Can any basement become an apartment?

Most can, if there's adequate ceiling height, a way to add egress, and space for a kitchen and bath. We assess your basement first and tell you plainly whether it's a good candidate.

Do I need a separate entrance?

For a true rental ADU, yes, a legal basement apartment needs its own compliant entrance. We often add an exterior stairwell or convert a walkout to meet that.

Is a basement apartment cheaper than a detached ADU?

Usually, because the shell already exists. The main costs are egress, waterproofing, a kitchen and bath, and the separate entrance, rather than a new foundation and structure.

Basement Apartment Conversions in Clackamas County

Gencon converts Clackamas County basements into legal apartments and ADUs, egress windows, kitchens, baths, and permits handled so you can add living space or rental income.

Free estimate: 503-825-0123

A basement apartment is one of the most affordable ways to add a rental unit or house family, the structure already exists. Gencon converts Clackamas County basements into legal, self-contained apartments and ADUs with their own entrance, kitchen, and bath.

A custom wine cellar in a finished basement

What makes a basement apartment legal

Egress windows or doors in every sleeping room for safe emergency exit
A separate, code-compliant entrance
A full kitchen and bathroom tied into the home's systems
Minimum ceiling height for habitable space
Proper waterproofing and moisture control before finishing

Related: Basement waterproofing

Basement ADU vs. simple in-law space

If you want a rentable, independent unit, we build it to the county's ADU standards: separate entrance, kitchen, and metering considerations. If it's just space for family who share the main home, the requirements are lighter. We'll help you decide which you actually need before design, since it affects both cost and permitting.

Moisture comes first

A basement is the lowest, dampest point in the house, so we control water before finishing: drainage, vapor barriers, and waterproofing. Building a rental you'll be responsible for over a wet basement is asking for callbacks and mold, so this step isn't optional.

Frequently asked questions

Can any basement become an apartment?: Most can, if there's adequate ceiling height, a way to add egress, and space for a kitchen and bath. We assess your basement first and tell you plainly whether it's a good candidate.
Do I need a separate entrance?: For a true rental ADU, yes, a legal basement apartment needs its own compliant entrance. We often add an exterior stairwell or convert a walkout to meet that.
Is a basement apartment cheaper than a detached ADU?: Usually, because the shell already exists. The main costs are egress, waterproofing, a kitchen and bath, and the separate entrance, rather than a new foundation and structure.

Basement Apartments is part of Gencon's basement finishing work across Clackamas County. Explore related services:

Basement Waterproofing

Get started on your basement apartments project

Get a free, no-pressure estimate from a family-owned team you can trust.

Call 503-825-0123