What is a basement suite?
A basement suite is a self-contained contained residential unit built in the lower level of a home. It usually includes at least one bedroom, a bathroom, kitchen, and living area, plus a separate entrance. Basement suites are often rented out as mortgage helpers, used for guests, family members, or simply as extra living space.
If you’re planning for a secondary suite in your home, one of the biggest design decisions is whether to build a 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom suite. While a single bedroom may feel simpler or more affordable at first glance, a 2-bedroom suite often brings long-term benefits that many homebuyers don’t initially realize.
Below, we break down the key advantages of going with two bedrooms, so you can make the choice that fits both your lifestyle and investment goals.
Tenant & Market Advantages
A 2-bedroom basement suite opens the door to a broader range of renters. Instead of appealing mainly to single tenants, you can attract roommates and couples who want separate spaces, families with a young child or remote workers needing a home office.
Plus, households with more than one person tend to stay in place longer, which means fewer move-outs and more predictable rental income over time. This creates a more stable, long-term tenancy compared to 1-bedroom suites designed for single renters.
Financial & Investment Benefits
From an investment standpoint, a 2-bedroom suite almost always outperforms a 1-bedroom.
Higher rental income potential: Because it can accommodate more people, lenders and appraisers see 2-bedroom suites as more valuable. This means your new home may qualify for better mortgage options because the rental income is stronger. The rental difference between a 1-bed and 2-bed is often substantial bed is often substantial, even though the construction cost difference is usually minimal.
Stronger long-term return: The extra monthly rent that comes from a 2-bedroom suite adds up over time, compounding into a much stronger return on your investment.
Greater resale appeal: Future investors and buyers of revenue properties have a strong preference for 2-bedroom suites because of their earning potential.
If part of your goal is to reduce monthly payments, increase resale value, or generate consistent rental income, a 2-bedroom suite is usually the smarter bedroom suite is usually the smarter long-term choice.
Design & Construction Advantages
Adding the second bedroom during initial construction is almost always more cost-effective effective and better for the overall layout.
Building now vs. renovating later: Converting a 1-bedroom suite into a 2-bedroom suite in the future often requires new windows, new walls, new permits, and potential code upgrades, all of which add cost and complexity. Building a 2-bedroom from the start eliminates the headache later!
Better layout and flow: Early planning allows for smarter placement of the mechanical room, plumbing, and window wells, creating a more functional and attractive suite.
In short: If there’s even a chance you might want two bedrooms later, it’s much easier (and cheaper) to include it at the start of your homebuilding journey.
Long-term Term Flexibility
Even if you don’t plan to rent the suite year-round, having two bedrooms gives you more ways to use the space personally. Additional lower-level bedrooms make the perfect guest spaces, caregiver suites, spaces for older children, or even as a private offices or studios.
So, Which Should You Choose?
A 1-bedroom suite can work well in smaller spaces or tight budgets, but a 2-bedroom suite consistently delivers better rental performance, more tenant demand, stronger resale value, and greater flexibility for your own family. For most homeowners and investors, the 2-bedroom layout ends up being the best long-term term decision.
Connect with the Baywest sales teams today by visiting our show homes! We’re happy to share more about the value of a basement suite and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.