Backyard suites, also called garden suites or laneway homes, are increasingly appealing to homeowners. Not only can they provide independent living spaces for family members, whether that’s kids who are becoming young adults and need more independence or elderly parents, but they can also bring in always-helpful rental income.
But what backyard suite features will separate what you build from the rest? What backyard suite features will make your secondary space not only livable, but appealing? Let’s take a look at a few of the features that will make your backyard suite stand out.
Key Takeaways
- Space in backyard suites is often limited, but features like laundry machines and balconies can make them desirable.
- It’s important to design for the people who will use your backyard suite, whether that’s family or renters.
- Consider the competition and take time to review nearby backyard suites that are up for rent online before building.
What Is a Garden Suite or Backyard Suite?
A backyard suite is a secondary residence built behind or beside a home. They are commonly called garden suites, carriage houses, or laneway homes, but the City of Calgary uses the term backyard suite. In Calgary, mandatory backyard suite features include:
- Bedrooms with proper egress windows
- A separate bathroom
- Separate cooking facilities
- An entrance that is accessible from the outside without passing through the main dwelling
Who can build a backyard suite in Calgary? Only single-detached and semi-detached homes are permitted to have backyard suites.
Are Garden Suites a Good Investment?
A garden suite, or backyard suite, is generally considered a good investment for a number of reasons.
1. Rental Income
One of the biggest benefits of building a garden suite is that you can rent it out and generate an income that can be used to pay bills or even help pay off your mortgage.
If renting is a primary motivation for building a backyard suite, consider who your renters might be. If you’re near a university, catering your backyard suite features to students would be smart, while if you’re in a more family-centric area, it may be worth considering building a two-bedroom garden suite.
2. Money Saved
One of the most common reasons people build garden suites is to have a way to keep family members nearby.
Parents who are getting older or kids who are out of school and needing more independent space can stay in a backyard suite without having to pay expensive rent every month. That saves money, and even if you do charge them a nominal renter’s fee, it stays in the family.
3. Property Value
Homes with backyard suites can be very valuable on the real estate market and often add to the price you’ll get from buyers when you sell your home.
How Much Does a Garden Suite Cost in Calgary?
This will depend on a number of factors, including your garden suite floor plan and the features you include. Remember, too, that you need to extend utility services to your backyard suite, and those costs can add up. A garage at the back of your property may have electricity, but building a backyard suite above it will require sewer, water, and gas, as well.
Many owners choose to build a backyard suite above their garage because it doesn’t require any additional space on their property. The City of Calgary also only allows 45% lot coverage. Doing so almost always involves rebuilding the garage from scratch, though, as most existing garages don’t have the foundations to support a second floor.
5 Backyard Suite Features to Consider for Your Design
We discussed the City of Calgary’s mandatory requirements earlier, but the extra little backyard suite features you add can make the secondary living space on your property more livable and attractive to both renters and family members.
Before you begin working on your backyard suite, take a look at online rental resources to see what backyard suite features are being offered in your community. Those listings may wind up being who you’re competing with when it comes time to rent out your own backyard suite, so it’s good to know what you’re up against and how you can match what they offer.
Here are a few ideas for garden suite designs that can make a big difference:
- Laundry
Maybe surprisingly, washers and dryers aren’t mandatory backyard suite features. They can make a huge difference, though, especially for renters. Family members might be comfortable popping into the main dwelling to wash their clothes, but renters will likely need to spend time and money to go to a laundromat.
Garden suites are generally on the smaller side, so stacking a washer and dryer in a closet is a smart way to make sure the people living there can get their clothes clean without giving up too much space.
- External Entry
Especially in the winter, having an indoor stairway that leads up to a second-floor garden suite can be nice. It isn’t always necessary, though, especially because it takes up precious square footage in your garden suite.
Having an exposed, outdoor staircase with a landing at the bottom is a great way of maximizing the living space that renters will actually enjoy.
- Balconies & Patios
Outdoor space is important, and for renters, especially, they may not feel overly comfortable hanging out in your backyard while your family is there, too. Adding a balcony or patio will provide them with an outdoor area where they can spend time without sacrificing their privacy.
- Natural Light
A little natural light can go a long way, especially in a smaller space. One of the most thoughtful backyard suite features you can add is large windows that bring in sunlight. South-facing windows, in particular, will provide natural light that makes a small garden suite feel a lot bigger.
- Open Concept
If you’re building a backyard suite above a two-car garage, you’ll likely be building a one-bedroom suite. Three-car garages do allow for the possibility of a second bedroom, but chances are it will still be a smaller living space. An open concept design can make the living room and kitchen feel bigger than they are and provide invaluable room flow.
Functional Backyard Suites in Calgary
Whether you are looking to bring in rental income, give your parents a place to live nearby, or give a young adult a space to adjust to living independently before they move out, a backyard suite can be an amazing addition to your property.
At Ellergodt Design, our team will help you design a suite that fits stylishly and functionally onto your property and will help you incorporate the features that make it an attractive place for anyone to live. Contact us today to get started.
FAQs About Backyard Suite Features
The difference is only in name. The terms “garage suite” and “garden suite” are used interchangeably in Calgary, where they’re most commonly called backyard suites.
There are many other names for garden suites. In Vancouver, they are usually called laneway homes, while in Calgary, the most common term is backyard suite.