FAQ

Do I need to be a professional to build the projects from your DIY kits?
A: No, you don’t need to be a professional carpenter! Our kits are designed to be user-friendly, with clear instructions. However, some basic carpentry skills are recommended for the best results.

What materials are included in the DIY kits?
A: Each kit comes with high-quality materials needed for your project, including wood, screws, fasteners, and detailed instructions. Everything is pre-measured and pre-cut for ease of assembly.

How long does it take to complete a project?
A: The time it takes to complete a project depends on its size and complexity. Most of our kits can be completed in a few days, with step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.

Are the kits suitable for beginners?
A: Yes! Our kits are designed to be accessible for beginners, though some basic carpentry skills will make the process easier. Each kit comes with easy-to-follow instructions for a smooth building experience.

What tools do I need to build the DIY kits?
A: Basic tools such as a hammer, screwdriver, level, and saw are typically all you'll need. A drill and measuring tape are also recommended for accuracy and ease of assembly.

Can I customize the DIY kits?
A: While our kits come with all the materials and specifications needed to complete the project, you are welcome to add your personal touch through painting, staining, or modifying the design as you see fit.

Do you ship across Canada?
A: Yes, we offer shipping across Canada. We make sure all our kits are carefully packaged and delivered to your doorstep for a hassle-free experience.

Are Garden Suites a good investment?
Garden suites are considered a good investment due to their low cost and high reward.  In building a Garden suite your property value should increase by 20 to 30% and Garden Suites can provide a steady rental income. 

What is the best solution to Canada's affordable Housing solution?
Secondary Suites like Garden Suites, basement suites and Laneway Homes are the best solution. Lower cost, a small footprint with an existing infrastructure, and eliminates the need for urban sprawl.  Additionally Garden suites can be built in a much smaller time frame.

How much rent is charged for a Garden Suite rental?
Rents are based on where you live.  Your local Landlord and tenant board can provide the normal rent based on the size of the unit.  However, if you apply for any loan incentive programs the rent must be below market value rent.

Are prefabricated Garden Suites better than custom made Garden Suites?
Yes.  Prefabricated construction means that parts of your laneway or garden suite are built off-site in a controlled environment and then assembled on your property.

• Faster Build Times: Minimized on-site delays.
• Consistent Quality: Factory-level precision.
• Reduced Disruption: Less noise and debris at your home.

What type of property do you need to build a Garden Suite or Laneway Suite?
Only single detached homes are suitable for a Garden Suite or Laneway Suites.

Do I need a permit for a Garden suite or Laneway Suite?
Yes, permits are required.  Contact your local municipality or county office for full details.

What Garden Suite will last the longest?
Our Pakville Garden Suites have no organic material with a life expectancy of 650 years.

What is the best deal on a Garden Suite?
Our Pakville models are 35% less expensive than ordinary construction and with our DIY kits you can save an extra 30%.

How much does it cost to build a Garden Suite?
Construction costs range from $300 per sq ft to $600 per sq foot.  Our DIY models save you about 30% on installation costs.

Can I build more than 1 Garden Suite?
Yes.  With the proper variances you can build more than one unit.  A garden suite cannot occupy more than 40% of your backyard.

How long does it take to build a Garden Suite or Laneway Suite?
Once you obtain your permits it typically takes 8 to 12 week to build a Garden Suite or Laneway Suite.  Keep in mind it takes 6-8 weeks to manufacture your unit.

Can I use wood for a garden suite or Laneway Suite?
Wood is a fire hazard so most municipalities will no allow wood or timberframe construction due to the risk of fire.  Common wood problems include moisture-related issues like swelling, warping, and rot, as well as damage from pests like termites and fungi, and aesthetic issues like peeling finishes and gapping. 

Can you have a basement with a Garden Suite or Laneway Suite?
It is not advisable.  Our models do not include a basement option as it would increase the cost of heating and cooling as possible flooding.

Do I need my neighbours permission to build a Garden Suite or a Laneway Suite?
No.  Our prefabricated models are manufactured offsite and assembled onsite in a “kit of parts”. Compared to traditional construction, the disturbance is significantly reduced as the foundation can be completed in a couple weeks and the exterior structure can be erected in as little as one day. After this, the work will be strictly interior, with minimal disturbances to adjacent neighbours.

Can You build a garden suite or Laneway suite where there is an existing structure?
will require the demolition of the existing structure, if the suite is to be located where the shed or garage currently sits. A demolition permit wil be required before the Garden Suite or Laneway suite can be constructed

Can you sell a garden suite with severance?
Both Laneway Suites and Garden Suites are non-severable, which means that they cannot be divided and sold as a separate piece of property.

How can a garden suite be used?
Suites have been designed with a number of different uses in mind. Some common uses include providing homeowners with an additional income stream through rental use, multi-generational living, or personal use such as a home office, guest house, or gym.

What is the difference between a garden suite and a laneway suite?
Laneway and garden suites are supplementary, detached units, typically located in the rear yard of a residential property. A Laneway Suite can only be built on a property that abuts a public laneway. A Garden Suite is a more flexible unit, permitted recently with the dismissal of the appeal for the Garden Suite bylaw, which can be built on properties that do not abut a laneway. Both types of suites permit homeowners to expand housing options 

Do garden suites need their own services?
Garden suites tie into the main house services, just like a laneway suite. This includes gas, hydro, water and sewage. There may be instances where additional services will have to be brought in like internet or cable tv from the street. For example, properties with multiple units may not have enough available power to facilitate a garden suite. In this case, a new line will have to be drawn from the street. This can increase the overall cost of your garden suite project. It is best to have your contractor review the state of your current services to avoid unexpected costs.

What is the difference between a Laneway Suite and a Garden Suite?
A laneway suite is a self-contained residential unit, typically smaller than the main house, located on the same lot, often in the backyard, and accessed via a public laneway or abuts a public laneway. A "garden suite" is a self-contained, detached residential unit, typically located in the backyard of a property, that is ancillary to the main house and designed for independent living, often used for housing family members, renting out, or as a home office. 

What is a Limiting Distance Agreement?
A Limiting Distance Agreement (LDA) is a contractual agreement between property owners (or with a municipality) allowing building closer to a property line than the Ontario Building Code (OBC) or the building code in your area would normally permit, by reserving a shared path for fire department access. 

How will my property taxes be affected by adding a Garden Suite or Laneway Suite?
Your taxes will go up based on the increased value of your property but the re-assessed value in phased in. You need to estimate what the value of your house before the garden suite or laneway suite is built and then establish the value after the construction has been completed.

By adding a Garden Suite or Laneway Suite your taxes can potentially increase up to $180 per month.

Can trees impact the construction of a Garden Suite or Laneway suite?
Yes.  Most municipalities have by-laws to govern the protection or removal of trees.
Any tree with a trunk measuring larger than 0.3m in diameter, measured 1.4m above grade is subject to protection. If the tree is small you can make arrangements with your municipality to transplany the tree and the transplanted tree must survive a certain period of time.

Do you allow CUSTOMERS to manage portions of the GARDEN SUITE to save money?
Yes.  The customer can choose to build any portion of the Garden Suite construction except where a licenced professional is required by law.

Can I build more than one Garden suite on my property?
Yes, depending on your lot size.  Garden suites can only utilize 40% of your backyard.  If your backyard is large enough allowing for setbacks and a proper distance from your main house then yes it is possible.  Garden suites typically must be build 7.5m away from the main residence.

Can I build a Garden Suite on an empty lot?
Yes but keep in mind that most municipalities award building permits based on the utilities already being on the existing site.  Garden suite are typically build in the backyard of a detached home and the utilities and tied into the existing house.  Garden Suites must be serviced with electrical, plumbing, sewage and in some cases gas.

Are Garden Suites legal in Canada?
Yes.  Thanks to new policies and zoning requirements that allow garden suites to be permitted on properties in most residential municipalities.   Garden suites are now permitted Canada wide to help address the affordable housing crises in Canada

How big can a Garden Suite be?
In Toronto, a garden suite's maximum footprint is the smallest of 40% of the rear yard area, 60 square meters (645 square feet), or 20% of the total lot area, including all ancillary buildings.  Other municipalities in Ontario allow 80 square metres (861 square feet) or even more.

Is there a height restriction for Garden Suites?
Yes.  Most municipalities have a height restriction on Garden suites and a 45 degree angular plane restriction.of projected lot lines.  In Toronto, all main walls of the garden suite may not penetrate a 45 degree angular plane projected towards the lot lines starting at a height of 4.0m. The suite must not be taller than 6m in height.
The height is established by the municipality.  The maximum height for a Garden Suite in Ontario is limited to 13.12 feet (or 4 meters). It is also important to consider the roof’s angle, which should be 45 degrees.

Do I need a survey for a Garden Suite?
Yes.   It is recommended to order a professional land survey from licensed surveyors and in most municipalities it is mandatory.. This will provide you with accurate and complete information about your property. Without a professional survey, you will not be able to obtain a building permit, as a survey plan is an essential part of the project documentation.

What is the rule for property setbacks when building a Garden Suite?
It is important to observe minimum setbacks from property boundaries when building a Garden Suite. In Ontario, setbacks from side boundaries must be at least 4 feet (or 1.22 meters). If your lot is on a corner, the setback from the side facing the street should be between 9.84 and 19.68 feet (or 3 to 6 meters).  Your local municipality can provide you with the setbacks for your specific property.

What is the difference between a solarium and a sunroom?
Solariums are almost entirely glass, including the roof, while sunrooms have large windows but typically a solid roof. Sunrooms can be created by converting a covered porch into a glass-walled space

What are common sizes of sunrooms?
Common sunroom sizes include:
12' x 20' , 12' x 12', 16' x 20', 10' x 14', 10' x 12', 10' x 8', 8' x 12', 12' x 15',  12'x14', 12'x18', and 16'x20', but sunrooms can be any size and shape to suit individual needs and preferences. 

How much does a sunroom cost?
The cost of a sunroom addition typically ranges from $100 to $350 per square foot, with factors like size, type (3-season or 4-season), materials, and location influencing the final price. In Canada, the cost of a sunroom addition can range from $8,000 to $80,000 or more, depending on factors like size, type (three-season or four-season), materials, and location. 

What is a Gazebo?
A gazebo is a freestanding, open-air structure with a roof, often found in gardens or parks, designed to provide shade, shelter, and a place to relax or socialize while enjoying the outdoors.

What is a pavilion?
Unlike a gazebo, a pavilion is a roofed structure with completely open sides and no built-in floor. The roof is typically supported by 4-6 posts or more, depending on the size, and they are most commonly attached to a deck, paver patio, or concrete base.

What is a good size for a gazebo?
For small gatherings like3-4 people an 8x8 or 10x10 gazebo might suffice, while for larger family meals or parties, a 12x12 or larger gazebo is recommended. 

How big are Gazebos?
Gazebos come in a variety of sizes, generally ranging from 8x8 feet to  14x14 feet or larger, with popular sizes including 10x10, 12x12, and 12x14 feet. 

How much does a gazebo cost?
The price range for a gazebo is $1500 to $12000.  The cost to build a gazebo can be influenced by different factors such as manufacturing material, size, design, shape, roofing, and whether there is a need for site preparation

What are standard carport sizes?
Standard single-car carports are typically around 10 feet wide and 20 feet long, while double carports are generally 20 feet long by 20 feet wide.
The width can vary depending on the size of vehicle.

How much does a carport cost?
The cost of a carport can range significantly, from around $1,295 for a metal carport to $2,000 to $12,000 for a permanent, installed carport, depending on factors like material, size, style, and whether it's a portable or permanent structure. 

What is a carport?
A carport is an alternative to a full garage.  A covered structure, typically with a roof supported by posts, that provides limited protection for vehicles, particularly from rain and snow,

How much do BBQ Grill Shelters cost?
Building a BBQ grill shelter can range from $1,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the size, materials, complexity, and whether you DIY or hire professionals. 

What is a BBQ Grill Shelter?
A BBQ Grill Shelter is a practical sheltered area that will keep the BBQ and you safe from the sun, rain, or snow.  A grill Shelter also provides a place to keep all your condiments, cooking utensils, and serving shelves within an arm's reach. 

What is an awning?
An awning is a secondary covering, typically made of fabric or metal, attached to the exterior wall of a building, extending outward to provide shade, protection from the elements, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home or building. 

What is a retractable awning?
Retractable awnings are designed to be extended to provide shade from the sun and rain, and retracted when not needed or during inclement weather.  
A retractable awning is a flexible shading system, typically made of water and UV-resistant fabric, that can be extended to provide shade and retracted to allow sunlight, offering adjustable shade and weather protection. 

How much does a retractable awning cost?
Retractable awning costs vary significantly, ranging from around $800 to over $4,000 or more, depending on factors like size, type (manual or motorized), and installation costs. 

What are common retractable awning sizes?
Common retractable awning sizes for residential use typically range from 8 to 24 feet in width, with projections (the distance from the wall) ranging from 6 to 14 feet, but custom sizes are also available. 

What are other names for Garden Suites?
Garden suites are considered to be a Secondary dwelling but they are also called 
backyard homes, coach houses, granny flats, in-law suites, laneway suites, and accessory dwelling units (ADU).