Having a rental suite works in any economy and in every market.

1. by Chris Ashby
Real Estate Professionals
Call # 403-680-4479
chris@yourhomeinalberta.com
Need Cash?
Basement Apartment
in 5 Easy Steps

2. • Do You Wish that Your Unfinished Basement
was ready for Apartment Rental?
1. Research and plan and understand what you want to
achieve. Don't forget safety and comfort.
Add storage wherever you can. The laundry room can be a
bathroom since the plumbing is already there. Stackable
washer/dryer combinations are meant for small spaces.
A second entrance? Expensive but worth it.
Have your tenant
come and go
independently!

3. 2. Do it Right
Make sure the by-laws in your area allow
for a rental space.
A building permit is
required for a
basement suite. Plan on regular
inspections throughout the process.
City of Calgary's building inspectors are
there to help if you have questions. Don't expect same-day
approval and depending on the complexity of the renovations
it could take weeks. Changes you make to your home must
follow code. This is especially important for the re-sale value
of your home.

4. 3. Hire professionals
You might take on some easy tasks like
drafting, framing a wall or even dry-walling
but leave the plumbing and electrical work
to the experts.
Don't forget to get quotes in
writing and a signed contract.
Ask about clean up. Who pays for
taking debris
to the
landfill?

5. 4. Expect problems and delays.
Not every home is perfect and each
professional works according to their
style. Prepare to adapt. Your tired old
house may have cracks, crooked walls,
tiles that won't line up and doors that won't close.
Buy durable and reliable.
Do it right so that
your tenant won't be
calling every week
with a problem.

6. 5. Start Early - Biggest Return on Your Real Estate Investment!
A renovation on your home, if done
right, is never a waste of money.
Having a rental suite works in any
economy and every market.
A renovation that costs $24,000
sounds pricey but if you get
$1,000 per month then
it's paid off in two years!!!

7. • For more tips on how to get the most from your Real Estate
investment, give Chris Ashby a call or email:
Chris@yourhomeinalberta@gmail.com
Website: www.Yourhomeinalberta.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourhomealberta
Find me on facebook: Christopher Ashby, Calgary
Visit the blog: Experience Counts
http://yourhomeinalberta.blogspot.ca/
• Need professional renovation experts? EdraPro is the new
way to go. Visit: http://edrapro.ca/
• Check out the Platinum Package for the
best deal on renovations.