Read this if You Want to Build a Laneway House

There is a huge housing crisis in Vancouver. Laneway homes construction is a great way to not only provide extra housing but boost your income. A laneway home is a type of housing that is rapidly gaining popularity in Vancouver. Laneway homes got their name because they are generally built into pre-existing lots in backyards and open onto the back lane. Most laneway homes are small and complement the property they are built on. Laneway homes are not the primary home on the property. Laneway homes can be a second source of income, a secondary suite or office, a replacement of a detached garage, an affordable solution to city living, and a great way to increase urban density while retaining traditional neighborhoods.

Laneway homes increase your property value for when you eventually sell your home. Laneway homes are similar to basement suites in the sense that they cannot be sold separately from the main home. However, unlike suites that are attached or in the main home, laneway homes give both residents of the main and laneway home more privacy because the two buildings are detached. Laneway homes are smaller than the main home on the lot but can range in size from 450 to around 1,700 square feet. The use of space is very important in laneway homes which is why it is very important to work with a company that has experience with laneway homes construction.

Like any construction or renovation project, paperwork needs to be done and completed, and filed correctly. Depending on where you live, your laneway home will need to meet certain criteria established by your city, district, or town. While the general requirements remain the same, different municipalities will have slightly different requirements and regulations. A knowledgeable laneway home construction company will be familiar with all of the paperwork and hoops that need to be done to ensure as smooth a process as possible. Building any construction project from plans to the final tangible result is exciting! Building a laneway home that you can customize to suit your needs and wants perfectly is a great way to not only add value to your property but to supplement your income or provide more space for multiple generations of one family to live together yet separate.

Also Read: Five Reasons People Are Building Laneway Homes

Laneway homes are great alternatives to basements suites because they offer more privacy as there are no shared walls, entrances, or appliances. Private outdoor spaces for both the main and laneway home can be created. Laneway homes also offer more natural life than a basement suite. Landlords do not have to travel far to visit their tenants, and tenants also can have easy access to their landlords for property miniatures and repairs. Both renters and owners get the security benefit of having other people on the property- especially if they are away.

Laneway homes can also offer flexible work options for people who work remotely. Laneway homes can also function as work flex spaces or offices. Flex spaces can serve not only as office space, but also as studios, gyms, guest homes, or anything else that the owners can imagine. Laneway homes can make excellent studio space for yoga or dance instructors, artists, or therapists, not just office space. Depending on where you live, laneway homes can also provide people who cannot afford to buy or own a home a chance to live in residential neighborhoods close to work, school, or family.