skip the Structural Engineer

This one feels like spending more, but it’s actually a money-saving move in disguise. Paying $250–$750 for an engineer’s report might sound like an extra, but if your foundation isn’t properly evaluated, you could face serious structural issues that cost $10,000+ to fix later. Especially if your home is older or sits on uneven ground, don’t skip this step.

Ask for a Transparent Quote and a Buffer

We always build a contingency into our walkout projects because surprises do happen, old clay pipes, hard soil, hidden wiring, you name it. Working with a renovation contractor who’s upfront and honest about possible extras will help you plan better and avoid budget panic halfway through.

Bottom line: You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a safe, functional, and beautiful basement walkout. A few smart choices upfront go a long way in keeping your project on track, and stress-free.

How Long Does The Renovation Take For A Walkout Basement?

From the first phone call to the final inspection, most walkout projects take 4 to 8 weeks. Weather, city permitting times, and site conditions affect the timeline, but we give you a clear schedule from day one.

Is a Walkout Worth It?

Absolutely. A basement walkout changes the way your home works. It adds light, flexibility, value, and opens the door to rental income or a more open concept livable space in the basement. But it’s also a serious project. It needs planning, precision, and the right team.

At Rich Home, we’ve helped homeowners across the GTA and Southern Ontario bring walkouts to life without stress. We handle the engineering, permits, excavation, and finishing, and we keep you in the loop at every step.

Thinking about it? Let’s book a site visit and talk about options. No pressure. Just real advice and a clear plan.