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.
Challenges Solved
- 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.
Investor Benefits
- 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.
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
