# Garden Suite Cost Toronto | Fixed-Price Quotes > What a garden suite costs in Toronto in 2026: $160K-$380K turnkey, prefab-hybrid savings, feasibility $1.2K-$2.8K. Free consult and written CAD quote. URL: https://gardensuitetoronto.ca/garden-suite-cost/ ![Printed garden suite fixed-price quote and site plan on a kitchen table](/images/misc/homeowners-table-with-a-printed-garden-suite-fixed.webp) # Garden Suite Cost Estimation Toronto, ON | Fixed-Price Quotes + Written Feasibility Last updated: October 13, 2026 Garden Suite Toronto [/ →](/) provides garden suite cost estimates, written fixed-price quotes, hard and soft cost breakdowns and rental payback numbers throughout Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, East York, York and Old Toronto, backed by 20+ years combined Toronto design-build experience. A turnkey garden suite in Toronto runs $160,000 to $380,000 in 2026, depending on size, build type and lot conditions. We start with a free consult, then turn your feasibility report into a written fixed price with a 5-stage draw schedule: permit, foundation, framing, finishes and occupancy. Free consult Quote within 2 weeks of feasibility - Written feasibility before deposit - 12-14 week permit average - Fixed price, 5-stage draws - P.Eng-led, BCIN Part 9 Request a Free Feasibility Review [#service-lead-form →](#service-lead-form) Call (437) 291-2577 [tel:+14372912577 →](tel:+14372912577) ## Thanks, we have your lot details. A member of our Toronto team will call you within 24 hours during business hours (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm). Pre-Contract Feasibility ## Is your lot right for cost estimation? Send your address details. We reply within 24 hours with next steps and the feasibility fee for your lot. - 24-Hour Callback - 12-14 Week Permits - 10-Year Structural Warranty - $5M Liability + WSIB - 22+ Years, P.Eng-Led What's Included ## What You Get With Our Cost Estimation Service Free consult and a written, fixed-price CAD quote with a 5-stage draw schedule. - Free initial consult - Written CAD quote before contract - Hard vs soft cost breakdown - Lot-specific cost drivers identified - Zero deposit on feasibility; 10% at contract - Rental calculator and payback estimate ## Garden Suite Costs in Toronto, Explained A garden suite is a separate backyard home, also called an additional residential unit (ARU) or detached accessory dwelling unit. In Toronto in 2026, the all-in turnkey price for one runs $160,000 to $380,000. That range is wide because lots are different. A 40 sqm studio on an open lot with good services sits near the bottom. A 60 sqm suite with a loft on a ravine lot with an old hydro service sits near the top. ### What does a garden suite cost in Toronto by size? For a detached site-built suite, expect $160,000 to $240,000 at 40 sqm and $220,000 to $380,000 at 60 sqm. Per square metre that works out to roughly $4,000 to $6,300 all-in, higher on small suites because kitchens, bathrooms and mechanical systems cost the same whatever the size. Toronto Building permit fees, design and engineering are part of the total. Prefab-hybrid suites save $20,000 to $40,000, and garage conversions can start at $120,000 when the existing structure is sound. ### Which rules affect the cost under By-law 574-2022? By-law 574-2022 and Zoning By-law 569-2013 set the size cap (60 sqm, or 40 sqm on narrower lots), separation from the main house, setbacks and fire access. Those rules shape the footprint and so the price. Overlays add cost: TRCA regulated areas can require a geotechnical review, the Tree Protection By-law can require helical piles near root zones, and a Heritage Conservation District can call for specific cladding. A minor variance at the Committee of Adjustment adds fees and about two months. ### Who gives fixed-price garden suite quotes in Toronto? Many builders quote a range and adjust it during construction through allowances and change orders. We issue a written fixed price after the feasibility report, because by then we know the lot, the envelope and the utility situation. Our founder, Dmitri Varga, P.Eng and BCIN Part 9, reviews every quote before it goes out. ## How We Build Your Cost Estimate ![Garden suite estimator reviewing a printed site plan and cost spreadsheet with a Toronto lot survey on the desk](/images/content/garden-suite-estimator-reviewing-a-site-plan-and-c.webp) ### 1\. Free consult A short call or site walk. We ask about goals (rental, family, office or retirement), lot width, lane access, garage and timeline, and give you a realistic range. ### 2\. Written feasibility report Our garden suite site evaluation [/garden-suite-feasibility/ →](/garden-suite-feasibility/) confirms eligibility, measures the envelope and checks soil, access and utility capacity. It costs $1,200 to $2,800 with zero deposit, and it is what makes a fixed price possible. ### 3\. Fixed-price quote Within 2 weeks of the report, you get a written CAD quote showing hard and soft costs, material allowances, exclusions and the 5-stage draw schedule. ### 4\. Contract with written change control 10% at contract, then draws at permit, foundation, framing, finishes and occupancy. Any change needs your written approval and a written price before work starts. ## Garden Suite Cost Breakdown (60 sqm Example) | Cost item | Typical range | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | Feasibility, design and engineering | $10,000 - $20,000 | Includes energy compliance | | Permits and agency fees | $4,000 - $10,000 | City fees plus expeditor service | | Foundation | $18,000 - $40,000 | Slab, shallow frost-protected or helical piles | | Structure and envelope | $60,000 - $95,000 | Framing, roof, windows, insulation, cladding | | Mechanical and electrical | $30,000 - $50,000 | Heat pump, HRV, 100-amp sub-panel, plumbing | | Utility connections and upgrades | $12,000 - $45,000 | Toronto Hydro, Toronto Water, sewer, Enbridge | | Interior finishes | $40,000 - $80,000 | Kitchen, bath, flooring, millwork | | Site work and landscaping | $8,000 - $20,000 | Paths, grading, restoration | | Total turnkey | $220,000 - $380,000 | Before HST | ![Bar chart comparing garden suite costs for a 40 sqm prefab hybrid a 48 sqm detached and a 60 sqm suite with loft in Toronto](/images/content/bar-chart-comparing-toronto-garden-suite-costs-for.webp) ## What Drives the Price on a Toronto Lot? **Utility upgrades.** Older homes in Riverdale, Leslieville and East York often have a 60-amp electrical service or a 1/2 inch galvanized water line. A Toronto Hydro service upgrade or new Toronto Water line can add $12,000 to $30,000. **Foundation choice.** A frost-protected shallow foundation on an open lot is the least costly. Helical piles cost more but protect tree roots and work on poor soil or tight access. **Access.** Narrow side yards mean hand-carrying materials or booking a crane and a street occupancy permit. **Size and storeys.** A loft or second storey adds structure and stairs, but leaves more yard. **Finish level.** Our standard spec meets Toronto Green Standard Tier 1. Upgraded or premium finishes add roughly 12 to 25 percent to construction. > **The cheapest garden suite is the one you only design once** > > Redrawing a suite after a Zoning Examiner rejection costs $3,000 to $8,000 in fees and 8 to 12 weeks of carrying costs. Measuring the envelope first is the single best cost control. ## Cost by Build Type | Build type | Typical Toronto range | Page | | --- | --- | --- | | Detached site-built | $180K - $340K | Detached garden suites | | Prefab-hybrid | $140K - $240K | Prefab garden suites | | Attached | $160K - $280K | Attached garden suites | | Garage conversion | $120K - $220K | Garage conversions | | Laneway house | $200K - $380K | Laneway houses | ## Does a Garden Suite Pay for Itself? Toronto garden suites typically rent for $2,200 to $3,400 a month. A $280,000 suite renting at $2,800, after a vacancy allowance and about $4,500 a year in taxes, insurance and upkeep, nets roughly $27,750 a year, which is a payback of about 10 years before financing. Our rental income suite service [/garden-suite-rental-income/ →](/garden-suite-rental-income/) shows how layout and finishes affect rent. For the full list of service prices in one place, see our pricing page [/pricing/ →](/pricing/) . Transparent Pricing ## How Much Does Garden Suite Cost Estimation Cost in Toronto? The consult is free. The written feasibility report is $1,200 to $2,800 with zero deposit, and its findings drive your fixed-price quote. ### Cost consult Cost Free - Phone or on-site conversation - Ballpark range for your goals - Build type options explained - No obligation Get a fixed-price quote [/contact/ →](/contact/) Most chosen ### Feasibility + quote Starting from $1,200 - $2,800 - Written feasibility report - Lot-specific cost drivers - Budget range and rental estimate - Fixed-price quote within 2 weeks Get a fixed-price quote [/contact/ →](/contact/) ### Turnkey build Starting from $160K - $380K - Design, permits, utilities, build - 10% at contract, 5 staged draws - No change orders without approval - Transferable written warranty Get a fixed-price quote [/contact/ →](/contact/) All prices in CAD before HST. Zero deposit on feasibility, 10% at contract, then 5 draws: permit, foundation, framing, finishes and occupancy. No change orders without your written approval. See every service on our Toronto garden suite pricing page [/pricing/ →](/pricing/) . Why Garden Suite Toronto ## Why Choose Us for Cost Estimation? ### Fixed means fixed Our contracts carry a fixed price and a written change order policy. Nothing changes without your signature. ### Real Toronto numbers Our prices come from Toronto builds since 2022, not national averages or a US cost guide. ### Lot drivers named up front Hydro upgrades, galvanized water lines, helical piles and crane access are identified in feasibility, not at framing. ### Zero deposit to find out The feasibility report is paid on delivery. You never put down a deposit to learn if your lot works. ### Payback math included Every report includes a rental calculator so you can see payback before you commit. ### One team accountable The people who price the job also design, permit and build it, so the quote reflects how we actually work. Our Process ## How Does Our Cost Estimation Process Work? One contract, one team, one schedule. Each step has a clear output before the next one starts. 1. 1 ### Free consult Day 1 Tell us your goals, lot width and timeline. We give a realistic range and explain build types. 2. 2 ### Feasibility report About 2 weeks Site visit, eligibility, envelope, soil, access and utility capacity, with a budget range and rental estimate. 3. 3 ### Fixed-price quote Within 2 weeks A written CAD price with hard and soft costs, material allowances and a 5-stage draw schedule. 4. 4 ### Contract When you are ready 10% at contract. Draws follow permit, foundation, framing, finishes and occupancy. Changes only with your written approval. 5. 5 ### Final price = quoted price Occupancy No allowance creep, no surprise extras. The number you signed is the number you pay. ## Ready to price cost estimation for your lot? The feasibility report turns your address into eligibility, envelope, utility capacity and a budget range, before any contract. Request a Free Feasibility Review [/contact/ →](/contact/) (437) 291-2577 [tel:+14372912577 →](tel:+14372912577) Our Work ## Recent Cost Estimation Work in Toronto Site photos from Toronto projects. No addresses, no faces. Click any photo to enlarge. See all 10 Toronto case studies with prices [/projects/ →](/projects/) Client Proof ## What Clients Say About Our Cost Estimation Work Feedback from homeowners we have designed, permitted and built for across Toronto. Project prices are the fixed contract amounts. Leila K. • Yonge-Eglinton $298,000 detached home office suite > “Our design needed a small height variance. I was dreading the Committee of Adjustment, but the expeditor prepared the application, briefed our neighbours and handled the hearing. It added about two months, exactly as the feasibility report warned. Meanwhile the team finished design and lined up Toronto Hydro so nothing else slipped. The office is quiet, warm in February and permitted down to the last outlet. No change orders, no excuses.” Marcus T. • Davisville $198,000 attached in-law suite > “Fixed price meant fixed price. My mother has her own entry and her own thermostat, and we never argued about an extra.” Darshan M. • Leaside $288,000 detached garden suite > “They gave us the written feasibility report inside two weeks. The variance we needed for the TRCA ravine lot was flagged before we spent a dollar on drawings. Permit cleared in 11 weeks. Suite ready for tenants in month 7.” Common Questions ## Cost Estimation FAQs: Toronto Homeowner Questions Straight answers on cost, timelines, by-laws and permits for Toronto lots. ### How much does a garden suite cost in Toronto in 2026? Full-build turnkey garden suites in Toronto run $220,000 to $380,000 for a 60 sqm detached unit, including design, permits, construction and delivery. Smaller 40 sqm suites run $160,000 to $240,000. Prefab-hybrid suites save $20,000 to $40,000 compared with site-built. Garage conversions start near $120,000 because the structure already exists, and laneway houses run $200,000 to $380,000. The price on your lot depends on five things: size, build type, foundation, utility upgrades and finish level. Lot conditions such as a TRCA ravine slope, protected trees or a narrow side yard can add $15,000 to $35,000. Your written feasibility report sets a budget range before any contract. ### What is included in a turnkey garden suite price? Our turnkey price includes the feasibility report findings, design and engineering, Toronto Building Division permits, utility connections, foundation, structure, envelope, mechanical systems, interior finishes, final inspections and occupancy. City permit fees and any variance fees are billed at cost and shown in the quote. ### What are hard costs and soft costs? Soft costs are design, engineering, surveys, arborist reports, permits and project management, usually $14,000 to $30,000 on a garden suite. Hard costs are everything built on site: foundation, framing, roofing, windows, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and finishes. Hard costs are the larger share, often 85 to 90 percent. ### Do I pay development charges on a garden suite? No. Under provincial Bill 23, development charges are waived for additional residential units such as garden suites and laneway suites. You still pay City building permit fees, which scale with floor area. ### How do payments work? Zero deposit on the feasibility report, 10% at contract, then 5 staged draws at permit, foundation, framing, finishes and occupancy. No change orders without your written approval. ### Why do some garden suite quotes grow during construction? Usually because of low material allowances, unpriced utility upgrades or foundation surprises. We price utilities and foundations from the feasibility findings, set realistic allowances and put the change order policy in writing. ### Is prefab cheaper than site-built? Prefab-hybrid suites typically save $20,000 to $40,000 and shorten the on-site schedule to about 10 weeks. Foundations, servicing and permits cost the same, so savings come from factory framing and less site labour. ### Will a garden suite raise my property taxes? MPAC may reassess the property after the suite is built, which can raise your property tax. The amount varies. We include an estimate of carrying costs in the rental calculator. ### Is there a rebate for rental garden suites? Long-term rental suites may qualify for the HST New Residential Rental Property Rebate. Rules change, so confirm with your accountant. We supply the documents the application needs. ### How fast can I get a quote? The consult is the same week. The feasibility report takes about 2 weeks, and the fixed-price quote follows within 2 weeks of the report. ### Still have a question about your lot? Send us the address and lot width. We will tell you what applies before you pay for anything. Request a Free Feasibility Review [/contact/ →](/contact/) Call (437) 291-2577 [tel:+14372912577 →](tel:+14372912577) Free Calculators ## Run the Numbers Before You Call ### Toronto Garden Suite Cost Estimator Estimate a turnkey garden suite budget in Toronto by size, build type, finish level and lot complexity. Use the calculator [Toronto Garden Suite Cost Estimator →](/tools/garden-suite-cost-estimator/) Keep Exploring ## Related Services ![Site evaluator measuring a staked garden suite footprint in a Toronto backyard](/images/misc/site-evaluator-with-a-clipboard-and-laser-measure-.webp) ### Garden Suite Site Evaluation A written report confirming lot eligibility, allowable envelope, utilities and budget before any contract. $1.2K - $2.8K [Garden Suite Site Evaluation →](/garden-suite-feasibility/) ![Detached two-storey garden suite with cedar siding in a Toronto backyard at golden hour](/images/misc/detached-two-storey-garden-suite-with-cedar-siding.webp) ### Detached Garden Suite Construction 40-60 sqm detached backyard homes, designed, permitted and built under one fixed-price contract. $180K - $340K [Detached Garden Suite Construction →](/detached-garden-suites/) ![Crane lowering a factory-built garden suite module into a Toronto backyard](/images/misc/mobile-crane-lowering-a-factory-built-garden-suite.webp) ### Prefab Garden Suite Installation Factory-built panels or modules finished on site; same permit path, faster schedule. $140K - $240K [Prefab Garden Suite Installation →](/prefab-garden-suites/) ![Rental-ready one-bedroom garden suite with a private entry at dusk](/images/misc/rental-ready-one-bedroom-garden-suite-with-private.webp) ### Garden Suite for Rental Income Layouts, finishes and metering chosen for tenant demand and $2,200-$3,400 monthly rent. $220K - $360K [Garden Suite for Rental Income →](/garden-suite-rental-income/) ![](/images/misc/modern-garden-suite-with-cedar-siding-and-standing.webp) 24-hour callback during business hours ## Start Your Cost Estimation Project With a Written Feasibility Report Send us your address and lot width. You get a written feasibility report with eligibility, envelope, utilities and a budget range, then a fixed-price quote. Request a Free Feasibility Review [/contact/ →](/contact/) Call (437) 291-2577 [tel:+14372912577 →](tel:+14372912577) - Zero deposit on feasibility - Fixed-price contract - No change orders without written approval