Distinctive Architectural Styles
We blend Toronto’s historic charm with modern design elements, crafting a unique look that enhances the overall appeal of your property.
Expand Your Living Space or Generate Income
Transform your property and your lifestyle with a beautifully designed laneway house or garden suite—an innovative, self-contained haven nestled right on your own lot. These versatile dwellings offer a creative solution to maximize your living space while providing endless opportunities. Imagine having a dedicated home office bathed in natural light, a cozy guest retreat that welcomes friends and family, or even a stylish space for multi-generational living. Beyond enhancing your day-to-day comfort, these additions can generate a steady stream of rental income, making them a savvy investment that boosts your property’s market value.
Expertly crafted to blend seamlessly with the neighbourhood’s character, each laneway house or garden suite is tailored to elevate both the aesthetics and functionality of your home. Embrace the freedom to design a space that evolves with your needs, reflecting modern trends while preserving timeless charm—and unlock a world of potential right in your own backyard.
What’s the difference between the backyard units?
LANEWAY HOUSES vs. GARDEN SUITES
Both laneway houses and garden suites offer innovative ways to expand your living space while boosting property value, yet they cater to slightly different needs.
Quite simply, the difference between a laneway house and a garden suite is whether access is through a laneway. A garden suite is built within a landlocked backyard, whereas a laneway house is accessible from a laneway behind the property. They are different names for the same structure.
Another option for a laneway house is to maintain a garage on the bottom with a living space above. This is common with existing detached garages or building a completely new structure.
While both options provide self-contained spaces ideal for home offices, multi-generational living, or rental income, laneway houses tend to offer more privacy and a unique architectural statement, making them particularly attractive for long-term tenants.
It’s also important to mention that Toronto laneway houses will always have their own access to a property whereas garden suites may either be apart of the existing house (attached) or their own structures (detached). Garden suites may be accessed through a home, although uncommon, or through a separate entrance or walking through the main property.
Looking for extra space for less?
Find alternatives to laneway houses or garden suites to save time and money but still gain extra living space.
CONVERTED GARAGES
A converted garage or garage loft combines parking or storage with additional living space above, perfect for guest suites, home offices, or rental opportunities in Toronto. This multi-functional structure maximizes limited city space, adding both convenience and income potential. Garage lofts are increasingly popular among Toronto homeowners looking to optimize their properties efficiently.
SUPER SHED
A Super Shed is a versatile freestanding structure designed for maximum functionality, offering ample storage space, workshop areas, or even recreational rooms right in your Toronto backyard. Built with high-quality materials, it enhances your property’s utility without compromising aesthetics. Ideal for homeowners seeking extra space beyond the main residence, Super Sheds can significantly boost property value and usability.
STANDALONE OFFICE
A Standalone Office provides a dedicated workspace separate from your main house, allowing for increased productivity, privacy, and a professional environment without the commute. Particularly beneficial for remote workers and entrepreneurs in Toronto, these offices blend seamlessly into residential properties, creating a clear separation between work and home life. This structure can enhance work-life balance and property desirability simultaneously.
PROPOSED ACCESSORY STRUCTURE (ADU)
A Proposed Accessory Structure, often referred to as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), is a secondary residential building that complements your primary home. Popular across Toronto, ADUs include garden suites, laneway houses, or backyard cottages, serving as potential rental units, spaces for aging family members, or additional living quarters. Adding an ADU can dramatically increase your home’s value, versatility, and appeal within Toronto’s competitive housing market.
Key Features of Laneway Houses and Garden Suites
Well-Designed Kitchens
Whether you prefer a full kitchen or a streamlined kitchenette, our layouts are designed for both functionality and style, complete with generous storage.
Versatile Living Areas
Our flexible layouts can easily adapt to serve as a guest suite, home office, or long-term rental, evolving with your needs.
Modern Bathroom Designs
Our bathrooms feature efficient layouts, including walk-in showers and contemporary fixtures, designed to meet the demands of Toronto living.
Parking and Storage Options
Recognizing Toronto’s urban landscape, we include dedicated parking solutions and innovative storage options for bikes or vehicles.
Outdoor Living Areas
Enhance your property with patios, decks, or garden spaces that provide extra room for relaxation or entertainment, regardless of the season.
Private Entrances
Enjoy the benefit of a dedicated entrance that ensures privacy for both your main home and the new living space—ideal for rental or multigenerational use.
Green Roofing & Solar Upgrades
Sustainable enhancements like green roofs and solar panels not only cut energy costs but also contribute to a healthier environment.
Open-Concept Layouts
Our designs focus on creating flexible, open spaces that maximize every square foot—perfect for Toronto’s urban environment.
Maximized Natural Light
Strategic placement of large windows, skylights, and glass doors ensures your space remains bright and inviting, even during the winter months.
Efficient Storage Solutions
From built-in shelving to under-stair storage, we design your space to make the most of every inch.
Effective Soundproofing
Our projects incorporate soundproofing measures to maintain a quiet, private atmosphere between your main home and the suite.
Smart Home Integration
Enhance your living experience with smart systems for temperature control, lighting, and security that offer both convenience and modern appeal.
Cost of Laneway Housing and Garden Suites
Cost varies for laneway houses and garden suites depending on factors such as size, access, and design complexity. Typically, the cost of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can range from $350,000 – $750,000 or higher depending on the complexity of the design.
How Long Does it Take?
The timeline of creating a laneway house or garden suite is influenced by the scope of the project, permitting and any potential complications. On average, a project can take about eight months but may extend up to a year in the case of complex designs. Engaging with a professional team helps ensure a streamlined process, mitigating any potential delays.
Benefits of Laneway Houses and Garden Suites
Versatile Usage
Use your suite for a home office, leisure space, guest house or rental property.
Sustainable Living
Promote a greener lifestyle with compact, energy-efficient housing.
Boost Property Value
Increase your property value with a high-quality, well-designed addition.
Extra Income
Generate income by renting out your laneway house or garden suite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the estimated cost for a Laneway House or Garden Suite in Toronto?
For a new laneway house or garden suite in Toronto, you can typically expect costs to fall between $350K and $750K+. Prices vary based on factors like the size of the project, the design complexity, the materials selected, and the specific conditions of your property.
How long does it usually take to complete a Laneway House or Garden Suite project in Toronto?
In Toronto, projects like these generally take between 8 to 14 months from start to finish. This schedule includes time for design, permitting, and construction. Permitting alone might require 3 to 6 months, while the actual building phase can take an additional 4 to 8 months depending on project complexity and site challenges. For more on timelines, feel free to explore our blog post on project planning.
What steps should I take before beginning my Laneway House & Garden Suite project?
Before you kick off your project, consider these key actions:
- Evaluate Your Property: Confirm that your lot complies with Toronto’s zoning and building guidelines for a laneway house or garden suite.
- Clarify Your Objectives: Identify the main purpose of the additional space—whether it’s for generating rental income, housing extended family, or creating a home office—and review our gallery for design ideas.
- Establish a Budget: Set a realistic budget that includes design, permitting, construction, and a reserve for unexpected costs.
- Schedule a Design Consultation: Work with Oriel Renovations’ architects and design partners or provide us with your designs to enhance your current home.
- Engage with a Reputable Contractor: Rely on our experienced team at Oriel Renovations to help steer you through each step of the process.
- Secure the Necessary Permits: We’ll assist you in navigating Toronto’s permitting process to ensure your project meets all local requirements.
For additional advice, check out our guide, “7 Important Things to Know About Renovating Your Toronto Home.”
What features are most popular in a Laneway House or Garden Suite?
Toronto homeowners often favor features that combine style with functionality, such as:
- Open-Concept Designs: Maximizing usable space and fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
- Energy-Efficient Solutions: Following passive house principles such as using energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation, and other materials keep operating costs low
- Smart Home Technologies: Incorporating systems for lighting, security, and climate control that add convenience and modern flair.
- Enhanced Natural Lighting: Installing large windows and skylights to brighten the space, especially useful during Toronto’s darker months.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Choosing sustainable materials that reflect Toronto’s commitment to green building practices.
Check out our Guide to Laneway Houses & Garden Suites blog post for more helpful tips and information!
Why should I choose Oriel Renovations for my project?
Oriel Renovations is a locally owned, full-service residential renovation firm dedicated to serving Toronto homeowners. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional craftsmanship and a smooth, stress-free experience. Our skilled team is committed to exceeding expectations with results that are both stunning and built to last. Get in touch with us to start turning your vision into reality!
Is adding a Laneway House or Garden Suite a good investment in Toronto?
Absolutely. Adding a laneway house or garden suite not only increases the value of your property but also provides flexible living options—whether for rental income or accommodating family members. In Toronto’s competitive housing market, such an addition is both a smart and strategic investment.
To read more about costs associated with laneway houses and garden suites, check out our blog post here!
Should I build a laneway house or buy a condo for an investment property?
A condo may also be a good investment for a Toronto rental property. The advantages of laneway house or garden suite would be:
- You already own the land so the tax rate will be lower.
- You won’t pay any condo fees
- You have complete control over the design.
- It increases your property’s value and versatility.
The benefits of a condo would include:
- It would be faster to buy and rent out.
- Away from your primary residence (if important)
- Can sell it more easily (vs. a laneway house)
- Shared services (what you pay for with condo fees)
Do I need a permit for constructing a Laneway House or Garden Suite in Toronto?
Yes, obtaining the appropriate permits is essential for any construction project in Toronto to ensure compliance with local building codes and zoning laws. The process (which includes a zoning review, committee of adjustments review and approval, and building permits) can be complex, which is why our team at Oriel Renovations is here to guide you through every stage of securing these permits.
What common pitfalls should I avoid when building a Laneway House or Garden Suite?
To ensure your project is successful, be mindful of these common challenges:
- Insufficient Planning: Skipping detailed planning can lead to delays and budget overruns. This is especially true for laneway houses and garden suites as you will need to connect to services such as plumbing, gas, and electricity. In addition, careful planning accounts for other considerations such as site conditions, locations of trees and other objects, and access points to the structure.
- Ignoring Zoning Laws: Not adhering to local regulations might result in legal issues and expensive modifications.
- Underestimating the Budget: Ensure the quote covers the entire project and doesn’t miss key elements.
- Choosing an Inexperienced Contractor: Working with an unqualified team may compromise the quality and cost of your build.
Overlooking Future Needs: Not considering the long-term functionality of your space can limit its usefulness over time.
Challenges When Building Laneway Houses and Garden Suites
Permitting and zoning restrictions
To ensure a successful completion, your secondary unit build must comply with the Ontario Building Code and Toronto’s Laneway House or Garden Suites bylaws is mandatory for successful completion.
Site access
Limited access points to build the secondary unit may impact the scope of the design and increase the complexity of the build, but a well-planned pre-construction plan can help manage expectations.
Design coordination
To align the design and scope of work with your investment level, engage in a robust pre-construction process that helps achieve your envisioned outcome before you start.
Infrastructure
Ensure that utilities and services like sewage, water, and electricity can be adequately extended to the new structure.
Understand the
Pre-construction Process
Are you planning a renovation project but concerned about uncertainties and escalating costs? A pre-construction process can help you minimize those risks and ensure the success of your project.
With a detailed plan and thorough assessment of your needs before construction begins, you can eliminate costly assumptions, surprises and budget creep.
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Steps in the Renovation Process
Get in Touch
If you are planning a renovation project, or even in the early stages of thinking about one, we encourage you to reach out so we can learn more and offer you some valuable next steps.
