Designing your dream backyard suite: what you need to know before you build

By Attimo Homes

As Canada continues to face growing housing challenges — from sky-high home prices to increasing inter-generational needs — many homeowners are beginning to look at their own backyards differently. What was once a patch of grass or a quiet garden is now a canvas for possibility.

Enter the Garden Suite, also known as an Additional Residential Unit (ARU)—a fully self-contained, detached secondary home that can be placed on an existing residential lot. These homes are transforming how Canadians think about housing, aging, family, and the use of space.

Why garden suites?

Garden Suites are more than just tiny homes—they’re practical, purpose-built solutions that address a wide range of needs:

• Multigenerational living: Give aging parents their independence while staying close by.
• Housing for adult children: Support young adults with their first step into independence.
• Rental income: Generate monthly cash flow from your own property.
• Future-proofing: Build long-term value and flexibility into your home.

Thanks to recent zoning updates in many municipalities across the country—and the rollout of the Federal Secondary Suites Mortgage Program—Garden Suites have never been more attainable.

First things first: can you even add one?

This is the #1 question we get at Attimo Homes—and the answer is: it depends. Every lot is different, and each municipality has its own rules about:

• Minimum lot size
• Setbacks (distance from property lines)
• Height restrictions
• Lot coverage (how much of the land you can build on)
• Parking requirements

At Attimo, we begin every client journey with a comprehensive property eligibility assessment to ensure your project is feasible before you invest in design or construction.

What are the design options?

We work with a wide network of manufacturers and builders across Ontario, each offering a different approach—from container builds to modular stick-frame construction, steel-frame designs, and panelized systems.

During the webinar, we’ll walk you through some of the available layouts, including:

• Our 320 sq. ft. model (currently on display in Collingwood, ON!)
• A 900 sq. ft., two-bedroom option for families needing more space
• Custom options ranging from modern bachelor suites to multi-room units

Features like full kitchens, ensuite laundry, vaulted ceilings, and large windows are all possible. You’ll also see examples of energy-efficient materials, stylish finishes, and real-time photos from our factory partners like Habitat28, Ballance Containers, Northern Shield, and Eden Dwellings.

What’s the process?

Installing a Garden Suite is not as simple as dropping a prefab box on your lot. It involves several key phases:

1. Initial Consultation – We start with your goals, a quick eligibility check, and a rough budget.
2. Letter of Intent – $1,500 gets the ball rolling on your property-specific assessment and planning.
3. Design Phase – Work with our manufacturer’s in-house designers to customize your suite.
4. Permitting – We handle zoning, permit applications, and surveys (if needed).
5. Site Servicing – Plumbing, foundation, electricity, and all underground infrastructure.
6. Manufacturing – Your unit is built in a climate-controlled factory over 8–12 weeks.
7. Delivery + Installation – We coordinate delivery, crane or placement, and final hookups.

From idea to move-in ready, the process typically takes 4–6 months, depending on location and municipal timelines.

What about financing?

Affordability is top of mind for everyone—and Garden Suites come with a range of financing options:

• Federal Secondary Suites Mortgage Program – 2% over 15 years, up to 90% of your property’s value
• HELOCs – Leverage existing home equity
• Private lenders – Flexible terms for unique projects
• HST Rebates – Claim up to $10,000–$15,000 back through the New Residential Rental Property Rebate

We’ll cover a basic overview of these financing tools in the webinar, and plan on hosting another webinar in May ALL about financing for Garden Suites.

Why now?

Municipalities across Ontario—from Collingwood and Blue Mountains to Meaford and beyond—are actively encouraging residents to consider ARUs to address housing shortages.

With public support growing, government programs in place, and project timelines still possible for 2025 occupancy, now is a perfect time to explore whether a Garden Suite is right for your family or your investment goals.

Attimo Homes is an Ontario-based project and construction management company specializing in modular Garden Suites and tiny home communities. With a mission to make housing more attainable, Attimo guides homeowners through every step of the process—from zoning and permitting to design, servicing, and installation—offering turnkey solutions for multigenerational living, rental income, and future-focused homeownership. Learn more at www.attimohomes.com.