A basement suite can be a mortgage helper — but only if it's legal. Before you pay extra for a house with a suite, check these four things.

1. Permits and final sign-off — ask for the paper trail, not just the seller's word.

2. Zoning — not every Surrey neighbourhood allows a secondary suite.

3. Safety — ceiling height, egress windows, smoke and CO alarms, a separate entrance.

4. The money side — if it's not legal, a lender may not count the rental income, insurance may not cover it, and the city can order it removed.

With a construction background, the first thing I check on a shiny suite is the paper trail. Pretty finishes are easy; permitted work is what protects your money.

DM BUY and I'll send you the free buyer checklist.

I'm Kuldeep Gill, PREC*, a Surrey & Fraser Valley REALTOR® with RE/MAX Blueprint. 8+ years in real estate, 25 years living locally, and a construction background — so I spot what listing photos hide.

Call or text: 778-878-5553

kuldeepgill.com

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