Building Places That Inspire
Laneway House Vancouver | Expert Builders of Custom Laneway Homes in Vancouver
Greg Birch CPA, CGA.
At Silvercrest, our team leads the way in building custom homes and laneway homes. Greg Birch, known for his practical approach to construction, focuses on delivering affordable, high-performance homes with the latest technology. Greg holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and a Chartered Professional Accountant designation. He also completed the Certified Passive House Trade program through Passive House Canada. Greg oversees project management for all our builds and renovations, emphasizing authenticity, comfort, and affordability.
How to Build a Laneway House in Vancouver
Do you love your home but feel that you are running out of space? In Vancouver BC laneway houses system could be the perfect solution for you. Silvercrest Custom Homes & Renovations will help you maximize the potential of your laneway homes to give them additional space.
WHAT IS A LANEWAY HOUSE OR A COACH HOME?
- Laneway houses are smaller, independent structure located at the rear of a lot where the garage would normally go on a single-family property.
- A Laneway house is usually allowed in all RS single family zones.
- In Vancouver, bc and other municipalities, laneway homes can be permitted in addition to a secondary suite in the main house.
- A Laneway house can be for family use or rental; strata-titling is not permitted.
If you are interested in finding out if your property is applicable for coach houses or laneway homes, check our our guide titled What Is A Laneway House And What Do I Need To Know To Build One or contact us for a complementary consultation today! We’d be happy to give you all the information you need to fully understand the process and financing needed to build laneway houses.
The Laneway House Construction Process in Vancouver
Building a laneway house in Vancouver requires careful planning and understanding of local regulations. At Silvercrest Custom Homes, we guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful project from start to finish.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Design
The first step is to meet with our design team to discuss your vision for the laneway house. During this consultation, we assess your property, listen to your ideas, and provide expert advice on design options. We’ll also discuss your budget, timeline, and any special requirements you may have.
Step 2: Zoning and Permits
Vancouver has specific zoning regulations that govern the construction of laneway houses. We ensure that your project complies with these rules, securing the necessary permits and approvals from the city. This step is essential to ensure your laneway home is built legally and safely.
Step 3: Architectural Plans and Approvals
Once your design is finalized, we work with architects and engineers to create detailed plans for your laneway house. These plans are submitted to the city for approval, which can take several weeks. We ensure that all aspects of the design meet local building codes and safety standards.
Step 4: Construction
Once all permits and approvals are in place, the construction phase begins. We use high-quality materials and skilled craftsmen to build your laneway house. Our project managers oversee every stage of the construction process, ensuring that the project stays on schedule and within budget.
Step 5: Completion and Move-In
Upon completion, we perform a final inspection to ensure that everything is in top condition. You’ll be able to move into your new laneway home or begin renting it out. Our team remains available for any post-construction support you may need.
New City of Vancouver Laneway House Guidelines Effective October 2024
Silvercrest Laneway House: Vancouver’s Smart Secondary Housing Option
The Silvercrest Laneway House concept integrates seamlessly with existing properties and follows Vancouver’s zoning guidelines for laneway homes. Designed to maximize utility and privacy, a laneway house is only permitted in combination with a single-detached home or one with a secondary suite, with required vehicular access from the back of the property.
Key Specifications
1. Floor Area and Site Requirements
The floor area of a laneway is capped at the lesser of 0.25 times the site area or 186 square meters. This ensures laneway homes are appropriately scaled to the lot and surrounding neighborhood. The standard minimum lot width is 9.8 meters, though the Director of Planning can approve widths down to 7.3 meters with specific design and privacy considerations.
2. Height and Coverage
Laneway houses can be up to two stories and 8.5 meters in height. Site coverage is limited to 50% of the property area, even if it slightly exceeds the district’s typical coverage rules. This balance ensures both the primary and secondary homes occupy the space harmoniously.
3. Placement and Distances
The laneway house must respect the following minimum setbacks:
- 4.9 meters from the main house
- 0.9 meters from the rear property line
- 1.2 meters from each side property line (adjustments can be made for narrow lots)
4. Interior Layout Requirements
Laneway homes must include one main living space (not a bedroom) of at least 16.7 square meters and a bedroom of at least 8.4 square meters. These dimensions ensure the space is functional and comfortable.
5. Floor Area Computation and Exclusions
The total floor area includes all floors, including stairs, fire escapes, and other structures. However, areas designated for parking, balconies, decks, porches, and verandas that meet specific criteria are excluded.
6. Prohibited Upper-Level Decks
Decks above the top level of a laneway house are prohibited to preserve neighborhood aesthetics and privacy.
Benefits of a Laneway Home
Silvercrest’s Laneway Houses provide sustainable, compact, and flexible living spaces. These homes are ideal for extended families, rental income, or private guest spaces. By adhering to zoning guidelines, our laneway houses offer property owners a compliant, functional, and harmonious addition to their property that balances modern living needs with neighborhood privacy.
Need a Custom Laneway House in Vancouver?
Reach out now! Silvercrest offers top-tier laneway house building expertise. Your dream laneway home is just one call away.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Building a Laneway House in Vancouver
- What is a laneway house, and why should I consider building one?
A laneway house is a small, self-contained home built at the rear of a property with its own entrance. It’s perfect for increasing living space, generating rental income, or housing family members. - How much does it cost to build a laneway house?
Costs vary based on size, design, materials, and complexity, generally ranging from $400,000 to $700,000 or more. - What are the zoning requirements for laneway houses in Vancouver?
Your property must be in a zone that allows laneway housing, and specific conditions must be met, including lane access and lot size. Our team can guide you through the process. - Can I rent out my laneway house?
Yes, laneway houses in Vancouver can be rented out if they meet the city’s zoning and building requirements. - What are the benefits of building a laneway house?
Laneway houses increase affordable housing options, raise property value, generate rental income, and contribute to sustainable urban development.
Silvercrest Custom Homes and Laneway House Design Center
Our Design Centre features a variety of flooring samples, cabinet doors, countertops, handles/knobs, and many sample floor plans to inspire your custom laneway home design
Design Options for Your Laneway House
We offer a variety of design options for your laneway house to fit your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget:
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Modern & Minimalist Designs
Clean lines, open spaces, and natural light make these designs efficient and stylish.
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Traditional & Cozy Styles
We can create laneway homes that blend seamlessly with your main home’s architecture, whether you prefer cottage-inspired designs or more traditional layouts.
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Sustainable & Green Designs<.h3> We offer energy-efficient designs with solar panels, high-quality insulation, and eco-friendly materials.
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Custom Layouts & Features
We work closely with you to customize the layout, whether you need an extra bedroom, a home office, or custom features like rooftop decks and smart home technology.
All our laneway house plans have standard kitchen and bathroom designs. We also offer upgraded designs for our clients, please check out Silvercrestdesign.com for more details.
OUR LANEWAY HOUSE KITCHEN LOOKBOOKS
LANEWAY HOUSE PLANS
Building A Laneway House That Inspires
We are here to answer any questions you may have about what inspires us, our build process or our company. Our goal for you, our client, is to have complete customer satisfaction through every stage of your project. That is why we pride ourselves on open and honest communication, from start to finish and beyond.
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Hours
- Weekdays - 8AM to 5PM
- Saturday - 11AM to 4PM
- Sunday - Holiday