A legal suite gives you rental income or a place for family and friends to live close by with their own front door. We build them start to finish — basement suites, garden suites and additions — designed so they meet code as a second dwelling unit rather than a finished basement with a hot plate in the corner.
Artisan handles all permits, inspections and engineering, and all mechanical work is completed by licensed skilled tradespeople. You deal with one contractor from the first drawing to the final inspection.
What we build
Granny and in-law suites we build
Basement suites
Egress windows, ceiling height, fire separation and sound separation done to code, with waterproofing and foundation repairs handled first.
Garden and secondary suites
A separate structure or a converted space on the property, serviced and finished as its own dwelling.
Suite additions
New living space built onto the house with a private entrance, designed to look like it belongs there.
Kitchens and bathrooms
Full kitchens and tiled bathrooms in the suite, built to the same standard as the main house.
Separate entrances
Exterior doors, landings, stairs and railings so the suite can be lived in independently.
Permits and approvals
Zoning review, building permits, engineering and every inspection arranged and attended by Artisan.
Mechanical and electrical
Plumbing, electrical and HVAC completed by licensed skilled tradespeople and inspected.
Process
How it works
- 01
Free on-site visit
We come out, walk the property, take measurements and talk through what you want. Usually half an hour.
- 02
Design and written quote
You get a clear understanding of what you're getting, pricing in writing, and you're involved in the design process.
- 03
Build
The owner is on site, is Red Seal certified and won't leave for another job until your project is done. We keep the work area tidy and tell you what's happening next.
- 04
Walkthrough and cleanup
We walk it with you, fix anything you flag, haul away the offcuts and rake out the ground behind us.
Detail
Materials and build notes
Legal means inspected
A suite is only legal if it passes inspection as a second dwelling unit. That means egress, fire separation between units, interconnected alarms, ceiling height and its own heat and ventilation. We confirm what your property allows before we quote so you aren't paying twice.
Water and moisture first
In a basement suite everything depends on managing water. Grading, weeping tile and foundation repairs come before framing, and insulation goes on as foam against the concrete so the wall stays dry.
Sound between units
Resilient channel, insulated floor and wall assemblies and sealed penetrations. Two households living in one building notice sound more than anything else, so it's worth doing properly the first time.
Working in an occupied house
We hoard off the work area from the rest of the house, put drop sheets and runners over finished floors and seal cold-air returns so dust doesn't travel through the furnace.
Recent work
Granny and in-law suites we've built
Questions
Frequently asked
- Do I need a permit for an in-law suite?
- Yes — a second dwelling unit needs a building permit and inspections, and often a zoning review. Artisan handles all permits, inspections, engineering and sub-trades, including plumbing, electrical and HVAC.
- Can I rent the suite out?
- That's one of the most common reasons people build one. Once it's permitted and inspected as a legal second unit, it can be rented or used for family. We build to that standard from the start.
- How long does a suite take?
- Most basement suites run several weeks to a few months depending on scope, foundation work and inspection scheduling. You get a schedule with the written quote and we keep you updated as we go.
- What makes the price move?
- Ceiling height, egress, existing wiring and plumbing, and whether the foundation needs work. Older Sarnia and Petrolia homes often need more before framing starts. We talk about that up front rather than surprising you later.
- Is this work available year-round?
- Yes. Interior work is our busiest winter work, which is usually the easiest time to get on our schedule.
Where we work
Granny and in-law suites across Lambton County
We build in these towns every year. Pick yours for local detail.
Free on-site visit
Get a straight price
Send us the basics and we'll book a time to come out. We measure the space, talk through materials and put a written quote in front of you. No charge, no pressure.
Prefer to talk? (519) 541-2468
Ready to start?
Tell us what you're thinking about and we'll come out, look at the space and give you a straight price. No charge for the visit.