Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Build Smart. Live Better.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a fully independent living space built on the same property as an existing home — often in a basement, above a garage, or in a separate structure out back.
More Ontario homeowners are adding ADUs — not because it’s trendy, but because it solves real problems:
-
You need rental income.
-
You want to keep family close without sacrificing privacy.
-
You’d rather invest in your own land than move or buy something bigger.
We design ADUs that are legal, comfortable, and worth the investment — without turning your home into a maze of code requirements or awkward layouts. Let’s break down the essentials and how we get your ADU design done right.
Types of Accessory Dwelling Units
The kind of ADU you build depends on your lot, your goals, and your city’s zoning rules. That’s where we come in — to show you what’s possible.
.png)
Garden suites / Garage conversions
.png)
Basement units
Addition / Extensions
Good Design Isn’t Just “Up to Code” — It Has to Make Sense
A legal unit on paper is one thing. A livable unit in real life is something else entirely.
We design with real-world comfort in mind:
-
Can a parent or adult child live here long-term and feel at home?
-
Does it have proper light, flow, and enough storage to function like a real apartment — not a basement box?
-
Can you rent it confidently, knowing it won’t be a headache for you or your tenant?
The design has to work now, five years from now, and when or if you eventually sell the place.
Getting Your Existing House Measured Right
Most problems start with bad measurements. Before we draw anything, we do a full set of as-built drawings.
That means:
-
Scaled floor plans and elevations for every level of your house
-
Site plans that show setbacks, grades, and entrances
-
Detailed measurements of structural elements, bulkheads, windows, doors, and anything that could impact the design or construction
One site visit can save you months of wasted time — and the city appreciates having a clear record of the existing house.
Fire Separation: More Than Just Drywall
Fire separation isn’t about slapping drywall between units. It’s about rated assemblies, smoke migration, and making sure people are protected if something goes wrong.
Depending on your layout, you may need:
-
30 to 60-minute rated floor and wall systems
-
Rated windows and doors, proper penetrations, and fire caulking
-
Interconnected smoke and CO alarms across units
These are just a few of the critical fire separation elements to consider. We include all necessary fire separation requirements in every ADU design plan we produce..
When the Zoning Says No — But You Still Want to Move Forward
Not every ADU fits perfectly within your city’s zoning bylaw. That’s where a minor variance comes in. It’s a formal request to go slightly beyond what zoning allows — and it’s often the difference between a great layout and a forced compromise.
Common reasons you might need a minor variance:
-
Setbacks that are slightly too small
-
Lot coverage slightly over the limit
-
Not enough parking spaces
Designing for ROI — Without Overbuilding
A well-designed ADU can pay itself off. But it has to be done right.
Here’s what makes the difference:
-
Legality: Fully permitted, code-compliant units that don’t put you at risk
-
Comfort: A space people want to live in (and pay market rent for)
-
Efficiency: Smart layouts that avoid wasted space or unnecessary costs
We balance all three. No overbuilding. No wasted square footage. Just a design that fits your property, your goals, and your budget.
What We Actually Do
-
On-site measurements and existing-condition drawings
-
Zoning analysis and multiple layout concepts
-
Fire separation and Ontario Building Code compliance
-
BCIN-stamped construction drawings
-
Permit-ready documentation and submission support
-
Coordination with engineers and contractors (as needed)
Discover
Contact
If you’re ready to turn your home into something more — for your family, your finances, or your future — let’s figure out what’s possible on your lot.
Call Us
Email Us
Location
-
Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA)
-
Niagara Region
-
Waterloo Region
