What happens when thoughtful design meets a great idea? A cozy bungalow becomes a stunning income property.

Sometimes the best investment opportunities start with a simple idea, transforming what’s already there into something more. That was the inspiration behind the renovation on Braemar Road, a charming older bungalow that became a stylish, fully legal duplex designed for both comfort and profitability.

When the owners purchased this home, their vision was clear: create a second, self-contained unit that could generate steady rental income while maintaining the character and warmth of the original house. The basement was already finished, with two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a rec room, a great start! But to meet the requirements for a legal duplex, it needed a proper kitchen, dedicated entry, and a few smart updates to bring everything together.

(Images Courtesy of She Shoots Inc.)

Working within the existing footprint, the House of Three Team found creative ways to maximize both space and function. A loadbearing wall initially limited how the basement could be reconfigured, but they cleverly created an opening between the living room and mechanical room, reducing the size of the mechanical space to make room for a compact yet efficient kitchen and in suite laundry. That single change transformed the basement from a casual living space into a fully equipped apartment ready for tenants.

(Images Courtesy of She Shoots Inc.)

One of the home’s hidden gifts was its two staircases, one front and one rear. This feature provided flexibility for creating private entrances, which is often a hurdle in duplex conversions. The design team chose to keep the rear staircase for the new lower unit and enclosed the basement stairs to ensure separation and privacy between the two homes.
Safety and compliance were central to the transformation. Fire separations were added to meet legal requirements, while the existing large basement windows easily met egress standards, a rare advantage that simplified the approval process. With these updates, the secondary suite not only looked inviting but met every criterion for a legal, rentable space.

(Images Courtesy of She Shoots Inc.)

The result? A refreshed, income-generating property that feels bright, modern, and thoughtfully designed. The upper-level rental maintains its charm as a cozy residence, while the basement suite provides a separate, desirable apartment perfect for tenants.

What makes this story even better is how well it ended, not just with a beautiful home, but with happy clients who became repeat customers. Their trust and enthusiasm speak to the power of a renovation done right: one that blends lifestyle goals with financial foresight, turning an older bungalow into a smart, sustainable investment.

This Project now stands as a perfect example of how thoughtful design can open the door to new possibilities, and new income streams, without sacrificing comfort or character.

Want to learn how to convert your property into a legal duplex?  Book a phone consultation with our team today!