How to Make a Legal Basement Suite in Ontario
It is becoming extremely popular for residents of Ottawa, specifically Westboro and Nepean, to install basement suites. This provides the potential for a second source of income to help pay the bills or even a place for your in-laws to stay when they come to visit.
Here at March Homes, we have helped hundreds of Ottawa residents build their basement ensuites, and we always make sure it is done up to code and completely legally.
But what steps do you need to take to ensure your basement suite is constructed legally? We are so glad you asked.
Steps To Building a Legal Basement Suite
Constructing a basement suite is no small task. From the permits to the spacing requirements, there is a lot to consider! This is why we recommend hiring a professional to help you with all of your suite construction needs.
We have assembled this simple guide to all the information you will need to complete the ensuite construction project of your dreams! Read more, and you are guaranteed to see the value in hiring March Homes to assist with your basement suite project.
What Makes a Basement Ensuite Legal in Ontario?
There are several factors that go into making a basement suite qualify as legal, but essentially it needs to meet all code requirements. The code requirements are as follows:
- At least 145 square feet of space
- At least 1.95 m ceiling height
- Windows that make up 5% of the floor area and 2.5% of the bedroom area
- Running water, a kitchen and access to laundry
- Electrician approved heating and cooling services
- A second means of escape
- At least 30 minutes of fire separation from the main unit.
If your basement suite meets these requirements, it will be considered legal. We are prepared to help you with all of your basement finishing needs here at March Homes, contact us today to get started.
What Codes Need To Be Met?
In Ontario, your building must be up to Ontario Building Code standards. If your building is over 5 years old it is a smart investment to hire an inspector to determine if you are up to all standards of this code. Besides this standard code across all of Ontario, you must ensure that you meet all by-laws in your specific city.
Finally, you need to ensure you are meeting all fire code standards. If you have met all these standards you are on track for a perfect basement suite project! We have helped hundreds of happy clients across Ottawa, and specifically in Westboro and Nepean. You can trust us!
How Much Will It Cost?
The standard code of taking an unfinished basement and turning it into a legal suite will cost anywhere between $17,000 and $70,000 on average. This price can vary depending on the specifics of your needs for the basement, however factoring in the need for a finished bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and separate entrance this price is fairly generous.
If you are thinking of building a basement suite in your unfinished basement, March Homes can assist you in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Benefits Of A Legal Basement
There are two major benefits of having a basement suite, and those are the following:
- It provides you the opportunity to have a second source of income
- It drastically increases your property value!
These two reasons alone should be enough to have you looking into adding a basement suite to your home. We have helped many happy clients achieve this, and we guarantee we can do it for you as well! You won’t regret it. Learn more about basement ensuite additions and contact us today.
March Homes – Westboro and Nepean’s Basement Ensuite Experts
Here at March Homes, we pride ourselves on providing industry-leading construction services to the residents of Ottawa. We guarantee your basement suite construction project will be completed on time, and up to code. Contact us today to book a consultation so we can get started creating the basement of your dreams!
