Basement Development, Permit Drawings & Construction
Planning a basement development? Adore Building Services can help with design, permit drawings, municipal applications and complete basement construction.
Whether you need drawings and permit assistance only or you’re looking for a team to design and build your basement, we can help move your project from concept through approvals and construction.
Based in Calgary, Adore Building Services works with homeowners, contractors and builders on basement development projects throughout Alberta and beyond.
We Handle More Than Just the Drawings
A basement project doesn’t end when the floor plan is finished. We can help with the permit process and work through municipal review requirements related to our drawings.
Our services can include:
- Site measurement and existing-condition review
- Basement layout and design
- Permit drawings and assistance
- Drawing revisions during permit review
- Construction services, if required
You deal with one team from drawings to construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Basement Development and a Secondary Suite?
A basement development adds finished living space to your existing home, such as bedrooms, a bathroom or recreation area. It does not automatically allow you to create a separate self-contained rental suite with a full kitchen.
If your intention is to create and rent a separate basement dwelling, the project should be reviewed as a secondary suite and must meet the applicable requirements for items such as fire and sound separation, entrances, heating and ventilation, kitchen, laundry, alarms, bedroom egress and other code requirements.
Tell us if you plan to rent the basement when requesting your quote so we can design and permit the project appropriately..
Can I convert my already developed basement into a Secondary Suite?
Yes, in many cases an existing developed basement can be converted into a legal secondary suite. However, it may require more than simply applying for a new permit.
Depending on how the basement was originally developed, whether permits were obtained, and how closely the existing construction meets current requirements, significant changes may be required before the suite can be approved.
Items that may need to be reviewed or upgraded include:
- Fire and sound separation
- Heating and ventilation
- Bedroom windows and egress
- Entrances and exits
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Kitchen and laundry arrangements
- Plumbing and electrical work
- Existing walls, ceilings and construction
- Property and site limitations
In some cases, property conditions such as zero-lot-line construction, utility rights-of-way (URWs), restrictive covenants, or limitations affecting new windows and entrances can make the proposed conversion more complicated or potentially uneconomical.
Before applying for a permit or starting construction, it is a good idea to have the existing basement and property reviewed. Adore Building Services can review your project, identify potential concerns and help determine what may be required to convert the basement into an approved secondary suite.
How long does it take to get a basement development permit?
Permit timelines vary depending on the municipality, scope of work, completeness of the application, and whether additional information or revisions are requested during review.
A straightforward basement development may move through the process faster than a secondary suite or a project involving structural changes, new entrances, major window changes, or other approvals.
Adore Building Services can prepare the permit drawings, assist with the application, and respond to drawing-related municipal review comments.
Do I need a Development Permit to build a secondary suite?
It depends on your municipality, property, zoning and proposed work.
Some secondary-suite projects may only require building and applicable trade permits, while others may require additional planning or development approvals.
Send us your property address, and we can review the project and help determine the appropriate permit path.
Do I need a separate entrance for my basement secondary suite?
Yes, the basement needs a separate entrance so suite occupants can access it without going through the main floor.
I already have two furnaces. Do I still need another furnace for my basement suite?
No, You need a dedicated furnace for your secondary suite so there is no air exchanged between the units.
