Backyard homes
A second home on your lot
Ontario now allows additional units on most residential lots, and that can include a detached suite in the backyard, subject to your city's zoning.
A garden suite can house parents or grown children close by, or bring in rental income without sharing your main house.
- Lot reviewWe check size, setbacks and access for your property
- Design & drawingsDesigned by our in-house BCIN designer
- PermitsBuilding permit and any zoning steps
- ServicesWater, sewer and electrical connections
- Full buildFoundation to finishes by our crew
- Landscaping tie-inWalkways and stone work to connect the suite
Garden vs laneway
Which suite fits your lot?
- Garden suiteBuilt in the backyard and reached from the street, usually by a side path. Allowed in Brampton and many Peel and York municipalities.
- Laneway suiteBuilt at the rear of the lot facing a public lane, with its own front door on the laneway. Common in Toronto neighbourhoods with rear lanes.
- Size and heightEach city sets its own limits on footprint, height and setbacks. We check your lot against the current by-law before any design work.
- Fire and emergency accessBoth types need a clear path for firefighters. We plan this from the first sketch so the permit is not held up.
- ServicingWater, sewer and power usually run from the main house. We price these connections up front.
- One teamOur in-house BCIN designer draws it, and our crew builds it, from foundation to finishes.
How it works
From first call to final walkthrough
Lot check
We review your lot and what your city allows.
Design & permit
Drawings, servicing plan and permit application.
Build
Foundation, framing, mechanical and finishing.
Move-in ready
Final inspections and handover.
FAQ
Common questions
Is my lot big enough for a garden suite?
It depends on lot size, setbacks and how services can reach the back yard. We check this on the first visit.
Can I rent out a garden suite?
In many GTA cities yes, as long as it is permitted and built to code. We confirm the rules for your city.
Do you handle the servicing?
Yes. We plan the water, sewer and electrical connections as part of the design.
More services
Related work we do
Legal Basement Units
Second units, permits, inspections
Learn more →Basement Finishing
Rec rooms, bedrooms, basement baths
Learn more →Bathroom Renovations
Showers, tile, vanities
Learn more →Kitchen Renovations
Cabinets, quartz, layouts
Learn more →Home Additions
Rear, side and second-storey
Learn more →New Construction
Custom residential builds
Learn more →