In recent years, the concept of a “backyard home” has gained immense popularity in Canada. As the demand for housing options continues to rise and the need for sustainable, flexible living spaces grows, backyard homes have emerged as an innovative solution. The Resimate marketplace takes this same innovative approach to housing, providing free lot assessments to homeowners in Toronto and directly connecting homeowners to trusted builder partners with beautiful models that fit their unique backyard.
In this article, we’ll explore what a backyard home is, delve into common terms associated with these structures, and examine how they are shaping the Canadian housing landscape.
What is a Backyard Home?
A backyard home, often referred to as a “garden suite,” “laneway house,” or “granny flat,” is a self-contained secondary dwelling located on the same property as the main residence. These compact and fully functional homes can be situated in the backyard, attached to a garage, or tucked away in a corner of the property. The primary purpose of these dwellings is to provide additional living space while promoting sustainability and efficient land use.
Common Terms Associated with Backyard Homes
Additional or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): This is a generic term used to describe any additional living space on a property, which includes backyard homes, basement apartments, and other supplementary structures. ADUs aim to increase housing options while utilizing existing space efficiently. Detached ADUs refer to structures that are physically separate from the primary residence.
1. Garden Suite: This term is commonly used in British Columbia, Alberta, and now Toronto (2022) to describe secondary dwellings built in the backyard. Garden suites can vary in size and design, offering homeowners flexibility in their use.
2. Laneway House: Predominantly used in British Columbia, “laneway houses” are small, detached homes built on the laneways or alleys behind the main residence. They are known for their affordability and suitability for urban areas. Toronto now has laneway suite bylaws as well, which are different from garden suite bylaws!
3. Coach House: Coach houses are similar to laneway houses and are often used interchangeably in some regions of Canada (i.e. Ottawa). They can be attached or detached and typically share a property with the primary residence.
4. Secondary Suite: A broader term used to encompass various types of secondary dwellings, including basement apartments, garden suites, and laneway houses. Regulations regarding secondary suites vary by province and municipality.
5. Granny Flat: Also known as “granny suites” or “in-law suites,” these are secondary dwellings designed for accommodating family members, such as aging parents or adult children. They often contain a separate kitchen, bathroom, and living area.
Backyard Homes in Canada
The popularity of backyard homes in Canada can be attributed to several factors:
1. Affordability: Backyard homes offer an affordable housing solution for homeowners and renters alike. In a housing market where prices continue to rise, they provide a cost-effective way to utilize existing land.
2. Flexible Living Arrangements: Backyard homes can serve various purposes, from rental income to multigenerational living arrangements, providing homeowners with increased flexibility.
3. Sustainability: These structures promote sustainable urban development by maximizing the use of available space without the need for extensive land development.
4. Increased Density: As cities aim to curb urban sprawl, backyard homes contribute to increasing housing density in established neighborhoods, reducing the need for new developments on the outskirts.
5. Zoning and Regulations: While regulations governing backyard homes vary by province and municipality, many Canadian cities have embraced these dwellings by revising zoning bylaws and permitting their construction.
Backyard homes are transforming the Canadian housing landscape by offering versatile and sustainable living solutions. As more homeowners and municipalities embrace this trend, we can expect to see an even greater variety of these secondary dwellings across the country. Whether you call them garden suites, laneway houses, or granny flats, these structures are paving the way for innovative housing solutions in Canada!
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