Secondary Suites

Building legal, income-generating secondary suites within your existing home.

Secondary suites — whether in a basement, above a garage, or carved from existing main-floor space — are one of the most financially effective investments a GTA homeowner can make. We design and build OBC-compliant secondary suites that pass all inspections, generate real rental income, and integrate cleanly into your home.

Why Build a Secondary Suite with EZU?

-Deep expertise in Ontario Building Code secondary suite requirements
-Permit management from design through to occupancy permit
-All trades in-house: electrical, plumbing, framing, insulation, finishes
-Suites that generate $1,500–$2,500/month in rental income
-Multigenerational family configurations handled with care and discretion

Secondary Suites Options

Basement Secondary Suite

OBC-compliant basement suite with fire separation, egress windows, separate entry, and independent mechanical systems.

Above-Garage Suite

Suite built above an existing or new garage, providing complete separation from the main residence.

Main Floor In-Law Suite

A self-contained suite carved from main-floor space — ideal for multigenerational families needing accessible, single-level accommodation.

Essential Considerations

Fire Separation Requirements

OBC requires fire-rated separation between the suite and the main dwelling. We build this correctly from the start — it cannot be retrofitted cheaply.

Egress Windows

Every bedroom in a secondary suite requires a minimum-sized egress window. We factor this into the design and confirm window sizing before construction.

Separate Mechanical Systems

Legal suites require independent heating, electrical panels, and metering in most municipalities. We plan mechanical separation from day one.

Rental Registration

Some GTA municipalities require secondary suite registration. We advise on local requirements so you can rent legally and insure the unit properly.

Our Secondary Suites Process

Step 1
Feasibility & Design
We assess your home's existing conditions, confirm OBC requirements, and design a suite layout that maximizes livability and rental appeal.
Step 2
Permit Submission
We prepare and submit a complete permit package including drawings, fire separation details, and mechanical specifications.
Step 3
Construction & Rough-Ins
We complete framing, fire-rated assemblies, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins with inspections at each required stage.
Step 4
Finishes & Occupancy
We install finishes, pass final inspections, and hand over a rental-ready suite with all occupancy requirements met.

Our Recent Secondary Suites Projects

Basement Legal Suite

Two-bedroom legal suite with separate entry, full kitchen, and $2,100/month rental income.

View Projects

In-Law Suite Conversion

A main-floor bedroom wing converted to a self-contained accessible suite for a multigenerational family.

View Projects

Above-Garage Suite

500 sq ft suite above an existing double garage with private external staircase and separate utility metering.

View Projects

Secondary Suites FAQ

What makes a secondary suite 'legal' in Ontario?

A legal secondary suite must comply with the Ontario Building Code: minimum ceiling heights, egress windows in bedrooms, fire separation, separate mechanical systems, and a separate entry. It must also be permitted by the municipality.

How much rental income can a secondary suite generate?

In the GTA, secondary suites typically generate $1,500–$2,800/month depending on size, location, and quality of finishes.

How long does it take to build a secondary suite?

Most secondary suite projects take 3–6 months from permit approval to occupancy, depending on scope and existing conditions.

Can I add a secondary suite to a semi-detached or townhouse?

Yes, in most cases. We assess your specific property and confirm zoning and OBC compliance before committing to a scope.

Let's make your dream a reality.

Ready to transform your space? Our expert team is standing by to bring your vision to life with quality craftsmanship and exceptional service.

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or call us at (647) 766-9999

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