Splitting a single family home to duplex in Toronto

[Theo Mayers]

Hi all, 

I just got my first income property in Toronto. I want to split out the current single family property to make a duplex. It will consist of a two bed apartment downstairs (one on ground floor one in basement) and a single upstairs. In the future Id like to add another floor with a 2 bed apartment making it a legal triplex. I have space for 3 parking spaces. 

I have a few major worries and questions for you experienced people.

1. The basement is around 6'10" which is over the 6'5" for legal head hight. it has a window that I will enlarge, and it has a bathroom with a window my major concern is that the current boiler and HVAC system is in a utilities room down there. Is that ok? Put it behind a fire door?

2. Should I split the bellow items out? Im pretty sure its a legal requirement for a legal du/triplex. 

1. a.Electrics on a new switch board in the additional apartments?
2. b. HVAC? How? 
3. c. Hot water with combi boiler in each apartment?

3. If I get some of this wrong will the property not be signed off by the city leaving me with a non-legal building Ive paid too much for?

4. Is there anything Ive missed out? What are the major pitfalls to trying to do the right thing? 

There is a lot of stuff there and hopefully it makes sense, any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

Cheers!