FAQs

  • A Garden Suite is a self-contained living accommodation located within an ancillary building, usually in the rear yard of a property, but not on a public lane. It is a detached secondary dwelling that provides additional living space for family members, rental income, or home offices, and is designed to harmonize with the existing property and neighborhood.

  • Building a garden suite offers numerous benefits, including increased housing flexibility, economic benefits through rental income, and enhanced privacy for occupants. It also promotes sustainable development, reduces urban sprawl, and provides more affordable housing options, addressing the housing crisis.

General Questions

  • Metrosuite offers three primary designs for their prefab garden suites: Metrosuite One, Metrosuite One+, and Metrosuite Two. Metrosuite One is a 480 sqft one-bedroom home, Metrosuite One+ is a 600 sqft one-bedroom home, and Metrosuite Two is a 600 sqft two-bedroom home. These designs are crafted to provide modern, comfortable living spaces with high-quality finishes and appliances, such as Frigidaire appliances and Corian countertops.

  • The construction process for a Metrosuite project typically takes around 4-6 months to complete once the necessary permits are obtained. This timeframe includes the procurement of materials, preparation, and the home manufacturing in the factory. Notably, the onsite work component is relatively brief, lasting approximately 2-4 weeks, during which time the project is brought to life.

  • Clients should be aware that garden suites are restricted to a single unit per property. Additionally, the lot size of a potential garden suite in Toronto should not exceed 60m2 (645ft2), and the suite must be a minimum of 1.5m (5ft) away from the rear property line and 0.6m (2ft) away from the side property lines. Furthermore, garden suites are subject to zoning by-law regulations, including height, floor area, angular planes, and soft landscaping requirements, and must comply with the Ontario Building Code and municipal zoning by-laws.

  • The materials used in the construction of our prefab garden suites include interior and exterior finishing materials such as siding, flooring, cabinets, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and appliances, as well as windows and doors. The suites also come with a heat pump and mini-split system, heat recovery ventilator system, washer/dryer, and water heater. Additionally, the foundation installation utilizes a helical pile system, and the suites are weatherproofed with joints sealed during the craning process.

Design & Construction

  • In Ontario, a building permit is required for a garden suite, which must comply with the relevant Ontario Building Code regulations and the municipal zoning by-laws. The permit application process involves submitting detailed plans and drawings, including site plans, architectural floor plans, and HVAC drawings; all of which is taken care of by us. Additionally, the garden suite must adhere to specific regulations regarding size, height, setbacks, and servicing requirements, such as water, sewer, and electrical services.

  • In Ontario, garden suites can be rented out, providing a potential source of additional income for homeowners. The rental income from a garden suite in Toronto depends on the neighbourhood and included amenities.

  • In Ontario, financing options for garden suites include traditional mortgages, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), construction loans, and private financing. Homeowners can also refinance their existing mortgage to cover the costs of building a garden suite, and some financial institutions offer specialized programs. Additionally, government incentives such as development charge deferrals and grants may be available for eligible projects, particularly in cities like Toronto.

  • It is recommended that homeowners consult their insurance provider to determine the specific coverage requirements and update their policy to include the garden suite.

Legal & Financial

Practical Considerations

  • In Toronto, garden suites can only be built in the rear or side yards of a property, not in laneways or front yards. They must be located in an area that allows for emergency access and is within a certain distance from the main road and fire hydrants. The specific location of the garden suite on the property must also comply with setback requirements from lot lines and maintain a minimum distance from the main house and other structures.

  • When considering utility connections for a garden suite, factors such as zoning, utility tie-ins, and clearance from power lines and poles are crucial. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a beneficial approach that we use for making these connections as it allows for faster, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly installation of utilities without disrupting the landscape of your property. By using HDD, homeowners can preserve their landscaping, minimize soil disturbance, and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, making it an ideal method for installing utilities in confined or sensitive areas.

  • To manage maintenance and repairs of garden suites, homeowners should establish a regular maintenance routine that includes inspections to identify any signs of wear and tear or potential maintenance issues. Regular cleaning and preservation of the suite's exterior surfaces, gutters, and roof are also crucial to prevent water damage and deterioration. 

  • Incorporating privacy features such as partitions, hedges, or fences can help maintain privacy between the two structures. These measures not only comply with regulations but also enhance the overall privacy and aesthetic appeal of the property.