As urban living evolves, innovative housing solutions are reshaping how we use space, particularly in residential neighbourhoods. Garden suites, which are detached secondary dwellings located in the backyardof primary residences, create a versatile approach to enhancing property utility, value, and charm.
Here’s how our construction and renovation company can help you make this dream a reality.
Recent updates have streamlined the processfor adding secondary units. As of November 20, 2024, Ontario Regulation 462/24 introduced significant changes that override some of Toronto's previous zoning restrictions. These updates are designed to eliminate barriers and encourage the creation of more housing. Key changes include:
These changes, part of the province's push to build more homes faster, mean that properties previously considered unsuitable may now be eligible for a garden suite.
Garden suites are self-contained secondary homes built in the backyard of an existing residence. Unlike basement apartments or shared living spaces, these suites are detached, offering privacy and independence. They are designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing neighbourhood, blending aesthetics and functionality. Homeowners can use garden suites for various purposes, such as housing extended families, renting out for additional income, or transforming them into a home office or studio space.
The advantages of adding a garden suite arepractical and substantial:
A garden suite provides clear financial advantages. It can generate consistent rental income to offset mortgage payments and cover construction costs over time. In addition, adding a legal, detached secondary unit significantly increases the property's overall market value and appeal to a wider range of future buyers.
Garden suites are an effective solution for multigenerational households. They offer an independent living space for agingparents, allowing them to remain close to family for support while maintaining their autonomy. They can also serve as a private, transitional home for adult children who require their own space.
As a detached structure, a garden suite offers superior privacy compared to attached secondary units like basement apartments. This physical separation makes the space highly adaptable for various uses beyond a rental, such as a dedicated home office, a private art or music studio, a self-contained guest house, or a residence for a live-incare giver.
Building a garden suite is a form of sustainable infill development. It promotes "gentle density" by creating a new home on an existing residential lot, which utilizes currentmunicipal infrastructure like roads, water, and transit. This helps curb urban sprawl and makes more efficient use of serviced land within the city.
In Toronto, the introduction of garden suites aligns with the city's Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) initiative, designed to address the short age of affordable housing and promote gentle density in established communities. This program encourages homeowners to make better use of their existing lots by adding secondary dwellings that blend seamlessly with surrounding properties. Since February 2022, garden suites have been permitted in most residential zones across the city, giving homeowners more flexibilityto create independent living spaces for family members, generate rental income, or simply add long-term value to their property.
Before you begin, see if your propertymeets the basic requirements:
The total cost of building a garden suite averages around $300,000, which typically includes both soft and hard costs. Soft costs, such as permits, architectural design, and engineering, account forroughly $40,000. The remaining $260,000 generally goes toward hard costs like materials, labour, and construction. On average, this works out to about $500 per square foot. While costs can vary depending on size, layout, and finishes, these figures reflect the craftsmanship, planning, and attention to detail required to build a functional, durable, and visually appealing garden suite that complements the main property.
Navigating the approval process is one ofthe most critical phases. Working with an experienced construction and renovation company can make this seamless.
Description
1 Feasibility Assessment
Evaluate your property against the eligibility checklist. A professional can help you determine the viability of your project.
2 Design Phase
Collaborate with an architect or designer to create plans that comply with zoning by-laws, the Ontario Building Code, and tree regulations. The City of Toronto also offers free, pre-approved designs to speed up this process.
3 Permit Acquisition
Submit your comprehensive plans to Toronto Buildings to secure a building permit. If your design requires minor deviations from the by-laws, you may need to apply for a Minor Variance through the Committee of Adjustment.
4 Builder Selection
Hire a qualified contractor who specializes in garden suite construction and has a deep understanding of Toronto's specific requirements.
5 Construction & Inspections
Build the suite, ensuring that all work is done in adherence to city inspections at various stages of the project.
6 Final Occupancy
Once construction is complete and a final inspection is passed, you will receive an occupancy permit, certifying that the suite is safe and ready for use.
Yes, a building permit is mandatory. Your project must comply with the Zoning By-law, Ontario Building Code, and all tree protection rules. A full set of plans from a qualified professional is required to apply.
No. Severing the property to sell thegarden suite separately is not permitted. The suite must remain on the same property title as the primary home and function as a secondary dwelling.
Yes, both are possible. A basement isallowed, but its area counts towards the suite's total floor area. A two-storey suite is also permitted, provided it meets all zoning rules for height, setbacks, and separation distance.
Yes. An existing garage can be converted, and it may have some relief from setback rules if it was built legally. However, the conversion must still meet all current regulations for height, floor area, and the Building Code.
No new vehicle parking space is requiredfor a garden suite. However, you must provide two secure, weather-protected bicycle parking spaces for the unit.
Utilities such as water, sewer, and electricity are typically connected directly from the primary dwelling. This is generally more cost-effective than creating new service connections from the street.
Your plan must comply with Toronto's tree protection regulations. Approval from Urban Forestry is required to injure or remove a protected tree, and a permit may be refused for a healthy tree. It is strongly advised to design the suite to avoid impacting trees.
Transforming your backyard into a luxurygarden suite is an exciting opportunity to enhance your property’s functionality and value. MeadowlandsGroup Inc. provides landscaping and construction solutions, making us your trusted partner for bringing your garden suite vision to life. Contact us today and take the first step toward creating your dream garden suite in Toronto and get a free estimate from our construction and renovation company.
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