Building Places That Inspire
SILVERCREST CUSTOM HOMES AND LANEWAY HOMES
Greg Birch CPA, CGA.
The team at Silvercrest are trusted experts in building custom homes and laneway house. 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 has also completed Certified Passive House Trade – Passive House Canada. 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.
BUILDING YOUR LANEWAY HOUSE
Do you love your home but feel that you are running out of space? A laneway house 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 offers an efficient and flexible housing option that integrates seamlessly with existing properties, following Vancouver’s zoning guidelines for laneway homes. Designed to maximize both utility and privacy, a laneway house is permitted only 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 for a laneway house is capped at the lesser of 0.25 times the site area or 186 square meters. This ensures laneway homes remain appropriately scaled to the lot size and surrounding neighborhood. For lot dimensions, a minimum width of 9.8 meters is standard. However, the Director of Planning can allow widths down to 7.3 meters if they meet 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 this slightly exceeds the district’s typical site coverage rules. This keeps the overall site balanced, with both the primary and secondary homes harmoniously occupying the space.
3. Placement and Distances
The laneway house must be positioned to respect the following minimum setbacks:
– **4.9 meters** from the primary single detached house on the property.
– **0.9 meters** from the rear property line.
– **1.2 meters** from each side property line, with adjustments possible for narrow lots.
4. Interior Layout Requirements
Laneway homes must include at least one main living space (not a bedroom) of 16.7 square meters and one bedroom of at least 8.4 square meters. These dimensions ensure a functional, comfortable living area that supports daily living needs without crowding.
5. Floor Area Computation and Exclusions
Total floor area includes all floors measured to the building’s outer limits, including stairs, fire escapes, and other structures. However, there are exclusions, such as:
– Parking: Floor areas designated for open parking spaces (at least two open sides and not exceeding 7.3 meters in length).
– Balconies and Decks: Excluded if they don’t surpass 8% of the floor area.
– Porches and Verandahs: Provided these features stay within 13% of total permitted floor area and meet ceiling height requirements of no more than 3.1 meters.
6. Prohibited Upper-Level Decks
Decks and roof decks above the uppermost level of a laneway house are not allowed, preserving neighborhood aesthetics and privacy.
Benefits of a Laneway House
The Silvercrest Laneway House adds a sustainable, compact, and flexible living space to Vancouver properties. These homes are ideal for extended family, rental income, or private guest space. By adhering to the specific zoning guidelines, Silvercrest Laneway Houses offer property owners a compliant, functional, and harmonious addition to their property, balancing modern living needs with neighborhood aesthetics and privacy.
Embrace the potential of laneway homes with Silvercrest—where thoughtful design meets city guidelines for practical and beautiful secondary housing.
Lets Get Your Laneway House Started
**Your dream laneway home is just one call away.**
Silvercrest Custom Homes and Laneway House Design Center
Our Design Centre for homes and laneway houses is loaded with flooring samples, cabinet doors, counter top materials, handles/knobs, lots of sample duplex, house and laneway floor plans for your inspiration
Design Options for Your Laneway House
At Silvercrest Custom Homes, we understand that every homeowner has unique needs and preferences. That’s why we offer a range of design options for your laneway house that can be tailored to suit your lifestyle, aesthetic tastes, and budget.
1. Modern & Minimalist Designs
For those who appreciate clean lines and a contemporary feel, we offer sleek, modern designs with open floor plans and ample natural light. These designs focus on simplicity and efficiency, making the most of the space available without compromising on style.
2. Traditional & Cozy Styles
If you prefer a more classic look, we can create a laneway home that blends seamlessly with the architecture of your main home. From charming, cottage-inspired designs to more formal, traditional layouts, our custom homes can reflect the character and charm of your neighborhood.
3. Sustainable & Green Designs
Many homeowners are looking for eco-friendly, energy-efficient homes. We offer green design options, such as solar panels, energy-efficient windows, and high-quality insulation, to reduce your home’s environmental impact while saving on energy costs in the long run.
4. Custom Layouts & Features
Every laneway house can be designed to meet your specific needs. Whether you want an additional bedroom, a home office, or an open-concept living area, we work closely with you to ensure your laneway home fits your lifestyle. We also offer customization options for features like rooftop decks, smart home technology, and more.
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