A legal secondary suite in Calgary typically runs $180,000 to $250,000 as a fixed-price quote, and it must meet City of Calgary requirements for egress, ceiling height, fire separation, and a separate entrance to be permitted and rentable. The pricing covers the renovation; appliances are a separate purchase you make and we install. Your fixed-price quote will vary based on your selections and square footage, with Jonathan Edwards involved on every job.
Secondary Suites in Calgary: The 2026 Guide
Calgary changed its secondary suite rules in 2023, making it easier than ever for homeowners to add legal suites. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Secondary Suite?
A self-contained dwelling unit within your home with its own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and entrance. Most commonly located in the basement, but can also be in a separate structure (garage suite) or within the main dwelling.
2023 Zoning Changes
Calgary’s Land Use Bylaw was amended in 2023 to allow secondary suites in nearly all residential zones without requiring a Development Permit. This was a major shift that opened up secondary suites to thousands of additional properties.
Requirements for a Legal Suite
- Minimum ceiling height: 6’8″ (7’+ recommended)
- Separate entrance
- Full kitchen with cooking facilities
- Full bathroom (3-piece minimum)
- Bedroom with egress window
- Fire separation between units (5/8″ Type X drywall)
- Interconnected smoke/CO detectors
- Independent heating
- Adequate parking per zoning
Costs
- Basic suite (existing entrance/rough-ins): $58,000 – $85,000
- Typical suite (new entrance required): $75,000 – $110,000
- Full build from scratch: $90,000 – $140,000+
Financial Incentives
Calgary’s Secondary Suite Incentive Program (SSIP) offers up to $10,000 toward the development of a legal secondary suite. Requirements change periodically — check the City website for current program details.
Rental Income
- 1-bedroom suite: $1,200 – $1,600/month
- 2-bedroom suite: $1,500 – $2,200/month
- Premium suite: $2,000 – $2,800/month
Ready to Build a Secondary Suite?
Contact Olympic City Renovations to schedule a Discovery Call.
Olympic City Renovations serves Calgary, Priddis, Okotoks, and surrounding communities. We specialize in kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement developments, and luxury garage builds.
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Planning your renovation? Start with our complete Calgary renovation guide.
Frequently asked questions
A legal secondary suite generally runs $180,000 to $250,000 as a fixed-price quote that varies with your selections and square footage. Appliances are a separate purchase you make and we install.
Yes, a legal secondary suite requires development and building permits and must pass inspections for egress, fire separation, and ceiling height. We manage the full permitting process.
It must meet City of Calgary standards including a compliant separate entrance, proper egress windows, fire-rated separation, minimum ceiling height, and registration. We build to code so your suite can be legally rented.
A legal suite can generate rental income and add resale value, which is why many Calgary homeowners pursue one. Whether your home qualifies is something we can confirm on a Discovery Call.
Related reading: Basement Renovations & Development Calgary: The Complete Guide (2026) · Basement Suite Rental Income Calgary: What You Can Earn · Basement Development Permit Calgary: What You Need to Know