Garden Suites, Laneway Houses & ARUs

Turn Your Backyard Into a Living Asset

Your backyard already has the potential to be your personal retreat — but what if it could do even more? Garden suites, laneway houses, and additional residential units (ARUs) are changing the way homeowners across Markham and the GTA think about their properties.


Whether you're looking to house a loved one, generate rental income, or significantly increase the long-term value of your home, a secondary dwelling unit could be the smartest addition you ever make. Yardcore Landscaping Design Inc. is here to help you navigate the process and bring the vision to life.

More space. More value. More possibilities.

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What Is a Garden Suite or Laneway House?

  • DurableGarden Suite / Backyard Suite

    A self-contained detached dwelling in your rear yard, complete with its own kitchen, bathroom, and private entrance.

  • Laneway House / Laneway Suite

    A detached secondary unit built at the rear of a lot, accessing a public laneway where available.

  • Additional Residential Unit (ARU / ADU)

    The broader category covering garden suites, laneway houses, basement suites, and detached units above garages.

A Growing Opportunity for Markham & GTA Homeowners

Ontario now requires municipalities to permit additional residential units on residential lots, and Markham is actively updating its zoning bylaws to reflect this shift. For homeowners, this means more flexibility than ever before to maximize their property's potential.


This is a rapidly evolving landscape — and getting ahead of it with the right team can make all the difference.

Permits & Regulations: What You Should Know

Building a garden suite or laneway house involves an important regulatory process. Here's an overview of what to expect:

✓ Building permits are required for all ARU construction

✓ All units must comply with the Ontario Building Code

✓ Each unit requires a separate entrance, kitchen, and bathroom

✓ Typical restrictions may include:

  • Placement in the rear yard only
  • Size limits — often up to approximately 60 m² (650 ft²), or tied to a percentage of the main dwelling
  • Required setbacks from property lines and the main structure
  • Height limits — generally around 4.5 m (one storey)

Please note: regulations are actively evolving and subject to final city approvals.

What Does a Garden Suite, Laneway House, or ARU Cost?

Every project is unique, but here are some general ballpark figures to help you plan:

✓ Small or basic garden suite (400–650 ft²): approximately $200,000 – $350,000+

✓ Larger or custom suite: approximately $350,000 – $500,000+

✓ Laneway houses often come in at a higher cost due to additional servicing and access requirements

These figures are provided for general informational purposes only. Final costs depend on your property, design choices, and permitting requirements.

How Yardcore Landscaping Design Inc. Can Help

  • Site Planning & Feasibility

    Assessing your property for optimal suite placement.

  • Designer & Permitting Coordination

    Connecting you with the right design and permitting specialists.

  • Site Preparation & Grading

    Ensuring your site is level and construction-ready.

  • Fencing & Privacy Solutions

    Defining and separating living spaces with tailored fencing.

  • Outdoor Integration & Landscaping

    Seamlessly blending your new suite into your existing property.

Unlock your property's potential.