Basement Suites

Bedrooms with Proper Egress Windows

Every bedroom in a legal basement suite must have an egress window. These windows must meet specific size requirements set by the City of Calgary & respective municipalities to ensure that occupants can safely exit in an emergency.

Separate Bathroom

A legal basement suite must include a dedicated bathroom separate from the main living area. This bathroom should be equipped with all necessary plumbing fixtures, including a toilet, sink, and either a bathtub or a shower.

Separate Cooking Facilities

The suite must have its own cooking facilities, which typically means a kitchenette with basic cooking utilities, such as a stove and oven. These facilities should be distinct and independent from those in the main dwelling.

Entrance Accessible from Outside

A legal basement suite must have a separate entrance that is accessible from the outside without passing through the main dwelling unit. A shared stairwell is acceptable as long as the suite has its own private entry.

Separate Heating System

The suite should have an independent heating system, such as its own furnace, to ensure it operates separately from the main residence.

Fire Safety

In addition to the basic requirements, it's crucial to include fire safety measures such as interconnected smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices should be hardwired and interconnected between the main residence and the basement suite, ensuring prompt notification in case of an emergency.

Soundproofing

The separation between the basement suite and the main residence must include soundproofing to minimize noise transfer. This not only meets legal requirements but also enhances the quality of living for both parties.

Utility Considerations

While a shared electrical panel is permitted, it's essential that no circuits are shared between the main residence and the basement suite. This separation ensures that the suite's occupants have full control over their utilities, promoting both safety and convenience.

Inspection Requirements

After construction or renovation, your basement suite will need to pass several inspections, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, to ensure it meets all safety and building standards. These inspections are crucial for verifying that your suite is compliant with the City of Calgary’s & respective municipalities regulations.

Estimating

Basement Builders has the expertise to provide you with an estimate after our first visit. This includes a comprehensive cost estimate, a complete list of specifications, and a floor plan design.

Design

During your initial discussion with the Basement Builders team, we’ll identify your needs and determine how to achieve them within your budget, basement dimensions, and legal requirements. We can also suggest modifications to enhance tenant appeal and maximize ROI. This process often involves some back-and-forth with the city and the homeowner before finalizing the design.

Permits

Permits: We take care of the entire permitting process, including:
Development Permit (DP): Issued after a review of the renovation site and development plans.
Building Permit (BP): Required before construction begins, applied for once the city approves the development permit.
Occupancy Permit (OP): Allows homeowners to use the new basement suite for occupancy and ensures the suite’s safety and legality.

Selections

Once planning and permits are in place, you’ll work closely with our design team to choose the aesthetic details for your legal basement suite.

Pre-Build and Rough-In

1. Introduction to your Project Manager
2. Establishing site rules to ensure clarity between clients and tradespeople
3. Preparing the home to minimize potential damage during construction
4. Delivery of framing supplies and building materials
5. Delivery of garbage bins to maintain a clean site

Construction

1. Framing and electrical walk-throughs with homeowners to finalize the design in the actual space
2. Completion of plumbing and HVAC rough-ins
3. City inspections, accompanied by a Basement Builders representative (homeowner presence not required), including inspections for electrical, building, plumbing, HVAC, gas, and development
4. Installation of insulation (as per code) and drywall
5. Taping, mudding, and sanding of walls and ceilings

Finishing Touches

1. Installation of flooring
2. Cabinet and finishing carpentry
3. Installation of switches and outlets
4. Application of final coats of paint
5. Completion of all final inspections by the city
6. Professional cleaning of the basement suite
7. Final client walk-through to complete the project

At Basement Builders, we pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Our extensive experience, coupled with a focus solely on basement development, makes us the go-to experts in Calgary & area for legal basement suite construction.