A laneway home is a secondary dwelling typically built along the back laneway on a residential property. They are commonly known as garden suites, laneway suites, or even garage suites. To be compliant with the City of Edmonton building code and zoning laws, a laneway home must have its own kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area.
“An accessory building containing a dwelling, which is located separate from the principal use which is Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing, or Multi-unit Housing in the form of row housing.” – Edmonton Zoning Bylaw definition.
Benefits of laneway homes
Building a laneway home on your property has many benefits. It can be used as a rental property to generate income and assist with mortgages and other living expenses. In addition, laneway homes contribute to communities by offering a variety of housing options and reducing urban sprawl. Here, we share more benefits of laneway homes in Edmonton.
Multi-generational living
If you have aging parents or adult children, a laneway home is a great option for multi-generational living. They allow you and your family members the space and the privacy of a separate dwelling – while all still living together. In addition, laneway homes can be a retirement plan for those wishing to age in place on their property while having family members close by.
Increased property value
Having a secondary dwelling on your property will increase its resale value. Depending on the design, materials used and accessibility of your laneway, you could see a spike in your property’s value. Plus, a home with two dwellings will attract savvy investors and those needing more than one living space for their family. It could give your property a competitive edge.
Earn revenue
Laneway home builders in Edmonton can help you increase your income with a garden suite or laneway suite. For one, it can become a rental unit. Not only will this give you additional income, but it will provide housing options for people in the city. Or, you can move into the laneway home and rent out the primary dwelling. Another option is to move into your laneway home and rent out the main house on your property. This is an excellent option when you’d like to increase your income beyond that of laneway rental home prices.
Research laneway home builders in Edmonton
As secondary suites, specifically garden and garage suites, increase in popularity in Edmonton, there are more builders that specialize in them. Be sure to do your research. Choose a contractor with experience and knowledge of the laneway home legislation for your area. Remember, when you choose a RenovationFind Certified company, much of your research will already have been done for you.
RenovationFind Certified laneway home builders have cleared in-depth legal and financial background checks. Additionally, we ensure our companies have provincial business licenses, insurance and WCB coverage. Finally, we employ a third party to monitor customer reviews and complaints and ensure compliance with our high standards.
Here are our top picks for the best laneway home builders in Toronto.
Thorstein Construction Ltd. is a leading residential and commercial renovation company. They offer large-scale renovation services in Edmonton, including whole-home renovations, home additions, and building laneway homes. They specialize in secondary suites, including basement suites, two-story garden suites, and garage suites. In addition, they offer basement development, kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels and more.
Thorstein Construction Ltd. also offers extensive commercial renovation services. These include tenant improvement renovations for offices, restaurants, retail and other commercial service spaces. If you’re looking for an experienced and reliable builder for your laneway home, trust the professional team at Thorstein Construction Ltd.!
Key Services & Features
- Complete laneway home/garden suite custom builds
- Interior and exterior home renovations and construction
- Commercial renovation services
- Other services include decks, fences, landscaping and windows
- In-house carpentry from Red Seal certified carpenters
Customer Feedback
I can’t say enough good things about Thorstein Construction. The basement renovations far exceeded my expectations. High quality work at a fair price. Rob and Autumn were an absolute pleasure to work with. Both possess a keen eye for detail. Much thanks to Autumn for her help picking styles and colours. The trades folk for HVAC, electrical and painting were top notch as well. The entire renovation went very smooth.
I would not hesitate to work with Rob and Autumn again. Nor would I hesitate to refer them, which I have already done and will continue to do.
First Class Construction is a full-scale renovation company with more than 20 years of experience. Based out of St. Albert, they serve the entire Edmonton area. They offer start-to-finish renovation and building services, including laneway homes and other secondary suites. In addition, they offer innovative, functional and beautiful designs. In addition, they offer commercial renovation services including multi-unit buildings and renovations for offices and retails spaces.
You’ll appreciate their tested and true process and rest easy knowing your renovation or building project is in capable hands. Contact them today to schedule a free in-home consultation on your upcoming project!
Key Services & Features
- Complete laneway home/garden suite custom builds
- Interior and exterior home renovations and construction
- Design services
- Commercial renovations
- Outdoor projects
- Project management
Customer Feedback
A massive shout-out to the incredible team at First Class Construction! These guys are absolute rockstars! 
Jonathan and the crew not only transformed our bathroom into a dreamy oasis but also made the entire process a delight. Their attention to detail, constant updates, and infectious positivity turned what could have been stressful into a fun experience. Jonathan’s professionalism and commitment to deadlines made us feel at ease. If you’re thinking about renovations, don’t hesitate—give these awesome folks a call. Our new bathroom is now my favorite spot for a two-hour bath retreat! Cheers to the First Class Construction team!
Kay2 Contracting Ltd. is your premier renovation and home-building company that specializes in custom homes, renovations, commercial development and laneway homes in Edmonton. The job starts with their expert design team. They’ll take your ideas for your new space and create a design that will achieve your goals. In addition, their trades and installers will ensure results that exceed your expectations. You’ll receive 3D renderings and sketches of your project so you understand exactly how it will turn out before construction even begins.
Furthermore, their 25-plus years of experience will ensure a timely and smooth process that stays on budget. They have the knowledge and expertise to quickly solve problems, provide solutions, and give homeowners high-end renovations and custom homes that increase property value. Start by contacting them today!
Key Services & Features
- Complete laneway home/garden suite custom builds
- Interior and exterior home renovations and construction
- Professional architectural design services (interior design)
- Commercial renovations
- Exterior services: roofing, siding, masonry, stucco soffits + fascia
- Project management
- Other services include electrical, plumbing, home additions, landscaping
- Financing options are available
Customer Feedback
Hired Kay2 to do a second-floor addition in the Terwilliger area. Moe and his team ensured that the construction period went as smoothly as possible since we lived in the basement. Moe was super helpful during the presentation and design. The outcome surely passed our expectations. We highly recommend this company for its excellent service and peace of mind
Homes by Managen Ltd. is an established home-building company that has served Edmonton since 1987. This family-owned and operated business has knowledge and experience in new home design and construction. As such, they can help you create the design and build a laneway home that meets all your needs. This company takes on fewer projects, and that lower volume benefits their clients. It means they can spend more time on the fine details of each project and build personal relationships with their customers. They can commit the time, attention and resources to design and build your true custom home.
Additionally, Homes by Managen offers the Progressive New Home Warranty Program and is a member of the Canadian Builders Association. They will assist with design, project management and construction of your new home, secondary suite or home renovation.
Key Services & Features
- Complete laneway home/garden suite custom builds
- Interior and exterior home renovations and construction
- Design services
- Construction management
- Progressive New Home Warranty Program (10-year structural warranty)
- Project management
Customer Feedback
Paul is a man with exceptional quality and shows you immense respect despite buyers capacity, gives you a nice tour and takes time to explain every detail that the house has. Super friendly, highly knowledgeable, stands by his product and worth a call as you don’t come across genuine builder this often. Thank You Paul.
5. Meridian Master Builders
Meridian Master Builders is your key to high-end home building and renovating in Edmonton! They have a solid reputation as one of the best custom home builders, including laneway homes. They’ve built this reputation by strong communication with clients, attention to detail, innovative design and superior craftsmanship.
Their services include home renovations, kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, handyman services and commercial renovations. They’re in-house team includes interior designers, trades and project managers. Your vision is their top priority. Contact them to start your project!
Key Services & Features
- Complete laneway home/garden suite custom builds
- Interior and exterior home renovations and construction
- Design services
- Project Management
- Handyman services
- House planning
Customer Feedback
We are very pleased with the energy-efficient house, deck, and garage that Meridian Master Builders built us in 2011. Meridian was one of the few builders who had experience in fully ICF (insulated concrete form) construction of all exterior walls. We were really happy to have Elio guide as step by step through the building process. He handled last-minute design changes very well and we were able to communicate with him every day. There are so many details to keep track of in a construction project that one of his former clients told us that Elio likes having everything written down in a list. We found that this worked very well. Elio took a personal interest in this project and we highly recommend him for his construction knowledge, as well as his communication and problem-solving skills.
ICM stands for Integral Construction Management. This focus on integrity ensures every client feels taken care of and can trust their projects are in capable and experienced hands. ICM focuses on client relationships and will be there for you during the home-building process. Their team of professionals is dedicated and consistent in their approach. You’ll be happy through each stage of your laneway home-building project and thrilled with the results!
Furthermore, professional design consultation, budget development and project management will help your project run smoothly. ICM works hard for you, and that reduces stress. As a result, you’ll have a completed home or space you’ll love and a positive experience getting there.
Key Services & Features
- Complete laneway home/garden suite custom builds
- Interior and exterior home renovations and construction
- Design services
- Budget management
- Custom home building and renovations
- Construction management
Customer Feedback
We couldn’t be happier with our main floor “refresh.” Whether it was replacing wood trim and stair banisters, painting cabinetry, replacing faucets and lighting fixtures, or upgrading our guest bathroom with a beautiful granite countertop, ICM’s attention to detail made sure everything was done right and in good time. Jason and Evert communicate well—we were never left wondering what was happening next or when. We‘ll be calling on them for our next project, no question!
7. Peak Improvements Ltd.
Peak Improvements Ltd. has a proven reputation for honesty and high-quality results. Since 2007, this renovation company and builder has focused on large-scale renovations including home additions, kitchen remodels, whole-home renovation and laneway homes in Edmonton. Every project gets its “Guaranteed Price and No Surprises Contract,” which means you won’t see surprise costs on your final bill. Moreover, they work hard to ensure clients feel secure and confident throughout the process.
Check out their website to view images of their beautiful work. Then, contact them for a consultation and start your laneway home-building project!
Key Services & Features
- Complete laneway home/garden suite custom builds
- Interior and exterior home renovations and construction
- Design-build process
- Budget proposals
- Project management
- Large-scale custom renovations
- Guaranteed pricing and no surprise contract
Customer Feedback
We completed a significant project with Peak Improvements that included gutting and remodelling a house as well as adding a large addition. Every step in the initial meetings and project plan was thoroughly laid out and transparent. For such a large and complicated project, the build process went very smoothly and kept to schedule. Bruce and Lorne went above and beyond with their work, keeping the site safe and secure and with being friendly with the neighbours. Lastly, Chris’ professionalism, attention to detail, and communication are what make Peak Improvement an outstanding company. We are more than pleased with how the project turned out and Chris worked with us at every step to ensure our project turned out exactly as we planned.
8. Four Elements Construction Inc.
Four Elements Construction strives to create beautiful spaces tailored to each client’s personal needs, lifestyle, and goals. That includes laneway homes in Edmonton. Homeowners will appreciate their 4E Approach to each project. This focuses on Engaging, Evolving, Executing and Exceeding. First, they’ll engage with you to learn more about your must-haves and goals for your renovation or building project. Then, those ideas will evolve into a detailed design. After that, their qualified team will execute the design and start building. Finally, they’ll complete the finishing touches to exceed your expectations.
Learn more by checking out their website.
Key Services & Features
- Complete laneway home/garden suite custom builds
- Interior and exterior home renovations and construction
- Design services
- Home additions
- Project management
- Exterior renovations
Customer Feedback
Thank you, Four Elements Construction, for going the extra mile and being a company that cares about the little things.
Laura, Google
9. Ascend Builders
Ascend Builders is formerly known as Reed Group of Companies. Their new name and brand were created in 2020 to emphasize their passion for commercial and residential construction, including laneway home building in Edmonton. This company offers comprehensive services for your building project, including design, construction, and complete project management. Moreover, they offer complete commercial renovation and construction services.
Their approach reduces stress for homeowners and ensures high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional service. Contact them to start your secondary suite or laneway home-building project. You’ll rest easy knowing your home and investment are in capable hands.
Key Services & Features
- Complete laneway home/garden suite custom builds
- Interior and exterior home renovations and construction
- Design services
- Home additions
- Project management
- Exterior renovations
- Commercial renovations
Customer Feedback
Ascend Builders does not have any online reviews yet. Be the first to share your feedback about what it’s like to work with this company!
Lambert Brothers Construction is a family-run business that understands the importance of honesty, transparency and building high-quality homes. Your project starts with a courteous consultation and design and proceeds with face-to-face guidance and personalized advice. Whether you’re renovating a bathroom or kitchen or embarking on a significant building project like a laneway home, Lambert Brothers Construction is ready to help.
Furthermore, most of their trades are in-house employees. That means everyone working on your project will be vetted and working closely towards the same goal. Clear communication, genuine service and top-quality work ensure customer satisfaction every time.
Key Services & Features
- Complete laneway home/garden suite custom builds
- Interior and exterior home renovations and construction
- Design services
- Home additions
- Project management
- Exterior renovations
- Carpentry services, including decks, fences and pergolas
Customer Feedback
I was pleased with the work that Lambert Brothers completed for me this past spring. The project was to improve the lighting and cabinetry in the utility room and family room and to install a utility sink. A moveable table was added to enhance the counter space in the utility room. The initial planning sessions clarified the project and the items, material, paint colors etc., thus ensuring efficiency and minimizing surprises. Those who worked on the project were knowledgeable, provided top quality work, were friendly and courteous – a great bunch of professionals. The project moved along in a timely fashion. The company went to great lengths to minimize the dust and cleaned up at the end of a day; this was appreciated. I do not hesitate to recommend Lambert Brothers.
Marge, Google
This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com