The Trend of Coach Houses is Coming to Toronto Soon, Following Ottawa.

Last October, the City of Ottawa has approved some changes into zoning regulations. This will allow tiny houses, known as coach houses, to be built in backyards of existing homes. It was made to create more affordable houses in the area.

Accordingly to the real estate experts, this will change the market dramatically. The home owners with larger lots and available free space on their backyards can build coach houses to rent them out. It can replace the trend of renting out basements or combine with it. It is already known that the price of coach houses’ square footage will be at least 30% cheaper than regular houses.

However, the regulations have some limitations regarding the size of the couch houses, setbacks and access to it. It can bring difficulties for many homeowners, as coach house cannot exceed 40% of the yard or 40% of the main house’s footprint. It also can’t be larger than 80 square meters. The house has to be a permanent structure and be attached to the main house’s water and sanitary systems. The regulations also cover the neighbors’ privacy and shadowing.

In overall, the innovation of coach houses is definitely an improvement of the housing market of Ottawa. It is currently unknown when the regulations will be approved in the City of Toronto. It has a huge potential to increase the affordability of houses in Toronto. We, at GTA General Contractors, will track the news and will announce it one of the first. Be ready for this! We will definitely will be part of the new trend! It is possible that we will soon offer coach house construction service, along with custom homes and home additions 😉