SILVERCREST CUSTOM HOMES AND LANEWAY HOUSES NEW WESTMINSTER
BUILDING PLACES THAT INSPIRE
We help you design the life you want.
We understand that building a new home, semi-custom home, custom home, laneway house, undertaking a major renovation or doing an addition to your current home can be an extremely stressful process. With this in mind, we have built Silvercrest Custom Homes and Renovations on the foundation of communication, transparency and maximizing homeowner value. Full disclosure is our policy. We respect your business.
Building It Right
Greg Birch CPA,CGA
Greg is known for his building sensibility and construction of affordable, high performance homes with the latest technology.
Greg graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation. He is responsible for overseeing project management for every one of our builds and renovations. Greg’s philosophy is about staying true and authentic to style and creating a comfortable, functional and affordable living environment.

What You Need To Know About Laneway House New Westminster
Are you running out of space? A Laneway house is the perfect solution to all your problems and we can help you create one!
The development of laneway and carriage houses is permitted in New Westminster on many single detached dwelling properties. These houses are designated to provide innovative infill housing types. Laneway house in New Westminster are also quite popular due to their compact designs. They are located on properties with lanes whereas carriage house are located on properties without lanes.
These ground-oriented homes increase residential availability on the existing neighborhood with minimal impact on the existing streetscapes. They provide safe, pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods. Homes with a living room, bedroom, and bathroom on the ground floor provide an option to age in place. The laneway and carriage houses have the permit to be rented.
Development Permit Area Purpose:
- Protection of environment
- Promotion of energy conservation
- Maintain the character of intensive residential development
What Are The Development Permit Guidelines For New Westminster
These are general principles set by council of city of New Westminster for building carriage house or laneway house.
- Design building with minimal shade and shadow
- Design building for longevity and sustainability
- Focus on a balanced space planning with comfort
- Designing of outdoor spaces as a valued year-round asset.
All infill buildings are encouraged to consider designs with future opportunities like solar infused architecture, energy-efficient infrastructure, natural ventilators, drought-resistant, water conservation systems, and usage of durable material for sustainability.
Exterior Stairs
Exterior stairs are not permitted, except those to the main level.
Projections
Projections are permitted within the required setbacks and building envelope.
Separation to Main House
- Eaves up to 0.61 meters (2 feet)
- Unenclosed porches off the main level up to 1.22 meters (4 feet)
Building Envelope
The building envelope is encouraged to enhance daylighting and minimize shade.
Site Coverage
The Laneway and Carriage houses cannot exceed 10% site coverage unless it prohibits a single-story accessible unit with a functional plan for aging in place.
Roof Forms
Roof forms are critical for compact building designs. Windows impact shade and shadowing over the neighboring properties.
Privacy and Overlooks
Privacy is important for all Laneway House, especially the design of upper-level windows and balconies.
Landscape Design
Landscape design will enhance and support sustainability goals. Site plans will indicate the location and size of private outdoor spaces and trees.
Materials
Durable, high-quality and weather protection material should be used to manage rainwater.
Architectural Expression including Lane Frontage
A specific architectural approach is required for a clear expression of residential use and design excellence.
LANE FRONTAGE GUIDELINES
- All lane elevations should include traditional street elevations
- Proper use of materials and colors to articulate wide lane elevations
- Garage doors should be consistent in quality and design
- The resident address should be clearly visible
PEDESTRIAN AND SERVICE ACCESS PATH
Laneway and carriage houses in New Westminster should have access to the front street for emergency responders, deliveries and visitors.
- A clear access route is required from the street to the entrance.
- No projections are permitted into the access route.
- A visible address sign is required at the street entrance.
PARKING
The parking area of laneway house should be open space reducing shade. Only a single car garage and carport is permitted. The parking pad extending into footprints shall not be flanked by more than two walls, though only parking space is needed for a parking pad.
Exterior stairs are not permitted, except those to the main level.
Projections
Projections are permitted within the required setbacks and building envelope.
Separation to Main House
- Eaves up to 0.61 meters (2 feet)
- Unenclosed porches off the main level up to 1.22 meters (4 feet)
Building Envelope
The building envelope is encouraged to enhance daylighting and minimize shade.
Site Coverage
The Laneway and Carriage houses cannot exceed 10% site coverage unless it prohibits a single-story accessible unit with a functional plan for aging in place.
Roof Forms
Roof forms are critical for compact building designs. Windows impact shade and shadowing over the neighboring properties.
Privacy and Overlooks
Privacy is important for all Laneway House, especially the design of upper-level windows and balconies.
Landscape Design
Landscape design will enhance and support sustainability goals. Site plans will indicate the location and size of private outdoor spaces and trees.
Materials
Durable, high-quality and weather protection material should be used to manage rainwater.
Architectural Expression including Lane Frontage
A specific architectural approach is required for a clear expression of residential use and design excellence.
LANE FRONTAGE GUIDELINES
- All lane elevations should include traditional street elevations
- Proper use of materials and colors to articulate wide lane elevations
- Garage doors should be consistent in quality and design
- The resident address should be clearly visible
PEDESTRIAN AND SERVICE ACCESS PATH
Laneway and carriage houses in New Westminster should have access to the front street for emergency responders, deliveries and visitors.
- A clear access route is required from the street to the entrance.
- No projections are permitted into the access route.
- A visible address sign is required at the street entrance.
Exterior Doors and Access
Requirements
All the exterior carriage house must have a width of 0.85m and a height of 13mm with patio doors. Clear and level covered front doors landing areas of 1.85m. They are required to have space of about 0.60m moving towards and 0.30m clear space moving away from the user.
Recommendations
The front door must have a built-in peer hole, also windows and sidelights allow a seated person to see outside.
Exterior Pathways
Requirements
There must be an accessible pathway with steps for laneway house. It must be made up of hard and slip-resistant materials and all the gratings are directed perpendicular to the travel direction.
Recommendations
An approachable pathway to the front sidewalk with no steps having a width of 1.2m. The slope of pathways not more than 1 to 20, install handrails on sloped areas, and avoid grating more than 13 mm.
Interior Doors and Hallways
Requirements
There must be no stairs inside the house, having a width of hallways not more than 0.85m. The interior doors have a width of 0.81m and a height of 13mm. Also has a clear space of 1.50m swinging towards or away from the user.
Recommendations
Use interior doors that have lever handles.
Bathrooms
Requirements
Bathrooms must have a length of 0.8 from toilet to the facing wall, a length of 0.51 m from bathtub or shower to the center of the toilet, and having a clear central area in front of the washbasin about 0.76m by 1.35m.
Recommendations
Fix handles next to toilets. Install lever-operated faucets.
Kitchen
Requirements
There must be a continuous counter between range and sink. An area of 1.50m by 1.50m is provided in front of the kitchen fixture. Knee clearance under the sink must be 0.75m wide, 0.48m deep and 0.68m high.
Recommendations
- Install additional pull-out work boards.
- Avoid over the range microwaves.
Bedrooms
Requirements
Floor turning area of 1.50m diameter on each side of the bed.
Recommendations
There must be hard surface flooring. Use closets with adjustable hanger rods.
Electrical outlets
Requirements
Switches installed in the room must be accessible to persons in a wheelchair. Cables and other electrical outlets should be 0.455m to 1.20m above the floor.
Recommendations
Dimmer may be installed for power control.
Parking
Requirements
The parking area of 3.9m width with an additional 0.3m on either side if adjacent to a wall. The parking area should have safe access to the main property.
Recommendations
Parking areas should be properly leveled.
Private outdoor space and Landscaping
Requirements
A low-threshold door should provide access to private outdoor space.
Recommendations
Smooth paving material must be used.
Laneway and carriage houses offer privacy and independence more than secondary suites. They are a perfect solution if you want some additional space. These forms of Laneway House must meet the development permits and zoning by-law guidelines issued by the government of New Westminster.

COORDINATION PROCESS
The key to a successful laneway house project is in the details.
Our team utilizes the latest cloud based technology for project management. Clients can easily check in to see current progress, pictures, change order requests, budget and much more. We keep on track and on budget to ensure your project is completed to your satisfaction.
How Long Will it Take to Build My Laneway House New Westminster

Survey and Plan Design Phase

The Survey and Plan Design Phase involves:
- an on-site consultation to determine opportunities and identify any site specific issues
- we then proceed with a site survey
- we then review floor plan design, your design is what drives our objectives
Permit Application & Interior Design Phase
The Permit Application & Interior Design Phase Involves:
- the initial application for your city permits
- interior design coordination
- detailed plan
- building specification listing is generated for the project
This process usually takes 3-4 months
Budget and Allowance Preparation Phase
The Budget and Allowance Preparation Phase Involves
- Project is tendered for pricing from various suppliers and approved sub-trades.
- Specialty products are sourced and priced at this time.
This process takes approx 4 weeks and runs concurrently with the permit application and interior design phase.
Budget and Allowance Review Phase
The Budget and Allowance Review Phase Involves
- presenting and reviewing a detailed, allowance budget
- We begin construction of the laneway upon client acceptance.
The process usually takes 2 weeks and runs concretely with the permit application and interior design phase.
Laneway Home Construction Phase
Laneway Home Construction Phase Involves
- everything from demolition of any old garages
- framing and lock up
- exterior details
- all the way to the paint & interior trim works
- the final stage of this step is issuance of the final occupancy permit from the city
This process takes 5-6 months and will depend upon the complexity of the design.
Silvercrest Custom Homes and Laneway Houses: Trusted Laneway Builders in New Westminster
Here are some reasons why Silvercrest Custom Homes is the best laneway builders in New Westminster
Are you looking for a reliable and experienced builder to construct your dream laneway house in New Westminster? Look no further than Silvercrest Custom Homes.
With years of experience in the construction industry, Silvercrest Custom Homes has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, custom-built laneway houses that meet the unique needs and preferences of each client.
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Expertise in Passive House Construction
Silvercrest Custom Homes is proud to have a certified Passive House Tradesperson and a certified Passive House Design/Consultant on their team. This means they have the knowledge and expertise to build highly energy-efficient laneway houses that can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills.
By using the latest building techniques and materials, such as airtight construction, triple-paned windows, and heat recovery ventilation systems, Silvercrest Custom Homes can create laneway houses that meet the rigorous Passive House standards while still being aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to live in.
Custom Design and Planning
At Silvercrest Custom Homes, they understand that each client has unique needs and preferences. That’s why they work closely with their clients to design and plan a custom laneway house that meets their specific requirements.
Their team of experienced designers and architects can help clients create a functional and stylish laneway house that maximizes living space and complements the existing property. From the initial design phase to the final construction, Silvercrest Custom Homes ensures that each step of the process is carefully planned and executed.
Quality Workmanship and Attention to Detail
Silvercrest Custom Homes takes great pride in the quality of their workmanship and attention to detail. From the foundation to the roof, they use only the best materials and techniques to ensure that each laneway house is built to last.
Their skilled tradespeople are dedicated to producing a finished product that exceeds their clients’ expectations. They also provide regular updates throughout the construction process to ensure that clients are informed and satisfied with the progress.
Excellent Customer Service
Silvercrest Custom Homes understands that building a laneway house can be a significant investment and can be a stressful process for some clients. That’s why they prioritize excellent customer service, ensuring that clients feel informed and involved throughout the construction process.
Their team is always available to answer any questions or concerns clients may have, and they strive to ensure that clients are satisfied with the final product. They also provide a warranty on all their work, giving clients peace of mind knowing that they are covered if any issues arise after construction is complete.
Getting the Best
Silvercrest Custom Homes is the best laneway builder in New Westminster for many reasons. Their expertise in Passive House construction, custom design and planning, quality workmanship, and excellent customer service sets them apart from other builders.
If you are looking to build a high-quality and energy-efficient laneway house in New Westminster, Silvercrest Custom Homes is the builder you can trust to deliver exceptional results.
Time To Start Brainstorming For Your Laneway House Project
Do We Have Some Ideas For You!
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