You’ve decided that you want to add a rental suite to your home or investment property. But before you start construction, there are a few things you need to know. Working with a professional renovation contractor is always the best way to ensure that your suite is up to code and compliant with all regulations. However, if you’re determined to do it yourself, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.
1. Research Local Building Codes
Check with your municipality to see what permits are required for building a rental suite. Depending on where you live, you may need to apply for multiple permits, including construction and occupancy permits. Building a legal rental suite in Alberta requires specific modifications to meet fire safety standards.
2. Inspect Your Property
Inspect the rest of your home to make sure that it can accommodate the added stress of having other occupants. This means checking things like your home’s foundation, framing, and wiring to make sure they’re up to code and can handle the extra load. When doing a major home renovation, it can be helpful to talk to a certified home inspector.
3. Obtain The Necessary Permits
Once you have the necessary permits, make sure that your suite meets all building code requirements. This includes ensuring that the suite is properly ventilated, has adequate lighting, and is big enough for comfortable living.
4. Prepare For Construction
Before you can begin construction, you need to make sure that you clear space. That’s why the Junk Guys offer junk removal and selective demolition services. We offer affordable services that help make it easy to prepare your home for renovations.
5. Get Tenants’ Insurance
Finally, once construction is complete and all the inspections are done, get tenants’ insurance! This will protect you in case of any damage or accidents that occur in the rental suite.
Building a legal rental suite is a great way to add value to your home or investment property—but it’s not something you should take on lightly. There are a lot of regulations and requirements that need to be met in order for your suite to be up to code. The best way to ensure this is by working with a professional renovation contractor specializing in building rental suites. However, if you’re set on doing it yourself, just make sure you do your research first and cross all your T’s and dot all your I’s! In no time at all, you’ll have tenants moving into their new home-away-from-home. And remember, if you need help preparing your space for construction, the Junk Guys are always here to help! Contact us today, and we’ll get started.