Garage Suite Builders
Build a fully self-contained living space above your garage. Generate $1,300-$1,800 in monthly rental income—20-30% more than basement suites. We handle permits, design, and construction to National Building Code 2023 Alberta Edition standards.
Edmonton's Garage Suite & Carriage House Specialists
A garage suite—also called a carriage house, laneway home, or backyard housing—is a fully self-contained dwelling built above or beside your detached garage. Under Edmonton's Zoning Bylaw 20001, garage suites are now permitted across most residential zones, making them one of the smartest property investments Edmonton homeowners can make. These standalone units typically command rents of $1,300-$1,800 per month—20-30% higher than comparable basement suites—because tenants value the privacy and separation of a detached dwelling.
The City of Edmonton classifies all detached secondary suites as 'backyard housing,' whether built above a garage or as a standalone garden suite. Your property must meet specific requirements: minimum lot sizes of 280-360 m² depending on zone, rear lane access in most cases, and compliance with setback and lot coverage rules. The maximum building footprint is 75 m² (approximately 807 sq ft) per floor, with total floor area capped at 130 m² (1,399 sq ft) including garage space. Living space is limited to a maximum of 807 sq ft.
Unlike basement conversions that work within existing constraints, garage suites are purpose-built from the ground up. This means optimal 8-9 foot ceilings, abundant natural light through full-size windows, open-concept layouts, and premium finishes—all built to the National Building Code 2023 Alberta Edition standards. The result is a living space that attracts quality long-term tenants willing to pay premium rents for standalone accommodation.
Build Up, Not Out—Keep Your Garage, Add Living Space
Your detached garage already occupies valuable backyard real estate. A garage suite transforms that footprint into a complete 500-800 sq ft living space while preserving parking and storage below. Edmonton's rental market values these standalone units highly: garage suites typically rent for $1,300-$1,800/month compared to $1,100-$1,400 for basement suites. At current rates, a garage suite generating $1,500/month produces $18,000 annually—and because they're completely separate from your main home, both you and your tenants enjoy genuine privacy. Properties with legal secondary suites also sell faster and command 15-25% higher resale values.
Get a Free Assessment
More Than Rental Income—A Space That Adapts to Life
While rental income is compelling, garage suites offer flexibility that basement conversions can't match. Many Edmonton homeowners build garage suites as independent living spaces for aging parents who want proximity without sacrificing privacy. Others create dedicated home offices, art studios, or personal fitness spaces completely separate from family life. The gym conversion shown here transforms ground-level garage space into a fully-equipped training facility with climate control. Whatever your vision—rental unit today, family suite tomorrow, home office next year—a garage suite adapts to your changing needs.
Discuss Your Vision
What's Included in Every Garage Suite
Every suite we build is fully equipped and code-compliant, ready for immediate occupancy.
Private Exterior Entrance
Dedicated exterior staircase with covered landing, code-compliant lighting, and weather protection for safe year-round access.
Complete Kitchen
Full kitchen with cabinetry, countertops, sink, refrigerator, stove/oven, range hood vented to exterior, and dedicated electrical circuits.
Full Bathroom
3-piece or 4-piece bathroom with quality fixtures, proper ventilation to exterior, and code-compliant plumbing.
Legal Bedroom(s)
One or two bedrooms with egress windows meeting minimum 3.77 sq ft unobstructed opening requirements for emergency exit.
Open Living Area
Bright, open-concept living space with 8-9 foot ceilings and large windows for natural light during Edmonton's short winter days.
Laundry Hookups
Dedicated laundry area with 240V electrical outlet, hot/cold water supply, drain connection, and dryer vent to exterior.
Independent HVAC
Dedicated high-efficiency furnace and separate thermostat control. Suites above garages require systems sized for exposed walls on all sides.
Electrical System
Dedicated 100-amp panel with AFCI breakers in bedrooms and living areas as required by current Alberta electrical code.
1-Hour Fire Separation
Fire-rated assembly between garage and living space including walls, floor, and supporting structure per NBC 2023 Alberta Edition.
STC 50 Sound Insulation
Sound transmission class rating of minimum 50 between garage and suite for privacy and noise reduction.
Code-Compliant Insulation
Full insulation meeting National Building Code 2023 Alberta Edition requirements for walls, ceiling, and floor assemblies.
Complete Permit Package
Development Permit, Building Permit, all required inspections, and final Occupancy Certificate—we handle the entire process.
A garage suite isn't an accessory building—it's a standalone home. We build to the same National Building Code standards as any new residence, with proper fire separation, sound insulation, and energy performance.
The Suite Builders Standard
A smart investment that pays you back
Most garage suites cost $200,000-$250,000 for 500-800 sq ft of living space. Final pricing depends on whether you're building above an existing garage or constructing new, suite size, finish quality, and site-specific factors like foundation requirements and utility connections. Cost per square foot typically ranges from $235-$325. We provide detailed, itemized quotes after our free on-site assessment—no surprises.
- Rental income of $1,300-$1,800/month (20-30% more than basement suites)
- Increase property value by 15-25% with a legal secondary dwelling
- Complete privacy—fully detached from your main home
- Maintain full garage parking and storage below the suite
- Attract quality long-term tenants who value standalone living
- Flexible use: rental income, family housing, home office, or studio
Assessing Your Existing Garage Structure
Not every garage can support a suite addition. Alberta Building Code requires a frost wall foundation with minimum 4-foot depth—most existing garage slabs don't meet this standard. We evaluate your current structure's foundation, framing, and roof system to determine whether reinforcement is feasible or if a complete rebuild delivers better value. Some garages need only foundation upgrades and structural reinforcement; others require full reconstruction. Our free assessment gives you clear options with realistic pricing for each approach, so you can make an informed decision before committing.
Edmonton Zoning & Permit Requirements
Your property must meet specific City of Edmonton requirements: minimum lot size of 280-360 m² depending on zone, maximum building footprint of 75 m² (807 sq ft) per floor, total floor area cap of 130 m² (1,399 sq ft) including garage, and maximum living space of 807 sq ft. Height limits apply and are tighter on lots without rear lane access. Setbacks from property lines and minimum 4-metre separation from your principal dwelling are required. The permit process typically takes 3-4 months (Development Permit plus Building Permit). We navigate these requirements daily—your project gets designed for first-time approval.
Building to Alberta Code Standards
Garage suites must meet full National Building Code 2023 Alberta Edition requirements—the same standards as any new home. This includes 1-hour fire-rated separation between garage and living space (walls, floor, and supporting structure), STC 50 sound transmission rating, independent HVAC system, dedicated electrical panel with AFCI protection, proper egress windows, and interconnected smoke/CO detectors. Proper insulation is critical for standalone structures exposed on all sides—we ensure every assembly meets code requirements for Edmonton's climate. Every suite we build passes inspection the first time—guaranteed.
Common Questions About Garage Suites in Edmonton
Have questions? We have answers. If you don't see your question here, feel free to contact us.
Garage suite construction in Edmonton typically ranges from $175,000 to $300,000+, with most projects falling between $200,000-$250,000. Cost per square foot ranges from $235-$325 depending on specification level and site complexity. Key factors affecting price include whether you're building above an existing garage (requires structural assessment) or constructing new, suite size (typically 500-800 sq ft living space), finish quality, and site-specific challenges like utility connections or foundation work. We provide detailed, itemized quotes after our free on-site assessment.
Possibly, but most existing garages require significant modification or complete rebuilding. Alberta Building Code requires a frost wall foundation with minimum 4-foot depth—standard garage slabs don't meet this requirement. The existing structure must also support the additional load of a living space above. During our free assessment, we evaluate your garage's foundation, framing, and roof system to determine the most cost-effective path: reinforcement and upgrade, or new construction. Often, building new delivers better long-term value than extensive retrofitting.
Edmonton's Zoning Bylaw 20001 sets specific limits: maximum building footprint of 75 m² (approximately 807 sq ft) per floor, total floor area cap of 130 m² (1,399 sq ft) including garage space, and maximum living space of 807 sq ft. Your lot must also meet minimum size requirements (280-360 m² depending on zone) and the suite must comply with setback rules, lot coverage limits (typically 42% total, 18% for suite), and height restrictions. Most garage suites we build range from 500-800 sq ft of living space.
Edmonton garage suites currently rent for $1,300-$1,800 per month depending on size, location, and finishes. This is 20-30% higher than comparable basement suites because tenants value the privacy and independence of a standalone dwelling. At $1,500/month, your suite generates $18,000 annually. With construction costs of $200,000-$250,000, typical payback period is 11-14 years—but you also gain significant property value appreciation (15-25%) and the flexibility to use the space for family, home office, or personal use.
The complete process from initial consultation to move-in ready suite typically takes 6-9 months. This includes design and planning (4-6 weeks), Development Permit approval (8-12 weeks), Building Permit approval (2-4 weeks), and construction (12-20 weeks depending on complexity). Weather can impact timelines for foundation and exterior work during Edmonton winters. We manage the entire permit process and coordinate all trades to keep your project on schedule.
In most Edmonton zones, rear lane access is required for garage suites to meet fire access and parking requirements. However, corner lots and some newer subdivisions may qualify without lane access—height limits are typically tighter in these cases. During our free consultation, we verify your property's zoning, overlays, and specific requirements using the City's official records. We'll tell you exactly what's achievable on your lot before you invest in design work.
Still have questions?
Contact us directly
Build something that pays you back.
Turn your unused space into a legal, income-generating suite. We handle the permits, design, and construction—you collect the rent.
Free estimate · No obligation · 100% permit guarantee