Whether you are a new homeowner or looking to maximize the value of your property, converting your basement into a legal suite and leasing it out can be a worthwhile investment. Not only will this space be your source of revenue for the mortgage, but also guarantee you some financial freedom. A basement legal unit is also affordable for most tenants.Â
Meet the legal requirement
When converting your basement into a legal suit, you need to ensure it passes legal specifications and municipal requirements before renting it out, including electrical and fire safety. Therefore, you should be aware of the regional by-laws governing the housing standard before undertaking any conversion. You may need to obtain a building permit from your local authorities before you begin any work on site. Before the municipal or state authority gives you a renovation permit, they may require you to submit a plan showing the renovation’s location and the proposed floor plan for the suit.
Fire Code Regulations
When converting your basement into a legal suit, you need to ensure that the suit meets all the fire code safety and regulations. Your legal suite must meet a minimum fire resistance for the wall and ceiling that separates the basement from the main house. You also need to install a separate smoke alarm system for your basement suite. Besides the smoke alarm, your suit must have an independent HVAC system, including an independent duct.
Renovations and Upgrades
If you want to attract tenants to your basement suite, you will need to carry out certain renovations and upgrades to make it more appealing. If your basement has no windows, you will need to create one or several. Windows allow for ventilation, bring in light, and provides an escape route in the event of a fire.
Do I need professionals to do the job?
Yes, you need to enlist the services of a professional renovation company if you want your basement conversion to meet your expectations. At Maserat Developments, we are licensed and insured to carry out such projects. Contact us today!
The kitchen is more than just a food preparation area, it is one of the most important rooms in your home, as it gathers all family members around each other.
As kitchen makeover specialists we stay up to date with the latest kitchen renovation trends. We also offer in-house custom kitchen cabinet designs. This way, each of our Toronto clients benefits from finished kitchens which precisely match their unique design and functionality goals.
Toronto kitchens are ultimately social spaces. However, kitchen design trends are constantly changing. and we tend to keep our clients up to date. Here are a few great designs from very talented designers across the world:
We have made our pre-construction process easy for the clients. We understand the renovation can be difficult for homeowners. From material selection, budgeting and managing timeline, our senior project managers are ready to assist you every step of the way. Here are 3 simple steps to get started:
Schedule Your Consultation
Go over your vision and project detail with our senior project managers. Discuss the budget and timelines.Â
Receive Your Estimate
Base on the project’s scope, we will draft an agreement along with a detailed estimate for you to review and approve.Â
Construction Starts
Once we start a project we always see it through to the end. We will help you to make the decisions every step of the way. You can trust that we will work until you are satisfied.
We are ready to assist you with your project whether it is a whole brand new house or a small bathroom renovation. Our quality of work is the same all across our services.
Understanding the permit requirements is crucial when planning a renovation to avoid delays or legal issues. Depending on the scope and structural impact, a building permit may be necessary to ensure the project complies with local regulations. At Maserat, our experienced project managers guide you through this process and advise on when permits are needed.
Obtaining a Building Permit
To start, homeowners must apply at their local district office. The permit process includes reviewing plans to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code, zoning by-laws, and other relevant regulations. Fees will vary based on the project type and size.
Additional permits, such as HVAC, plumbing, or demolition permits, may be required for more extensive renovations. Knowing which permits are needed and how to apply can save time and prevent costly setbacks.
Monitoring Your Permit Application
Toronto’s online system allows homeowners to track building permit applications. Permits are generally valid for the duration of construction, but if work hasn’t started or has paused, extensions can be requested.
Common Renovations That Require Permits
In Ontario, permits are required for various projects, such as:
Structural changes, including additions, garages, and underpinning foundations
Installing or modifying HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems
Constructing new entrances, windows, or fireplaces
Demolishing part or all of a structure
Renovations That Don’t Require Permits
Not all renovations require a permit. Routine updates like replacing doors without altering openings, patching, painting, or installing cabinets typically don’t need formal approval.
Need Assistance with Permits?
Navigating permit applications can be complex. Maserat works with professional engineers to help clients gather required documents, ensuring a smooth approval process. For more information, explore our guide on converting the basement into a legal suite, which discusses additional considerations for basement renovations.
This revised content flows smoothly, making it easy for readers to understand the requirements and navigate the permitting process.
Many of our clients are requesting the steps to start a Second Floor Addition and Rear Two Storey Addition. Here is the guide on what you need to do before starting your construction project. For any construction project that will impact your property’s structure, it is required to apply for a building permit.
The building permit application has few main components including:
Feasibility Study:Â A Professional Engineer need to visit your property to assess the current building structure. Through the session, she or he will collect some measurements to compare it with the current city’s By-laws. Upon completing the research, a report will be generated to advise how far or how big you can extend your property.
Structure Drawing: Once you know your limits, then the engineer can proceed with the structure drawing of your current property as well as the alteration required to meet the new building’s expansions.
Building Permit:Â Once the structure building is completed, then it can be submitted to the city to apply for a building permit. At the city, a zoning officer will review the proposed plan to make sure it will comply with all city’s By-Laws if it does then upon his approval you will be issued with the building permit.
The above steps can be complicated and time-consuming, that is why at Maserat Developments we will help our clients to apply and get a building permit for their upcoming project.
We will arrange and schedule a professional engineer to visit your property to produce all necessary components to apply for a Building permit. Contact us today to arrange a hassle-free consultation.
We also provide Home Addition services if you are interested.
