Legal Basement Suite Calgary
Build a rental-ready basement suite, or convert your existing basement into code complaint legal suite with Remarkable Projects
Legal basement suites represent one of Calgary's smartest real estate investments.
Turn Your Basement Into Income and Impact
Canada’s rental crisis has created a rare opportunity. Legal basement suites are in high demand, and supply is limited. A well built, code compliant suite can help you generate steady income, support your family’s changing needs, and contribute to easing the housing shortage in your community.
Rental income and real ROI
A legal basement suite can typically rent for about $1,000 to $2,000 per month, depending on size, finishes, and location. That income can help with the mortgage, improve monthly cash flow, and build long term wealth.
Flexible living options
Yes, rental income is powerful, but the real value is flexibility. A legal suite gives you options that adapt as your life changes:
Aging in place – A private space for an aging parent, so they keep their independence while staying close to family
Family support – A separate place for adult children or students, giving them their own "mini apartment" while they study, work, or save for a home
Childcare solutions – A day home or nanny suite that keeps childcare convenient and under your roof
Business use – A home office, studio, or therapy room, perfect if you run a small business and want a professional, separate space
Short-term rentals – Host visitors or travelers for additional income flexibility
More than a renovation, it is a strategic investment
A legal basement suite strengthens your property value and resale appeal, supports your family changing needs, and helps address a critical housing challenge within your community.
Its simply a smart investment. Ready to seize the opportunity? Get a Quote
What Makes a Basement Suite Legal in Calgary?
A legal secondary suite in Calgary is a self-contained residential unit with separate living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation facilities that meets all City of Calgary building codes, Land Use Bylaw requirements, and Alberta Safety Code. Inspected and registered with the Calgary suite registry.
Legal Status Matters: Legal suites command higher rental rates, attract quality long-term tenants, pass mortgage and insurance requirements, and eliminate risks of fines, eviction orders, and voided insurance claims.
Core Legal Requirements
Separate Entrance
The suite must be accessible from outside without passing through the main residence. Shared stairwells are acceptable, but each unit requires a private entrance door.
Ceiling Height Standards
Minimum 1.95 metres (6.4 feet) throughout all living spaces, with consistent height requirements for safety and comfort.
- Ceiling heights can be reduced to 1.85 m where ductwork and beams make drop ceilings necessary
Egress Windows
Every bedroom must have a proper emergency escape window that meets specific size and accessibility requirements.
Full Kitchen Facilities
The suite must include complete cooking and food preparation facilities with proper ventilation and safety features.
- Stove or cooktop with vent hood
- Kitchen sink with hot and cold water
- Back-flow prevention device on branch drains
Complete Bathroom
A private, fully equipped bathroom separate from the main residence is required.
- Toilet
- Sink with hot and cold water
- Bathtub or shower
- Proper ventilation (exhaust fan vented outside)
- Back-flow prevention device on branch drains
Fire Separation
Complete smoke-tight separation between the suite and main residence for fire safety.
- Solid-core doors (minimum 45mm) with self-closing mechanisms between units and mech room
- Minimum 12.7 mm (½") drywall on ceiling and both sides of walls between units
- Tape and mud all joints to create smoke-tight barrier
- All penetrations sealed with fire-rated materials
Life Safety Systems
Interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detection must be installed throughout both the suite and main dwelling.
- Hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms
- Carbon monoxide detectors where required
- Battery backup on all life-safety devices
- Placement per Alberta Fire Code
Independent Utilities
Utility controls must allow the suite to operate independently and support fair sharing or separate billing.
- Independent heat source and control
- Dedicated or clearly labelled electrical circuits
- Adequate hot water supply for both units
Sound Insulation
Proper sound attenuation between units improves privacy and livability.
- Insulation in shared walls and floors
- Resilient channels on ceilings
- Sound-rated assemblies to reduce noise transfer
- Sealed gaps and penetrations to limit sound leaks
Legal basement suite costs vary widely based on what already exists and what must be added to meet code. Your budget usually includes:
• Design and drawings
• Permits and inspections
• Framing, insulation, drywall, and fire separation details
• Kitchen, bathroom, flooring, paint, and finishing
• Electrical, plumbing, HVAC.
Understanding the full cost picture helps you plan realistically and avoid budget surprises.
Typical Cost Ranges (Calgary, 2026)
Suite (600-1,000 sq ft):
standard finish: $50,000 - $70,000 (Standard builder-grade materials throughout, bathtub)
Mid-range finish: $70,000 - $95,000 (Shower, Upgraded fixtures and materials)
Premium finish: $95,000 - $130,000+ (premium fixtures, custom built-ins, premium finish materials)
Cost per square foot: Typically $70-$125/sq ft for complete development, depending on finish level and complexity.
Major Cost Factors
1. Existing Conditions ($0 - $15,000+)
Plumbing rough-ins present or needed: $1,500-$6,000
Structural modifications (if required): $2,000-$8,000
Window wells and egress windows: $3,000-$6,000 per window
Electrical panel upgrade (meter to panel only): $1,500-$5,500
2. Core Construction ($35,000 - $65,000)
Framing and drywall
Flooring throughout
Full bathroom installation: $7,000-$12,000
Kitchen/kitchenette: $8,000-$18,000
Doors and trim
Painting
3. Separate Entrance ($13,000 - $25,000)
Above grade entrance: ~$13,000
Below grade entrance (excavation, concrete, waterproofing): ~$25,000
4. Mechanical Systems ($8,000 - $15,000)
HVAC installation
Plumbing installation
Electrical wiring and fixtures
Fire safety systems
5. Permits & Professional Fees ($1,000- $5,000)
Development permit: $0
Building permit: $450
Architectural drawings: $1,00-$1,500
Inspections and engineering (if required)
6. Finishing Touches ($5,000 - $15,000+)
Light fixtures and hardware
Appliances (fridge, stove, washer/dryer)
Window coverings
Landscaping (entrance area)
Budget Planning Tips
✅ Add 10-15% contingency for unexpected issues (older homes often have surprises)
A typical Calgary basement suite development takes about 8 -12 weeks and follows these steps:
Site review and measurements
Layout planning and suite design
Permit application and approvals
Construction and inspections
Final inspection/handover, and suite close out
Timelines will depend on permit requirements, scope of work, and how much customization is needed to meet client and legal basement suite standards.
Our Process
A streamlined approach that takes you from first contact to final handover—with clarity, precision, and zero surprises.
Phase 1: Planning & Setup
Initial Contact
All questions answered quickly and easily. Inspection date booked.
You're one step closer to completion.
Inspection/Quote
Thorough inspection with laser measurements. Accurate fixed-price quote based on your floor plan.
Our quote won't change unless you change the scope.
Quote Acceptance
Full agreement on all details. Finalize drawings for permit applications.
Everything documented clearly—no surprises.
Building Permits
We prepare drawings and apply for all required city permits.
You don't deal with paperwork—we handle it.
Phase 2: Construction
Our 4-stage development process ensures your experience is seamless with no disruption to your everyday life.
Prelims
- Pull necessary permits
- Present project schedule
- Client material selection
- Provide site access & lockbox
- Prepare site, deliver materials
The Build
- Demolition (if required)
- Mark floor plan
- Wall construction
- MEP rough-ins
- City rough-in inspections
- Drywalling: hang, mud, tape, sand
- Ceiling texture
- Install doors & trims
- Prime walls, spray doors/trims
Finishing
- Kitchen, vanity, countertop install
- Flooring: tiles, vinyl plank
- 2 coats of wall paint
- Lighting & electrical fittings
- Heating diffusers & grills
- Bath fixtures & hardware
- Carpet installation
- Punch list & touch-ups
- City final inspections
- Walkthrough & handover
AfterCare
Your project doesn't end at handover. We remain available to assist with any questions, adjustments, or support you need.
Our commitment extends beyond construction completion.
For any legal basement suite in Calgary, proper permits are mandatory. They protect you, your tenants, and your investment by ensuring the space meets zoning, safety, and building code standards. Skipping permits can lead to fines, insurance issues, and problems when selling your home.
Depending on your zoning, you may first need a Development Permit to confirm the secondary suite is allowed on your lot and that items like parking and setbacks meet the City’s Land Use Bylaw. Every project must have a Building Permit, which reviews your plans for structural safety, fire separation, exits, egress windows, and overall code compliance.
On top of that, you’ll need separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, and gas work (if you’re adding gas appliances). These cover everything from wiring and lighting to drains, water lines, and gas hookups, and they’re usually pulled by licensed trades as part of a professional basement suite build.
Basement suite permits Calgary
Our 7-Step Permit Process
We handle the entire permit journey for your basement suite or legal suite so you don’t have to. Here’s how we move your project from idea to approved.
Pre-Application Review
We confirm your property is eligible for a legal suite by checking zoning, lot requirements, and parking. We also review the City of Calgary secondary suite checklist so there are no surprises later.
Plans & Documentation
Our design team prepares code-compliant plans for your basement suite, including site plan, floor layouts, and elevations. Professional drawings help speed up City approvals and reduce revisions.
Permit Submission
We submit your application through the City’s online system, manage fees, and track your file. You get updates; we handle the paperwork and communication with the City.
City Review & Revisions
As the City reviews your legal suite plans, we respond to any comments or deficiency notices and adjust drawings as needed to keep your permit moving toward approval.
Construction Start
Once permits are issued, we schedule trades, post permits on site, and begin work. We also plan inspection milestones into the construction schedule from day one.
Inspections
We coordinate all required inspections—framing, insulation, plumbing and electrical rough-ins, mechanical, and final. Our team ensures each stage is inspection-ready before the City arrives.
Registration & Final Approval
After the final inspections are passed, the City issues the Permission to Occupy. Your suite is also registered in the City of Calgary Secondary Suite Registry, where you and the public can independently confirm compliance, and you receive your suite identification sticker.
Ensuring Full Compliance
A legal suite is not just “permitted.” It is safer to live in, easier to insure, easier to rent, and easier to sell. In Calgary, smooth approvals usually come down to three things.
1. Strong drawings and a complete application
Most delays happen when drawings are missing key details, or the application package does not match City requirements. We start by confirming eligibility like zoning, lot requirements, and parking, then prepare a complete plan set that aligns with what the City expects for secondary suites.
2. Passing required inspections for building and trades
Secondary suites trigger a tighter inspection path than many home renos. The City notes that secondary suites always require two inspections, and trade permits apply depending on the scope (electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical).
3. Final sign off and registration you can verify
Once final inspections are passed, the City issues occupancy approval (often referred to as permission to occupy under Alberta’s Safety Codes framework). Then your suite is added to the City of Calgary Secondary Suite Registry, so you and the public can independently confirm it is registered. Your registry letter and suite identification sticker are also where the secondary suite address is provided.
Bonus: Secondary Suite Incentive Program
If you qualify, the City of Calgary’s Secondary Suite Incentive Program can reimburse up to $10,000 for required safety items, plus up to $1,250 for certain energy efficiency items and up to $5,000 for accessibility improvements. You need an active building permit to apply, and there are program rules to be aware of (including restrictions tied to short term rentals for a period).
Return on Investment
A legal basement suite can pay you back in more than one way.
Rental income can support mortgage payments and improve monthly cash flow.
Flexibility gives you options for an aging parent, adult child, nanny suite, or a private home office.
Marketability improves because buyers and tenants can verify registration, which reduces doubt.
For a rough rent benchmark, market sources reported Calgary’s average unfurnished one bedroom rent at $1,508 per month in October 2025. Basement suite rents vary by neighborhood, finish level, utilities, parking, and laundry setup, but the point is simple: Calgary’s rental market can make a legal suite a serious income tool.
Illegal Suites: Risks and Legalization
Notice “suite” is not just a label. An unpermitted or unregistered suite can create real problems:
Safety gaps like egress, alarms, and fire separation that put people at risk.
Insurance and liability issues if there is a claim or incident.
Enforcement risk if complaints arise or the property changes hands.
If a basement unit has cooking facilities and a bathroom, the City of Calgary notes that you still need the required secondary suite permits, even if you do not plan to rent it out. Legalizing early protects you and keeps the space fully compliant for long term use.
See Our Recent Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about legal basement suite development in Calgary.
A basement renovation improves the space. A legal basement suite is a renovation that also meets code requirements for a separate dwelling, including safety, permits, and inspections.
In most cases, yes. Building permits are common, and you may also need a development permit depending on zoning and your plan. Trade permits may be required for electrical and plumbing.
Costs depend on size, finishes, and how many upgrades are needed to meet code. A new build suite typically costs more than legalizing an existing basement layout.
Timelines vary by approvals and scope. Design and permits can take time, and construction can range from several weeks to a few months depending on complexity.
Often, yes. The main factor is whether your basement can meet life safety and building code requirements. A site assessment is the best first step.
It often improves resale appeal and can increase value because it adds compliant living space and rental potential, especially when finished with quality workmanship.
Ready to get started?
Ask for a quote and let’s start building your new remarkable basement.
