From an Existing Basement to a Fully Functional Secondary Suite | Leeds Street, Halifax
Project Location: Leeds Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Project Type: Full Home Renovation & Basement Secondary Suite
Basement Suite Area: Approximately 500 sq. ft.
Making the Most of Every Square Foot
Not every renovation comes with a straightforward plan. Some projects require creative thinking, technical experience, and a willingness to tackle challenges that aren’t immediately visible.
Our Leeds Street project in Halifax was one of those projects.
As part of a full-home renovation, Wahdan Contracting was tasked with transforming an approximately 500 sq. ft. basement into a functional secondary suite, complete with a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and dedicated laundry room.
The challenge wasn’t simply fitting everything into a small space. It was finding practical solutions to existing structural limitations, outdated plumbing, electrical upgrades, access requirements, and ventilation needs while creating a comfortable and functional living environment.
The Challenge: Creating a Complete Home Within 500 Sq. Ft.
Space was our biggest challenge.
With approximately 500 sq. ft. to work with, every inch mattered. The existing basement layout wasn’t designed to accommodate an independent living unit, which meant we had to rethink how the space was organized.
Through careful planning and design, we were able to incorporate:
A separate bedroom with an egress window
A functional kitchen
A full bathroom
A dedicated laundry room
A practical layout that maximized the available living space
The result was a self-contained secondary suite designed to make efficient use of the basement without sacrificing essential living areas.
Widening the Entrance: Cutting Through 12 Inches of Concrete
One of the most technically demanding parts of the project was upgrading the basement’s main entrance.
The existing entrance was only 28 inches wide, which needed to be upgraded to accommodate a 36-inch door opening in accordance with the project’s HRM requirements.
To achieve this, we had to cut through an existing 12-inch-thick concrete foundation wall.
This required careful planning, precise concrete cutting, and attention to the surrounding structure.
What initially appeared to be a simple doorway upgrade became a significant part of the renovation, demonstrating the importance of understanding both structural construction and local building requirements.
Modernizing the Plumbing Infrastructure
The existing plumbing system also required significant upgrades.
We removed the old cast-iron plumbing pipes and replaced them with modern PVC piping, improving the plumbing infrastructure to support the renovated space.
We also upgraded the existing 1/2-inch copper water supply line to a 3/4-inch PEX line to better accommodate the plumbing demands of the property.
These upgrades were an essential part of preparing the home for its new layout and additional living unit.
Electrical Panel Upgrade: Working Through the Entire House
Another major challenge involved installing a new electrical panel to accommodate the renovated property and secondary suite.
The installation was far from straightforward. Routing the required electrical cables meant working beyond the basement and finding a suitable path through the existing house.
To complete the installation, we had to access the attic and route electrical cables across the house to reach the required locations.
Working within an existing home presented additional challenges, as cable routing had to be carefully planned around the existing structure and finished spaces.
This was another example of how a basement renovation can involve work throughout the entire property, not just within the area being renovated.
Creating Safe and Comfortable Living Spaces
Converting a basement into a secondary suite involves more than building walls and installing finishes.
To accommodate the new bedroom, we installed an egress window as required for emergency escape.
We also installed an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) system to provide mechanical ventilation and improve indoor air circulation within the suite.
In addition, the kitchen installation required a 6-inch core-drilled opening to accommodate the microwave ventilation duct.
These details may not be the first things someone notices in a finished renovation, but they are essential to creating a functional and comfortable living space.
Reworking the Existing Staircase and Floor Layout
Another challenge was the existing staircase connecting the basement to the main living area.
To create a separate basement suite, we removed the staircase and closed off the former entrance to the living room.
We then constructed a new landing over the area previously occupied by the staircase, making better use of the available floor space.
This modification helped separate the living areas and improve the overall layout of the property.
The Result: A Small Space with Big Potential
What started as a basement with limited space, outdated infrastructure, and several structural challenges became a functional secondary suite with its own bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities.
The Leeds Street project is a great example of how thoughtful planning and practical construction solutions can unlock the potential of an existing property.
From cutting through a 12-inch concrete foundation wall and upgrading plumbing infrastructure to routing electrical cables through the attic, every challenge required a practical solution.
For us, the most rewarding part of a renovation isn’t simply seeing the finished product. It’s finding solutions to the challenges along the way and delivering a space that works for the people who will use it.
Planning a Home Renovation or Secondary Suite in Halifax?
Whether you’re considering converting your basement into a secondary suite, upgrading an older home, or planning a complete residential renovation, Wahdan Contracting brings the experience and practical approach needed to tackle challenging projects.
From concrete cutting and structural modifications to coordinating plumbing, electrical, and interior construction, we understand how the different parts of a renovation come together.
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