Legal Basement Suites
Turn your unused basement into $1,000-$1,300 in monthly rental income. We handle permits, design, and construction—you get a fully legal, move-in ready suite that passes inspection the first time.
Morinville Basement Suite
A complete basement transformation — from bare concrete to a fully finished, code-compliant suite with a modern kitchen, open living area, and private entrance. Designed, permitted, and built by our team.
100+ Legal Suites Built Across Edmonton
A legal basement suite is one of the smartest investments an Edmonton homeowner can make. With basement suites now permitted in all residential zones following the 2026 zoning reform, more homeowners than ever can transform their underutilized basements into income-generating secondary dwellings. The math is compelling: a well-built suite renting for $1,100-$1,300 per month generates $13,000-$15,600 annually—income that can significantly offset your mortgage while adding 10-20% to your property's resale value.
At Suite Builders Edmonton, we've navigated the City of Edmonton's permit process hundreds of times. We know exactly what inspectors look for: minimum 6'5" ceiling heights, egress windows with at least 3.77 square feet of opening, proper fire separation with rated drywall, interconnected smoke and CO detectors, and independent heating systems. Our experience means your suite passes inspection the first time—we guarantee it.
Beyond the technical requirements, we design suites that attract quality tenants and command top-market rents. Natural light placement, functional storage, kitchen layouts that feel spacious even in compact footprints—these details come from building over 100 legal suites across Edmonton. From the initial feasibility assessment through permit applications, construction, and final inspection, we handle everything.
From Unused Space to Monthly Income
Right now, your basement is just sitting there—storage boxes, old furniture, maybe a treadmill you haven't touched in years. But that same space could be generating $1,000-$1,300 every single month. Edmonton's rental vacancy rate sits at 4.3%, and demand for quality basement suites continues to grow. The financial upside is real: a $70,000 suite investment renting at $1,200/month typically pays for itself in 5-6 years. And a legal secondary suite can add $50,000-$100,000 to your property's resale value—homes with suites sell 22 days faster on average than those without.
See What You Could Earn
We Handle the Permits. You Collect the Rent.
The permit process is what stops most homeowners from building a basement suite. Edmonton requires both a Development Permit (proving your property qualifies for a secondary suite) and a Building Permit (confirming the build meets Alberta Building Code). That means navigating ceiling height minimums (6'5"), egress window specifications (3.77 sq ft minimum opening), fire-rated separation, AFCI breakers in habitable rooms, and interconnected smoke/CO detectors. Get one detail wrong, and you're facing delays or failed inspections. We've done this hundreds of times—we design every suite to pass the first time, guaranteed.
Start Your Project From Bare Concrete
to Move-In Ready
This is what we do. A gutted basement with nothing but bare walls and exposed wiring, transformed into a fully finished, code-compliant kitchen ready for tenants. Every detail handled—permits, plumbing, electrical, finishes.
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What's Included in Every Legal Suite
Every suite we build is fully equipped and code-compliant, ready for immediate occupancy.
Separate Entrance
Private exterior entrance with proper landing, lighting, and weather protection.
Full Kitchen
Complete kitchen with quality cabinets, countertops, appliances, and proper ventilation.
Private Bathroom
3-piece or 4-piece bathroom with quality fixtures and code-compliant ventilation.
Legal Bedrooms
Egress windows with minimum 3.77 sq ft opening and proper window wells.
Independent HVAC
Dedicated heating system with separate thermostat control for the suite.
Electrical Panel
Dedicated panel with AFCI breakers in all habitable rooms per 2025 code.
Fire Separation
Fire-rated drywall and self-closing fire-rated door between units.
Smoke & CO Detectors
Hard-wired, interconnected alarms throughout both units as required.
Sound Insulation
Resilient channel and insulation meeting STC requirements for privacy.
Permit Documentation
Development Permit, Building Permit, and final occupancy certificate.
A legal suite that passes inspection is the minimum. We build suites that command top-market rents and attract tenants who stay for years.
The Suite Builders Standard
A smart investment that pays you back
Final pricing depends on suite size (typically 600-1,000 sq ft), finish quality, and existing basement conditions. Factors like ceiling height modifications, new furnace requirements, and plumbing complexity affect costs. We provide a detailed, no-obligation quote after our free on-site assessment.
- Rental income of $1,000-$1,300/month (1BR), up to $1,500 (2BR)
- Increase property value by 10-20% ($50K-$100K+)
- Tax deductions on rental expenses and depreciation
- Typical payback period of 5-6 years
- Homes with suites sell 22 days faster on average
Before You Start: Know Your Goals
Are you building this suite primarily for rental income, or do you have family members who need a private living space? Maybe you're thinking long-term—aging parents who might need a close-by home in a few years. In Edmonton, young professionals make up 41% of basement suite tenants, followed by students (32%), new immigrants (18%), and seniors (9%). Understanding your target tenant shapes everything from layout decisions to finish selections. A rental-focused suite might prioritize durability and neutral appeal, while a family suite might emphasize connection to the main house.
Working With Your Existing Basement
Every basement is different. The Alberta Building Code requires minimum 6'5" ceiling heights in living areas—especially critical in older Edmonton homes where ductwork, beams, and floor assemblies can eat into clearance. Egress windows need at least 3.77 square feet of unobstructed opening and window wells with 2'6" clearance. We assess your existing plumbing locations, furnace placement, and structural elements to show you exactly what's achievable. Often, homeowners are surprised by how much flexibility exists—even in basements they assumed were too challenging.
Designed for Edmonton's Rental Market
We've built over 100 basement suites across Edmonton—from Windermere to Glenora to Summerside. We know what works and what doesn't in this market. Natural light placement matters when winters are long. In-suite laundry is now expected by quality tenants. Kitchen layouts need to feel spacious even in 600-800 square foot footprints. Your suite won't just pass inspection; it'll command top-market rents and attract tenants who stay longer and treat your property with respect.
Common Questions About Legal Basement Suites
Have questions? We have answers. If you don't see your question here, feel free to contact us.
A legal basement suite requires two separate City of Edmonton approvals: a Development Permit (confirming your property qualifies under zoning) and a Building Permit (confirming the build meets Alberta Building Code). Requirements include minimum 6'5" ceiling heights, egress windows with at least 3.77 sq ft of opening, fire-rated separation between units, interconnected smoke/CO detectors, separate entrance, and independent heating. We handle all permit applications and ensure first-time approval.
Legal basement suites in Edmonton typically cost between $60,000 and $100,000, with most projects starting around $70,000. Costs vary based on basement size (most are 600-1,000 sq ft), existing conditions, finish quality, and whether you need a second furnace or significant plumbing work. We provide detailed quotes after our free on-site assessment.
The permit process takes 4-8 weeks (Development Permit review plus Building Permit). Construction typically takes 8-12 weeks. Total timeline from start to move-in ready is usually 3-5 months. We manage all permit applications and inspections to keep your project on schedule.
Edmonton basement suites currently rent for $1,000-$1,300/month for a 1-bedroom, and up to $1,500/month for premium 2-bedroom suites with in-suite laundry. Location, finishes, and amenities all affect rental rates. At $1,200/month, your suite generates $14,400 in annual income—typical payback on your investment is 5-6 years.
Yes. As of January 2026, Edmonton's zoning reform now permits basement suites (secondary suites) in all residential zones citywide. Properties as narrow as 25 feet can qualify. During our free consultation, we confirm your property's eligibility and assess existing conditions.
Separate meters are not required but highly recommended for accurate tenant billing. A separate electrical panel for the suite is required by code. We can include submetering for electricity and gas in your project scope—most landlords find it simplifies tenant billing and reduces disputes.
Still have questions?
Contact us directly
Build something that pays you back.
Turn your unused space into a legal, income-generating suite. We handle the permits, design, and construction—you collect the rent.
Free estimate · No obligation · 100% permit guarantee