It’s no secret that the rental market in Kamloops is competitive. In fact, according to a 2025 study by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the city’s vacancy rate is several points below the national average, meaning fewer available units and more tenants competing to secure a lease.
So what does this mean for you as a homeowner? The answer is simple: now is the perfect time to consider adding a secondary suite to your property. A properly planned basement renovation can help you generate additional income, increase your home’s value, and add rental property options to a saturated market.
Are you interested in turning your basement into a rental in Kamloops? In this blog post, we’ll walk through what qualifies as a legal basement suite in Kamloops, how much you can expect to spend on a full renovation, and why working with an experienced contractor like Interior Elite is the safest way to navigate permits, building codes, and the City’s secondary suite requirements. Keep reading to find out more!
What Qualifies as a Legal Basement Suite in Kamloops?
According to the City of Kamloops, a legal suite is a self?contained residential unit located within a principal home that has its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas. To be considered legal, it must comply with local zoning requirements, the BC Building Code, and the City’s Residential Suite policies. It must also have an approved building permit.
Prior to 2025, Kamloops homeowners were allowed one additional rental suite per property. However, in 2025, the City of Kamloops updated their zoning requirements. As a result, some properties in certain areas are now permitted to have multiple rental units on their lot. If you are interested in this program, contact Interior Elite for more information and to find out if your property qualifies.
Key Requirements
As mentioned above, a basement suite is only considered legal if it meets certain requirements. Some of these requirements include:
- Fire separation: Fire-rated drywall is required to provide a continuous barrier between the main home and the secondary suite. In the event of a fire, the fire?rated barrier helps slow the spread of smoke and flames between the two spaces.
- Smoke alarms: All suites require interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom and hallway. If an alarm is triggered in the primary residence, it will sound in the secondary suite and vice versa.
- Heating and cooling systems: If both the primary and secondary units rely on the same heating system, there must be individual temperature controls for each suite.
- Soundproofing: A certain degree of soundproofing is required between the primary dwelling and the secondary suite to help reduce everyday noise.
For more detailed information about how the BC Building Code applies to secondary suites, review the requirements guide provided by the City of Kamloops.
Legal Suite vs In-Law Suite
These requirements are what make a legal basement suite different from an “in-law” suite, which is created for family use. Typically, these additions do not meet the fire separation and egress requirements of secondary residential units. If you decide to rent out an in?law suite that does not meet the City’s secondary suite standards or does not have the proper permits, it would be treated as an illegal or unauthorized suite by the City of Kamloops.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Basement Suite?
Much like other home renovations, the cost of building a basement suite in Kamloops varies from project to project. Here are some factors that can impact the overall cost of your basement renovation:
- Permits: Building a legal basement suite comes with additional permits, drawings, and applications beyond a typical home renovation. These documents are non-negotiable and will impact the cost of your renovation.
- Condition of Existing Space: If your basement is unfinished, damp, or has low ceilings, you will need to pay for additional work to turn it into a livable space. This could include waterproofing, insulation upgrades, or structural changes to meet headroom and window requirements. As a general rule of thumb, the more your contractor has to correct before building, the higher the overall cost.
- Mechanical Upgrades: Mechanical systems are frequently one of the most expensive parts of finishing a basement. Adding or relocating plumbing for a bathroom and kitchen, upgrading electrical capacity, and modifying or adding ventilation and heating all require skilled trades and careful planning. These components are essential for a legal suite and can represent a significant portion of your budget.
- Finishes: Finally, your choice of flooring, tile, cabinetry, and other fixtures will have an impact on the final price of your renovation. An experienced renovation contractor will walk you through all your options during the design phase, so you have a better understanding of what you’ll be spending.
All in all, you should expect to spend between $70,000 and $100,000 on a full secondary suite renovation. While this number might seem high, homeowners can explore home renovation financing options to offset upfront costs.
Remember: this estimate isn’t applicable in all circumstances. The most accurate way to understand the true cost for your home is to book a site visit and get a tailored quote from a professional home renovation contractor.
Planning Your Basement Suite Renovation
When planning your secondary suite, you should consider adding features that make your property attractive to prospective tenants. This could include:
- Upgraded windows: Natural light can be a big concern for basement suites. When possible, consider installing upgraded, larger windows that bring in the bright Kamloops sunshine.
- Enhanced soundproofing: While a certain amount of soundproofing is required by code, adding extra insulation can give your suite an even better sound transparency rating.
- Durable finishes: Opt for vinyl flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and other finishes that can easily withstand tenant wear and tear.
Secondary Suite Contractor in Kamloops
Ready to turn your basement into a rental property? The award-winning team at Interior Elite Contracting can help. We are experienced with basement suite renovations in the Kamloops area and have hands-on experience navigating permits, building codes, and specifications from the City. Let’s turn your dream into a reality–call us today or get a quote to discuss your property, goals, and budget!
