Adding a legal basement suite in Burnaby is one of the most effective ways to generate rental income from your existing home. Speera Custom Homes builds basement suites to full BC Building Code standards — with a separate entrance, full kitchen and bathroom, soundproof assemblies, and all required permits handled from start to finish.

Speera Custom Homes builds custom homes, duplexes, and multiplexes across Burnaby, and provides full renovation services for existing homes. We're familiar with Burnaby's R1, R2, and R3 zones, the city's SSMUH implementation, and its specific multiplex and duplex design requirements — including unit count, parking, and lot coverage rules that vary from neighbouring municipalities.

What We Deliver

Basement Suite in Burnaby

  • Separate private entrance — side entry or grade-level access
  • Full kitchen with custom cabinetry and appliances
  • Full bathroom with quality tile and fixtures
  • Acoustic insulation assemblies between suite and main floor
  • BC Energy Step Code compliant insulation and windows
  • Separate electrical sub-panel, independent metering where required
  • Complete building permit management — development and building permits
Local Knowledge

Basement Suite in Burnaby: What to Know

Under BC's Bill 44 (SSMUH), most Burnaby single-family lots now allow 4–6 units as of right. The City of Burnaby has updated its zoning bylaw to align with the provincial minimums and continues to permit secondary suites and coach houses on most residential lots, alongside its own multiplex and duplex design guidelines.

Burnaby's diverse neighbourhoods — from Capitol Hill to Metrotown — offer strong opportunities for custom home construction, multiplex and duplex infill development, and whole-home renovation. Burnaby's central location, SkyTrain access, and strong rental demand make multi-unit construction especially attractive on qualifying lots.

We work throughout Burnaby, including: Capitol Hill, Brentwood, Metrotown, Deer Lake, Burnaby Heights, Edmonds, Highgate, Sullivan Heights. View all Burnaby services →

Why Speera

The Speera Difference in Burnaby

Local Expertise

We know Burnaby's zoning bylaws, permit timelines, and local trade networks — which means fewer delays and better results on your project.

Turnkey Construction

One team from design through move-in. We coordinate all trades, manage all permits, and keep you updated — no juggling multiple contractors.

Proven Quality

Our completed projects across Greater Vancouver demonstrate the standard we hold ourselves to on every build and renovation.

FAQ

Basement Suite in Burnaby: Common Questions

Yes. Burnaby permits secondary suites within single-family homes, subject to requirements covering ceiling height, egress windows, fire separation between the suite and the principal dwelling, a separate entrance, smoke and sound separation, and parking. Permits and inspections are required through the City of Burnaby, and we manage both as part of the build.

Frequently, yes. On the sloped lots common in Capitol Hill, Burnaby Mountain, and parts of North Burnaby, the lower level often already sits partly above grade, which can make a walkout entrance and properly sized egress windows achievable without major excavation. Suites in these homes tend to get genuine daylight rather than feeling subterranean. On flatter South Burnaby lots, window wells and excavation are more often needed.

The three things we check first are ceiling height, whether egress windows of the required size can be accommodated, and whether a separate entrance can be created without compromising the principal dwelling's layout. Ceiling height is the one that most often decides whether a project proceeds as planned, since increasing it means underpinning or lowering the slab.

A building permit from the City of Burnaby is required, along with trade permits for electrical and plumbing work and a sequence of inspections through construction. We handle the applications and the inspection coordination so the finished suite is properly legal rather than an unpermitted conversion.

Also in Burnaby

Other Services in Burnaby

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Add a Legal Basement Suite in Burnaby

Contact Speera Custom Homes for a free consultation. We'll review your property, discuss your project, and provide a detailed assessment — at no charge.

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