KeystoneServicesSecondary Suites
Primary Service

Secondary Suite Development

End-to-end legal secondary suite development for Edmonton property owners. Zoning assessment, permit application, construction, inspections, and complete handover documentation — managed as a single structured project.

The Investment Case

A legal suite is a documented income stream.

Edmonton's zoning supports secondary suites in most residential zones. A properly permitted suite increases property value, and provides clean documentation for refinancing. Done incorrectly, an illegal suite voids your insurance and blocks mortgage approval.

The difference is execution: proper permits, passed inspections, and documentation your lender can actually use.

Typical Outcomes
Monthly Rent Range$1,200 – $1,800
Property Value Impact+$40,000 – $80,000
Investment Range$42,000 – $70,000
Timeline10 – 16 weeks
The Process

Five phases. One structured process.

Phase 01

Eligibility Assessment

We verify your property qualifies for a secondary suite under Edmonton zoning. This includes lot size, existing structure, parking requirements, and any overlay restrictions.

Zoning eligibility reportSuite potential assessmentPreliminary layout options
Phase 02

Design & Scope

We develop a complete design and written scope document. Materials specified, finishes selected, and full pricing confirmed before any deposit.

Floor plan designComplete written scopeItemized pricingMaterials schedule
Phase 03

Permit Application

We handle the full permit process — development permit and building permit — managing all submissions and revisions with the City of Edmonton.

Development permit applicationBuilding permit applicationDrawing submissionsPermit acquisition
Phase 04

Construction

Construction managed against a milestone schedule. Every change order documented and approved in writing. Single point of contact throughout.

Week-by-week milestone updatesWritten change ordersTrade coordinationQuality oversight
Phase 05

Inspections & Handover

All inspections coordinated and passed. Complete documentation package delivered on handover day, organized for your lender.

All inspection sign-offsTrade warrantiesAs-built documentationLender-ready package
Common Questions

What property owners ask.

What is a legal secondary suite?

A legal secondary suite is a self-contained dwelling unit within a single-family home that has been properly permitted and inspected by the City of Edmonton. It includes a separate entrance, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom(s), and living space — all built to code with proper fire separation.

How much does a secondary suite cost?

A properly scoped legal secondary suite in Edmonton typically runs $42,000–$70,000 + GST depending on basement size, existing condition, and finish level. Variables include separate entrance requirements, plumbing locations, ceiling height, and HVAC scope.

How long does the process take?

From initial assessment to move-in ready, expect 10–16 weeks. This includes 4–8 weeks for permits (development + building) and 6–10 weeks for construction. We provide a milestone schedule at kickoff.

Can any basement become a suite?

Not every basement qualifies. Key requirements include minimum ceiling height (typically 6'10" finished), proper egress windows in bedrooms, adequate lot size for parking, and zoning eligibility. We assess all of this before quoting.

All project outcomes depend on property condition, zoning, and scope. The figures above represent typical ranges from completed Edmonton projects. A property assessment will determine what's possible for your specific situation.

Ready to Start

Find out if your property qualifies.

Book a free property assessment. We'll review your zoning, assess your basement, and tell you exactly what's possible — including realistic costs and timeline.