An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) refers to a secondary residence or apartment located on the same lot as a primary, larger house. These units can take various forms such as small cottages, carriage houses, or compact homes, and they come in a wide range of architectural styles.

Legal secondary suites are currently a highly popular trend among homeowners. Many view them as a house renovation project that offers a substantial return on investment, and rightfully so. However, there are specific criteria that must be met when adding a legal secondary unit to ensure the safety and well-being of the occupants.

A legal secondary suite is a housing unit officially registered with an Ontario municipality. Generally, these units have their own private kitchen, bathroom facilities, and sleeping areas, either within the main dwelling or in an additional structure associated with the main dwelling. There are various forms of secondary units, each with its own set of requirements.

Most legal secondary suites result from interior alterations to the property. Other types include home additions. Essentially, a secondary dwelling unit can be a legal basement apartment, a converted garage, an upward expansion, or an outward extension.

Moreover, regardless of the type, every secondary unit must adhere to health, safety, and municipal property regulations. This entails compliance with the Ontario Building Code, the Fire Code, and local city bylaws.

If you're contemplating the addition of a legal secondary suite to your residence, there are some crucial points to consider. The specific requirements for legal secondary units can vary from one municipality to another. This means that the process of adding a secondary dwelling in Collingwood, for instance, may differ significantly from that in Barrie.

The initial step in adding a second unit is to verify the eligibility of your property. For a house to qualify for a second suite addition, it must be either a single detached, semi-detached, or a street townhouse. If your home falls into one of these categories, it is eligible for a secondary suite alteration.

Additionally, once a property is deemed eligible, it's important to note that only one secondary dwelling unit is permitted per property. For detailed information regarding the specific criteria for legal secondary suites, it's advisable to consult your city's municipal requirements.

Similar to any other home renovation project, the process of adding a secondary dwelling unit starts with a precise design sketch. While the Ontario Building Code permits homeowners to design their own home alterations, it is highly recommended to engage a qualified designer. This is crucial as a design that doesn't comply with property bylaws could lead to delays in obtaining a building permit and scheduling conflicts. 

For homeowners aiming to augment their income, a legal secondary unit proves to be a valuable investment, and it all starts with a well-conceived design outline. The most pragmatic approach to creating a second suite is to seek guidance from a certified building designer. AJD Design Group provides comprehensive solutions for designs ready for permitting. All you need to do is get in touch with us, and we'll assist you in optimizing the potential of your property.

Our contented clientele extends throughout Barrie, Orillia, Muskoka, Midland, Alliston, King, and the broader GTA. If you'd like more information regarding our legally compliant secondary suite basements, feel free to reach out. Our team is enthusiastic about addressing any inquiries you may have.