PLANNING A BASEMENT SUITE RENO? TIME TO GET A PERMIT

I often head downstairs to my basement and see a whole lot of empty space that could be put to great use if only I renovated my basement. If you're thinking the same thing and you want to make a suite in your basement, here's a few helpful tips.

The development of properly regulated secondary suites is a way of increasing the number of safe, affordable housing options in Edmonton. All new secondary suite construction, and some basement suite renovations, require permits. This is to make sure the new construction in your home meets the Zoning Bylaw and Building and Fire Code regulations. And some permits cannot be obtained in one day. For example, secondary suite applications usually take about 6-8 weeks.

But there is some help, grant funding is available through the City that can cover up to fifty percent of construction costs, to a maximum of $20,000. In exchange for grant funding, recipients must agree to rent out the suite at an affordable housing rate for a minimum of five years.

Changes to Provincial Fire and Safety Code regulations for secondary suites are anticipated later this year. Currently, secondary suites are permitted only in single detached houses on lots over 360 square metres in size. Proposed changes to the Zoning Bylaw to allow secondary suites in other types of housing, such as narrow lot single detached houses, and semi-detached, duplex and row housing is in the works.