A laneway suite is typically built at the rear of a property that backs onto a public laneway, while a garden suite is built in the backyard of a property without laneway access. Both are self-contained secondary dwellings, but zoning rules, access, servicing, and size limits differ. Part of our early work is helping determine which option your property supports and which best aligns with your goals. Contact us for a Free Assessment.

Yes. Both require building permits and must comply with zoning by-laws, the Ontario Building Code, servicing requirements, and fire and life safety regulations. We manage the full permitting process on your behalf — coordinating drawings, submissions, and revisions — so approvals don’t become a bottleneck or a source of stress.

Costs vary based on size, complexity, site conditions, and finishes. As a general planning range, garden suites often fall between $300–500 per sq ft, while laneway suites typically range from $350–400 per sq ft. Once feasibility, design, and scope are defined, we can provide much more precise pricing — and help design to align with your budget and intended use.

If your project complies with zoning and by-laws, neighbours cannot veto it. That said, variances may require a Committee of Adjustment application, where neighbours can provide input. We take a proactive, respectful approach — designing thoughtfully, communicating clearly, and helping navigate approvals to reduce friction and keep relationships intact.

Sometimes. Basements are permitted in certain conditions, but soil conditions, servicing depth, floodplain considerations, and cost all play a role. We help evaluate whether a basement adds meaningful value or complexity — and whether the return justifies the additional investment.

Pre-fab suites can offer speed and predictability, while stick-built construction allows greater flexibility in design, layout, and site response. Neither approach is universally “better.” We help you evaluate both based on budget, timeline, site constraints, and long-term durability.