Making an Older Home Work Today: Home Offices, Suites and Open Layouts
Quick answer: Older East Hill homes can be adapted for modern life. Spare rooms and attics make good offices, many lots may now allow a secondary suite or carriage house under BC's small-scale housing rules, and walls can often be opened up with the right engineering. Start with an inspection, check City of Vernon permits and heritage status, and plan around the home's structure and systems.
East Hill is home to some of Vernon's most characterful houses, from 1890s landmarks like the Caetani Cultural Centre's Sommerville house on Pleasant Valley Road to homes built across the following decades. Many were designed for a different way of living: small, separate rooms, one bathroom and no thought of home offices. The good news is that these homes can often be updated while keeping what makes them special.
This is general information only. Confirm permits, zoning and building code requirements with the City of Vernon, and get advice from qualified contractors, engineers and designers.
Before You Start: Know Your House
- Inspect the systems. Older homes may have older wiring, plumbing or smaller electrical panels. Upgrading these is often the first step in any renovation.
- Test before you tear. Some older building materials can contain asbestos, and older paint may contain lead. Have suspect materials tested by a qualified professional before disturbing walls, ceilings or floors.
- Check heritage status. The City of Vernon keeps a Heritage Register. If your home is protected by a heritage designation bylaw or heritage revitalization agreement, exterior changes need a Heritage Alteration Permit. The City also has heritage grant programs for eligible properties.
- Talk to the City early. Building permits are needed for most structural, electrical and plumbing work.
Creating a Home Office
Where to put it
- A spare bedroom is the simplest option: a door, a window and little construction.
- An attic can make a quiet retreat, but check headroom, insulation and summer heat.
- A basement works if it's dry and has decent light and ceiling height.
- A backyard studio offers real separation. Size, setbacks and permits depend on City zoning.
Make it comfortable
Add outlets and, if needed, dedicated circuits. A ductless heat pump can keep one room comfortable year-round, and rebates may be available through the Home Renovation Rebate Program. Check current rules before buying equipment.
Adding a Suite or Carriage House
BC's small-scale multi-unit housing rules changed what's possible on many single-detached lots. According to the City of Vernon, lots with municipal water and sewer inside the growth boundary can have up to three units on smaller lots and up to four on larger ones, with secondary suites and accessory dwelling units such as carriage houses among the options.
Why owners add one
- Rental income to help with the mortgage.
- Space for adult children, aging parents or a caregiver.
- Flexibility to downsize into the suite later.
What to watch for
- Site conditions: The City notes that slope, soil stability and other constraints can limit what's feasible. East Hill's hillside lots make this especially important.
- Building code: Suites need proper fire separation, exits, ceiling heights and ventilation.
- Parking and access: Requirements vary by location. Check current zoning for your lot.
- Rentals: Long-term rentals follow BC's Residential Tenancy Act. Short-term rentals in Vernon must meet the provincial principal residence requirement and need a City business licence.
Opening Up the Layout
Many buyers love the charm of older homes but want a kitchen that connects to living and dining areas.
Plan the structure
Some interior walls are load-bearing. Removing them usually means adding a beam, which needs engineering and a building permit.
Keep the character
- Save and reuse original trim, doors and hardware where you can.
- Consider wide cased openings instead of removing walls entirely. You get flow without losing the home's original feel.
- Match new flooring or refinish original hardwood so rooms feel connected.
Think about heating
Open spaces heat differently. Talk to a heating contractor about how an open layout will affect comfort, especially in a less-insulated older home.
Buying With Plans in Mind
If you're shopping for an older home to adapt, bring your plans to viewings and ask a contractor to look before you firm up. Our buying in East Hill guide explains how to build that into your offer, and you can browse current homes on Tim's live East Hill MLS® search. Already own and thinking of selling instead? See our selling in East Hill guide.
FAQ
Can I add a suite to an older East Hill home?
Often, yes. Provincial rules allow more units on many serviced Vernon lots, but slope, lot size, building code and permits all matter. Check with the City of Vernon.
Do I need a permit to remove a wall?
If the wall is load-bearing or the work involves structural, electrical or plumbing changes, you'll typically need a building permit and engineering. Check with the City first.
Can I renovate a heritage home?
Yes, but if it's protected by a heritage designation bylaw or heritage revitalization agreement, exterior changes need a Heritage Alteration Permit.
Looking for an older home with potential? Call or text Sean at 778-363-0542, or call the Sarah AI info hotline any time at 604-227-4810.
Featured photo: stock image from Unsplash, for illustration.
