Overview
Basement Suite in Burnaby
Burnaby has its own secondary suite program, governed by the City of Burnaby Zoning Bylaw and the BC Building Code. Secondary suites are permitted in most R1 and R2 single-family zones in Burnaby, provided the property meets the eligibility criteria. The key requirements mirror Vancouver's: a minimum 2.4 metre ceiling height in all habitable spaces, a separate private exterior entry independent from the main dwelling, fire separation between the suite and the floor above, egress windows in all below-grade bedrooms, and a self-contained kitchen and bathroom.
Burnaby Heights and Capitol Hill are the most active areas for basement suite construction in Burnaby. The post-war housing stock in these neighbourhoods is similar to East Vancouver's — basement ceilings frequently hover near the 2.4 metre threshold. A site visit before the estimate measures ceiling height throughout the proposed suite area and identifies whether floor lowering is required.
Areas Served
Burnaby Neighbourhoods
Burnaby Heights
Post-war bungalows along the Hastings corridor. Basement ceilings are commonly 7 feet 4 inches to 7 feet 8 inches — often below the 2.4 metre minimum. Floor lowering is required in some homes. Galvanized plumbing is typically replaced during the suite build.
Capitol Hill
Hillside homes with larger lots and often higher basement ceilings than Burnaby Heights bungalows. Many properties have full walk-out or full-height basements that qualify without floor lowering. A strong market for suite conversions.
Sullivan Heights and South Burnaby
1970s and 1980s suburban housing. Basement ceilings in this era are generally closer to compliant heights. Suite conversions here focus on layout, fire separation, and egress windows rather than floor lowering.
Edmonds and Central Park
Mix of housing eras in South Burnaby. Post-war bungalows near Central Park share the same ceiling height profile as Burnaby Heights. The neighbourhood's proximity to Edmonds SkyTrain makes legal suites here desirable for rental.
Permits
Burnaby Permits and Process
City of Burnaby secondary suite permits are processed by the Planning and Building Department. The permit application requires drawings showing the suite layout, separate entry, fire separation, egress windows, and mechanical provisions — the same package required in Vancouver. Permit timelines run 4 to 8 weeks from application. Inspections cover rough framing, electrical, plumbing, fire separation, and final. The suite cannot be legally occupied until the permit is closed and the final inspection is passed.
Transparent Pricing
$80K–$180KBasement Suite Cost in Burnaby
All prices in CAD. Floor lowering to reach the 2.4m minimum ceiling height adds $20K to $60K depending on depth and area.
Common Questions
Basement Suite Contractor Burnaby — Your Questions
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