Milton
Property Type: Single-Family Detached Home
Project Overview
This project involved the strategic addition of a legal basement unit within an existing single-family home. The investor’s goal was to create a fully self-contained secondary suite while maintaining the property’s curb appeal—meaning no major exterior alterations.
Scope & Strategy
We designed a compact but functional legal basement apartment complete with a new interior side-door entrance. This approach preserved the building’s existing footprint and facade while meeting Ontario Building Code and local zoning requirements for two-unit dwellings.
- Creating a private entrance via an enclosed stairwell off the side of the home
- Designing fire and sound separations between units in accordance with OBC SB-9
- Ensuring adequate ceiling height, natural light, and HVAC zoning for the basement unit
Challenges Solved
- Avoided costly excavation or full exterior entrance modifications by using interior access design
- Integrated the new entry without compromising main floor layout or accessibility
- Maximized livable space and functionality within a compact basement footprint
Investor Benefits
- Added a legal income-generating unit with minimal structural changes
- Preserved exterior curb appeal and avoided triggering design review or heritage concerns
- Increased property value and monthly cash flow through smart internal upgrades
Current Status
Permit approved. Construction in progress with occupancy targeted for early summer.
Basement Unit, Legal Suite, Interior Access, Sound Separation, Fire Separation
