Barrie
Property Type: Existing Raised Bungalow | Now Legal 2-Unit Dwelling
Total Area: ~1,372 sq. ft. | 3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom (Main Unit)
Project Overview
Located at Saint Vincent Street in Barrie, this charming raised bungalow has been transformed into a legal duplex—offering a perfect blend of functionality, location, and value-add potential. The original layout includes a bright 3-bedroom main floor unit, with the basement converted into a fully self-contained second unit.
Thanks to the home’s natural rear-grade exposure, there was no need to construct a new basement walkout—a major cost savings for the investor. The exposed basement rear entry allowed our team to focus entirely on the interior transformation of the basement suite, delivering a clean, efficient 2-unit configuration.
Scope & Strategy
- Converted basement into a full legal unit with separate entrance at the exposed rear side.
- Designed kitchen, bathroom, and laundry areas specifically for privacy, livability, and compliance.
- Implemented required upgrades for fire separation, HVAC zoning, and soundproofing per OBC secondary suite standards.
- Avoided the need for costly exterior excavation and new walkout construction.
- Used the raised bungalow form to naturally support tenant privacy and separate access.
- Streamlined permit process and reduced construction scope, enabling faster occupancy.
- Legal duplex with reduced capital cost due to existing basement grade access.
- Rental-ready second unit ideal for passive income, in-laws, or future resale value.
- Located in a desirable pocket of Barrie, just minutes from highways, shopping, and schools.
Challenges Solved
Investor Benefits
Current Status
Duplex conversion complete. Basement unit is fully legalized and ready for lease or move-in.
Bungalow Duplex, Basement Suite with Rear Entry, Cost-Efficient Upgrade
