Build New Laneway Suites in Toronto & the GTA
Looking to build a new laneway suite at your Toronto property? This is an excellent option for homeowners who are looking to earn extra income through rental opportunities.
Acadia DC can design and build custom laneway houses throughout Toronto and the GTA. From laneway suite designs, permit applications, laneway house construction and final touches, we do it all!
Give us a call today to schedule your at-home consultation! We will complete lot assessments to ensure you are eligible to build a laneway house, discuss designs, budgets, timelines and more.
How We Build New Laneway Houses
Acadia DC provides full service design and build services for new laneway suites. Our 5-step process makes building custom laneway suites a breeze! Offering you maximum control with minimum stress.
Initial Consultation
Quoting and Budgets
Design and Drawings
Construction
Handover
Laneway Suite Bylaws
The first step in building laneway houses is to find out if your lot is compliant with the Toronto laneway suite bylaws, we have outlined the key requirements below:
- Lot requirements: The property must have a rear or side lot line abutting a public laneway for at least 3.5 meters.
- Setbacks: Minimum rear yard and side yard setbacks are typically 1.0 to 1.5 meters unless there are no openings in the respective walls.
- Separation from main house: The laneway suite must be at least 5.0 meters away from the main house (or 7.5 meters for taller structures).
- Height & size restrictions: Suites can be up to 6.0 meters tall, with a maximum of two stories and defined limits on width and length.
- Soft landscaping: At least 85% of the area between the main house and the laneway suite must feature soft landscaping for lots over 6.0 meters wide.
- Parking: No additional parking spaces are required.
Things To Consider Before Building Laneway Suites in Toronto
Building a laneway suite involves several important considerations to ensure the success of your project:
- Emergency access: The Ontario Building Code requires a clear path from the main street or flanking street to the laneway suite for emergency services.
- Tree protection: Construction plans must account for existing trees on the property. Permits may be required for trees potentially impacted by the build.
- Utilities: Laneway suites must share utility connections (water, sewage, electricity, gas) with the main house.
- Design & customization: Our full-service approach allows for personalized layouts, materials, and finishes to meet your needs and preferences.
- Development charges: Eligible homeowners can apply for city incentives like forgivable loans of up to $50,000 for rental laneway suites that meet affordability conditions.
Why People Select Us
See why people partner with Acadia DC for their laneway suites!
Acadia is great!!! Our project is a bakery in Toronto and Acadia was able to guide our permit process very efficiently. We needed a zoning variance and building permits. They coordinated everything so that there was minimal time between the 2 processes.
The staff are INCREDIBLE!!! All very professional and very good at the work they do. I was panicked at a couple of stages and they took the time to explain what was happening with the project and how it’s progressing.
I would absolutely recommend Acadia, and also an amazing contractor that they sometimes work with, whose name is George – it was a great feeling to see someone so skilled at their work. Max (the owner) was incredibly patient with our questions, but also incredibly skilled at designing both the interior and exterior.
It’s a great pleasure working with Acadia team which is accommodating and sensitive to our needs. Their professionalism shows in management, quality of work and customer service. The project was extremely successful and our personnel could not have been more pleased with their work environment.
Acadia helped us with obtaining a permit for our structure. We are extremely thankful to Acadia for the service they provided. They were very professional, punctual, very responsive, and supportive throughout the process.
Acadia helped us with obtaining a permit for our structure. We are extremely thankful to Acadia for the service they provided. They were very professional, punctual, very responsive, and supportive throughout the process.
We have used Acadia for various design-build projects, and can confidently say you are in great hands. Their staff guided us through the regulatory red tape and their experience helped avoid the delays that plague building permits and construction projects.
Benefits Of Constructing New Laneway Houses
Adding a laneway suite to your property offers numerous advantages:
- Rental income: Generate consistent income by leasing your laneway suite.
- Multigenerational living: Create private living spaces for family members or caregivers while maintaining proximity.
- Increased property value: Laneway suites enhance your property’s value, offering an excellent return on investment.
- Smart land use: These suites utilize underused urban spaces, contributing to sustainable housing growth.
- Customization opportunities: Tailor the design to match your preferences, whether you need a home office, guest house, or rental unit.
- City incentives: Take advantage of programs like forgivable loans for affordable housing units.
Laneway Suites Vs Garden Suites: What’s The Difference?
While both laneway suites and garden suites are secondary residential units, they differ in terms of placement and eligibility:
Laneway Suites:
- Located on lots adjacent to public laneways.
- Specifically permitted through Toronto’s zoning bylaw amendments for laneway housing.
- Requires the property to have direct laneway access.
Garden Suites:
- Situated in the rear yard of a property without the need for a laneway.
- Recently introduced as part of Toronto’s efforts to expand housing options.
- Often subject to similar bylaws but with unique considerations based on lot access and neighborhood integration.
Why Trust Acadia DC With Your Laneway House Construction
Experience – Over 15 years of experience in laneway suite design and construction.
Endless Possibilities – We design unique and functional spaces.
100% Committed – 24/7 support throughout your new build.
Excellent Customer Service – Our team will take care of everything.
5* Rated Interior Renovations – We don’t cut corners, we get it done right.
Reliable Laneway Suite Contractors In Toronto.
All you need for a new laneway suite in Toronto is a concept! Acadia DC will assist you in obtaining the necessary documentation, provide expert guidance and ensuring compliance with provincial and municipal building laws and codes.
We will prepare budgets, handle permits, and project outlines, giving you a preview of the potential transformation. If you have an idea for a suite in Toronto or nearby areas, contact Acadia DC today to start designing your dream suite!