Reuse, Renovate, Rent: How Edmonton Homeowners Can Build a Suite for Less

Across Edmonton, more homeowners are turning basement suites, garden suites, and secondary units into
multigenerational living spaces or powerful mortgage helpers. With interest rates high,
rents rising, and continued demand for housing, a well-planned suite can provide:

• Monthly rental income
• Higher resale value when it’s time to sell
• Flexible space for aging parents or adult children
• Improved overall affordability for you or a future buyer

What many people don’t realize is this: you don’t always need to build a second kitchen from scratch. A smart,
cost-effective strategy is to upgrade the main kitchen upstairs, then reuse your old cabinets and fixtures
in the basement to create a suite.

That means:

• A brand-new, modern kitchen upstairs (huge resale trigger)
• A functional basement kitchen for a rental or family suite
• And you save thousands by reusing what you already own

Why Suites Make Sense in Edmonton Right Now

Secondary suites make a lot of sense in the Edmonton market for a few big reasons:

1. Rental Demand Is Strong

In many Edmonton neighbourhoods, even basic basement suites rent quickly. A simple 1-bedroom basement suite can often
rent in the $950–$1,350/month range, while a 2-bedroom suite might bring in $1,400–$1,700/month,
depending on location and finish.

2. Mortgage Helpers Attract Buyers

Listings that highlight phrases like “Mortgage Helper”, “Legal Suite”, or “Fully Self-Contained Basement Suite”
often see more showings and stronger offers. Buyers love the idea that part of their mortgage is covered by rent.

3. Multigenerational Living Is Growing

More families are choosing to live together under one roof. A basement suite can provide:

• Space for grandparents
• A separate area for adult children
• Room for extended family or long-term guests

4. Suites Can Increase Property Value

Depending on location, finish, and whether the suite is legal, Edmonton homes with suites can often sell for
$40,000–$90,000 more than similar homes without a suite. Buyers see both the extra space and the
income potential.

The Cost Problem: Why Many Homeowners Hesitate

A full basement suite build from scratch can be expensive. Once you factor in framing, drywall, flooring, plumbing,
electrical, a full bathroom, and a completely new kitchen, it’s easy to get quotes in the:

• $45,000–$95,000 range for a basic to mid-grade suite
• $100,000+ for a high-end legal suite with everything done to current code

One of the biggest cost centres is the kitchen – especially cabinets, countertops, and plumbing fixtures.

That’s where the “reuse, renovate, rent” strategy becomes a game changer.

The Smart Hack: Reuse Your Old Kitchen for a Basement Suite

Instead of buying a brand-new set of cabinets for the basement, many savvy Edmonton homeowners are now doing this:

Step 1 – Renovate the Main Kitchen Upstairs

Start by installing a new, modern kitchen in your main living area. This is the kitchen that buyers will see first
when they walk through your home, and an updated kitchen is one of the biggest drivers of resale value.

Step 2 – Carefully Salvage the Old Kitchen

As you remove the old kitchen, have your contractor or carpenter save:

• Upper and lower cabinets
• Drawer boxes and fronts
• Existing countertop (if it can be cut and reused)
• Sink and faucet (if still in good shape)
• Cabinet hardware (knobs, pulls, hinges)

These pieces don’t have to look brand-new — they just need to be solid and functional so they can be
refinished and repurposed downstairs.

Step 3 – Refinish and Install Downstairs

In the basement, you or your contractor can:

• Lay out a simple, efficient cabinet run along one wall
• Paint or spray the cabinets (white and light neutrals are popular)
• Add new, budget-friendly laminate or butcher-block style countertop if needed
• Reinstall the sink and faucet
• Update the hardware for a fresher look

The result is a functional kitchen for the suite at a fraction of the cost of starting from scratch.

How Much Can This Actually Save?

Here’s a simple comparison to show the potential savings:

Depending on how much of your old kitchen you reuse, you could easily save
$9,000–$20,000+ on the suite build. That’s money you can put into:

• Better flooring
• Soundproofing between levels
• Separate laundry
• Improved lighting
• Or simply paying down the mortgage faster

Who Is This Strategy Best For?

This “reuse, renovate, rent” approach works especially well for:

• Homeowners planning a major upstairs kitchen renovation anyway
• Families wanting a multigenerational layout without building an addition
• Owners looking to create a mortgage-helper basement suite on a budget
• Investors upgrading older Edmonton bungalows and split-levels

You get the benefit of a modern showpiece kitchen upstairs (which buyers love), and you give your
home a second kitchen downstairs that makes the property more functional and attractive.

Will This Increase My Home Value in Edmonton?

In many cases, yes. Buyers in Edmonton will often pay more for:

• A newer, modern kitchen upstairs
• A usable suite space for family, guests, or tenants
• The flexibility to add rental income in the future

The exact amount depends on your neighbourhood, the quality of the work, and whether the suite is fully legal,
but the combination of:

• Updated main kitchen +
• Basement suite potential

is very positive for resale.

If you’re wondering how this kind of renovation could affect the value of your home, you can get a quick, free
estimate through:
OurHousePrice.ca.

Legal vs. Non-Legal Suites: A Quick Note

In Edmonton, a fully legal suite usually requires:

• A separate entrance
• Proper fire separation and egress
• Correct ventilation and mechanical systems
• Smoke and CO detectors as per code
• Electrical and plumbing permits

Legal suites tend to rent for more and are especially attractive to investors. Non-legal “in-law suites” still add
value for multigenerational families, but buyers should always confirm what’s allowed with the City of Edmonton.

Thinking About a Suite or Renovation? Talk to the House Values Team.

This article is for general information only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult the City of
Edmonton, licensed trades, and qualified professionals before starting renovation or suite construction.