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DWBCONSTRUCTION
Finished basement recreation room with white oak media wall, pot lights and vinyl plank floor

Legal basement suite checklist

Ceiling height, egress, fire separation and more — what a secondary suite needs to pass inspection.

A legal secondary suite has to satisfy zoning plus the provincial building and fire codes. Here's what typically comes up.

  • Minimum ceiling heights in living areas
  • Egress windows or doors from bedrooms
  • Fire separation between units
  • Interconnected smoke and CO alarms
  • Separate or protected HVAC arrangements
  • A separate entrance

Requirements vary by municipality, so confirm the details for your address before you design.

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