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Build a detached Garden Suite

Licensed Garden Suite Builder in Victoria BC

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What is a Garden Suite?

Garden suites – also called accessory dwelling units (ADUs), coach houses, laneway homes, carriage homes, granny flats or backyard cottages – are small, independent homes built on the same lot as an existing single‑family home.

The Province of British Columbia describes garden suites as detached accessory dwelling units that are part of a broader category called small‑scale, multi‑unit housing (SSMUH) ↗. They are ground‑oriented and usually tucked into a back or side yard, providing an independent living space while remaining close to the main house. In most cases, a garden suite can only contain one dwelling unit and is intended for long‑term living – not for short‑term rentals like AirBnB (but this depends on the municipality). Common sizes run between 400–1,000 sqft.

Benefits of building a Garden Suite

Multi‑generational living & aging in place

A garden suite offers a private home for aging parents, adult children or caregivers. Seniors can downsize and “age in place” while staying close to loved ones

Rental income

Long‑term rentals help homeowners offset mortgages or generate steady income

Work‑from‑home flexibility

Many clients use garden suites as offices, art studios or guest cottages.

Property value

Adding a legally permitted suite can boost resale value and make a property more attractive in a tight housing market.

Sustainability & efficient design

Modern codes require garden suites to meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code for energy efficiency, making them comfortable and cost‑effective to run.

If you're thinking about building a garden suite, consider hiring Constructo Group! Our clients’ experiences building suites with us speak to the quality and care we bring to every project.

"The work is all complete on my suite and my new tenant is happily moved in. You and your team have been so good to work with. Your commitment to top quality work, cost savings where reasonable, efficiency, safety, and excellence in communication have been greatly appreciated. Geoff was an exceptional team lead and always showed me the utmost respect. It has been a blessing to work with the team at Constructo Group. Thank you once again for a job well done!"

Marilyn Wolovick
Secondary suite

We're proud of the rock-solid reputation we've built over 20+ years, which is proven by over 30 online reviews with a 5-star average.

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Recent Bylaw Changes & Provincial Densification Mandate

British Columbia’s Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023 (Bill 44) introduced a sweeping Small‑Scale, Multi‑Unit Housing (SSMUH) mandate. The provincial government requires local governments to allow secondary suites and/or accessory dwelling units on residential lots province‑wide and to update zoning bylaws by June 30, 2024. The legislation also requires the allowance of:

  • 3–4 units on single‑family or duplex lots within urban containment areas or municipalities over 5 000 people
  • Up to 6 units on lots near frequent bus service

In July 2024 the District of Saanich rezoned approximately 27,000 lots to comply with SSMUH. The amended zoning now permits both a secondary suite and a garden suite on eligible RS or RD‑zoned lots inside the Urban Containment Boundary, and also allows secondary suites on eligible lots outside the boundary.

The City of Victoria on the other hand already allows a mix of housing types under its “Missing Middle” and house‑conversion programs, so the provincial SSMUH rules apply only to a handful of “restricted” zones. Instead of doing a quick, stand‑alone amendment, Victoria opted to incorporate the new density rules into a comprehensive Official Community Plan (OCP) update and a “zoning modernisation” project. That broader scope, combined with extensive public engagement and legislative procedures, pushed final adoption into fall of 2025. Under the proposed zoning, City of Victoria properties will be allowed to have both a garden suite and a secondary suite, which is currently prohibited, so this represents a significant liberalization.

How does this apply to you?

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Constructo Group closely follows these evolving regulations. We understand the differences between municipalities. If you're interested in building a garden suite, our team performs complimentary property assessments to help you determine what is feasible on your specific lot given zoning, covenants and service connections.

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Why work with a Licensed Builder?

British Columbia’s Homeowner Protection Act requires that anyone who “engages in, arranges for or manages… the construction of a new home” must be a licensed residential builder and arrange home warranty insurance ↗. Even in areas where building permits aren’t required, construction of a new home (including a garden suite) must be carried out by a licensed builder ↗, unless the homeowner qualifies as an owner builder by passing the BC Housing Owner Builder Exam ↗. Partnering with a licensed contractor ensures your project complies with the BC Building Code, meets the BC Energy Step Code, and qualifies for a new‑home warranty.

Constructo Group’s design-build service for Garden Suites

Constructo Group is a Licensed Residential Builder (#55931) and General Contractor based in Victoria. We handle everything from design through construction, giving you one point of contact and full accountability. Our approach blends creative design with meticulous planning to deliver beautiful, durable garden suites.

Every municipality has its own bylaws, policies and design considerations. During our initial site visit, we:

  • Review your property’s zoning, lot size and covenants against municipal eligibility criteria (e.g., RS/RD zones, minimum lot area and width)
  • Discuss your goals – whether you’re housing family, creating a rental, adding a home office or planning for multi‑generational living
  • Identify servicing requirements (water, sewer, storm) and parking needs. Many municipalities require at least one on‑site parking space and recommend provision for EV charging.
  • Explain building and permit steps so you know what to expect.

 

Our in‑house designers develop custom or semi‑custom layouts that respect municipal guidelines and maximize every square foot. We handle:

  • Design development – Creating floor plans, elevations and 3‑D models that complement your existing home and neighbourhood aesthetic; we consider natural light, privacy, accessibility and energy efficiency.
  • Permit drawings & approvals – Preparing all documents needed for development permits, building permits and tree permits, and coordinating with municipal planners and engineers.
  • Energy efficiency & sustainability – Ensuring the design meets the BC Energy Step Code (currently Step 3 for small dwellings). We recommend high‑performance building envelopes, airtight construction, heat‑pump heating/cooling and EV‑ready electrical service.

 

As licensed builders, we manage every aspect of construction:

  • Site preparation – Surveying, excavation and servicing (water, sewer, storm and electrical). Our relationships with local engineers and inspectors expedite approvals.
  • Quality craftsmanship – Our skilled trades build to the highest standards using durable, low‑maintenance materials. We’re small enough to handle much of the work in‑house, but experienced enough to coordinate specialists when needed.
  • Project management – We schedule and supervise all trades, handle inspections, and keep you updated. This integrated approach controls costs and accelerates completion.
  • Warranty & handover – Upon completion, we provide a new‑home warranty and walk you through operation of the suite’s systems. We also offer maintenance packages to protect your investment.

 

After you move in or rent out the suite, we remain available. We’ll address any warranty issues and can help you navigate changes to municipal bylaws.

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Frequently asked questions about building a garden suite in Victoria BC

Timeframes vary depending on municipal review timelines, but typically:

  1. Property assessment & preliminary design – 2–4 weeks.
  2. Development & building permit approval – 3–6 months (depending on municipality and complexity).
  3. Construction – 3–6 months. Projects that involve complex foundations or service upgrades may take longer.

Yes, unless you qualify as an owner builder. The Homeowner Protection Act requires anyone who constructs or manages a new home (including a new garden suite) to be a licensed residential builder and to arrange home‑warranty insurance. If you wish to act as your own builder, you must pass the BC Housing Owner Builder Exam. Partnering with Constructo Group eliminates this hurdle, as we are licensed and insured.

Saanich requires RS or RD‑zoned lots within the Urban Containment Boundary to have a minimum area of 400 m² and a minimum width of 12 m. Other municipalities have similar requirements; we confirm your lot’s eligibility during our initial assessment/consultation.

No. Both Victoria and Saanich restrict garden suites to long‑term residential use; short‑term rentals or "Airbnb" uses are not permitted (at the time of writing).

It depends, but the answer is increasingly becoming "yes". In Saanich, as of June 30 2024, RS and RD‑zoned properties may have both a secondary suite and a garden suite. In Victoria, properties with an existing secondary suite or duplex have historically not been eligible for a garden suite, but this is expected to change once council adopts the new OCP and zoning amendments (expected later in 2025).

Have more questions?

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Garden suites are a growing opportunity in Greater Victoria—offering family flexibility, rental income, and supporting B.C.’s housing goals. With bylaws shifting, the rules can be tricky. Constructo Group brings design, permitting, and licensed construction together to deliver warrantied suites. Get a free property assessment and see how a custom garden suite can unlock your property’s potential.

Contact us(250) 884-4340