Single Unit to Duplex or Multiplex Conversions
A single unit is generally a singly family home and with the demand for housing on the rise, some property owners and real estate investors have started to convert a singly family home to a duplex or multiples (e.g., triplex) so that more than one family can reside in that building.
When a single unit is converted to a duplex or multiplex, there are some key electrical related considerations that need to be factored in. A few of these include;
- Upgrade the hydro service coming in to building as there will be more demand and the service for the single unit wont be able to handle the demand from 2 or more units
- Recommended that each unit have their own service and meter so that each resident pays for the hydro they consume
- Have a separate panel and meter for the common areas that are shared amongst the residents
- Each unit requires its own set of circuits that are managed from their own panel
- Fire alarm systems are required for each unit and need to be interconnected
- Others
Careful considerations need to be given to each of the above and it is recommended that a professional engineer be used to design the future state electrical of the units. Improperly designed and installed electrical could be a risk to the owner and residents and may not pass ESA inspection.
At All Electrical, we have the experience and expertise to help you with the design and implementation of the electrical for all such conversions and our work is complete only when ESA inspects our work and provides certification.
If you or someone you know is looking to convert a single unit to a duplex or multiplex, then, feel free to reach out to us by calling us at 905-930-8999 or sending us a message via our contact us form at the bottom of this page. We would be more than happy to review your unique scenario and advise the most appropriate step forward.