Nick’s Developments is a premier construction firm in Toronto that takes on all building garden suites in Toronto and major home renovations for clients across the GTA. As professional garden suite contractors in this great city, we are thrilled by Toronto’s inclusion of laneway suites as an option for homeowners. And now, the inclusion of garden suites in Toronto gives even more opportunity for homeowners and builders to get creative and satisfy the region’s growing demand for livable space.

But before you start putting together your garden suite plans, there are many factors to consider such as: 

  • What is a garden suite? 
  • Does my property qualify for a garden suite by law?
  • How do I get approved for a garden suite?
  • What are the rules around building a garden suite?

In this article, the team at Nick’s Developments will answer all of these questions. We are also ready to provide any advice required to take on an exciting project like this. We know the ins and outs of the industry and will help you navigate the entire in law suite process so you can start building as soon as possible.

What is a Garden Suite?

A garden suite is a detached building on your property that you can rent or use as an additional living space for your family or friends. The bonus is that now it doesn’t have to be next to a public laneway to qualify for permits. Many more homeowners in the city are finally eligible for this great addition to the property.

The finished garden suite designs might be perfect for an elderly parent, your in-laws, a guest house, or a place for your growing teenager to finally get that space and privacy they’ve been asking for. You could even turn your garden suite into a workshop or man cave! The possibilities are endless.

Luxury Custom Backyard with Amazing Landscaping -Home Builders Toronto
Amazing Home with Custom Backyard - Home Renovation Company

How to Qualify for a Garden Suite

With new garden suite rules and regulations from Toronto City, it’s easier for homeowners across Toronto to determine if their property qualifies for this program. You shouldn’t ignore any part of the approval process. Neglecting your due diligence in this matter could lead to a costly tear-down order, aggravate your neighbours, or even void potential home insurance policies. Make sure to put in the work now so you won’t have any regrets later.

The Process of Building an In Law Suite

Nick’s Developments specializes in garden suite plans, design, and construction. We’ll help you navigate the entire process from start to finish. It’s not much different from other types of construction projects so you can depend on our professional contractors to get the job done. In this article, we’ll break down all the steps involved in getting your garden suite approved and built promptly. That means having all the work done by a certified and fully insured professional garden suite builder.

Modern Custom Home with Amazing Stone Siding

Partner with a Home Builder or Property Developer: Take your time and do your research to select the right contractor for the job. Look at references and portfolios to determine if this company is capable of helping you evaluate your property. Whether this will be an extension of your main home or secondary income property, speak with some of the contractor’s previous clients. Be sure to ask about the quality of work, attitude, and whether the team was able to keep the project on time and within the budget.

Find Out If Property Can Support Garden Suite: Nick’s Developments will help you through this process. You’ll work with one of our designers to ensure that you aren’t encroaching on any zoning laws in your neighbourhood. If you are, there is still hope. We can help you appeal the decision by taking your case to the Committee of Adjustment. This can be a stressful process, but Nick’s Developments will do the hard work for you and keep you updated every step of the way.

Amazing Custom Home - Home Renovations Toronto

Obtain Fee Proposal: The cost to build a house in Toronto is one thing, but a Garden suite is something else. Our team of contractors and designers will look at all the details regarding the costs of developments and permits. According to the most recent developments, Toronto has yet to waive the fees for garden suites as they have done with laneway suites.

Start on the Design: Now that you have your land and the fee proposal in place, you can start designing the garden suite you’ve always dreamed of. This is also the stage where you can start gathering realistic expectations of how much this will cost. At Nick’s Developments, we can help you produce accurate budgets that consider every element from interior finishes, to exterior finishes, and square footage. As soon as the design is locked in, we can give you a precise price on every part of the project from start to finish.

modern custom home

Determine How to Fund the Project: Now that you’ve determined the fees for design and development, as well as the construction costs for this Garden Suite build, it’s time to figure out how you’re going to pay for it. You can work with a mortgage specialist, a financing firm, or other investors to accomplish this. It may seem like a daunting task, but the team at Nick’s Developments is standing by to help you with this part of the process.

Start Building: Now that you have the permits, fees, an approved proposal from the City of Toronto, and the necessary financings, it’s time to build your brand-new garden suite and start enjoying it!

Contact Us

Building Garden Suites in Toronto is a great idea for many homeowners, but there are many steps to take before the project can begin. Trust the construction professionals at Nick’s Developments to help you get this job done! Our expert contractors know how to work through municipal regulations and building codes so your Garden Suites Toronto is approved from all aspects. Contact us today to book your consultation and get started.