After years of Greater VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 13 municipalities debating the merits of secondary suites in single-family homes in their regions, the ProvinceB次元官网网址檚 new housing plan has effectively eliminated that debate in a bid to increase housing accessibility.
However, the same regulations around safety, building code requirements and other essentials will continue to govern what is permitted, for the safety of homeowners, renters and neighbourhoods, emphasizes Blaise McDonald, from MAC Renovations.
B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檙e not relaxing the requirements. We still want to make sure weB次元官网网址檙e creating safe, quality housing,B次元官网网址� McDonald says.
Designed to increase the supply of middle-income housing and add new homes for renters, the plan tackles persistent permitting and zoning challenges. Also planned are forgivable loans for homeowners to build and rent secondary suites below market rates, and steps to discourage speculation through a flipping tax and strengthen enforcement of short-term rentals, to keep the housing stock available for housing.
With Greater VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 high real estate costs, a secondary suite can also be a crucial B次元官网网址渕ortgage helperB次元官网网址� for young families and first-time buyers entering the market, McDonald notes.
For other families, itB次元官网网址檚 a way for multiple generations to live independently B次元官网网址� sometimes itB次元官网网址檚 a B次元官网网址渇irst homeB次元官网网址� for a university-aged child; other times itB次元官网网址檚 a space for older parents to live nearby, or or a turn-key option for those whoB次元官网网址檇 rather spend their time travelling than keeping up with home maintenance.
Whether for students, seniors or employees who need to live where they work, B次元官网网址測ou need to have affordable housing to create a diverse community,B次元官网网址� McDonald says. B次元官网网址淧eople need a place to live and these suites were being built anyway. Now you can do them legally and ensure theyB次元官网网址檙e safe and properly built.B次元官网网址�
First things first: Why a pre-construction review is a must
After 40 years of building and renovating throughout Greater Victoria, the MAC team knows that creating an addition or secondary suite involves far more than simply adding a coat of paint and new flooring to a basement.
B次元官网网址淚n many older homes in Victoria, the basements werenB次元官网网址檛 made for people to live in, so they require upgrades to services, such as plumbing, sewers and perimeter drains,B次元官网网址� McDonald explains. Other times, a new addition or finishing a basement can require electrical updates or HVAC upgrades to accommodate the new space.
For those considering adding a basement suite or new addition, itB次元官网网址檚 essential to conduct a thorough pre-construction review to reduce the chances of unexpected challenges and higher-than-expected costs. Not only can the process highlight potential issues, it can point to alternatives that can make a project more workable.
B次元官网网址淭he more questions we answer up front, the better idea weB次元官网网址檒l have of what weB次元官网网址檒l find during construction,B次元官网网址� McDonald says, noting that with MACB次元官网网址檚 long history of building Victoria, that pre-construction work also lets them schedule trusted trades and materials, minimizing hold-ups down the road.
To learn more about the possibilities of adding a secondary suite to your home, visit MAC Renovations online at or call
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