A well-finished basement has the power to transform your home, adding warmth, functionality, and long-term value. At Stillwater, we specialize in basement renovations across Victoria, BC, and the surrounding area, building spaces that feel as refined and durable as the rest of your home. Whether you are upgrading an older lower level, finishing unused square footage, or creating a comfortable suite for guests or family, our in-house team of Red Seal carpenters delivers precision, transparency, and craftsmanship from start to finish.
Added Function and Everyday Convenience
A lower-level bathroom enhances both comfort and flexibility. Whether for guests, older children, or a private suite, we ensure every installation is built with quality materials, proper ventilation, and reliable plumbing systems designed for long-term performance.
Productivity Meets Peace of Mind
With more homeowners working from home, a quiet, well-insulated workspace can make all the difference. Our team focuses on acoustic comfort, dependable lighting, and practical built-ins, creating a dedicated environment that supports focus and professionalism.
Entertaining, Simplified
A wet bar or kitchenette adds convenience for entertaining, movie nights, or family gatherings. We install every fixture, surface, and connection with precision, ensuring your lower-level space feels cohesive and complete.
Form, Function, and Order
Maximize your basement’s potential with smart storage solutions. From custom shelving to hidden compartments, our carpenters build storage that blends seamlessly with the room’s finishes while keeping your space uncluttered and calm.
Warmth and Efficiency Year-Round
Victoria’s mild coastal climate still calls for year-round comfort. Upgrading insulation and adding radiant in-floor heating can make your lower level consistently warm and energy-efficient while improving overall home performance.
Safe, Functional, and Fun
Give every member of the family a place to unwind. We construct durable, low-maintenance spaces designed to handle daily activity while remaining comfortable, bright, and safe.
Wellness, Built at Home
Create a fitness area that fits your routine. Our team ensures proper flooring, electrical layout, and ventilation for home gyms, yoga studios, or wellness retreats that encourage consistency and comfort.
Private, Comfortable, and Thoughtfully Built
A finished basement can become an inviting suite for guests or family. With a private bedroom, bath, and comfortable living area, we build spaces that feel self-contained and refined.
Brighter, Safer, and More Inviting
Larger egress windows and well-planned lighting transform a dark basement into a bright, comfortable extension of your home. We install every component to meet BC safety codes while enhancing both comfort and design.
Plan your custom home or renovation with confidence. Avoid surprises and gain clarity through thoughtful guidance on pricing, planning, and process in our Investment Guide.
We're proud to build in the communities where we live, work, and raise our families. From Greater Victoria to the surrounding Gulf Islands, Stillwater is trusted to deliver homes that reflect both quality and place.
Victoria
North Saanich
Sidney
Central Saanich
Saanich
Oak Bay
Vic West
Highlands
Langford
Metchosin
Sooke
East Sooke
Malahat
Shawnigan Lake
Uplands
Esquimalt
View Royal
Colwood
Jordan River
Port Renfrew
Southern Gulf Islands
Costs vary based on size, scope, and the level of finish. On average, homeowners in Greater Victoria can expect a professionally built basement renovation to start around $125,000, with larger or suite-ready projects often exceeding $200,000. Stillwater provides transparent estimates and detailed scopes so you can plan with confidence.
Most basement renovations take between 10 and 16 weeks, depending on complexity, permitting, and the level of customization. Before construction begins, we provide a clear schedule and keep you informed throughout every phase.
Yes, most basement renovations in Victoria require a building permit, especially if plumbing, electrical, or structural changes are involved. Our team ensures that every project complies with municipal requirements and BC Building Code standards.
Absolutely. Many homeowners choose to add these features to make the space more self-contained or guest-ready. We manage all plumbing, electrical, and ventilation installations with precision to ensure performance and reliability.
A finished basement adds usable square footage, improves energy efficiency, and increases your home’s value. It’s one of the most practical and rewarding ways to expand your living space without changing your home’s footprint.
Basement renovations can serve many purposes, including guest suites, family rooms, home offices, gyms, or entertainment spaces. We help you bring your chosen layout to life with structure and craftsmanship that supports everyday use.
Proper insulation, waterproofing, and ventilation are key to a comfortable lower level. Stillwater uses proven building methods and quality materials to ensure your finished basement remains dry, warm, and efficient in all seasons.
Yes, it’s possible to create a legal secondary suite if your property and local zoning allow it. Our team can build to meet all required standards for fire separation, egress, and mechanical systems, ensuring full compliance with municipal and provincial regulations.
Clear communication and upfront planning are key. We provide transparent estimates and detailed scopes before construction begins, helping you make informed decisions about materials and finishes. Regular progress updates ensure you always know where your investment stands.
Consider how you use your kitchen daily and what changes would make the space more functional and comfortable. If you’re already working with an architect or designer, we’ll coordinate closely with them to ensure your plans are built to the highest standard and finished with care.
The measure of our work is found in the words of our clients.
In the years since we met Tom, we have done many different projects from small to large. Most recently we built a new design office, just completed as I write this. The project was meticulously planned and executed by Tom. As it nears completion we are On Budget, On Time and better than promised.
Greg & Nancy Marshall
Tom Labelle, Director of Stillwater, Design Build, immediately impressed us with his open and creative approach to our project that invited a 'new and fresh' build design for our retirement home on a small Gulf Island.
Wynn and Monique
Stillwater Design Build renovated an open carport attached to my house, giving me a beautiful home office / living space. Tom and his crew were a pleasure to work with, from beginning to end.
Alexandra
Tom Labelle and the crew from Stillwater Design Build are brilliant craftsmen. He and his team have completed two major projects for us and we highly recommend his expertise and services. Our projects were completed on time and within budget by friendly, qualified tradespeople.
Debbie & Steve
Stillwater Design Build delivered an exceptional product and service. Tom and Tyler are skilled master carpenters who don’t cut corners and the results show. They were upfront and provided budget transparency throughout the build process, which was very refreshing.
Ryan B.
Tom and the team at Stillwater made the process of building our new commercial space a breeze. We truly felt like he was part of our team, and we know we wouldn’t have got it done without him.
Brad and Derek
Tom did what everyone else told us was impossible - he reclaimed our century old floors, providing advice and the skills to deliver top-quality results that met our tight timelines.
Tina P and Derelique H
