None of that happens when the work is permitted and done to code the first time. That is the entire job we do.
Why a suite is not just “more outlets”
A basement apartment is a second home inside your house. Under Alberta’s code that means its own load, its own protected circuits, and its own inspection, not a few plugs tapped off the existing panel.
That is the line between a suite that passes and an income suite that gets red-tagged. Whether it is a mortgage helper, an in-law suite, or a full secondary suite renovation, the electrical is what makes it legal to rent.
| Option | When it fits | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Subpanel for the suite | Your main service has headroom | $350 to $1,500 |
| Panel upgrade (100A to 200A) | Home plus suite load exceeds your service | $3,000 to $8,000 |
- Submit the permit
- Coordinate with the city’s Safety Codes officer
- Book both the rough-in and final inspections
- Fix any deficiency, fast
We also handle the load documentation and the code checklist, and we talk to EPCOR if your service needs it.
- Interconnected, hard-wired smoke alarms with battery backup
- Carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and any fuel-burning appliance
- AFCI protection on the living and sleeping circuits
- GFCI protection near sinks, bathrooms, and unfinished areas
That is the short list. The full code detail, with the exact CEC rules and placement, is on our basement suite wiring page.
| Work | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Full suite electrical rough-in | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Subpanel install | $350 to $1,500 |
| Panel upgrade (overhead or underground) | $1,600 to $6,000+ |
| City of Edmonton inspections | $165 plus the safety code levy (scope-dependent) |
The biggest swing is whether your existing panel can carry the suite. That is why we run the load calc first, and why we will tell you when you don’t need the upgrade another contractor might sell you.
Financing your suite: the CMHC loan
A lot of homeowners search for the “secondary suite grant.” It is worth knowing what it actually is: a low-interest loan, not a grant. The federal CMHC Secondary Suite Loan offers eligible homeowners up to $80,000 at 2% interest over a 15-year term, and it covers construction, design, permits, and the electrical work. The limit doubled from $40,000 to $80,000 in early 2025.
Two more options worth knowing:
- CMHC-insured refinance: refinance up to 90% of your home’s post-renovation value (in effect since January 15, 2025), for larger projects.
- Cornerstones grant: the Edmonton program many homeowners remember ended around 2016 and is no longer available.
Note: We are electricians, not lenders, so confirm eligibility and current terms with CMHC. What we can tell you is exactly which electrical costs qualify.
