Garage Apartments In Nova Scotia: Combine Storage and Living Space in One Building

Why build only a garage when the same project could potentially create both garage space and residential space?

For the right property, a garage apartment can be an extremely efficient building concept.

Typically, the lower level contains garage, workshop or storage space while an independent residential suite occupies another portion of the building, commonly above it.

What Can a Garage Apartment Be Used For?

Depending on local regulations and approvals, homeowners may consider them for:

• family accommodation

• adult children

• aging parents

• guest accommodations

• long-term rental housing

• future downsizing

The garage itself can continue to provide valuable vehicle, workshop and storage space.

Benefit #1: Two Uses From One Footprint

This is perhaps the strongest advantage.

Instead of dedicating one area of your property to a garage and another to a separate backyard suite, you may be able to combine the functions vertically.

That can be particularly valuable where backyard space is limited.

Benefit #2: Maintain Garage Functionality

Homeowners don't necessarily need to sacrifice garage space to create additional living space.

A properly designed building can provide both.

Benefit #3: Long-Term Flexibility

Maybe you don't need an apartment today.

But if your long-term plans include multigenerational living or an additional dwelling, considering those possibilities while designing your garage could avoid major limitations later.

Garage Apartments Require More Planning Than Garages

A garage apartment isn't simply a conventional garage with some drywall added upstairs.

Residential occupancy introduces additional considerations involving areas such as:

• structural design

• fire separation

• exits and egress

• insulation

• plumbing

• heating and ventilation

• electrical systems

• sound transmission

• windows and natural light

• stairs

• municipal land-use requirements

The exact requirements depend on the building and jurisdiction.

Should You Build the Apartment Now or Prepare for It Later?

This is a great question to answer during the design stage.

In some cases, a homeowner may want to construct the complete suite immediately.

In others, the strategy may be to build a garage that takes future expansion into consideration.

Either way, your long-term intentions should be discussed before the foundation and framing are designed.

Is a Garage Apartment Right for Your Property?

That depends on the lot.

Before developing detailed plans, investigate:

• allowable building location

• maximum dimensions

• allowable height

• lot coverage

• parking

• servicing

• access

• septic or sewer considerations

• municipal regulations

In HRM, backyard suites can include residential space located over an accessory structure such as a garage, subject to applicable requirements.

Design the Building Around the Goal

At Aconi Contracting, we approach garage apartments differently from standard garage packages.

We start by understanding the end goal.

What needs to fit downstairs?

Who will live upstairs?

How important is privacy?

What does the property allow?

What is the budget?

Then we work backward toward the building.

Considering a garage with an apartment in Nova Scotia? Contact Aconi Contracting to explore the possibilities.