Do you have an unused space in your home and are considering an additional stream of income? Secondary suites are a great option to increase your revenue and improve the value of your home. With the City of Edmonton offering a grant program to homeowners looking to develop a secondary suite, adding a rentable unit is now more affordable. Peak Improvements is Edmonton’s premier home contractor, and we are excited to partner with homeowners just like you to create a secondary suite that is safe and comfortable. Continue reading to learn more about secondary suites in Edmonton.
What is a Secondary Suite?
A secondary suite is a separate dwelling located inside a single-detached, semi-detached, row house or duplex. They are outfitted with their own cooking, sleeping, bathroom facilities, and utilities. Secondary suites have specific requirements to be considered legal, such as a secondary entrance that is separate from the rest of the home. These requirements are put in place by the city of Edmonton to protect future tenants. Failing to abide by these city bylaws can result in you being fined or your suite being closed. That’s why it is crucial to partner with an experienced contractor when planning to convert or upgrade a space in your home into a secondary suite. Peak Improvements has a team of experts ready to help you ensure that your suite is up to the city of Edmonton’s bylaws and building codes.
Secondary Suite Requirements
As briefly mentioned above, secondary suites are subjected to some rigid requirements to secure the safety of their future occupants. Below you’ll find a quick overview of some of the critical requirements your suite will need to be considered legal by the city of Edmonton.
Suite Entrance and Bedroom Windows
The entrance to the suite must provide safe and direct access outside in case of an emergency like a fire. As the homeowner having a secondary entrance for the suite is also a good idea to consider so that your future tenants don’t disrupt the privacy of the central unit. The windows in the secondary suite must be unobstructed and meet the minimum size requirements as they provide occupants with an alternative exit during a fire emergency.
Fire Separations, Interconnected Smoke Alarms, and Heating/Ventilation
Secondary suites must also be separated from the central unit by walls, floors, and ceilings to meet minimum fire-resistance ratings. This is important because if a fire occurs, these partitions will allow the occupants of both units to have some time to evacuate before the fire spreads.
Many secondary suites are located in the basement of a home. Gas-fired furnaces and water heaters must be enclosed in a room with fire-protected walls and ceilings. Again this is a requirement as it prevents the spread of fire to the living areas of the unit and reduces health hazards like carbon monoxide poisoning.
Smoke alarms must also be linked to cover both the secondary and primary units safely. This allows occupants to have an early warning if a fire starts in the other suite. In addition to smoke alarms, secondary suites need an independent hear source and venting to reduce smoke migration and the dispersion of undesirable air contaminants.
Parking Requirements and Permits
Before you decide to renovate your home to include a new or freshly upgraded secondary suite, you should speak with a Development Officer or Building Safety Code officer. They will assist you in obtaining pertinent information regarding permits, zoning, and other construction requirements. Homeowners also need to consider minimum parking requirements for their secondary suites to help reduce on-street parking and the congestion that comes from it.
Ready to Learn More?
Creating the home of your dreams doesn’t need to be a hassle. From updating tired rooms to developing stunning secondary suites, our team at Peak Improvements guarantees success on every project. Our proven six-stage process and no surprise contract mean homeowners can trust us to be completely transparent throughout the duration of your home improvement project. Peak has your best interests in mind; contact us today to learn more about secondary suite renovations.
