What fire safety upgrades do I need for a secondary suite?

Secondary suites in Metro Vancouver require specific fire safety upgrades to meet BC Building Code requirements, including fire separation, interconnected smoke alarms, and proper egress windows. These upgrades are mandatory for legal suite registration and tenant safety.

Fire Separation Requirements

The most critical upgrade is creating proper fire separation between your main residence and the secondary suite. Under BCBC 2024, you need a minimum 1-hour fire-rated assembly between the suite and the rest of the house. This typically involves installing 5/8" Type X drywall on both sides of shared walls and ceilings, with proper fire-rated insulation and sealed penetrations. Any shared HVAC ducts must have fire dampers, and the furnace room requires fire-rated access if shared between units.

Smoke Alarm System

All smoke alarms throughout both the main house and secondary suite must be interconnected — when one alarm sounds, they all sound. This requires hardwired smoke alarms connected by a dedicated circuit, typically installed by a licensed electrician. Battery-only alarms don't meet code requirements. You'll need alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of both units.

Egress and Emergency Exits

Every bedroom in the secondary suite must have a proper egress window or door leading directly outside. Basement bedrooms require windows with a minimum opening of 3.8 square feet, with no dimension less than 15 inches, and a maximum sill height of 4 feet above the floor. If existing windows don't meet these requirements, you'll need to enlarge them or install egress wells for below-grade windows.

Vancouver-Specific Requirements

In Vancouver, secondary suites must be registered with the city after completion. The building department will inspect to ensure all fire safety measures are properly installed before issuing an occupancy permit. Most other Metro Vancouver municipalities have similar registration requirements. Expect permit fees of $1,500-$3,500 for suite legalization, plus inspection fees.

Professional Requirements and Costs

Electrical work for interconnected smoke alarms must be done by a licensed electrician and inspected by Technical Safety BC. Fire-rated drywall installation, while technically possible as DIY, is best left to professionals to ensure proper sealing and code compliance. Budget $8,000-$15,000 for comprehensive fire safety upgrades including electrical, drywall, and any required egress modifications.

Start by having your suite inspected by your municipal building department to identify all required upgrades. Get permits before beginning work — unpermitted suites face rental restrictions and insurance complications.