Overview

Turning your basement into a rental suite is a clever way to bring in extra income. It’s also a great way to boost your home’s value, make use of space that’s often overlooked, and give someone a comfortable, code-compliant place to live.

This blog from Orland Builders Inc. reviews the whole process, from the early planning stage to legally renting it out and everything in between. We’ll break down zoning rules, building codes, safety standards, permits, and practical design tips to help you get it right.

Highlights

• The benefits of basement suites
• Residential construction rules
• New basement design
• Construction timeline
• Costs and budgeting
• Preparing your property for renters
• The benefits of a specialist contractor

Introduction

Turning your basement into a rental might seem simple, but there’s a lot more to it than adding a kitchen and bathroom. You’re creating a self-contained living space that needs to meet building codes, zoning rules, and safety standards. If you miss those steps, you risk legal trouble and costly do-overs.

This guide will walk you through the key requirements so you can feel confident moving forward. With the right plan, your basement suite can become a reliable source of long-term income.

Why Remodel Your Basement Into a Legal Suite?

More and more homeowners are turning their basements into income-generating rental units, and the reasons are pretty straightforward. The biggest one? Extra cash.

The rent from a legal suite can help you cover your mortgage, offset property taxes, or just add to your monthly income. In many cities, basement rentals are in high demand and offer a consistent, reliable way to earn.

However, it’s not just about the money—legal basement suites also:

• Add to your home’s resale value
• Attract buyers interested in income properties
• Create space for aging parents or multigenerational living

These suites are also flexible. If you don’t want to rent, you could use the space as a home office, a guest suite, or a private area for family when needed. Having a finished, legal suite gives you more ways to make the most of your home.

However, a legal suite requires a bit of planning to make sure it’s done right and you get the best return on your investment.

Follow the Residential Construction Rules Set by Your Local Municipality

1. Construction Zoning, Bylaws, and Permissions

Before you start any construction, you need to find out if a basement suite is even allowed where you live. In Orland Park, zoning rules and local bylaws will determine whether you can legally add a secondary suite.

Here are a few key things to check:

• Does your zoning classification allow secondary suites?
• Is there an owner-occupied requirement?
• Will you need to provide extra parking for the tenant?
• Are there size limits or a cap on how many units are allowed per lot?

These rules can vary across neighborhoods, so it’s always a good idea to check with Orland Park’s municipal planning department. They can give you clear guidance before you invest in design plans or hire a contractor. Some areas may also require you to notify neighbors or get approval from a local board.

2. Building Codes and Legal Requirements

If you’re turning your basement into a legal rental suite, it has to meet the same safety standards as any other livable part of your home. That means having proper ceiling height, fire escape windows in the bedrooms, a safe entrance, and working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Fire-rated drywall and good ventilation are also part of the requirements.

It’s not just about following rules. These codes are in place to keep people safe. Some areas also have guidelines around insulation, soundproofing, and energy efficiency, so it’s important to work with a contractor who understands what’s needed to pass inspection the first time.

3. Remodeling Permits You’ll Need

Once you’ve confirmed your basement can legally be turned into a suite, the next step is securing the right permits. This is something your contractor should handle from the beginning.

You’ll likely need:

• Building permit
• Plumbing permit
• Electrical permit
• HVAC permit
• Occupancy permit

A reliable contractor will take care of applying for all necessary permits and keep you updated, but it helps to confirm if you’re unsure, even if it’s just for your peace of mind. Skipping this step or starting without the proper paperwork can lead to delays, fines, or even having to tear out completed work. It’s always better to double-check than deal with problems later.

Designing a New Basement

This is where the fun starts. The design you choose will impact how the suite functions, how comfortable it feels, and whether it meets code. It’s also the part where costs can climb quickly, so planning with intention really pays off.

Start by locking in the essentials: a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen area, and some storage. If your basement already has a rough-in for plumbing or laundry, try to build around those areas to save money.

Design Tips for a Legal Suite

Go with an open-concept layout to make the space feel more spacious. Use neutral finishes that appeal to a wide range of renters, and consider adding bigger windows or window wells to let in more natural light. Soundproofing is also worth considering. Insulating the ceilings and shared walls can make a big difference.

Think about smart storage, space-saving furniture, and keeping walkways clear. A suite might meet all code requirements, but if it feels cramped or awkward, it could turn renters away.

Construction and Inspection Timeline

Every basement remodel is a little different, but most projects follow the same basic steps. You’ll start with demolition and prep work, then move into rough-ins for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Next comes your first round of inspections, followed by insulation, drywall, finishing touches, and a final inspection to close everything out.

Depending on the size of the project and how long permits take, the whole process could last a few weeks or stretch into a few months. You don’t want to rush things. It might save time upfront, but the do-overs can pile up so fast you’ll wonder why you even started the basement remodel at all.

Make sure you’re working with licensed pros for all major trades. Hang on to your receipts and inspection reports, too, because they’ll come in handy if you sell your home, file an insurance claim, or run into any tenant disputes down the line.

Project Cost and Budgeting

Turning your basement into a legal apartment costs more than a simple makeover. You’re building an entirely separate living space, complete with its own systems, fixtures, and layout.

Here’s where most of your budget will likely go:

• Framing, drywall, and finishes
• Kitchen cabinets and appliances
• Bathroom fixtures
• Electrical and plumbing
• Permit and design fees
• Labor

If you’re looking to save, prioritize function over fancy finishes. Reusing existing plumbing or choosing durable, budget-friendly materials can stretch your dollars further without cutting corners on quality.

It also helps to get quotes from a few contractors so you can compare pricing and timelines. Hiring a project manager is another smart move if you want someone to keep things organized and on budget.

Setting up the Suite for Renters

Once construction is finished and you’ve passed your final inspection, it’s time to get the space ready for tenants. This part often gets skipped over in the excitement of finishing the build, but it’s just as important as everything that came before it.

Final Touches

Make sure to deep clean the entire space, test all outlets, appliances, and smoke alarms, install window coverings and proper locks, and snap a few photos while everything is still clean and empty. These final touches go a long way in making the suite move-in ready and appealing to renters.

Why Hire a Remodeling Contractor Who Specializes in Basements?

Basement suites come with their own set of challenges, like moisture control, fire separation, and ventilation. A contractor who works on basements regularly will know how to handle low ceilings, uneven floors, and layouts that need to meet code. They’ll also know how to make the space feel brighter and more open. Hiring someone with the right experience can save you from failed inspections and costly do-overs.

The Benefit of Working With a Full-Scope Remodeling Contractor

You can take it a step further by finding a full-scope remodeling contractor who works on entire homes. They’ll make sure everything from the plumbing to the layout blends smoothly with the rest of your space and handle all the moving parts in one place.

Even better, you’ll already have someone you trust if you decide to take on another project later on.

Make the Most of Your Basement With Orland Builders Inc.

Are you looking to remodel your basement into something useful and maybe even profitable? Orland Builders Inc. is a remodeling contractor that helps homeowners turn unused basement space into beautiful, code-compliant, income-generating rental suites. Are you ready to start planning yours? Call us today at (708) 645-9915 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.