Legal Basement Apartment

8/2/2021 at 2:39:27 PM

This type of projects needs an architect or engineer to create a set of permit drawings as required by your municipality and based on this drawings the contractor is able to perform the right work to code as well as the city is able to inspect and approve and issue the permit for you.

8/4/2021 at 5:12:59 AM

In all likelihood you will need to meet current Code for building, HVAC, plumbing and gas and electrical disciplines.

After ensuring you have development approval you need to apply for a building permit with drawings prepared by someone knowledgeable in Code requirements for secondary suites. I tried Googling permit plans Ontario and found such companies (not required to be architect or engineer).

You can have a shared exit with the upstairs suite. Both the upstairs suite and the basement suite require a solid core door into a shared exit (for 'resistance to forced entry' Code requirements).

Newly introduced with this edition of the Code is a requirement for sound transmission rating between suites. 5/8" drywall should not be required (it isn't in Alberta); only regular 1/2" drywall including the furnace room.

Other things to look for are egress windows for bedrooms, arc-fault breakers on just about everything, completely separated HVAC systems (no mixing of air between suites) & interconnected smoke alarms(s) including in each bedroom.

8/5/2021 at 1:12:28 PM

Shared entrance or single must have a fire code rated door to both units. If a entrance door is in basement it must meet fire code and also egress compliance IE: 3 feet from swing etc. There is a long list of compliance as well besides just a fire code ceiling so check yuor local planning and development agency. You need to pull a development permit to apply for a legal suite as well. You don't need a engineer involved but you will have to get it inspected.