Backyard Suites in Nova Scotia: What Homeowners Should Know

Backyard suites are becoming an increasingly interesting option for homeowners looking to get more value and functionality from their property.

A backyard suite is a separate residential building located on the same property as a primary home.

You may also hear them called:

• garden suites

• carriage houses

• granny flats

• laneway homes

• accessory dwelling units

In Halifax, backyard suites are recognized as detached residential buildings and may also be incorporated over an accessory structure such as a garage.

Why Build a Backyard Suite?

There isn't one reason.

That's part of what makes them so useful.

Multigenerational Living

A backyard suite can allow parents, adult children or extended family members to live nearby while maintaining their own private space.

For many families, that offers a middle ground between living together in one house and living in completely separate locations.

Additional Housing

A well-designed backyard suite can create another independent dwelling on an existing residential property where local regulations allow it.

Rental Potential

Some homeowners choose backyard suites to create long-term rental accommodations.

Before relying on anticipated rental income to justify a project financially, homeowners should investigate current municipal requirements, financing, taxation and rental regulations.

Downsizing Without Leaving Your Property

Backyard suites can also form part of a longer-term property strategy.

Some homeowners may eventually want to live in the smaller residence while another family member occupies the primary home.

Creating a Purpose-Built Space

Unlike converting an existing portion of your house, a newly constructed backyard suite can be designed around its purpose from day one.

That can allow for thoughtful decisions around:

• privacy

• entrances

• natural light

• storage

• accessibility

• outdoor space

• parking

• energy efficiency

Do Backyard Suites Require Permits?

Yes, permitting and municipal approval are important parts of the process.

Within Halifax Regional Municipality, a building permit is required to construct a backyard suite or convert an existing accessory structure into one. HRM indicates applications may require information including a site plan, construction drawings, structural details, and heating and ventilation information.

Requirements elsewhere in Nova Scotia can differ, so the property and applicable municipality need to be evaluated individually.

Nova Scotia's provincial Building Code Regulations also contain requirements applicable to residential construction and secondary suites.

Start With Feasibility

Before falling in love with a particular floor plan, determine whether the project actually works on your property.

We recommend looking at:

1. Property dimensions and setbacks: Where can the building legally fit?

2. Site access: Can equipment and materials reach the proposed location?

3. Water and wastewater How will the building be serviced?

4. Electrical requirements: Where will power originate?

5. Site conditions: Will the project require substantial excavation, grading or drainage?

6. Your goal: Is this for family, rental income, future downsizing or something else?

Those answers should drive the design.

Thinking About a Backyard Suite?

Aconi Contracting provides planning, design, permitting coordination and construction for backyard suites across Nova Scotia.

Our goal isn't to sell homeowners a standard box.

It's to determine what you're trying to accomplish and design the right building around your property and goals.

Contact Aconi Contracting to explore what's possible on your property.