Has your home felt like a virtual representation of the daily life pressures lately? Do you feel like there is too much clutter and it’s limiting your breathing space? You are not alone. If your house feels crowded but you have sufficient space in your yard, consider building a laneway home as a way to add living space to your existing property.
Laneway homes have become very popular in Toronto. They are ideal for homeowners who work from home, parents with teen children who want to be independent but cannot afford to move out yet and for families who live with their in-laws or ageing parents.
Laneway homes can also be built to provide extra income. The additional income from the laneway home can be used to pay off your mortgage loan faster so that you can retire earlier. Because laneway homes are smaller, you can build one quickly using energy efficient features such as LED lighting, smart thermostats and sustainable materials.
Here is how you can add additional living space to your property using a laneway home.
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Do Your Research and Plan Before You Start Building
Before you begin constructing a laneway home, start doing your research so that you can plan accordingly. A laneway home will add value and versatility to your existing home but you must be financially prepared. Assess your budget and look at your financial options to see if your project will be viable. You will also need to consider the total cost of the construction, materials and the labour needed to complete the project.
You should also focus on finding the right expert to help you achieve your project results in the shortest time. Working with a dedicated and independent contractor who is highly experienced in building laneway homes in your area will ensure that your vision becomes a reality. If you are in Toronto, 21Inc is just a call away. They offer free site reviews and you can use that opportunity to discuss your specific objectives with them and see how you can take advantage of everything your yard space has to offer.
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Consult with Your Neighbours
Your journey to building your laneway home will be much smoother if you talk to your neighbours before you start the construction and ask for their feedback. If you share a property line and there is a risk of your construction team damaging their flower beds or kitchen garden, make sure you inform them early. Failure to do so can result in serious problems as you may be charged for encroachment.
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Talk to The Municipality About Zoning Regulations
You will need to visit the municipality offices to confirm that the type of structure you are building is allowed in your property. Zoning regulations such as independent dwellings that are permitted in a property are very serious and you should not ignore them.
You will also need to consider the size and the height of the laneway home. If you are building a laneway home to rent, make sure you consider parking space. This is why you should work with a professional laneway constructor. They should advise you on which approvals you should get first, to avoid legal challenges down the line.