Section 01
Entries and circulation determine independence
The difference between a shared house and two coexisting households is usually a second entry and a circulation route that does not pass through the primary living space.
Walk the route a parent would take from the car to their own bedroom. If it crosses the main kitchen, independence is aspirational.
Section 02
Accessibility is a long-horizon requirement
Step-free entry, a main-floor bedroom and a bathroom with adequate clear space are the features that let a household stay in place as circumstances change.
Door widths, threshold heights and stair geometry are cheap to measure and expensive to retrofit.
Section 03
Fire separation, egress and ventilation
Where a second dwelling unit is created, code requirements for fire separation, egress windows, smoke alarm interconnection and ventilation apply.
These are safety provisions before they are compliance provisions, and they should be verified by permit and inspection rather than by appearance.
Section 04
Sound separation decides whether it lasts
Floor assemblies, mechanical noise and shared stairwells are the usual failure points in intergenerational living.
Ask what acoustic measures were built in — resilient channel, insulated assemblies, separate mechanical zones — rather than assuming a finished basement is quiet.
Section 05
Permitted use and parking
Whether a separate suite is permitted depends on the zone and on approvals; parking demand also rises with a second household.
Confirm both with the City's zoning bylaw and permit records before relying on an arrangement.