a picture of an apartment with a roof top padio above a three car garage

Can You Build a Suites Above Your Garage

Can You Build a Suite above Your Garage?

a nice suite above the garage, garage has a double door and a single door looks great with a man door as well

Key Highlights

  • Adding a suite above your garage is a great way to get more living space without making your home bigger.
  • This home addition is flexible. You can use it for an extra bedroom, a home office, a guest room, or a fun recreational area.
  • Before you begin, check if your garage’s existing structure can support the weight of another floor.
  • You must research and follow local building codes and zoning rules, especially for secondary suites.
  • Good planning and hiring skilled contractors can help your project succeed and keep your daily life running smoothly.

Introduction

We primarily focus on garage doors, but SO MANY of the people we work with either talk about or ask about building a suite or office above the garage and what that looks like.

The primary reason we talk about it so much is because of the entry requirements and changes that need to be made to make it work. A private entrance will need to be well thought out and managed. You can either put a man door inside the garage door, or if you already have a man door in your garage you can use that. If not you will need to add an external man door with a stair case in addition. Sometimes the garage, especially if it is a detached garage is too close to the property line for this. All of these questions and such mean a lot for the garage and the garage door.

Sound

The other key consideration is the noise and sound of the actual garage door opener. We talk in other blogs about garage door maintenance and how a garage door opens but we also need to talk about the noise that a garage door creates when it opens through the door itself on the wheels and the opener driving the chain or belt.

If you are putting an apartment or laneway house or granny suite above your garage you want to make sure your door opening system is quite. This is so when the main home owners come home from a night out they don’t wake up the apartment guests with the garage door. This really is something you need to think about.

Evaluating the Potential for a Garage Suite

a picture of a garage with a suite above it.  Two double car garage doors.

Before starting on design ideas and permits, you should first check your current garage. Look at its size. Is there enough square footage to make a comfortable living space above? Is your garage separate from your main house, or is it attached?

Next, it’s a good idea to have a structural engineer check your garage. They will make sure it can hold a second story. This means they will look closely at the foundation, walls, and roof framing. Based on their findings, you might need to add support or make changes to keep it safe and strong.

The appeal of Adding Living Space Above Your Garage

One of the biggest benefits is that you can add more living area without making your home bigger. This is great for homeowners who have small lots but want extra space. You also get to keep your outdoor space for enjoyment.

The options for this new space are endless! You could have an extra bedroom for guests, a private home office, a cozy den, or even a studio apartment to earn some extra money. A well-planned garage addition can improve your lifestyle and make your property more useful.

Also, a smartly designed garage addition can really boost your home’s curb appeal. By including features that match the main house, this upgrade adds both value and looks to your home.

Key Considerations Before Planning Your Build

Once you know that adding living space above your garage is possible, think about some important things. First, get a qualified structural engineer to look at your existing garage. They will check if it can handle the extra weight and stress. They will examine the foundation, framing, and other parts. They might suggest some reinforcements.

Next, research your local building codes and zoning rules. These codes include things like height restrictions and safety requirements. It is important to consider these rules when you make your design plans.

Finally, think about how you will access the new living space. Will you use your current staircase, or will you build a new entrance? Make sure that the access to the garage suite is convenient and safe.

Understanding Zoning Laws and Building Codes in Canada

In Canada, building codes and zoning laws can be very different from one area to another. If you want to add a second story to a garage, it may be related to rules about secondary suites or accessory dwelling units.

It is important to check local rules about ceiling height, window sizes, ventilation, fire safety, parking, and entrance needs. You can get specific details about building codes and zoning laws by contacting your local municipality or visiting their website.

We spoke with Jared Hebb from Vancouver and he mentioned the forward thinking happening in Vancouver because of the housing issues in Canada.

” We’ve seen a lot of laneway houses and backyard suites come across our desks. People understand that adding value to your property can not only be a great investment but also help others with an actual place to live. We have also seen more and more people in older areas looking at those detached garages and thinking about building on top of them.” – Jared Hebb

Navigating Local Regulations for Secondary Suites

Zoning laws decide how land can be used in city areas. Before starting your project, check if your property is in a zone that allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These laws usually set rules about the minimum size of the lot for an ADU, the biggest size of the unit, and how far the building should be from the property line.

You may also need to follow rules about parking, trash disposal, and entrance requirements to stick to local laws. Do proper research to make sure you understand the needed parking spaces and garbage disposal rules.

It’s crucial to know that not following zoning laws can cause delays, fines, or legal problems later. It’s a good idea to talk to a professional who knows about local zoning for secondary suites. This way, you can have a smooth and legal construction process.

In Ottawa Magnolia Construction mentions understanding the building codes as a primary consideration and we agree. Don’t let this deter you though, because the options are there, you just need a pro to help you get it right.

The Importance of Obtaining the Right Permits

Securing the right permits before you start your garage suite project is very important for many reasons. Building permits make sure that your plans follow local building codes and safety rules. This helps you avoid costly mistakes and keeps you safe from future problems.

When you apply for permits, you usually need detailed plans. These plans include things like structural drawings, electrical and plumbing layouts, and energy efficiency details. Even though getting these permits can seem slow and boring, they give you peace of mind during your renovation.

They ensure your project is legal, safe, and meets local building codes. So, do not overlook the importance of getting the necessary permits.

Designing Your Garage Suite

A picture of a floor plan for a small suite

With the structural check done and the permits ready, it’s time for the fun part – designing your new living space! Think about what you need and how you see yourself using this new space.

Do you want to make a comfy guest suite, a useful home office, or a big rental unit? No matter if you have an attached garage or a separate one, making sure the space works well and feels nice is very important.

Maximizing Space and Functionality

When you plan a garage suite, it’s important to make the best use of every square foot. You can do this by adding built-in storage options. This can include window seats with drawers, storage under stairs, or shelves on the walls. This helps to keep floor space clear and reduce clutter.

Think about how to use the space based on its shape and size. Bring in natural light by adding windows and skylights. Also, think about how people will move around in the suite. Look at the flow and traffic patterns.

Here are some tips to save space:

  • Choose a small kitchen design with appliances that serve more than one purpose.
  • Think about adding a loft space for extra storage or sleeping if the ceiling is high enough.
  • Use walls for storage with shelves and hooks placed wisely.
  • Pick furniture that has built-in storage features.

Incorporating Essential Amenities and Utilities

When changing your garage into a cozy living space, make sure it has all the needed amenities and utilities. You might need to upgrade some as you pull plumbing and electrical systems from the main house to the new addition.

Think about adding a separate HVAC system or lengthening your current one to keep the space hot or cool. It’s also very important to insulate the garage well. This will help control the temperature and reduce noise from the garage below.

Here are some basic amenities for a useful and comfortable area:

  • A well-planned bathroom that has a shower, sink, and toilet
  • A functional kitchenette with simple appliances
  • Enough lighting and electrical outlets for various uses
  • Good ventilation to keep fresh air moving and stop moisture build-up

The Construction Process Explained

Once the design phase is done and the permits are approved, construction can start. The time it takes for a garage suite project can differ a lot. This depends on the work needed, how complicated the project is, and when the contractors are available. Still, knowing the general steps can help you plan better.

You need to prepare the site and do the finishing touches. Each step requires careful planning and doing things right. Hiring a good general contractor can help reduce stress. They can manage different subcontractors and make sure the project stays on schedule and within budget.

Choosing the Right Contractors for Your Project

Choosing skilled workers is important for a good renovation. Look for contractors who focus on garage additions or secondary suites. Their skills will help make sure the project follows building rules and is done well.

Get quotes from different contractors and read online reviews before you decide. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their experience and their way of handling projects like yours. A clear and open contractor is key for a smooth renovation.

Building a new second story on top of your garage is not a job for beginners. It needs special skills. You need a team that has a lot of experience with the challenges that come with this type of project. They should also be up-to-date on building codes and rules.

One of the things we noticed is that sometimes concrete is involved if you are creating a bigger footprint, like a single car to a double car or if you need a pad for the exterior stairs or padio space. In Calgary, we used this concrete and renovation company to help us with a project we were consulting on. They needed a pad for the exterior stairs and we also made the pad big enough for a small outdoor sitting area.

Timeline and Steps Involved in Building Above Your Garage

The construction process usually begins by strengthening the current foundation or pouring a new one. This is necessary to hold the extra weight of the new second story. After that, they will frame the walls, roof, and flooring. Windows and doors are also installed at this stage.

Next, they will work on the rough-ins for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Insulation is important to keep the temperature comfortable and reduce noise from the garage below. Once the rough-ins are done, they will put up the drywall, and the interior work starts.

During the final stages, they will add flooring, cabinets, countertops, and fixtures to make your vision real. Remember, unexpected delays can happen, so being flexible and talking openly with your contractor matters a lot to stay on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my garage support a second-story addition?

To find out if your detached garage can hold a second story, you need a pro to check it. A structural engineer can look at your existing structure. They will check the strength of the foundation, the framing, and the support posts. This way, they can tell you if adding a second story is possible.

How much does it typically cost to build a suite above a garage in Canada?

The price of a garage addition in Canada varies a lot. It depends on size, location, materials, and finishes. Usually, you can expect to pay between $40,000 and $100,000 or even more. This may sound high, but keep in mind it can boost your home value. It can also help you earn extra income and access home equity loans.