Are you a homeowner that’s eager to make the most out of your property while also setting yourself up for success in the future? As an increasingly popular renovation choice, legal secondary suites offer you the opportunity to maximize your space and to generate additional income. While the City of Edmonton has introduced bylaws that make it easier to apply for development, homeowners should be aware of the unique considerations that go into building a legal suite before jumping into renovations. Peak Improvements is proud to partner with homeowners all throughout the Edmonton Region to develop secondary suites; below, we’ve compiled a shortlist of special factors to keep in mind with regards to building legal secondary accommodation in your home.
A Word of Caution
While secondary suites are becoming more popular, and have even begun to be seen as a buying feature for newer homes, it’s important to note that they are typically not a fast way to make your money back. Why? Even if your home requires relatively “minor” changes to meet city bylaws and safety guidelines, the process of getting approved and having everything completed can often take longer than you might think. At the end of the day, the primary goal of creating a secondary suite should always be to develop a safe space for your future tenants, and so speeding through the renovation process is not only inviable, but also reckless. Expect your return on investment to be several months away and be prepared to plan accordingly.
Focus On Required Elements
In order to be considered a legal suite, you will need to complete a long list of features including separate entrances, independent heat sources, egress windows and more. Failure to comply with regulations can be quite costly, with the potential for fines or even the termination of the suite looming as a possibility. Working with an experienced team will make it easy to ensure that everything you include is to code and that there are no surprises down the road as far as the law is concerned.
Additional Elements
Alongside all the legal requirements of building a secondary suite, there are a few additional elements that should be at the forefront of your mind. Lower level suites are typically quite cooler, and so additional insulation should be considered for maximum comfort, as should enhanced soundproofing for privacy. Another aspect that can often go forgotten is the fact that lower-level suites usually have poor light sources, which can be less than desirable for tenants. Adding larger windows, or at least upgrading your main lighting will go a long way towards making the suite more habitable for the long term, which translates to a higher likelihood of hanging on to desirable tenants.
Always Think Ahead
As with any major renovation and investment, you should always consider what your wants and needs for the future are before moving ahead. Secondary suites are best suited to those willing to stick things out for the long term, or at the very least to market to a specific demographic if you hope to sell in the near future. Partnering with the right renovation contractor makes it easy to move forward with a secondary suite project quickly, and with full confidence in the results. Peak Improvements’ team of experts offer decades of combined experience, as well as a dedication to excellence. Contact us today to learn how we can make your secondary suite development a breeze!
