Secondary suite
checklist.

Why this checklist exists

A legal secondary suite is one of the best investments a Chilliwack homeowner can make — rental income to help carry the mortgage, housing for aging parents, space for adult kids. But “legal” is the operative word. An illegal suite can't be insured properly, affects your home sale, and can trigger municipal enforcement.

Walk this checklist before you commit to the project. If any item is a hard no for your property, that's better to know now than after demo.

1. Zoning

• ☐ Confirmed my property's zoning allows secondary suites
• ☐ Checked my strata bylaws (if applicable) for suite rules
• ☐ Confirmed there are no outstanding restrictive covenants on title
• ☐ Understand the difference between a secondary suite and a coach house / garden suite for my lot

Most Chilliwack R1 and R2 lots allow secondary suites. Some newer subdivisions have additional restrictions written into the subdivision covenants. Check both zoning AND title.

2. Separate entrance

• ☐ There's an existing entrance the suite can use, or
• ☐ There's space on the exterior wall to cut a new entrance
• ☐ The entrance path doesn't require going through the main living area
• ☐ There's exterior access from the street or driveway

3. Egress windows

• ☐ Every proposed suite bedroom has a window that meets BC egress requirements (minimum size, minimum opening, low enough sill)
• ☐ If existing windows don't meet egress, I understand that new window cuts will be required (adds cost and timeline)
• ☐ Window wells (if below grade) have adequate sizing and drainage

Egress is non-negotiable — a bedroom without proper egress isn't a legal bedroom. This is one of the most common reasons basement suites fail inspection.

4. Fire separation

• ☐ I understand a 45-minute fire-rated separation is required between the suite and the main home
• ☐ Interconnected smoke alarms are planned throughout both units
• ☐ Existing HVAC ducting can be separated or dampered to prevent smoke transfer

Fire separation isn't optional. It's what keeps a fire on one side of the wall from killing the people on the other side. The BC Building Code specifies exact wall assemblies.

5. Electrical service

• ☐ Checked the current electrical panel capacity (100A, 200A, etc.)
• ☐ Understand that most suite conversions require a sub-panel
• ☐ If the main panel is undersized, I've budgeted for a service upgrade
• ☐ Planning for separate or sub-metering if cost tracking between units matters

Many older Chilliwack homes with 100A service need an upgrade to 200A before they can legally support a suite. Budget $3,000–$8,000 for this if it applies.

6. Plumbing

• ☐ Kitchen location planned with workable drain routing
• ☐ Bathroom location considered relative to main drain line
• ☐ If bathroom is below main drain level, sewage ejector pump is planned
• ☐ Hot water source is planned — shared or separate from main home

7. HVAC

• ☐ Suite has its own controllable heating (baseboard, mini-split, or separable furnace zone)
• ☐ Kitchen and bathroom ventilation to exterior is planned
• ☐ Fresh air intake meeting code requirements

8. Parking

• ☐ Confirmed my zoning's parking requirements for a secondary suite
• ☐ Have a parking spot or plan for a parking spot for the suite tenant
• ☐ Parking plan doesn't violate setbacks or landscape requirements

Most Chilliwack zoning requires one parking stall per secondary suite. If your driveway only fits two cars and you're already using both, this matters.

9. Insurance and title

• ☐ Notified my home insurer about the plan (some carriers require pre-approval)
• ☐ Understand insurance rates may change with a suite in place
• ☐ Aware of Canada Revenue Agency rental income reporting requirements
• ☐ Understand impact on eventual home sale (legal suite = asset; illegal suite = liability)

10. Permits and contractor

• ☐ Building permit planned for the full scope
• ☐ Electrical permit planned (required for any new circuits)
• ☐ Plumbing permit planned (required for new fixtures, drains)
• ☐ Chosen a contractor with specific secondary suite experience in Chilliwack
• ☐ Contractor has the electrical and plumbing licenses to pull trade permits directly (speeds up permit timing)
• ☐ Planned for occupancy permit at end of project