What is a garden suite?

A garden suite is a self-contained home built in the back yard of an existing house, with its own kitchen, bathroom, living area and entrance. It is the detached form of an additional residential unit, also called a backyard suite, garden house or granny flat. A laneway house is the version that fronts onto a rear public lane.

Can I build a garden suite in Toronto?

It depends on your specific lot. The main tests are lot size and rear-yard depth, setbacks and separation from the main house, maximum height and footprint, a clear unobstructed emergency access route from the street, and the servicing run for water, sanitary and hydro. Deomax checks all of these on a free site visit before any drawings are paid for.

What drives the cost of a garden suite?

Size and model, how far the water, sanitary and hydro have to be trenched and what is in the way, whether machinery can reach the back yard or material must be carried, soft costs such as survey, drawings, engineering and permit fees, and the finish level.

How long does a garden suite take to build?

Plan it in two halves. Approvals, meaning survey, design, permit application and any minor variance, are the longer and less predictable half. Construction is comparatively predictable once the permit is issued. Starting the drawings and the servicing investigation early shortens the total more than rushing the build does.

Garden Suites Toronto | Backyard Homes Built End to End

Garden Suites in Toronto: What Is Different Here

Toronto permits garden suites city-wide. That is the headline, and it means the question on a Toronto lot is rarely “is it allowed” and almost always “does this particular back yard work”. The City’s own program page is Toronto garden suites.

Laneway or garden? If your property backs onto a public lane you may be able to build a laneway suite instead, which is usually the easier and cheaper build because materials and machinery come in from the lane. If there is no lane, a garden suite is your route. See laneway, coach and carriage houses.
Emergency access is the gate. On Toronto’s narrow older lots, particularly the deep, narrow lots in the pre-war neighbourhoods, the required clear route from the street to the suite entrance is what kills most projects. We measure that path before anything else.
Trees. Toronto’s tree protection by-law is enforced, and mature rear-yard trees are common in the older wards. Tree protection zones can shift where the suite sits or trigger an arborist report, so we identify protected trees at the survey stage.
Servicing runs are long. On a deep Toronto lot the water, sanitary and hydro run from the house or the street to the back of the property can be a significant share of the budget. See garden suite utility connections.

Before you start, read: Ontario Bill 23 and backyard suites, garden suite zoning by-laws, the difference between laneway, garden and carriage homes, garden suite utility connections, how to price your garden suite for profit and garden suite design ideas.

Build Your Dream Garden Suite with Deomax in Toronto!

Enhance your Toronto property with a stunning, self-contained garden suite! These standalone units feature a kitchen, living area, bedroom, and bathroom, offering flexible and functional living spaces. If you’re ready to bring your vision to life, contact us today and let’s make it happen!

Free Consultation

Free Assessment

Free Site Visit

OUR Garden SUITE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

At Deomax, we specialize in designing and constructing custom garden suites across Toronto and the GTA. Our focus is on providing modern, stylish, and cost-effective solutions that fit your budget and timeline, turning your backyard into a functional and beautiful living space.

Step 1: Plan

Collaborate with our team to create a personalized plan for your one-bedroom or studio garden suite, ensuring it fits your Toronto property and meets all local regulations.

Deomax Group design stage icon for the renovation process

Step 2: Design

Once the planning is complete, work with our design experts to finalize a custom layout for your garden suite that reflects your style and optimizes the available space.

Step 3: Build

With the design approved, our experienced team will begin construction, turning your dream garden suite into a reality with careful attention to detail and quality craftsmanship.

Step 4: Clean

After construction is complete, we ensure your garden suite is fully cleaned and move-in ready, so you can start enjoying your new living space right away.

Custom Garden Suite Plans for Your Property

Building a garden suite on your Toronto property is an excellent way to add a detached additional residential unit. These self-contained units typically feature a kitchen, living area, bedroom, and bathroom, offering flexible living space for family, guests, or rental income.

Toronto has established specific regulations for the construction of garden suites. Our team specializes in designing custom garden suites that comply with these city requirements while respecting your property’s unique features. We also prepare tailored site and grading plans to ensure that your garden suite integrates seamlessly with your lot and meets all necessary zoning and building standards.

By working with experienced professionals, you save time and effort while ensuring your garden suite complies with all applicable regulations. Partner with a licensed garden suite builder to bring your vision to life efficiently and cost-effectively.

Specific Provisions for Garden Suites

Location: Garden suites must be located in the rear yard of the property and cannot be adjacent to a public laneway.

Maximum Size: The maximum footprint of a garden suite is the lesser of 40% of the rear yard area or 60 square meters.

Setbacks:

Rear Yard: Minimum of 1.2 meters from the rear lot line.
Side Yard: Minimum of 0.6 meters from the side lot line.
Distance from Principal Dwelling: Minimum of 1.2 meters.

Height: The maximum height of a garden suite is 4.0 meters.

Access: A minimum 1.0-meter-wide pedestrian path is required to provide access to the main entrance of the garden suite.

Other Restrictions: Balconies and rooftop patios are not permitted on garden suites.

These regulations are designed to ensure safety, proper spacing between properties, and harmonious integration of garden suites into the community. For more detailed information on Toronto’s garden suite regulations, refer to the City of Toronto’s Garden Suites page.

What Does a Garden Suite Cost in Toronto?

While the city average typically sits between $250,000 and $550,000, our streamlined process allows us to build more affordably, passing those savings directly on to you.

Generally, you can expect our all-in costs to range from $350 to $600 per square foot, depending on the size and finishes you choose.

Cost Breakdown by Size

As a rule of thumb, smaller suites cost a bit more per square foot because fixed expenses like hooking up a kitchen, bathroom, and utilities are spread over less space. As the suite gets larger, the price per square foot drops.

Small Suites (300 – 600 sq. ft.): $450 – $650 per sq. ft.
Medium Suites (600 – 800 sq. ft.): $400 – $500 per sq. ft.
Large Suites (800 – 1,200+ sq. ft.): $350 – $450 per sq. ft.

Understanding “Soft Costs”

Before the first shovel hits the ground, there are behind-the-scenes expenses known as soft costs. These cover everything required to get your project approved, safe, and ready to build. For a Toronto garden suite, our soft costs typically run between $15,000 and $50,000 and include:

Design & Architecture: Creating the blueprints for your dream layout.
Engineering & HVAC Drawings: Ensuring the structure is safe and energy-efficient.
City Permits: Getting the official green light from the City of Toronto.
Site Preparation & Surveys: Arborist (tree) reports and zoning reviews.

Personalize Your Garden Suite Design

Customize your garden suite with a variety of personalized finishes, including siding materials, windows, doors, and flooring. While the overall size and layout—such as walls, doors, and room locations—must adhere to Toronto’s regulations, you still have plenty of flexibility to add unique touches that make the space truly yours.

Customize Your Own Garden Suite

Building Your Garden Suite

Once your plans and design are finalized, it’s time to turn your vision into reality! We’ve helped many homeowners in Toronto construct garden suites that meet all city regulations, transforming their backyards into practical, beautiful living spaces.

Our Garden Suite Construction Projects

Move-In Ready Garden Suites

Looking to build a fully finished, move-in ready garden suite in your Toronto backyard? You’ve come to the right place! Our team of skilled garden suite contractors has the experience to bring your vision to life, ensuring a smooth, seamless, and stress-free construction process.

Find New Tenants – Your Backyard Suite is Move-In READY!

Ready to rent out your garden suite or move in yourself? We’re here to help you customize it to perfection! Our experienced team specializes in a variety of renovation and finishing services to transform your garden suite into your dream home, including:

Custom mouldings and trims
Electrical upgrades
Flooring installation
Insulation improvements
Baseboards
Plaster and drywall repair
Kitchen installations

Door replacements
Professional painting
Plumbing work
Interior waterproofing
Bathroom renovations
Bedroom setups
And much more!

Wall removal
Mouldings and trims
Electrical
Flooring
Insulation
Baseboards
Plaster repair
Kitchens
Basements
Doors
Drywall
Painting
Plumbing
Baseboards
Interior waterproofing
Staircases
Bathrooms
And so much more!

    
 
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you want commercial, but done professional reach out now to Deomax! Dmytro is the best when it comes to reaching on time and getting work done the right way on projects. You can tell he truly cares about the quality of the work and the success of the project. Great experience working with him and his team.
  
 
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   Greg Cipryk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just completed an extensive house Reno with Dmytro and his team and I couldn’t be happier. Deomax got a tremendous amount of work done in a relatively quick time frame and he was ahead of schedule. We weren’t the easiest customer in the world and there were many jobs that came up and extended the scope of work. Outside of the quality of work and timelines, the biggest thing I was impressed with was how much care and detail Dmytro put into the project. Any additional work or issues that came up were explained in great detailed, he guided us without being pushy, he allowed us to make the decisions but was a trusted advisor. It was our first time taking in a project like this, it shouldn’t wasn’t easy but Dmytro and his team were a key reason it was a success. Easy 5 stars for me, would never hesitate to recommend him to anyone and I’m certain we will be using him for work in the future.
  
 
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   Youri Makovski 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service. Easy scheduling and punctual crew. Everything went smoothly and quality of work of outstanding. Would definitely recommend for your next renovation.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I  highly recommend Deomax for all your renovation projects.   Dmytro is a pleasure to work with.  He is highly reliable, knowledgeable and has always been very responsive and honest to all of our questions or concerns.  We will definitely rely on him for any future projects and are very satisfied with all the work he has done for us so far.
  
 
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   Kristen Grinyer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Deomax Group completed a full bathroom renovation in my home. From the first consultation right to the end of the renovation, Dmytro and his employees were concise, professional, and respectful. Dmytro listened to my vision, worked to make it happen and provided solutions and options for any disruptions/ surprises (which happens in old Toronto homes!). Because of Dmytro's professionalism & consistent communication he showed from the beginning, I felt confident to have him & his crew start our project while I was away for 2 weeks. He kept me updated throughout the progression, which was greatly appreciated. Dmytro & his employees take pride in their work and it shows in the quality. Home renovations can be very personal with unique visions &  preferences. I think Dmytro understands this and will seek out the best employee for the task, ie: tiling, trim work, ect. When I had questions along the way of the renovation, Dmytro and his employees took the time to listen and answer them. To sum this all up, choosing Deomax Group to complete my bathroom renovation in 4 weeks, was a very pleasant experience. I'll definitely be using them for future home renovation! ***UPDATE 1.5yrs LATER*** I am pleased to update this review. Deomax had called me recently to simply check in on the quality and performance of my renovated bathroom. To which there were a couple mishaps that I thought I would have to live with or get fixed on my own. I explained an issue with my sink & Dmytro listen and suggested a solution and it worked! Also, one of my baseboards on an exterior facing wall had cracked due to weather change. This I thought I'd just have to live with. Again, Dmytro provided a solution and came and fixed it within a week! If Deomax did not have do a quality check service call, (1.5 years later!) I would still be dealing with this issues today! Thank you Deomax & Dmytro for the excellent service & quality of work!
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dmytro looked after a major renovation for a 100+year home in the Birch Cliff area in the east end of Toronto. Was able to come up with some cost savings strategies and finished the job ahead of schedule. Challenging job that was successfully completed 👍🏻👍🏻
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We selected Dmytro and his team after several interviews with potential contractors for our home renovation.  As part of our initial quote, he shared several innovative and cost savings ideas for our project.  During the project, communication was always on point and prompt.  His team was always punctual and tidied up daily, which was appreciated, we were living in the home during the renovation.  With Dmytro, there were no unexpected changes to the quotes, and we were always informed and aligned on changes.   We were pleased with the quality of the work and will use Deomax for future renovations,
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We hire, Dima and his team to do the bathroom renovation in our townhouse. The job was done fast, clean and for affordable price. Highly recommend Deomax Group.
  
 
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   Sara Rosa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Deomax helped us with a bathroom renovation this fall. Dmytro and his team did a great job, started and finished on time and the attention to detail was much appreciated. Dmytro is great at responding to any questions and is very passionate about his work. There was a little hiccup during the demolition, but it was addressed quickly and handled professionally.
  
 
  
  
 
 
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We had the guys from Deomax redo our kitchen for us and we could not be happier with the work.

We have a more modern kitchen now that is far more functional than our old design.

Dennis T.

I called Deomax to help me with our basement, and I am so glad that I did. They gave us an incredible and beautiful space.

Couldn't recommend them enough.

Tracey B.

Deomax did an amazing job in the bathroom in our master bedroom. They made it way more functional for us.

I would recommend them to anyone. Thanks guys!

Thomas R.

Highly recommend! Completed my kitchen remodelling with Deomax and am very happy with the results. Workmanship is top notch (even the small details like electrical and plumbing done to maximize space) and they completed all the work on time. Thank you so much!

Sunny L.

Reached out to Dmytro from Deomax Group with commercial washroom project. He was prompt on response, professional and fast. Project from start to end went smooth and I am very happy with the work and final results. Thank you to Dmytro and his crew, will definitely call for the future projects. Highly recommend!

Daniil V.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Suites

Are garden suites legal in Ontario?

Yes, garden suites are legal in Ontario, provided they meet zoning and building code requirements. Each municipality, including Toronto, has its own specific regulations. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the City of Toronto’s Garden Suites page.

How much does a Garden Suite cost in Toronto?

The cost of constructing a garden suite depends on its design, size, and features. On average, the cost to build a garden suite is approximately $300 per square foot.

What are the requirements to build a garden suite in Toronto?

Building a garden suite in Toronto requires compliance with the city’s zoning bylaws, building codes, and the acquisition of permits. Key requirements include size limits, setbacks, and utility connections. Full details are available on the City of Toronto’s Garden Suites page.

Can I rent out my garden house?

Yes, garden suites in Toronto can be rented out for long-term or short-term use, provided they comply with Toronto’s rental and property regulations.

How long does it take to build a garden house?

The time required to build a garden suite in Toronto varies based on the project’s scope and complexity. On average, the process—from initial design to completion—takes between 6 months to a year.

Garden Suite Construction in Toronto

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