ADUs & Secondary Suites
Create a safe, legal ADU or secondary suite with thoughtful design, full code compliance, and predictable costs.
ADUs and Secondary Suites, Done Right and Done Legal
Adding a separate living space to your home is a smart way to support family or create rental income—but only if it’s safe, legal, and properly planned. A quick “basement makeover” may look finished, but if it isn’t built to code, it can create problems with safety, insurance, and resale for Toronto homeowners.
We design and build ADUs and secondary suites in Toronto as part of a clear, step‑by‑step construction process. Using our Construction Playbook, we confirm what’s allowed on your property under the Ontario Building Code, then plan and price every detail before construction begins, so you know exactly what you’re getting, what it will cost, and how long it will take.
You’re not dealing with a one‑off renovation contractor. You’re working with a construction company that treats every construction project with the same care as a full home renovation.
Why Consider an ADU or Secondary Suite?
For many families, a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit is less about squeezing in an extra room and more about planning for the future.
You might be thinking about an ADU or secondary suite if:
- You’d like a comfortable, private living space for aging parents to live nearby.
- Adult children need an affordable, separate place to stay while they get established.
- You want high‑quality rental income to help support long‑term financial plans.
- You’re looking for ways to “future‑proof” your Toronto home for multi‑generational living or changing needs.
In each case, the goal is the same: create a self‑contained, safe, and comfortable space that works for real people—not just a quick, cosmetic renovation.
Types of ADUs and Secondary Suites We Build
We focus on well‑designed, code‑compliant units that integrate properly with your existing home and lot.
Basement Secondary Suites
A legal basement suite is more than a few new finishes. It needs proper ceiling heights, safe exits, fire separation, sound control, and the right plumbing and services. We design and build full secondary suites that feel bright, comfortable, and secure, whether they’re for family or tenants.
If a future basement renovation or basement finishing is part of your plan, we’ll make sure it ties into the suite design so the entire project feels cohesive.
Coach Houses and Over‑Garage Units
Where bylaws and lot conditions allow, we can create detached or over‑garage units that give family or tenants more independence while staying close by. These construction projects require careful planning around zoning, access, services, and privacy, which we handle through the Playbook and our design‑build approach.
Internal Conversions
Sometimes the best option is to convert part of the existing house into a separate unit with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. We plan these conversions so both spaces feel natural and functional, and the separation meets code and comfort requirements.
In every case, the unit is planned as part of a larger renovation strategy when needed, so it feels like a natural extension of your home rather than an afterthought.
Why Doing It “By the Book” Matters
Secondary suites and ADUs are governed by building code and municipal bylaws that have grown more complex in recent years. A suite that looks finished but doesn’t meet these standards can:
- Create insurance and financing issues.
- Cause problems with future appraisals or resale.
- Put occupants at risk in an emergency if safety details are overlooked.
We treat these projects with the same rigor we bring to major home renovation work and restoration. Our background in “insurance‑grade” construction work means we are used to meeting strict code and documentation requirements. We bring that same mindset and construction management discipline to your ADU or secondary suite.
From fire separation and egress to sound control, ventilation, and structural changes, we design and build to code or better. We also manage the drawings, permits, and building permit approvals, so you’re not left trying to sort out compliance on your own.
How Our ADU Playbook Works
A safe, legal, and comfortable suite starts with a clear plan. Our Construction Playbook gives you that clarity before any construction activities begin.
We begin with a discovery meeting and site review. We walk your home and property, talk about who the suite is for, and look at where it could go—basement, over a garage, or within the existing footprint. At this stage, we focus on what you need the space to do and what may be possible on your lot.
Next, we complete a feasibility and compliance check. We review zoning rules, parking requirements, and key code items such as ceiling height, exits, and fire separation. You get an honest view of what’s allowed and what would be involved in doing it properly. This is where we start to define the project scope and align it with your renovation budget.
From there, we move into design and selections. We plan the layout, windows, sound control, storage, finishes, and fixtures, keeping in mind who will live there and for how long. The goal is to create a space that feels good to live in, not just a space that meets the minimum standard.
Once the design is set, we confirm a fixed price and schedule based on the full scope of work. Because we plan in detail upfront, our projects typically stay within one percent of the agreed price. You see the numbers and timeline before you commit to construction, so your renovation cost is clear.
Finally, we build, inspect, and hand over the finished suite. Our team manages construction work, coordinates inspections, and ensures that any required documentation is in place. You end up with a legal, well‑built unit and a clear understanding of how it fits into your home and long‑term plans.
The Benefits of a Properly Planned ADU or Secondary Suite
When an ADU or secondary suite is done right, it supports your family and your investment instead of adding risk.
For you, that means:
- Peace of mind: The suite is legal, inspected, and safe for the people who live in it.
- Clarity and control: You know what is being built, what it costs, and how long it will take before work starts.
- A better living space: Thoughtful design, light, storage, and sound control make the space comfortable, not cramped.
- Stronger long‑term value: A properly documented, code‑compliant suite can support appraisal and future resale, instead of raising questions.
Our job as your construction contractor is to guide you through the rules and decisions so you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’ve done this the right way.
Start Your ADU or Secondary Suite the Right Way
If you’re thinking about space for family or a legal rental suite, the safest first step is a clear plan and compliance check - not a rushed renovation.
Schedule your free consultation today.
We’ll review your home, explain what’s possible on your property, and outline design options, budget, and timeline so you can decide with confidence whether an ADU or secondary suite is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my home even eligible for a legal secondary suite or ADU?
Eligibility depends on your municipality’s rules, your lot, and your existing structure. During an ADU Playbook Session, we review your property, discuss your goals, and check the key requirements. If a legal suite isn’t possible, we’ll explain why and suggest any alternatives we see.
What are the main requirements for a legal suite?
While details vary by location, common requirements include minimum ceiling heights, proper exits, fire separation, sound control, and adequate natural light and ventilation. There may also be parking and zoning rules. We handle these details as part of the Playbook, so you don’t have to interpret building code on your own.
How long does it take to design and build an ADU or secondary suite?
Timelines depend on the scope of work, permit timelines, and inspection schedules. As we build your Playbook, we create a project‑specific schedule with key milestones and an overall timeframe. You’ll see this schedule before signing a construction contract, so you know what to expect from the entire project.
Will a suite affect my insurance or mortgage?
A properly permitted, code‑compliant suite is far easier to insure and declare to lenders than an informal or illegal unit. We encourage you to speak with your insurer and lender, and we can provide documentation about the work we complete. Our role is to make sure the construction and compliance side is handled correctly.
Can we renovate other parts of the home at the same time?
Yes. Many homeowners combine a secondary suite with other changes, such as a main‑floor renovation or home addition. If you’re considering this, we plan the work together in the Playbook so that everything fits into one clear scope, budget, and schedule.
Certifications
What Our Clients Say About Complex Renovations
Families who ask us to add secondary suites or multi‑generational space often start with a mix of hope and concern. They want to create room for the people they care about or a stable rental income, but they don’t want to risk safety, comfort, or financial surprises. After going through the Construction Playbook and seeing a clear plan, pricing, and schedule, they tell us they feel informed and in control. During construction, they appreciate regular updates, a tidy site, and a team of seasoned professionals that respects both the existing home and the new space being created.
The feedback is consistent: the new suite feels like a natural part of the home, there were no unexpected costs, and the process was far less stressful than they feared.
