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Getting Started
Secondary Suites
A secondary suite is a self-contained dwelling, located within your home, that has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom and living area. Whether you are looking to house a family member or to create a rental property, a legal suite is a great way to increase the value of your home and make it more marketable.
Now that you have the idea where do you start? This is where Kelowna renovation contractors Rafter 4K can help. The renovation process for a legal suite can be tricky, but at Rafter 4K we will work with you every step of the way to alleviate the complications while incorporating your ideas about the project.
Considerations
Legal Suite Renovation Options
There are many aspects to consider when planning a legal suite. The basics, a kitchen, bathroom, and living area may be obvious, but there are other essential details if you are looking to attract potential tenants. Features including in-suite laundry, a separate entrance and parking area, insulation and sound barriers, and a private outdoor space are all components to be considered.
City of Kelowna Requirements
Permits and Requirements
Along with the living environment, building codes and safety are important factors when incorporating a legal suite into your home. A separate entrance is a must in a legal suite, along with an egress window large enough to be used as an alternative escape route.
From meeting requirements such as lockable door separations and fire safety standards, there is a lot to know. At Rafter 4K we know the safety requirements and can ensure sure your suite is built accordingly.
Gallery
Recent Legal Suite Renovations
As Kelowna home renovation contractors, we can work with you to determine the range of features available within your budget, and determine the best way to incorporate them into your legal suite.
Our Process
How It Works
Our proven processes make all the difference. Enjoy flexible budget options and transparent project management that ensure a stress-free, expert renovation every time.
Design & Consultation
The first step to a successful home renovation is thoughtful planning. We work with you to assess your project and develop a clear plan tailored to your goals and lifestyle.
Construction
We leverage our 30 years of industry relationships to bring together a team best suited to execute your project on time, on budget, while sacrificing no details.
Project Close Out
We review the complete project with you to ensure complete satisfaction with the finished product. We provide all supporting documentation for project close out.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Read what our valued clients from Kelowna, and throughout the Okanagan have to say about their experience with us.
“Professional high-quality service over the past 30 plus years. You have always given us the best service in a timely...
“Rafter4K listens, delivers exceptional results with a courteous, responsible team—making every project seamless.”
“We are extremely satisfied with all of the different projects we engaged you for. We know who to call for...
“Friendly, and very professional. Beautiful job transforming my 1980’s kitchen and living area.”
“Super reliable, honest over the 8 years they have worked on our house. Their work is always so meticulous, speedy,...
Frequently Asked Questions
Successful renovation projects require asking and answering countless decisions. But we’re here to make the entire process clear, and easy for you. Schedule a free consultation to benefit from decades of renovation experience with answers for your unique vision for your home.
What do I need to prepare for a legal suite renovation?
In preparing for a legal suit renovation, it is important to realize that these projects can often require a substantial financial investment and can be more intensive than they seem on the surface. Beyond that, it is helpful to be aware of the building codes that apply to legal suites and any municipal specifications. If you aren’t too sure about the codes, don’t worry, our team has extensive knowledge of the requirements for legal suites and would be happy to walk you through them. If you are moving ahead with the changes, you may want to make sure the main/upper living space is fully functioning independently prior to the renovation. For example, moving a basement laundry room upstairs or to a shared location.
Can you convert my basement into a legal suite?
It depends. Many basements do have the potential to be converted into a legal suite. However, the necessary changes to meet code specifications vary from basement to basement. Due to the nature of building codes, there are some basements that are not a good fit to be converted into a legal suite. We would be happy to meet with you and look at your basement to let you know if a legal suite is a possibility, and if so, what changes need to be made.
How long does a legal suite renovation take?
The time it takes to complete a legal suite project has a lot to do with the space you are starting with and the specifics of the project. A basement that is not already a separate space with its own amenities may require framing and drywall changes, door installs and more, therefore taking longer than a basement that already has a separate entrance and amenities, maybe meeting the criteria for an illegal suite. This is just one example of how projects may differ, talk to us to get an idea of how long your legal suite renovation may take!
How do I know if my home is able to have a legal suite?
There are certain specifications to be met for a space to be able to become a legal suite, so to determine if your home can have a legal suite, you should consider the following factors.
First, consider if you have space, usually a basement, that can be separated into a self-contained unit while remaining attached to the principal area of the house. After that, you need to see if you have a private outdoor space that can be dedicated to the legal suite, and an existing entrance or the possibility for one entering directly into the suite. If you don’t think your house has these, don’t worry! We would be happy to come to take a look and see if a little bit of planning and creativity would make a legal suite possible.
What are the space requirements for a Legal Suite?
There are numerous requirements to ensure a secondary suite qualifies as a legal suite, and our team has the knowledge and experience to ensure these requirements are met.
Some requirements include the following: the space must be located within a residential building with a total floor area of no more than 90m2, less than 40% of the total habitable floor space, there must be a lit pathway leading from a designated parking area to the exclusive entrance of the suite, smoke and carbon dioxide alarms must be hardwired for power and interconnected through each unit, and a fire-rated door, lockable in both directions, must be installed between units, each bedroom must have an egress window or door in place that can be opened from the inside.
Contact us for a discussion or site visit to see if your home is a possible candidate for a legal suite.
What is a Legal Suite
As defined by the city of Kelowna, a secondary or legal suite is “a self-contained dwelling, located within a single-family dwelling, that has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom and living area. It must be interconnected to the primary dwelling and is restricted in size based on the size of the principal dwelling.”
Ready to Transform Your Home Into Your Dream Space?
Your renovation should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Let us help you design a space that’s beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours. With tailored designs and a stress-free process, we’ll bring your vision to life.
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