Understandably, the electrical panel is always the last thing we think about because it is not something we often engage. Therefore, when it comes to the panel placement, we usually like to put it in an area out of sight. So when it comes to secondary suites, this little panel becomes a huge headache.

A secondary suite is another dwelling within a dwelling. Therefore, the utilities to both suites are sometimes separated but usually shared. A most common trope about the secondary suite's construction is retrofitting it into the existing basement. If both suites share the same utilities, they are likely to use the same panel; however, that panel can only be shared between the suites if there are no shared branch circuits.

I'm not going to go into too much detail about branch circuits because I can't. I can say is I would highly recommend you to speak with your general contractor or electrician. Now, let's talk about the most common scenarios.

scenario one

You have an undeveloped basement, and you are looking to build a secondary suite. You will have many advantages if you start from this point. Because you can do one of two things: relocate the existing panel or add on a sub-panel for the suite. Adding a sub-panel would run you in the ball-park around $1000.00. Relocating the existing panel can be physically very hard or even more expensive. Therefore, I would highly recommend adding the sub-panel!

scenario two

You have a finished basement that you would like to convert into a secondary suite. This scenario is tricky; because it is too late to add on the sub-panel.  A new sub-panel installed into a finished basement can cost you up to $5000.00 or more. Therefore, you will need to formulate an agreement. The agreement is to ensure both tenants have access to the same panel at all times.

scenario three

Unlike in scenario one, you can plan out your basement in this scenario because everything is new. Try to visualize your entire basement, walk-through all of your needs and desires, and ask for help from a designer. My approach to designing my basement was to envision all of the plumbing and HVAC at one end of the basement to increase the ability for an "open concept basement. If I were to have a secondary suite, I would plan out my main house panels' desired location where it is hidden somewhere on the main floor, or within a safe space within my garage.

Finally, with all this talk about "panels" and "sub-panels," speak with your general contractor about the panel's size appropriate for your secondary suite. For example, for an average size suite of 800 to 1000 sqft, a panel of 100AMPs should be fine.