11
Sep

Garden Suites in Toronto: Benefits, Costs, and Design Ideas

0

Garden Suites in Toronto: Benefits, Costs, and Design Ideas

Garden suites are quickly becoming one of the most popular housing solutions for homeowners in Toronto. Whether you want more living space, rental income, or a solution for multi-generational living, a garden suite, also called a backyard home or secondary dwelling, can be a smart investment. But what exactly is a garden suite, and why is it growing in popularity? In this guide, we’ll cover the benefits, costs, and design tips to help you plan your own. What is a Garden Suite in Toronto? A garden suite is a small, fully equipped home built in the backyard of a property. It is separate from the main house, has its own entrance, and is not located on a public lane. On February 2, 2022, Toronto City Council approved new rules that make it easier to build a garden suite. Changes to the city’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law now allow most residential properties in Toronto to have a garden suite, part of an effort to increase housing supply and variety. A garden suite is designed to be fully independent, with its own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and private entrance. Some designs include a living room, storage space, or even an outdoor patio, making it feel like a complete home just in a smaller footprint. Best of all, the layout and style can be customized to match your needs and property. Benefits of Building a Garden Suite Garden suites offer a range of benefits for Toronto homeowners: • Extra living space, Ideal for a home office, aging parents, guests, or adult children wanting privacy while staying close to family. • Steady rental income, as a legal second unit, a garden suite can provide long-term financial returns. • Higher property value, Well-designed backyard homes make properties more attractive to future buyers. • Eco-friendly options, smaller size and sustainable materials make them more environmentally friendly than larger builds. Garden Suite Design Ideas With thoughtful design, a garden suite can blend seamlessly with your main home while serving a clear purpose. The design process should balance comfort, function, and style, whether you’re creating: • A cozy family guest house • A private rental property • A sustainable, resource-efficient build At Home Art Design, we create garden suites that fit your property, budget, and lifestyle. Every detail from layout to materials is chosen to make the most of your backyard space. How to Build a Garden Suite in Toronto? The process of building a garden suite involves four main stages: Design → Permits → Construction → Finishing Touches At Home Art Design, we guide you through each step, ensuring compliance with Toronto’s building regulations while keeping the process smooth and stress-free. From the first sketch to the final walkthrough, our goal is to deliver a functional, beautiful, and durable garden suite that feels like part of your home. From permits to design, we’ve got you covered. Resources • City of Toronto, Garden Suites By-law, Official city rules and guidelines for building garden suites. • Ontario Building Code, Secondary Units, Provincial regulations that apply to garden suites. • CMHC, Accessory Dwelling Units, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation guide on secondary dwellings.