Adding a Secondary Suite in Calgary? Here’s What You Need to Know About the Electrical Work
Adding a secondary suite to your home in Calgary — whether it’s a basement apartment or rental unit — is a great way to generate income and increase property value. But it also comes with specific electrical requirements that must meet city code. If you’re asking, “Do I need an electrician for a secondary suite?” the short answer is: Yes — and here’s why.
Why You Need an Electrician for a Secondary Suite
1. Increased Electrical Demand
Secondary suites add a lot of load to your home’s electrical system — stoves, laundry, heaters, lighting, and more. Older homes especially may not have the capacity to handle that demand without a panel upgrade or circuit expansion.
SureTek Electric will assess whether your current panel can handle the load or if an upgrade is necessary. This isn’t optional — it’s a safety and compliance requirement.
2. Compliance with Calgary’s Building Codes
Calgary has strict requirements for legal secondary suites. You need GFCI protection, smoke/CO detectors, properly spaced outlets, and more — all following the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC).
Useful planning links:
- City of Calgary – Adding a New Secondary Suite
- City of Calgary – Legalizing an Existing Secondary Suite
Hiring a licensed electrician ensures your wiring passes inspection and avoids costly permit issues later.
3. Safety First
Improper wiring is a leading cause of residential fires. A licensed electrician will ensure the suite is wired correctly and protected with breakers, grounding, and smoke/CO detection — keeping tenants and your investment safe.
Do I Need a Panel Upgrade?
In most cases, yes. Older homes often have 100A panels, which aren’t enough to support a full suite. Upgrading to 200 amps allows for safe, permitted operation of the new suite and ensures capacity for future needs like EV charging or solar.
How Much Does an Electrical Upgrade Cost?
The average cost for a panel upgrade in Calgary is between $2,500 and $5,000. Pricing depends on your current setup, wiring condition, and how much new wiring is needed for the suite.
Upgrades are an investment in both safety and future market value. Plus, many insurance companies now require code-compliant electrical systems to issue or renew coverage.
Don’t Cut Corners — Hire a Licensed Electrician
DIY wiring or hiring a handyman might seem cheaper, but it can create inspection failures, fire hazards, and resale headaches. Only licensed electricians can provide code-compliant, insurable work that protects your property and your tenants.
A properly wired suite will also help you attract renters, pass inspections, and maximize property value.
SureTek Electric Is Here to Help
At SureTek, we specialize in secondary suite electrical work. We’ll inspect your current panel, design a code-compliant layout, handle permits, and complete your wiring quickly and professionally.
📞 Call us at (587) 323-4123
📧 Email: info@suretek.ca
🔗 Learn more about our panel upgrades
📍 Find us on Google Maps
Your project deserves to be safe, legal, and done right — book with SureTek today.