From Basement to Rental Suite: All You Need to Know about Basement renovation in Calgary

Bond Contracting and Construction Inc. supports homeowners through every stage of basement renovation in Calgary, from initial planning and design to inspections and final approval.

Key Steps in Basement Suite Development

Creating a legal suite involves the following:

●      Confirm property zoning: Verify that your property is located in a zone that permits secondary suites under Calgary's land use bylaw.

●      Apply for required permits: Based on the scope of work, submit applications for building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits.

●      Meet building and fire codes: Ensure the suite complies with Alberta Building Code and fire separation requirements, including egress and alarms.

●      Finalize layout and suite design: Prepare detailed plans that include all required living spaces, ceiling heights, window sizes, and ventilation.

●      Schedule city inspections: Coordinate inspections with the City of Calgary at key construction stages to confirm compliance.

●      Register the suite after approval: Once all inspections are passed, register the unit to obtain legal recognition and, if applicable, a unique civic address.

Before the unit can be legally occupied, each step of your basement renovation must meet the City of Calgary’s requirements.

Zoning, Permits, and Inspections

Before starting a basement renovation in Calgary, homeowners must confirm if their property is zoned for a secondary suite. This can be checked through the City of Calgary’s land use bylaw. If not permitted, a land use redesignation must be approved before proceeding. Without proper zoning, no permits can be issued.

Once zoning is confirmed, the following permits are typically required:

●      Building permit – for structural changes and layout.

●      Electrical permit – for wiring and outlets.

●      Plumbing permit – for kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry.

●      HVAC permit – for heating or ventilation adjustments.

All permitted work must pass city inspections at key stages. Occupancy approval is granted only after all requirements are met.

Suite Layout and Design Specifications

A legal basement suite must follow specific layout standards:

●      Ceiling height: At least 1.95 metres in all living areas.

●      Entrance: A separate, private access point is required.

●      Facilities: A full bathroom and kitchen with proper plumbing and ventilation.

●      Windows: Egress windows in bedrooms and natural light in living spaces.

●      Utilities: Shared shut-off access must be maintained; sub-metering is optional.

Utility shut-off access must remain available to both units. Sub-metering can be added, but is not required.

Next Steps for a Compliant Basement Rental Suite in Calgary

A basement renovation in Calgary requires careful planning, code compliance, and coordination with municipal approvals. Missing any step can delay or invalidate the process. Bond Contracting and Construction Inc. endeavours to assist homeowners through each phase, ensuring legal and technical requirements are met.

Contact us today to request a free consultation. Our team is committed to providing renovation support tailored to Calgary’s rental suite standards.