Elevate Your Legal Basement Suite in Calgary: Expert Design Tips!

Are you planning to transform your basement into a legal suite in Calgary? Want to ensure it’s appealing to potential tenants? Then, to ensure you get a profitable investment, making your basement suite attractive is crucial. That is why, in this blog, we have compiled expert design tips so you can get a gratifying return on your hard-earned money. Let’s explore how we can create a welcoming and attractive living space that tenants will love.

Illuminate with Recessed Lighting

Embrace the lower ceiling height of your basement by installing recessed lighting. Not only does it make the space feel brighter and more spacious, but it also adds a modern touch. Pairing it with well-placed basement windows enhances natural light, further enhancing the appeal.

Modernize Finishes

Upgrade your fixtures to give your basement suite a contemporary feel. Replace outdated faucets, light fixtures, and hardware with modern alternatives. These small changes can significantly elevate the overall look and feel of the space, making it more appealing to prospective tenants.

Provide Both Bath and Shower Options

Consider installing both a bath and a shower in your basement suite. While you may only be required to have one according to bylaw regulations, offering both options increases the appeal to a wider range of tenants, including families, couples, and individuals. A shower/tub combo can also be a practical and space-saving solution.

Offer Separate Laundry Facilities

If space allows, provide dedicated laundry facilities within the basement suite. While this may require additional space and planning, it’s a highly desirable feature for many tenants. Creative solutions can help maximize space efficiency, such as stackable washer and dryer units or compact laundry closets.

Maximize Ceiling Height

Look for opportunities to increase ceiling height if you are in the early stages of planning your basement suite. Higher ceilings not only create a more spacious and airy atmosphere but also add to the overall appeal of the living space. Consider this factor when selecting a property or during the design phase.

Install a Gas Fireplace

Enhance the comfort and coziness of your basement suite by adding a gas fireplace. While not essential, this feature can be highly attractive to tenants, especially during the colder months. Proper insulation is crucial to ensure efficiency. But, a gas fireplace can significantly enhance the appeal and value of your rental property.

Final Words

However, by implementing these expert design tips, you can transform your basement into a desirable and appealing living space for tenants in Calgary. Whether you want to attract families, couples, or individuals, creating a welcoming environment is key to maximizing your rental income. So, contact us today! We are here to help you make your legal basement suite project a success!

Mastering the 4 Essentials for Building Your Ideal Secondary Suite!

In Calgary, the trend of building secondary suites has gained immense popularity as homeowners seek to maximize living space within their properties. This home improvement project allows the creation of self-contained living units, offering additional accommodation options. Are you willing to embark on this venture? But you hesitate as you don’t have any idea about this home improvement project! Below are the four key things you need to know about building a secondary suite.

 

1. Understanding the Basics of a Secondary Suite

A secondary suite is a self-contained residence with two or more rooms, encompassing a kitchen, living area, bedroom, and sanitary facilities. The key requirements include bedrooms with proper egress windows, a separate bathroom, separate cooking facilities, and an entrance accessible from outside without passing through the main dwelling unit. While a shared stairwell is acceptable, each unit must have a private entrance.

2. Differentiating Between Secondary Suites and Backyard Suites

It’s crucial to distinguish between a secondary suite and a backyard suite. A secondary suite is located within the main residence, whether in the basement, main floor, or upper floor. On the other hand, a backyard suite is a detached self-contained residence encompassing garage suites, garden suites, or laneway homes. Understanding this difference helps homeowners choose the right type of additional dwelling unit for their property.

3. Navigating the Permit Process

Before diving into your secondary suite project, be aware that obtaining the necessary permits is essential. You will need a building permit and an electrical, plumbing and hvac permits. Building safety approval ensures compliance with safety requirements, while an electrical permit covers the electrical aspects of the project. Homeowners doing the work themselves can get a homeowner’s electrical permit, while contractors need to apply for the required permits.

4. How to Prepare Your Application

To streamline the application process, preparation is key. Firstly, gather essential details, including the project address, applicant information, and project specifics. Secondly, prepare the required documents and plans, adhering to the permit checklist’s specific drawing and supporting document requirements. These steps ensure a smoother application process and increase the likelihood of obtaining necessary approvals for your secondary suite project.

Final Words

Hopefully, you can successfully embark on this popular home improvement project by staying informed and following the necessary steps. And in this regard, we can be your trusted ally. We know how to create a functional and beautiful secondary suite that adds value to your property and enhances your living space. We will guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless experience. So, contact us immediately!