Build in your backyard
Garden Suite Designs
At Hutly, you can select one of our designs or start custom projects for building secondary dwelling unit in Greater Toronto Area. Scroll down to see what we offer or how custom design can be implemented.
Up To $10,000
Towards Upgrades
Design Your Own Custom Garden Suite
Feasibility and Consultation
Every custom garden suite project at Hutly begins with a detailed feasibility study and consultation. We assess your property to determine what can be built based on zoning by-laws, lot size, access, servicing, and Ontario Building Code requirements.
This step is critical in Toronto and surrounding areas, where each lot has unique constraints. We also take time to understand your goals—whether you are building for rental income, family use, or long-term investment. By identifying limitations and opportunities early, we help prevent costly revisions later.
Our team provides clear guidance on design direction, potential layouts, and project scope, ensuring you start with realistic expectations.
This foundation allows us to move forward efficiently and design a custom garden suite that fits both your property and your vision.
Presenting Suitable Designs and Applications
Once feasibility is confirmed, Hutly presents suitable garden suite design options tailored to your property and goals.
This includes reviewing our pre-approved designs as well as exploring custom layout possibilities.
We guide you through options that maximize space, functionality, and long-term value. During this stage, we also outline the application strategy required for approvals, ensuring your design aligns with municipal regulations.
Our team focuses on selecting designs that not only look great but are practical to build and approve.
By combining design expertise with planning knowledge, we streamline decision-making and reduce delays. This step ensures you are moving forward with a design that is both achievable and optimized for your needs, setting the stage for a smooth permit process.
Permit Package with Necessary Drawings
Hutly prepares a complete garden suite permit package with all required drawings and documentation for submission. This includes architectural plans, site plans, elevations, and any supporting reports needed for approval. Our team ensures that every detail complies with local zoning by-laws and building code requirements, minimizing the risk of revisions or delays.
Preparing an accurate and thorough permit package is one of the most important steps in the process, as it directly impacts timelines. We handle coordination with designers, engineers, and consultants to deliver a fully integrated submission.
By managing this stage professionally, Hutly helps clients navigate the complexities of approvals with confidence, ensuring your garden suite project progresses efficiently toward construction.
Adjusting Materials for Budget
Before construction begins, Hutly works closely with you to align material selections with your budget. This step focuses on balancing design, quality, and cost to ensure the project remains financially efficient.
We review exterior finishes, interior materials, fixtures, and overall specifications, offering alternatives where needed without compromising functionality.
Whether you prefer a cost-conscious approach or higher-end finishes, we provide clear options and guidance. This process allows homeowners to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs later.
By refining materials and scope at this stage, Hutly ensures the project is fully defined before construction starts.
The result is a well-planned garden suite that meets your expectations while staying within your target budget.
Agreement for Construction of Garden Suite
Once the design and budget are finalized, Hutly prepares a clear and detailed construction agreement. This outlines the full scope of work, timelines, specifications, and responsibilities, ensuring transparency from the start.
Our goal is to provide homeowners with confidence and clarity before moving into construction. The agreement reflects all decisions made during the design and budgeting stages, reducing the risk of misunderstandings.
We take time to walk you through every aspect of the project so you understand exactly what to expect. This step formalizes the partnership and sets the foundation for a smooth building process.
With everything clearly documented, both parties can move forward with alignment and confidence.
Proceeding with On Site Work
With approvals and agreements in place, Hutly begins on-site construction of your garden suite. Our team manages the entire build process, including scheduling, trades coordination, inspections, and quality control.
We follow a structured construction timeline to keep the project progressing efficiently while maintaining high standards.
Throughout this phase, we prioritize communication, keeping you informed of progress and key milestones. Every stage—from foundation to finishing—is completed with attention to detail and compliance with building codes.
By managing construction end-to-end, Hutly ensures a consistent and reliable process. This step transforms your approved design into a fully built, high-quality garden suite.
Occupancy and Final Walk Through
The final step is occupancy and a comprehensive walk-through of your completed garden suite.
Hutly ensures all inspections are completed and requirements are met before handing over the finished space.
During the walk-through, we review every detail with you to confirm quality and functionality. This is your opportunity to see the final result and ensure everything meets expectations.
We also provide guidance on maintenance and operation of key systems.
Our goal is to deliver a finished garden suite that is ready for immediate use—whether for rental or personal living. By completing the process with care and attention, Hutly ensures a smooth transition from construction to occupancy.
Creative Layout and Custom Finishes
Designing a garden suite with Hutly gives homeowners the flexibility to create a fully customized layout and interior design tailored to their needs.
Whether you prefer an open-concept plan, additional storage, or unique room configurations, Hutly helps optimize every square foot of space. Clients can also select from a wide range of custom finishes, including flooring, cabinetry, lighting, and bathroom features, to match their style and budget.
This level of customization ensures your garden suite is not only functional but also visually appealing. With Hutly, every detail—from layout to finishes—is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort, usability, and long-term value.
Full Spectrum of Exterior Material Selection
Hutly focuses on fully custom exterior design for garden suites, giving homeowners complete freedom to define the look and feel of their project.
Rather than offering preset styles, each garden suite is designed from scratch to suit the property and personal preferences. Clients can select from a full spectrum of exterior materials, including brick, stucco, siding, wood accents, or modern mixed façades.
Elements such as rooflines, window placement, and architectural details are carefully tailored to create a cohesive and unique design that enhances both appearance and long-term property value.
Benefits of Designing Custom
One of the biggest advantages of building a custom garden suite is the ability to create a truly unique design that reflects your property and personal style. Unlike prefab options, which are limited to standardized layouts and finishes, a custom approach allows you to design every detail from the ground up. This includes floor plan configuration, exterior appearance, window placement, and interior finishes.
A thoughtfully designed garden suite can complement your main home or introduce a modern architectural contrast that enhances overall curb appeal. More importantly, it ensures the space functions exactly as intended, rather than forcing your needs into a pre-set design. With a custom garden suite, you’re not just adding extra space—you’re creating a tailored living environment that adds both character and long-term value to your property.
Designing a custom garden suite gives you greater control over how your budget is allocated throughout the project. Instead of paying for a fixed prefab package that may include features you don’t need, you can prioritize what matters most—whether that’s layout efficiency, higher-quality finishes, or long-term durability. A custom approach allows for adjustments at every stage, from simplifying certain elements to upgrading others, ensuring your investment is used effectively. This flexibility helps prevent unnecessary spending while still achieving a high-quality result.
By working with a builder who understands cost planning, you can align design decisions with your financial goals from the beginning. A well-managed custom garden suite project ensures transparency, smarter material choices, and better overall value without compromising functionality or design intent.
Many properties, especially in urban areas, have irregular lot sizes or unique site conditions that make prefab garden suites difficult to implement. Custom garden suite design allows you to fully adapt the layout to your specific property, whether that involves working around narrow access points, unusual shapes, or existing structures.
Instead of forcing a standard unit onto a challenging site, a custom approach ensures every square foot is used efficiently. This can improve functionality, maintain privacy, and maximize outdoor space. It also helps ensure compliance with zoning and setback requirements, which vary depending on the property. By designing specifically for your lot, you can overcome constraints and unlock the full potential of your backyard, creating a garden suite that fits naturally within the space.
A custom garden suite allows you to design a space that meets specific lifestyle or family needs, something prefab options often cannot accommodate. For example, if the suite is intended for elderly parents, the design can include features such as main-floor living, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms. If it’s for a home office or multi-purpose use, the layout can be adjusted to support productivity and flexibility. Families may also require additional storage, larger kitchens, or specific room configurations.
Custom design ensures that every detail serves a purpose and enhances daily living. By tailoring the garden suite to your exact requirements, you create a space that is not only functional today but also adaptable for future needs.
When building a garden suite for rental income, custom design plays a key role in maximizing return on investment (ROI). A well-planned layout can significantly impact how attractive the unit is to potential tenants. Features such as efficient space planning, comfortable bedroom sizes, and functional kitchens can improve rental value and occupancy rates. Custom garden suites also allow you to design specifically for your target market, whether that’s long-term tenants or short-term rentals.
By optimizing layout and finishes, you can create a space that stands out in the market without overspending. A strategic approach to design ensures the suite generates consistent income while maintaining long-term durability. Ultimately, a custom-built garden suite provides greater flexibility to balance cost, quality, and rental performance.
Custom garden suite designs can impact timelines depending on the level of complexity and required approvals. Fully custom projects often involve additional design work and coordination, which may extend the planning phase. However, this allows for a more tailored and precise result. In contrast, pre-approved or slightly modified designs typically move through the process faster due to fewer revisions. We manage timelines by guiding clients through each step efficiently, ensuring that whether you choose a custom or standard design, the project stays organized and progresses smoothly toward construction.
Clients can modify their chosen garden suite design during the planning phase. Adjustments can include layout changes, room configurations, and upgrades to finishes or materials. This flexibility ensures the final design aligns with your specific needs before construction begins. Making changes early in the process is important, as it helps avoid delays and keeps the project on track. Whether you are refining a pre-approved design or enhancing certain features, Hutly works with you to ensure the design is both practical and tailored to your goals.
Yes, our garden suite designs are carefully developed with rental potential in mind. Layouts are designed to maximize usable living space, provide comfortable room sizes, and meet what tenants typically look for in Toronto rental units. Features such as open-concept living areas, efficient kitchens, and well-planned bedrooms can improve both rental value and tenant appeal. By focusing on functionality and market demand, Hutly helps homeowners create garden suites that generate strong and consistent income. Optimized designs also contribute to long-term durability and lower maintenance, which are important for investment properties.
Choosing the right garden suite design depends on several factors, including lot size, access, intended use, and budget. In Toronto, properties often have unique constraints, so selecting a design that fits well within the site is essential. Homeowners should consider whether the suite will be used for rental income, family living, or a combination of both. Efficient layouts and proper space planning can significantly impact long-term value. Hutly works closely with clients to evaluate their property and recommend design options that balance functionality, compliance, and overall project goals.
Hutly offers a wide range of interior customization options to help you design a garden suite that fits your needs. Clients can choose layouts, kitchen configurations, cabinetry styles, flooring, lighting, and bathroom finishes. You can also adjust room sizes, storage solutions, and overall flow to maximize functionality. Whether the goal is a modern rental unit or a comfortable space for family, interior design plays a key role in usability and appeal. By tailoring these elements, homeowners can create a space that feels high-quality, practical, and aligned with their personal or investment goals.
Yes, Hutly allows full flexibility when it comes to the exterior design of your garden suite. Homeowners can choose from a variety of materials, including modern siding, brick, stucco, or a combination of finishes to achieve the desired look. Whether you want a contemporary design or something that complements the existing home, exterior customization is an important part of the process. Adjusting window sizes, rooflines, and façade details can also enhance both appearance and natural light. A well-designed exterior not only improves curb appeal but also adds long-term value to your property.
Choosing a pre-approved garden suite design can significantly simplify the planning and building process. These designs are already optimized to meet Toronto zoning and building code requirements, which can help reduce design time and streamline approvals. They are also based on layouts that have been tested for functionality and efficiency, minimizing costly design errors. For homeowners looking for a faster and more predictable path, pre-approved options offer a strong foundation while still allowing for customization. This approach balances convenience with flexibility, making it a popular choice for many garden suite projects.
Hutly offers the option to design a fully custom garden suite, giving homeowners complete control over layout, style, and functionality. This approach is ideal for those who want a unique design tailored to their property, lifestyle, or investment strategy. Clients can choose everything from floor plan configuration to exterior materials and interior finishes. A custom garden suite design allows for creative solutions, especially on challenging lots or when aiming for a standout architectural look. While it may require additional planning, it ensures the final result is perfectly aligned with your vision and long-term goals.
Yes, Hutly’s garden suite designs are fully customizable to match your specific needs and preferences. While the base designs provide an efficient starting point, clients can adjust layouts, room sizes, and functional spaces to better suit their lifestyle or rental goals. Interior features such as kitchens, bathrooms, finishes, and lighting can also be tailored. This flexibility allows homeowners to benefit from a proven design while still creating a space that feels personalized. Customizing an existing design is often a cost-effective way to achieve a unique garden suite without starting entirely from scratch.