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Do you live with your in-laws? Or are you a senior, living with your adult children? Or are you looking to earn extra income from the space in your backyard? The economy is tough and many families are opting to cut costs by living together. However, living under one roof isn’t always the perfect arrangement. garden suites can meet everybody’s need for independence and privacy while still saving money that would have gone to rent or buy another house.
With a garden suite, everyone can live peacefully while maintaining closeness with family members.
What is a garden suite?
A garden suite, colloquially known as granny flats is a legal, compact living area that is constructed inside the backyard of a single-family home. To qualify as a garden suite, it must have a living area, a bathroom, a bedroom, and a kitchen. Some garden suites come with a garage while others do not.
A garden suite can be your mortgage helper. You can make it as a rental unit and use the extra income to lower your mortgage cost. It can also help you to host your family members or your university-going children who want to be independent and live in a good neighborhood but might not be able to afford the rent yet.
If you recently heard about garden suites and are interested in building one in Toronto, this Garden Suites 101 guide will help you as you prepare to embark on this exciting undertaking.
You Need a Reliable Partner to Build Your Garden Suite Efficiently
A garden suite is a legal, long-term housing. You must follow all the bylaws and regulations from the initial stages of planning to build the garden suite. To make the process easier, work with a reliable partner. Whether you are looking to build a cottage, a rustic, or a cabin type, a building partner will help you choose the right one based on your budget and the size of your existing property.
If you are in Toronto, the team at 21 Inc. Will guide you through the entire process. They will visit your site and review your property, interpret the bylaws for you, and recommend the right height and shape for the garden suite. A professional laneway builder is all you need to complete your garden suite in less than six months with minimal disruption to the neighborhood.
You Must Confirm Eligibility
Before you do anything, make sure that you are eligible to construct a garden suite in your backyard. In the past, only residential homes near commercial properties were eligible to build garden suites. Zoning bylaws have since been updated making it possible for homeowners in low-density areas to legally build garden suites.
If your backyard has large trees that can get in the way of construction, you must have prior written approval from the municipality to injure or remove the tree. A professional building partner who knows the ins and outs of your city will guide you accordingly after reviewing your site and inform you whether you meet all the rules. They can also guide you through the process of submitting all the required documents and fees so that you obtain a permit from the city.
Image Credit: depositphotos.com
