F&Q
A garden suite or laneway suite is a small, self-contained residential unit built on the same lot as a primary dwelling. These units are often located at the back of the property or in the backyard, accessed via a laneway or private path. They can be used as rental units, guest houses, or additional living space.
These suites provide additional living space, can generate rental income, and increase property value. They also offer homeowners flexibility for guests, elderly family members, or home office setups, while making efficient use of underutilized backyard or laneway space.
Yes, a permit is required. Local zoning and building codes will need to be followed. The requirements can vary depending on the city, but typically you’ll need to submit a detailed plan for approval, including building size, design, and utilities.
Zoning regulations will dictate the maximum size of the garden suite, the distance it can be from property boundaries, and the height limits. In most cases, it must be smaller than the main dwelling and comply with local municipal rules regarding parking, setbacks, and privacy.
Yes, garden suites can often be used as rental units, providing homeowners with extra income. However, you must check local regulations to ensure that renting out the unit is allowed and that it meets requirements for things like safety, utilities, and occupancy limits.
The cost varies depending on factors like size, materials, and location. On average, construction costs range from $150,000 to $300,000 or more, but it’s essential to get an estimate based on your specific design and location.
Garden suites need utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage connections. Depending on local infrastructure, they may be connected to the main home’s utilities or require separate connections.
Building a garden suite typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the design complexity, permits, and any construction challenges. Delays can occur based on factors like weather or changes in regulations.
No, there are often restrictions based on zoning, lot size, and other regulations. You’ll need to check with your local municipality to ensure that your property is eligible for a garden suite or laneway house.
Accordion ContentYes, many garden suites are built with energy-efficient materials and systems. From better insulation to energy-efficient windows and smart home technologies, these homes are designed to minimize energy use and environmental impact.
There are 4 basic stages to building a custom home:
1. Real Estate: Finding and purchasing the perfect lot for your custom home.
2. Design: Deciding how your dream home will look, feel, and function. This includes architectural design, mechanical and structural engineering.
3. Permit: Obtaining the necessary permissions from the city to start building.
4. Construction: Building your home from start to finish, transforming the design into reality.
The cost of building a custom home depends on various factors, including:
• Location: Land prices and construction costs vary by region.
• Size: The total square footage of the home directly impacts material and labor costs.
• Design Complexity: Unique architectural features and custom finishes may increase the overall cost.
• Material Choices: High-quality materials and premium finishes will affect the budget.
• Permits & Fees: Local permit costs and regulatory requirements add to the expense.
• Builder Expertise: Opting for experienced builders like Opulence Homes ensures quality craftsmanship, which reflects in the cost.
Cost Guidelines:
• Entry-level custom homes typically start at $250 per square foot.
• High-end luxury homes can range from $400 to $1,000+ per square foot, depending on the level of customization and finishes.
Opulence Homes Advantage
We provide a transparent cost breakdown during the design phase, ensuring your budget aligns with your vision. Our team’s expertise ensures that every investment adds exceptional value to your dream home.
Yes, we offer a comprehensive warranty on all our new homes to give you peace of mind and ensure the quality of your investment.
As a Tarion-certified builder, Opulence Homes provides warranty coverage that includes:
• One-Year Warranty: Covers protection against defects in materials, workmanship, and any issues related to Ontario Building Code compliance.
• Two-Year Warranty: Covers major systems like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, as well as water penetration through the foundation or building envelope.
• Seven-Year Warranty: Protects against major structural defects that affect the home’s stability or safety.
We also provide exceptional post-construction support, ensuring any issues are resolved promptly and professionally.
The size of the home you can build on your lot depends on several factors, including:
• Zoning Bylaws: Local regulations determine the maximum allowable square footage, height, and setbacks from property lines.
• Lot Size: Larger lots typically allow for bigger homes, but coverage ratios (e.g., percentage of lot area that can be built on) must be considered.
• Floor Space Index (FSI): Some areas have limits on the ratio of total floor area to lot size.
• Easements or Restrictions: Existing easements, conservation zones, or heritage designations may limit building potential.
• Design Goals: The desired size and layout of the home must balance with these regulations.
Opulence Homes Approach
We conduct a thorough assessment of your lot and consult with local authorities to determine the maximum buildable area. Our team ensures your home design complies with zoning bylaws while maximizing the use of space to meet your vision.
Opulence Homes stands out for its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and client satisfaction. Here’s what makes us unique:
• Luxury Expertise: With over 15 years of experience, we specialize in building high-end, custom homes that reflect your unique style and needs.
• Tarion-Certified Builder: Our certification ensures we meet the highest industry standards and offer comprehensive warranties for peace of mind.
• Personalized Design Process: We work closely with you to bring your vision to life, offering bespoke designs tailored to your preferences and lifestyle.
• Attention to Detail: From premium materials to flawless craftsmanship, we focus on every detail to ensure excellence in every aspect of your home.
• Transparency & Trust: We provide clear communication, detailed cost breakdowns, and updates throughout the project to ensure a stress-free experience.
• Full-Service Approach: From design and permitting to construction and post-build support, we handle every step, ensuring a seamless process.
Your passion for creating timeless, luxurious homes makes us the trusted choice for discerning clients. Would you like to learn more about how we can bring your dream home to life?
Payments for a project, especially in the custom home building industry, are typically structured in a series of installments based on specific milestones or phases of the project. Here’s a general breakdown:
1. Initial Deposit: This is typically paid before the project starts. It covers the costs for design, permits, and initial preparations. It’s usually a percentage of the overall project cost, often 10-20%.
2. Progress Payments: These are payments made as the project progresses, typically tied to specific stages or milestones in the construction. For example:
o After foundation work is completed
o After framing is finished
o After plumbing and electrical rough-ins
o After finishing and interior work is done
3. Final Payment: This is usually due upon project completion, once the home is fully constructed, inspected, and handed over to the homeowner. It might include a retention fee, which is withheld until final completion and any minor punch-list items are addressed.
4. Payment Schedule: A detailed schedule outlining when payments are due is often included in the contract. The schedule ensures both the builder and the homeowner know the expectations for payment timing.
5. Change Orders: If there are any changes to the scope of work or design during the project, these changes will be documented in a “change order,” and payments may be adjusted accordingly.
6. Late Payment Penalties: Some contracts will specify penalties for late payments to ensure the contractor is compensated in a timely manner.
Payment schedules and amounts can vary depending on the scope of the project, but these guidelines are typical in custom high-end home building projects like the ones you specialize in.
Custom homes can be designed in several key styles:
1. Modern: Clean lines, open spaces, and eco-friendly materials.
2. Traditional: Classic design with formal layouts and pitched roofs.
3. Craftsman: Handcrafted details and natural materials with open layouts.
4. Farmhouse: Rustic charm with large porches and modern touches.
5. Luxury Estates: Expansive, high-end homes with custom features.
6. Eco-Friendly: Sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies.
These styles can be customized to suit clients’ unique preferences and needs.
We use energy-efficient designs, sustainable materials, and systems that reduce environmental impact.
Yes, we offer advanced HVAC solutions for enhanced energy efficiency and comfort.
We carefully vet all trades, monitor their work closely, and uphold strict quality standards.
Absolutely. We encourage site visits and provide guided tours to keep you involved.
Yes, a dedicated project manager oversees your project to ensure seamless communication and execution.
Yes, we integrate smart systems like lighting, security, and climate control from the design phase.
Our design and construction teams collaborate closely, ensuring seamless execution of the original vision.
We encourage your input and accommodate changes wherever possible while keeping the project on track.
Opulence Homes offers comprehensive Design & Build services, streamlining the entire home construction or renovation process. This service provides clients with a seamless experience, from the initial design phase to project completion.
1. Consultation
2. Custom Design
3. Permits
4. Construction
5. Finishes
6. Handover with Warranty
Your dream home, delivered stress-free!
Involving Opulence Homes early allows us to seamlessly integrate design and construction. We help refine your vision, ensure accurate budgeting, and anticipate potential challenges. Early collaboration minimizes delays, reduces costs, and ensures a smooth, efficient project from start to finish.
We guide you from the very beginning, helping to design a home that is both visually appealing and cost-effective. Our expertise allows us to identify and avoid potential structural engineering challenges that could result in expensive modifications later in the process. By planning carefully, we eliminate unnecessary bulkheads and ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems, reducing construction complexities. This proactive approach minimizes costly design revisions and ensures a smooth and efficient build process
We hold in-depth consultations to understand your preferences, lifestyle, and goals, ensuring the design reflects your vision.
Yes, we evaluate your property’s dimensions, topography, and potential to recommend the most functional and aesthetic layout.
Yes, we analyze factors like zoning, topography, and access to utilities to determine your lot’s suitability for your dream home
We work closely with local authorities, conduct thorough research, and ensure designs comply with all regulations.
We encourage your input and accommodate changes wherever possible while keeping the project on track.
Yes, our team guides you in selecting high-quality finishes that match your style and enhance the design.