Free Quote

Laneway & Garden Suite

Transform Your Garage or Backyard into a Legal Rental Suite

  • Home
  • Services
  • Laneway & Garden Suite

Other Services

Create a Separate Rental Unit Behind Your Home

Is your garage or backyard underutilized but you’d like to increase your property’s rental value? SL Designs helps you make the most of your space by converting an unused backyard or existing garage into a brand-new one- or two-storey rental unit.

From design and approvals to construction and final delivery, we manage the entire process to ensure your new unit is fully compliant and built within budget. Contact SL Designs today or fill out our FREE QUOTE form to receive an accurate estimate for your upcoming project.

Difference Between Laneway & Garden Suites

Laneway Suites
A laneway suite is a self-contained residential unit located on the same lot as a detached home, with a separate entrance facing a public laneway at the rear of the property.

Garden Suites
A garden suite is a detached residential unit built behind the main home, typically located in the rear yard and not connected to a public laneway.

Both garden suites and laneway suites are excellent solutions for housing family members, generating rental income, or creating flexible live-work spaces—while increasing the overall value of your property.

How to Convert Your Garage or Backyard into a Rental Suite

With every laneway or garden suite project, SL Designs keeps you informed at every stage. We provide a clear roadmap, transparent budgeting, and regular updates—so you can fully understand your investment and move forward with confidence, without the stress of managing the process yourself.

Step 1 — Initial Consultation

During the FREE consultation, project goals, design preferences, and property details are reviewed. This information is used to define a personalized project brief and prepare initial conceptual drawings.

Step 2 — Project Preparation

The existing layout and site conditions are analyzed to develop a clear and comprehensive project scope. Once objectives, timelines, and budgets are aligned, the project moves forward and all preliminary groundwork is handled.

Step 3 — Design Development

After conceptual approval, detailed computer-drafted block-out drawings are prepared. These drawings provide a clear visual of layouts and exterior elevations, allowing for refinements to ensure all design and project requirements are met.

Step 4 — Material Selection

While permit applications are underway, a curated selection of high-quality materials is presented. Options are sourced from trusted suppliers across Canada and internationally to balance durability, aesthetics, and value.

Step 5 — Construction Preparation

Final construction drawings are completed with full structural engineering, precise dimensions, and detailed specifications. These comprehensive drawings ensure a smooth construction phase and a high-quality finished rental suite.

Frequently Asked Questions

A laneway suite faces a public laneway at the rear of your property, while a garden suite is a detached unit built in the backyard without laneway access. SL Designs helps determine which option suits your lot and zoning.