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Reasons To Enlist An Expert Laneway House Builder

As of 28th July 2009, Vancouver officially sanctioned Laneway Houses to be constructed on lots where a garage would normally be located.

The City of Vancouver together with other Lower Mainland cities has come to recognize that laneway houses are an excellent source of affordable housing for urban working folk and provides a sustainable contemporary environment.

WHAT IS A LANEWAY HOUSE?

Laneway houses are small secondary suites that are erected behind conventional street-facing houses on spaces adjacent to a public laneway and includes a parking accessory and dwelling unit.

There are a plethora of reasons why a property owner may want to develop laneway suites on their premises. In most cases, the space is meant for in-law suites and family homesteading. However, if the unit is used as an income/rental property, the R.O.I. can be quite remarkable. Laneway homes raise the rental housing quality, revamp the neighborhood, and make use of existing infrastructure.

Traditional Style Laneway House Ext 1 1800x1105 1 Scaled
Other than providing affordable renting options, here’s why you should consider enlisting the services of an expert Laneway house builder:

Laneway Homes Offer Supportable Eco-Density

The whole reason why this plan was ratified was to create more affordable housing for persons looking to reside in Vancouver. These types of rentals provide more opportunities for people relocating to the city because it will be nearby their workplace, amenities, and the commute time will be significantly lessened. These small suites provide a supportable eco-density without compromising on privacy.

Laneway Homes For Young Families/Aging Family Members

Constructing a laneway house on an existing space is an excellent way of providing a living space for aging family, or accommodating the needs of young families who don’t require that much space and are living on a budget.

According to The Vancouver Heritage Foundation, these dwellings have been widely embraced by financially unstable people. This is especially the case with the increasing cost of housing in urban areas.

Financial Benefits in constructing a Laneway Home

Laneway suites offer homeowners with an extra source of income and provide an excellent rental alternative for young families with limited resources. It also preserves the historic allure by infilling back yards, which enables gentler densification compared to demolition and new builds. So if you’re a working male or female aged 30-65 years and are looking to boost your financial income, you should think about enlisting a professional Laneway house builder to do the renovations and custom home build.
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THE PROCESS

To build a laneway house there are certain steps involved that will assist you in determining costs and feasibility, and also acquire necessary approvals.

Step 1: Review property attributes and zoning regulations

Your property’s attributes and where it’s located may affect the erection of your laneway home. Before you begin the project, you’ll need to:
  • Investigate the zone your house is located
  • Review what is permissible for development in your particular zone
  • Learn whether your house is in an artesian aquifer location
  • Investigate if an underground storage tank is on your premises, which will need removal
  • Assess the energy needs for constructing the laneway home

    • Step 2: Get requisite pre-approvals

    To ascertain that your proposal for building a laneway suite remains on course without any hiccups and scuffles with the law, it will play to your interests to have certain details evaluated and pre-approved before you make a formal construction permit(s) application. You can do this by consulting with a design professional, consulting with city staff, and applying for a water line and sewer connection.

    Step 3: Submit your license application(s)

    Before you’re issued with a construction permit(s), your application will be evaluated and you’ll get to address any concerns or deficiencies.
  • Pay fees and submit your application. For your application to be given the go-ahead, you’ll have to present all the requisite documentation and have paid the permit charges.
  • Application review. All laneway home proposals must receive approval for any concerns like tree removal(s) to be addressed.
  • Permit(s) approval. If you’ve met all the requirements, you’ll have grounds to start the work described in the license.
    • application

    Step 4: Get trade permits, request inspections, and start construction

    When you have received your construction permit, you can start your laneway house project and get requisite permits, and schedule inspections.
  • Get trade permits. Building a laneway home will need separate trade permits. They include gas, fire sprinkler, electrical, and plumbing.
  • Book inspections. At different phases of the project, all completed work will require inspection.

    • Step 5: Occupy building(s)

    The laneway house is considered fit for occupancy once a final inspection is conducted by approved personnel. It would be best to have an occupancy permit to limit liability suits down the line.
    Optimize your property by creating an exciting multi-functional suite, and reap the benefits of your investment. Hire a professional Laneway house builder for a top-notch renovation service and custom home build. Just ensure you follow the right channels and meet city protocols if you want the laneway house idea to work for you.

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