Project #15 — Scarborough, Ontario
Quick Facts
- Location: Scarborough (Project 15)
- Duration: ~3 weeks
- Service Provided: Basement Renovation
- Project Area: ~800 sq ft
This Scarborough homeowner wanted to turn an unfinished basement into a dry, warm, and functional living area suitable for both recreation and storage.
Reno Mumu completed the transformation with a strong focus on engineered wood flooring, comprehensive waterproofing, and insulation upgrades to ensure comfort year-round.
Design Goals
- Moisture protection through interior waterproof membrane and subfloor system.
- Engineered wood flooring for warmth, stability, and premium finish.
- Thermal insulation to prevent condensation and improve energy efficiency.
- LED lighting and soundproof ceiling for livable ambiance.
- Durable finishes suited for below-grade conditions.
Materials & Specifications
Flooring System
- 7.5″ wide engineered oak planks with UV-cured matte finish.
- Installed over raised subfloor panels with vapor barrier layer (Delta-FL type).
- Expansion gaps maintained around walls to prevent buckling.
- Moisture content of concrete verified < 4 % before installation.
Waterproofing & Insulation
- Interior perimeter drain and sump check inspected.
- Cementitious waterproof coating applied to foundation walls.
- Rigid-foam insulation (R-10) with sealed seams to prevent cold bridging.
- All framing treated with anti-mold primer and sill gasket isolation.
Walls & Ceiling
- Metal stud framing with sound-absorbing fiberglass insulation.
- ½″ moisture-resistant drywall, level-5 finish, painted warm white.
- Drop ceiling with acoustic panels for easy access to utilities.
Lighting & Electrical
- 4000 K LED recessed lights with dimmer control.
- Dedicated 20 A circuit for dehumidifier and entertainment zone.
- CO/smoke detector installed to meet Ontario Building Code.
Finishing & Trim
- White MDF baseboards (4.25″) with silicone joint seal.
- Painted metal air registers color-matched to flooring tone.
- Custom storage closets with vented doors for air circulation.
Process & Timeline
Week 1 — Preparation & Waterproofing
Removed old carpet and gypsum; inspected slab moisture; applied waterproof coating and rigid insulation before framing.
Week 2 — Subfloor & Electrical Rough-In
Laid vapor barrier and subfloor panels, ran wiring, lighting, and plumbing extensions for future kitchenette.
Week 3 — Flooring & Finishes
Installed engineered wood flooring, baseboards, LED lights, and paint finishes. Final walk-through with moisture and insulation tests.
Total Duration: ≈ 3 weeks.
After / Completed Project Photos
1. Engineered Wood Flooring — Warm Oak Finish
2. Waterproofing System — Foundation Wall Prep
3. Finished Living Zone — Bright and Comfortable
4. Storage Area — Durable Subfloor and Ventilation
Challenges & Solutions
- Moisture management: slab humidity stabilized before flooring; installed continuous vapor barrier beneath subfloor panels.
- Uneven concrete base: leveled ± 3 mm tolerance using self-leveling underlayment.
- Air circulation: vent grills added to closets and mechanical room.
- Temperature comfort: combined insulation and vapor control prevented condensation near exterior walls.
Investment Range (Guide Only)
A basement renovation of this size and quality typically ranges $35 k – $55 k + HST, depending on flooring choice, waterproofing scope, and electrical upgrades.
Request a detailed estimate here: Free Quote.
Maintenance Tips
- Keep indoor humidity between 40 %–55 % to protect engineered flooring.
- Run a dehumidifier during summer months.
- Avoid wet-mopping; use damp microfiber cleaning.
- Inspect sump pump and vapor barrier annually for integrity.
Explore More Projects
- See more Basement Renovations
- Learn about Full House Renovation Services
- Plan your own Scarborough basement project: Get a Free Quote