Many Edmonton homeowners are turning unused basement space into a mortgage helper, garden suite, or secondary dwelling to generate income or support extended family. Whether you’re building a granny flat, in-law suite, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU), our licensed electricians ensure your wiring, panels, and permits meet Alberta’s electrical code—start to finish.
| Solution | When to Use | Estimated Cost (Edmonton) |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Upgrade (100A → 200A) | Required if total home + suite load exceeds capacity | $3,000–$8,000 (overhead or underground*) |
| Sub-Panel for Suite | Works if main service has headroom | $350–$1,500 |
- Submit permit requests directly
- Coordinate with city Safety Codes officers
- Schedule both rough-in and final inspections
- Fix any deficiencies—fast
We also handle load documentation, code checklists, and communication with EPCOR or utility reps if needed.
- Smoke Alarms: Interconnected, hard-wired with battery backup
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Within 5m of bedrooms, furnace rooms
- AFCIs (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters): Required in most living and sleeping areas
- GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters): Required within 1.5m of sinks, bathrooms, unfinished basements
Want the full breakdown of what’s actually involved in wiring a legal suite?
From dedicated appliance circuits to AFCI protection and interconnected alarms, our basement suite wiring page covers every code-compliant detail your project will need.
| Service | Estimated Cost (Edmonton) |
|---|---|
| Full Basement Suite Electrical Rough-in | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Panel Upgrade (Overhead/Underground) | $1,600–$6,000+ (EPCOR can push this higher) |
| Sub-Panel Install | $350–$1,500 |
| City of Edmonton Inspections | $165 + safety code levy, and is related to the scope of the work. |
Grant & Financing Programs for 2025
| Program Name | Status (2025) | Who Can Apply | Grant Amount | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornerstones Grant Program | ❌ Inactive (since ~2016) | Homeowners | Up to $20,000 | Suite upgrades (legacy) |
| Affordable Housing Investment Program | ✅ Active | Developers only | Up to 25% of project costs | Multi-unit affordable housing |
| CMHC Secondary Suite Grant | ✅ Active in 2025 | Homeowners | Up to $80,000 | Legal secondary suite construction |
Financing Tips:
- Potential fee waivers in select Alberta municipalities
- Federal CMHC Secondary Suite Loan Program: This program offers eligible homeowners up to $80,000 in funding. The loans are provided at a low 2% interest rate with a 15-year term. It is specifically designed to help homeowners finance the creation of legal rental units, covering costs such as construction, design, permits, electrical work, and utility connections2. The program limit was doubled from $40,000 to $80,000 starting in early 2025. (source)
- Federal CMHC-Insured Mortgage Refinance Option: This initiative allows eligible homeowners to refinance their mortgages up to 90% of their home’s post-renovation value. The maximum loan amount can be up to $2 million. The loan can be amortized over 30 years. This option is described as ideal for homeowners looking to cover larger renovations or those that significantly increase their home’s value6. This new refinancing program came into effect starting January 15, 2025 (source).
Note: The Cornerstones program many Edmonton homeowners remember is no longer available. But the CMHC Secondary Suite Grant now offers up to $80,000 in low-interest funding, repayable over 15 years. It covers design, permits, electrical, and construction for a legal suite conversion.
