Secondary suites in Ottawa
A secondary suite has to meet building and fire requirements as well as feel like a home. Separation between units, exits, ceiling heights, windows, ventilation and services all need to be planned together.
We help you work out whether your house can take a suite, what it needs, and which trades and professionals are involved. Rules change, so we check current City of Ottawa requirements for each project.
What is included
Every project is scoped in writing. This is the kind of work this service covers.
- Layout and feasibility review
- Fire separation and sound control
- Egress windows and separate entrances
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Separate heating, ventilation and electrical as required
- Permit drawings and coordination
- Finishes through to move-in
Who is on the crew
A typical secondary suite calls in these trades, in this order. Yours may need more or fewer. Liam confirms the crew in the written scope.
| Trade | Plan | Demo | Rough-in | Close-in | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designer and engineer | Plan | ||||
| Excavation or underpinning | Demo | ||||
| Framer | Rough-in | ||||
| Electrician | Rough-in | Finish | |||
| Plumber | Demo | Rough-in | Finish | ||
| HVAC | Rough-in | ||||
| Insulation and fire-rated drywall | Close-in | ||||
| Egress windows and doors | Rough-in | ||||
| Kitchen and flooring | Finish | ||||
| Painter | Finish |
Good to know
Can my house have a secondary suite?
It depends on zoning, the building and the space. We look at it with you on a site visit and tell you what we see.
How do permits work?
Suites typically need drawings and a building permit. We coordinate that with your designer and the City.
Planning a secondary suite?
Book a site visit. Liam will look at the space with you and tell you plainly what the project involves.