[GBunny]

When I bought my house, there was a basement apartment in there. It was obviously built by a non-professional without a permit.

I am debating either legalizing or removing kitchen and just renting out bedroom. Walls only have stucco and drywall over top. Would I be forced to insulate even if it's only a bedroom? Would building inspector go through the entire house looking for problems, i.e. am I opening up a whole can of worms?

 

[Bud9051]

That can of worms should have been exposed before you purchased the house leaving the responsibility and cost on the previous owner's shoulders. Now that time has passed all problems and loss in value are yours, future buyers may check for permits and request detailed inspections.

In my opinion it is best to bring everything up to what ever level your inspectors require and document it for future proof. Yes, that could be expensive but maybe less than later on.

As for a rental down there, even just a bedroom, there are requirements that the previous owner may have ignored, one often avoided is an approved egress method, there are specifics.

Whatever the cost you can weigh that against the potential rental.

Note, finishing a basement has its challenges even if not a rental and being in cold country you need to do it right. Any signs of moisture or that musty basement smell (mold) and the difficulty goes up.

Bud

 

[Old Thomas]

I don’t know what your local requirements are for renting, egress, separation units, etc. If I were to consider it, I would do it legally if it is allowed. If it is not done legally and a fire or other disaster occurs, you could have responsibility.

 

[lenaitch]

Whether it's an apartment or just a room, your local municipality will have both zoning and building/fire code rules that could include both things inside the house as well as outside, such as parking. No doubt an inspector will have a really good look because now you would be an income property. Taxes will likely go up. Insulation is the least of the issues.