Calgary Real Estate Blog

Thinking of adding another bedroom to your home? Looking to increase your satisfaction of your home and raise its value by developing your basement? The City of Calgary has a pamphlet on their site that details many aspects of what you need to know from start to finish and whats needed to develop your basement.

Do you need a permit? A Building Permit is required for basement alterations or construction, unless the changes are strictly cosmetic. You may also need a permit for Electrical, Plumbing, Gas, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning). Applications are accepted in person at the Development & Building Approvals customer service counter, located on the third floor of the Calgary Municipal Building, 800 Macleod Tr. SE.

What Are Building Plans? Building Plans are working drawings of proposed construction. For basement development, you must submit a Floor Plan and, if you are enlarging windows or adding new windows, Elevation Drawings are also required.

What are the rules and safety standards for basement development? The pamphlet describes the City of Calgary bylaw, code requirements and considerations for basement development in regards to window sizing, window well dimensions (if below grade) and the way the window mechanisms work and open. Also covered are basement exterior wall finish (insulation and vapur barrier), heating, ventilation and electrical.

Download Home Improvements - Basement Development - What you need to know from the City of Calgary.