South Etobicoke
Garden Suite Build

Etobicoke is one of the most attractive places to live in Toronto, with semi busy life, proximity to airport, major highways and malls, and quietness of suburbs. This couple wanted to upgrade their land by building a Garden Suite at the back. Since garden suites were introduced in 2022 (after laneway homes), it became the smartest and the most profitable investment. For $300 000 you can build garden home in your backyard that would be rented similar to condo unit twice the purchase cost. We quickly designed modern looking structure with open kitchen/dining area and large bedroom with walk-in closet. There was no set purpose for it, but the project started as soon as permits were obtained.

As you all may realize, building additional structure in your backyard is not an easy task. Lack of space for machinery and excavated dirt is one of the issues, but working around tree protected area makes it even more difficult. There are no cranes or heavy equipment during construction and waste bins can only be placed on a driveway. Meaning, all material, garbage and waste had to be carried in/out by hand. Another difficulty our team had, digging a trench next to existing house to connect city drain and gas to garden suite. There was little space and we didn’t want to encroach.

Having many workers and a manager on site helps to speed up any project, especially one where manual labour is the main factor. Garden Suite was completed in about 4 month and now being occupied by family member of our clients. Radiant heated floor was installed throughout so ducts and radiators would be avoided to maximize allowable space. Large custom kitchen with island and skylight on top gives a fill of a large new home, but in reality it is only 650 sq ft total. We achieved everything on client’s wish list and now they enjoy their new home in the backyard.