Is my lot eligible for a garden suite?

It depends on municipal zoning, lot size and fire access. We start with a feasibility review.

How are services connected?

Typically from the main house; sometimes new connections are required.

How long do permits take?

Often the longest part of the project. We'll give you a realistic estimate after feasibility.

Can I rent out a garden suite?

In many municipalities, yes. Check local rules; we'll help you understand them.

Do you handle landscaping?

Walkways, grading and restoration are included.

Two-storey garden suite with black board-and-batten siding and a stone patio in a city backyard

Garden Suites, Laneway Homes & Garages

A second building on your lot, done properly the first time.

Get a Free Quote

Garden suites and laneway homes add a separate dwelling on your property. They come with more zoning and servicing questions than any other residential project, so we start with a feasibility review before you commit.

Suits multigenerational families, rental income plans and owners who need a detached garage or workshop.

What's included

Everything, itemised

Your quote lists each of these as its own line, so nothing is assumed.

Feasibility & permits

Zoning and setback review
Fire access and servicing assessment
Design and permit drawings
Building permit and inspections

Construction

Water, sewer and electrical servicing
Foundation or slab
Framing, roofing and cladding
Windows and doors
Full interior fit-out, kitchen and bathroom
Landscaping and walkways

Options

Choose the right approach

Detached garage

Single or double garage, with optional loft or workshop.

Best for: Storage and parking

Garden suite

A self-contained dwelling in the backyard.

Best for: Family or rental

Laneway home

A dwelling fronting a public laneway.

Best for: Lots backing onto lanes

Indicative costs

Guide price ranges

Detached garage: To be confirmed
Garden suite / laneway home: To be confirmed

Guide prices vary with size, specification and site conditions — your itemised quote will confirm the exact figure before any work begins.

Typical timeline

Phase by phase

1Feasibility & zoning review2–4 weeks
2Design & permitVaries by municipality
3Servicing & foundation3–4 weeks
4Shell & close-in4–6 weeks
5Interior fit-out8–12 weeks

Permits: Often the longest permit path; zoning review can add several months

Process

How a garden suites & garages project runs

01
Enquiry
Tell us what you have in mind and roughly when you'd like to start.
02
Site visit & measure
We review zoning, servicing routes and access before drawing anything.
03
Itemised quote
A line-by-line price with exclusions spelled out, so you can compare like for like.
04
Build & manage
Servicing and foundation lead, then shell and fit-out follow like a small new build.
05
Walkthrough & aftercare
We walk the finished space with you, close out every deficiency and stay on call under warranty.

Gallery

Recent work

Case studies

Related projects

Before28 weeks

TorontoGarden Suites

Detached garden suite in an established neighbourhood

FAQs

Garden Suites & Garages: your questions

Tell us about your project

Four details and we'll take it from there. You'll finish the full request on the next page.