Basement suites are an excellent add-on to your home! They can provide you with additional income without having to own a separate property, add a new livable space to your home and provide renters with a secure and private area to live in.  However, did you know that if your basement suite falls under specific categories, you have to legalize it with the City of Calgary? In today’s market, affordable Calgary housing is hard to come by. Renters are actively seeking out cost-efficient living spaces. You might have bought a property with a basement suite or are considering renting out your basement. If that is the case, our Calgary basement builders at Alliance Renovations have created a quick guide to help you navigate the world of basement suite rentals.

According to the City of Calgary, your basement suite needs to be legalized if your suite has a kitchen area, includes a bathroom and has an external private entrance that is accessible from the outside. Additionally, to increase safety, your basement suite has to follow a specific set of rules. You need to have egress windows that are big enough to function as an escape route, it needs to have the necessary smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and it has to have a separate heating and ventilation system to the main house. Also remember that rules change, if your basement suite was completed prior to March 12, 2018, you will need a permit. If you aren’t sure if your basement needs to be legalized, talk to one of our basement builder professionals at Alliance Renovations.

If you are looking to develop a new basement suite, double-check if basement suites are permitted in your neighbourhood. Some areas in Calgary do not allow secondary suites. Our Calgary basement builders have over three decades of experience constructing and developing basements. We are well-versed in the rules and regulations relating to legal basement suites. Our expert team at Alliance Renovations can help you better navigate the process by ensuring your project is in full compliance with the City of Calgary’s code.

To legalize your basement suite, you will need a permit. This permit ensures that the structure meets the building safety requirements. You may also need additional permits if you are doing additional work, including electrical and plumbing. For more information about licensing your secondary suite, you can review the City of Calgary’s rulebook or talk to one of our Calgary basement builders. Our experienced basement team at Alliance Renovations can help guide you on the necessary step to legalize your basement suite.

If you bought a new home or are considering renting a basement property, here is how you can check if your basement suite is legal. The first step is to go to the City of Calgary’s online secondary suite registry, you can then enter the address and check if the property has a licenced secondary suite. Another tip is to check if the door has a City of Calgary sticker on it, once your basement suite has been approved and is registered, you will get a seal of approval.

Legalizing your basement suite can be tedious, but at Alliance Renovations, we help you every step of the way. From the initial estimate to the end of the build. We pride ourselves in creating custom basement builds that are personalized to your unique needs. Whether you are looking to rent out your basement suite or create a fresh new space for your family to spend quality time in, your project is in good hands. Our Calgary basement builder team has over +35 years of experience in the building industry and are proud members of Renomark and the Calgary Region of Canadian Home Builders’ Association. If you have any questions about your basement project, call us at (403) 228-2000 or contact us online for a free estimate!