Approx. 1,200 sq. ft. · $40,000–$50,000 · 12 weeks
This custom basement renovation on Mt Douglas Cir SE in Calgary was designed around the needs of a family of dancers. The goal was to turn an underused basement into a purpose-built dance, fitness and family space while retaining the comfort of a finished living area.
The family wanted more than a conventional rec room. With dancers in the household, the basement needed to support regular training and fitness while still functioning as an attractive family space. That meant creating a surface suitable for movement, improving lighting, adding mirrors and ballet bars, and integrating custom entertainment cabinetry without making the basement feel like a commercial studio.
One of the defining features was the professional-style sprung floor system. The floor was built up over the existing basement floor to create a dedicated dance and fitness area. This allowed the room to better support repeated movement and training while clearly separating the studio area from the surrounding finished basement.
Wall-to-wall mirrors and ballet bars created a practical home training setup, while upgraded lighting helped keep the large basement bright and usable. The renovation also included a custom TV surround with dark cabinetry and stone detailing, providing storage and a strong architectural feature for the family living area.
The completed 1,200 sq. ft. basement gives the family a space designed around how they actually live: dance practice, fitness, entertainment and everyday family use. The project took approximately 12 weeks and represented an investment of approximately $40,000–$50,000.
It is a good example of why basement renovations are highly specific to the existing home. Existing finishes, demolition requirements, building systems and the elements being retained all influence scope and cost.
The floor system was built in stages, beginning with the supporting floor structure before the raised subfloor was installed. These progress photos show the construction behind one of the most distinctive features of the renovation.
Your basement does not have to follow a standard layout or package. We can help plan a renovation around family rooms, home gyms, bars, offices, bathrooms and other custom spaces.
Explore our Basement Renovations service, review our Calgary basement pricing guide, or see the City of Calgary basement permit guidance.
