Backyard Suite vs. Garage Apartment vs. Basement Suite: Which Is Right for You?

If you're trying to create an additional living space on your property, there are several ways to approach it.

Three of the most common are:

A basement suite.A detached backyard suite.A garage apartment.

None is automatically the best option.

The right choice depends on your property, budget and what you're trying to accomplish.

Basement Suite

A basement suite converts part of your existing home into a secondary living area.

Advantages

Because you're working within the existing building, you may avoid constructing an entirely new exterior structure.

It can also be a good way to utilize an unfinished or underused basement.

Considerations

Existing houses can create constraints involving:

• ceiling height

• windows

• plumbing locations

• entrances

• mechanical systems

• soundproofing

• layout

A basement designed as part of the original home doesn't always translate perfectly into an independent dwelling.

Backyard Suite

A backyard suite is a completely separate structure.

Advantages

The biggest advantage is independence.

The occupant can have their own:

• entrance

• kitchen

• living area

• outdoor space

• privacy

Because it's new construction, the building can also be designed specifically around its intended occupant.

Considerations

You're constructing an entirely new building, which means sitework, foundation construction, servicing and municipal approvals need to be considered.

Garage Apartment

A garage apartment combines garage/storage space and living space within one building.

Advantages

It can provide excellent use of the building footprint.

For someone who already intends to build a garage, incorporating residential space may create significantly more functionality from the project.

Considerations

The residential component makes the building considerably more complex than a conventional garage and needs to be properly incorporated into the design.

Which One Should You Build?

Choose a basement suite when:

You have a suitable existing basement and want to make better use of space already inside your home.

Consider a backyard suite when:

Privacy and physical separation between households are major priorities.

Consider a garage apartment when:

You want both substantial garage space and an additional living space but prefer to combine them into one structure.

Start With the Outcome

Don't start by saying:

"I want a backyard suite."

Start with:

"Here's what I'm trying to accomplish."

Maybe you want your parents nearby.

Maybe your adult child needs housing.

Maybe you want to create additional usable space.

Maybe you're already planning a garage and want to investigate what else the building could do.

Once the objective is clear, you can compare the options properly.

Aconi Contracting designs and builds garages, backyard suites, garage apartments, basement suites and custom projects throughout Nova Scotia.

Tell us what you're trying to accomplish, and we'll help you determine the best way to build it.