From Illegal Apartment to Legal Home: The Story of Wiley Street

Not every property starts as a picture-perfect investment, and that is exactly what makes projects like the Wiley Street project so rewarding. This home, originally a backsplit with an existing illegal apartment, recently underwent a complete transformation to bring it up to modern standards, and code.

The property offered tremendous potential from the start. Backsplits are a bit of a niche on the market; they don’t appeal to every buyer because of their unique layout. However, for investors looking to create secondary suites or additional dwelling units (ADUs), backsplits can be a hidden gem. They often come at a slightly lower purchase price and boast generous ceiling height in the lower levels, something that’s perfect for basement apartments.

(Images Courtesy of She Shoots Inc.)

At the Wiley Street project, the layout presented both opportunities and challenges. The home’s basement units featured bedrooms on the lowest level, but there were significant structural modifications to address. The staircase connecting the upper and lower floors had to be removed, which was one of the major issues to resolve. In its place, a laundry area for the main floor tenants, a creative change. 

(Images Courtesy of She Shoots Inc.)

Our client, a seasoned real estate investor specializing in secondary suite conversions, saw the value where others might have seen complications. As a repeat client, this investor understood that the key to success in these projects lies in bringing properties up to full safety and zoning compliance while maximizing livable space and long-term rental potential.

(Images Courtesy of She Shoots Inc.)

The renovation began with establishing proper fire separations between units, a crucial step in any legal conversion for life safety and building code compliance. This ensures that, in the event of an emergency, both the upper and lower occupants have safe, independent egress routes. Beyond the structural and safety updates, the project also included thoughtful touches to make each unit functional and comfortable. 

(Images Courtesy of She Shoots Inc.)

Backsplits are particularly accommodating for these kinds of conversions because their staggered levels naturally divide living spaces. With strategic design, one can generate a strong return while maintaining privacy for both units, something tenants truly value.
As the work wrapped up, the Wiley Street project stood as a great example of how proper design, planning, and code compliance turn an underused property into a long-term, cash-flowing asset. What started as an illegal apartment evolved into a well-executed legal secondary suite, ready to meet regulatory standards and satisfy future tenants.

For investors searching for properties suited to secondary suite development, don’t overlook the potential of a backsplit. They may not fit every homeowner’s dream layout, but for income and versatility, they are often a winning choice. Want to learn how to convert your property into a legal duplex?  Book a phone consultation with our team today!