Legal suite decision scan

Before you build a legal suite, check if the numbers and permit path make sense.

The CAD 39 scan turns your project idea into a short decision report: suite-vs-renovation classification, rent and budget assumptions, rough payback, permit path, cost drivers, missing items, and next-step recommendation.

Run free scan See CAD 39 report

Decision-first, not paperwork-first Clear assumptions and source links You decide before hiring

Sample feasibility scan Explore further

Rent assumption $1,600/mo

Build budget $60k

Rough payback 4-6 yrs

Scan output

Project classification: legal suite likely
Rough payback: 4-6 years under assumptions
Permit path: development + building likely
Decision: proceed to readiness packet

1 Worth it?

CAD 39 feasibility scan

2 What to prepare?

Permit readiness packet

3 Who to contact?

Provider shortlist and draft emails

What the CAD 39 scan includes

A short decision report, not a full permit package.

The scan is for the first question: should this legal suite project be explored further? It gives a structured answer with assumptions, not a final quote, appraisal, or permit submission.

Project classification

Checks whether your plan looks like a legal secondary suite, a regular basement renovation, or an unclear case that needs more review.

Rent and budget assumptions

Records your expected monthly rent and renovation budget, then uses those assumptions to frame the decision.

Rough payback range

Shows a simple payback range after vacancy and operating reserves, before financing, tax, insurance, maintenance, and appraisal effects.

Likely permit path

Summarizes whether development, building, electrical, plumbing, gas, or HVAC permits may be involved based on your answers.

Cost-driver flags

Highlights items that often change scope: kitchen, bathroom, windows or doors, structural changes, HVAC, gas, electrical, and drawings.

Next-step recommendation

Tells you whether to keep researching, prepare a readiness packet, collect photos/drawings, or talk to a contractor or designer.

Free decision check

Answer five questions before you pay for a report.

Most homeowners do not need more information first. They need the right questions. This check narrows the project into the first decision points: suite or renovation, likely path, cost drivers, payback assumptions, and what is still missing.

What decision are you trying to make?

First we separate a rental-suite decision from a regular renovation decision.

What kind of property is it?

The property context changes what needs checking before drawings or quotes.

Where are you now?

Timing decides whether the next useful output is a feasibility scan, readiness packet, or qualified review.

4. Which parts may be involved? Separate kitchen Bathroom or plumbing Bedroom window or egress Separate entrance Electrical, gas, or HVAC Structural change Not sure yet

What number are you trying to test first?

The CAD 39 scan turns this into a short decision report instead of a generic search result.

Expected monthly rent Expected build budget

Neighbourhood or nearest intersection, optional

The preview updates as you answer. Payment opens after this check; the paid report is delivered by email after payment and completed intake.

Live decision preview

Start with the suite-or-renovation question.

A few answers will show which uncertainty should be reduced first.

Project path Unclear

Cost risk Medium

Next output CAD 39 scan

Questions that narrow the problem fastest

Rough feasibility signal Payback estimate pending

Planning worksheet only. Not financial, legal, tax, appraisal, or investment advice.

Likely missing items

What the CAD 39 report would add

CAD 39

One business day after payment and completed intake.

Paid validation offers

Buy the scan to decide. Upgrade only if the project still makes sense.

Free

Permit Path Check

Get a short project summary, likely path, obvious missing items, and provider categories to consider.

First paid scan

Legal Suite Feasibility Scan

CAD 39

Generate a decision report with project classification, rent and budget assumptions, rough payback, permit path, cost-driver flags, missing items, and recommended next step.

Next step

Readiness + Shortlist Packet

CAD 199

Prepare the permit checklist, photo list, project brief, public-info provider shortlist, and contact-ready emails you can send yourself.

Provider shortlist layer

Some projects need drawings, trade permits, or stamped documents.

The deeper packet does not sell your information or send your project to contractors. It prepares a shortlist, comparison notes, and draft emails you can verify and send yourself.

How providers are shortlisted Public review rating and review count, service descriptions, website details, service area, basement-suite fit, and visible contact information.

Residential designer or drafter Floor plans, site plan support, drawing set preparation.

Secondary-suite contractor Project scoping, build planning, coordination, renovation execution.

Certified trade contractor Electrical, plumbing, gas, heating, ventilation, and related permits.

Structural engineer Potentially needed when beams, foundations, load-bearing walls, or structural openings are involved.

Verification prompts Ask each provider about licensing, insurance, recent secondary-suite work, permit experience, quote exclusions, timeline, and who applies for trade permits.

Planning guides

Answer the first questions before you apply or hire.

Permit path

Boundary

Organize the application path. Do not replace official review.

This site helps with

Permit path organization
Document and photo checklist
Fee estimate and missing-item list
Project brief and local provider shortlist

This site does not provide

Permit approval or submission
Design, engineering, or code certification
Stamped drawings
Provider endorsement or hiring guarantee
City of Edmonton representation