Laneway Housing
Laneway homes are an excellent opportunity for homeowners in Toronto and the GTA to add a second dwelling unit.
Laneway Housing in Toronto and GTA
Laneway homes are an excellent opportunity for homeowners in Toronto and the GTA to add a second dwelling unit. These homes are built at the back of the property facing a laneway and offer a range of possibilities for homeowners, including rental income, additional living space, or a secondary suite.
Grand Design Build provides professional laneway housing construction services in Toronto and the GTA. Our in-house engineers and designers are skilled at designing a small space that is functional, efficient, and much larger than its square footage. Together, we can create a space that feels right for you and your family.
Benefits of Laneway Housing in the GTA
There are a number of reasons why homeowners in Toronto and the GTA may choose to build a laneway house.
Some homeowners use their laneway home to generate extra income from renters, while some use the space to house ageing parents, extended family, or older children. It is also an excellent way to increase the value of your property and will likely increase your chances of selling in the future.
If you’re looking to build a laneway home on your property, our team at Grand Design Build is here to help. With years of experience under our belt, we are well-versed in the strict laneway housing design and construction criteria set by the City of Toronto.
From obtaining the necessary permits to overseeing the construction work, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Laneway Housing Building Process
Property Inspection
Every project at Grand Design Build begins with a thorough consultation and property inspection. First, one of our consultants will visit your property to assess compliance with regulations set by the City of Toronto and determine the feasibility of the project.
Then, we will ask you detailed questions to understand your preferences and vision for your laneway home.
Drawings and Design
Now that we have a good idea of your vision and goals for your laneway home, our architects and designers will work together and incorporate all the information to create a custom plan. At this stage, we will develop comprehensive floor plans and layout options for your review.
Construction by Contractors
Once you have given the green light to our proposed floor plan and design, the building process will begin. Our expert contractors will start constructing your laneway home, keeping to the specifications you provided and adhering to all established methods and standards.
Inspection and Handover
Once construction is finished, our contractors will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the laneway home meets all of the requirements and your personal specifications. Afterwards, the newly built laneway home is all yours.
Are Laneway Houses Legal in Toronto?
Yes; in June 2018, Toronto’s municipal government approved an amendment to a zoning by-law, allowing eligible residential homes to build laneway houses. This is an effort from the City of Toronto to address concerns surrounding affordable housing in the city, and laneway houses are approved to be used as rental units.
One laneway home is allowed on each lot, and as of the summer of 2019, laneway suite construction is allowed across the entire City of Toronto. The only restricted area in the city is by Avenue Road, the Canadian Pacific (CP) Limited rail corridor, Yonge Street, Rosedale Valley Road, Sherbourne Street, Bloor Street East and Bloor Street West.
Design Requirements For Laneway Homes in Toronto
The City of Toronto has set strict conditions to regulate the design of laneway homes. For example, the property must be at least 3.5 meters in width at the rear and abuts a laneway by a minimum of 3.5 meters. A fire hydrant and public street for emergency service accessibility within 45 meters of the suite.
Currently, laneway homes in Toronto must not be over two storeys high and can only be 860 square feet per floor for a total of 1,720 square feet. The laneway home must also fit the neighbourhood’s character and avoid any balconies or window designs that may overlook neighbouring backyards.
To ensure that your existing property is eligible for a laneway suite, our team will assess your property during an initial consultation to ensure that it abides by the most up-to-date Toronto and GTA zoning regulations and requirements.
Affordable Housing For Your Family
In Toronto, the average cost of building a laneway home is around $500 per square foot. From architectural designs and permits to construction materials and labour, the total cost can range from around $280,000 for a smaller home to over $500,000 for a custom-built home, with all taxes and other expenses included.
While this can be a significant financial investment, the long-term benefits of a laneway home, including increased property value and rental income potential, make it a smart investment.
At Grand Design Build, we offer the most reasonable prices for our laneway housing solutions without compromising the quality of service and craftsmanship.
At the beginning of every project, our team will work with you to build a budget you feel comfortable with without losing quality. With our help, you can create a laneway home that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Choosing Us For Laneway Housing in Toronto and the GTA
At Grand Design Build, we are the leading provider of custom laneway housing construction services in Toronto and the GTA. Our team of highly skilled professionals has extensive experience in all aspects of building a laneway home and obtaining necessary permits to small-space interior design.
We pride ourselves on offering customized laneway housing solutions that meet each of our clients' unique needs and budgets. With over two decades of experience, we have established a strong reputation in Toronto for delivering affordable laneway housing construction services without sacrificing premium quality.
If you’re ready to take your home to the next level, let us help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Factors such as lot coverage, square footage of the main dwelling, required parking, and more can affect your property’s eligibility for a laneway home. That’s why our consultants will do an initial assessment to determine your property’s buildable area and what’s possible for your unique lot.
Typically electricity, water and gas are supplied from the main dwelling. When extending these services from the main house, careful considerations must be made to ensure that existing services can accommodate the increase in demand.
Yes. We offer financing options and have connections to other financial institutions if you need further assistance.
What our clients say about us
“Our home design is unique, beautiful and special”
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“They did an amazing work for our home”
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“Love how our home looks more comfy and modern”
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