Edmonton Legal Suites
Legalize Your Existing Basement Suite
Already have a suite that was never permitted? We assess it against the current requirements, tell you exactly what needs upgrading, and take it through permits and inspections until it's legal.
- Free on-site assessment
- A written list of the upgrades needed
- Permits and inspections handled
How legalizing works
- 1
Assessment
We walk through the suite and note what meets the current requirements and what does not.
- 2
Upgrade plan and quote
You get a written list of the upgrades and a quote, so there are no surprises when walls are opened.
- 3
Permits
We apply for the Development Permit and Building Permit. Licensed trades pull their own permits.
- 4
Upgrades and inspections
We do the work and book each inspection until the permits are closed.
What usually needs upgrading
Every suite is different, but these are the items we most often find in suites that were built without permits.
Fire and smoke separation
Missing or broken drywall between the units, open ceilings, and hollow or non-closing doors are the most common gaps.
Smoke and CO alarms
Battery alarms are replaced with hardwired, interconnected ones, and CO alarms are added where there are fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage.
Bedroom egress windows
Older basement windows are often too small to escape through, and window wells too shallow.
Heating and ventilation
A suite sharing ducts or an HRV with the main house needs its own separately controlled system.
Entrance and exit
The suite can't rely only on a route through the main house, and needs a hard-surface path to the street.
Sound separation
Insulation and resilient channel, or a rated assembly, between the units.
Ceiling height
Headroom is checked, including under beams and ducts.
Electrical, plumbing and gas
Work done without permits may need to be opened up and inspected, or redone by licensed trades.
Questions about legalizing
Can you legalize the suite I already have?
Often, yes. We assess the existing suite against the current requirements, tell you what needs upgrading (common items are fire separation, smoke and CO alarms, egress windows, heating and ventilation), then handle the permits, the work and the inspections.
What does a "suite rough-in" permit mean?
A rough-in permit only covers work toward a future suite. It does not make the suite legal. You still need a Development Permit and the remaining building and trade permits before anyone can live in it.
What permits does a legal suite need in Edmonton?
A Development Permit before the suite is built or used, a Building Permit, and trade permits for the electrical, plumbing and gas, and HVAC work. We look after the development and building permits. The licensed trades pull their own trade permits.
Can I rent it out?
Once the permits are closed and the inspections are passed, the suite is a legal dwelling you can rent. Tell your home insurer about the suite, and review Alberta's landlord and tenant rules before you rent.
Areas we serve
We build and legalize basement suites across the Edmonton region.
- Edmonton
- St. Albert
- Sherwood Park
- Spruce Grove
- Leduc
- Beaumont
- Fort Saskatchewan
- Stony Plain
Permit rules are set by each municipality. The requirements guide on this site covers the City of Edmonton.
Find out what your suite needs
Book a free on-site assessment. We will tell you what your basement needs and give you a written quote.