With the ever-increasing cost of home ownership, some owners may be considering adding a secondary suite as a mortgage helper. Other owners may be combining households with other family members. There are specific requirements when adding an additional living unit to your property. Before doing anything, be sure to contact your local municipality to confirm what is required to add an additional living unit and to check exactly what rules and regulations apply to your specific situation. A secondary suite could be a basement suite, in-law suite or a coach house. Each have a different set of requirements depending on the application.
Having a secondary suite will increase the amount of electricity already used, so upgrading your current electrical service for the additional load may be required. Then an experienced electrician will conduct a load calculation to confirm the service requirements for supplying power to the main and secondary household on the property. Installing a sub-panel specifically for the secondary suite would eliminate the inconvenience of a tripped breaker affecting the other living unit. Our residential electricians recommend installing an information meter to monitor the use of electricity by the occupants of the secondary suite. This will also help to avoid disputes over power usage.
A Secondary Suite Requires An Electrical Permit
Many homeowners do not realize the importance and benefits of the required electrical permit. In fact, the electrical permit, acquired by the electrical contractor, means that the installation is being completed according to the current electrical Code requirements. Thus it provides assurance and peace of mind that the installation will be safely completed.
A Secondary Suite As A Mortgage Helper
If the purpose of constructing a secondary suite is to offset the mortgage payment then getting top dollar for the rental space is very important. Consider adding some of the following features to the secondary suite to attract the most discerning tenants.
A full size kitchen with all major appliances stove, refrigerator and a dishwasher.
Personal laundry appliances.
Air conditioning.
Heated floors.
Lots of lighting to compensate for lack of natural light.
High speed Wi-Fi and data capabilities.
Lots of soundproofing between living units.
Storage for seasonal and recreational items.
Designated outdoor space.
Personal and guest parking.
With a well designed space and the right tenant, adding a secondary suite to the property can be a financially positive and even enjoyable experience.
Blue Crest electricians are skilled and knowledgeable in the construction of secondary suites. The electricians would be able to assist in the electrical installation of the project.
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