• In-Law Suites

    In-Law Suite Contractors in Toronto

In-Law Suite Builders in Toronto: Additions for Multi-Generational Living

More and more Canadians are keeping it in the family these days by having more than one generation of the family living under the same roof. There could be many reasons for this with one of them being that it’s an ideal way to reduce living expenses while still retaining everybody’s privacy. Here in Toronto, the high cost of real estate makes building an in-law suite an attractive option. Most families who share the same living quarters achieve their goal by adding an in-law suite to their existing home.

In-Law Suites in Toronto at a Glance

  • Who we are: a licensed, bonded and insured Toronto design-build company based in Scarborough, building major additions, custom homes and ADUs since 2004. Best of Houzz 2025 award recipient.
  • Our focus: in-law suites created through a home addition, such as a main-floor suite at the rear or side of the house, a second-storey suite or a suite over a garage addition, and detached garden suites or laneway suites in the back yard.
  • Designed for the people living there: step-free entries, wider doorways and accessible bathrooms for aging parents, or a fully self-contained unit with its own entrance for adult children.
  • Rules that apply: a self-contained second unit inside the house is a secondary suite and needs a City of Toronto building permit, and it must meet the zoning by-law and the Ontario Building Code. Detached suites follow the City’s laneway or garden suite rules.
  • Budget: in-law suite additions follow our 2026 home addition cost ranges (rear and side additions roughly $350 to $500 per sq. ft. in construction cost), and detached laneway suites typically start around $350,000.
  • What we handle: feasibility and zoning review, architectural design, structural engineering coordination, permits and inspections, and construction, with a dedicated project manager, $5 million liability insurance, WSIB coverage and a 2-year warranty.

Last updated October 2026.

There are several creative ways to turn an existing space into an in-law suite such as finishing the basement or converting a garage, attic, office space or unused room etc. and you may also decide to build an addition to your home or in the backyard. With an in-law suite usually containing its own cooking, living and bathing quarters it’s quite similar to having a separate apartment installed in your home or dwelling added to your property.

Of course, the in-law suite doesn’t specifically have to be for your in-laws as these units are also ideal for young adults and other family members who like their independence and privacy. A permitted, self-contained suite can also be rented as long-term housing for additional income.

A connected suite could have its own entrance or be separated by a locked door and the inside layout usually depends on the preferences and living needs of the occupants. For instance, elderly adults may need specific accommodations that are suited for wheelchairs and walkers etc.

In-Law Suite Contractors in Toronto

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Planning a home for more than one generation? We start with a feasibility review of your lot and house: whether an addition, a second-storey suite or a detached garden or laneway suite fits best, what zoning allows, and a realistic budget, before you pay for full drawings.

Call us today at 416-750-7555 or fill out the form to schedule your consultation

Novacon Construction
121 Lebovic Ave, Suite C01
Scarborough, ON M1L 4T7
Phone: 416-750-7555
info@novacon.ca

Why People Love Working With Us

Stress-Free Building Experience

We offer award winning service that lets you enjoy the often stressful experience of building and renovating. Coupled with our Project management approach and unique online software, you have access to all aspects of your project from anywhere in the world 24 hours a day,7 days a week.

Full Service Design-Build Solutions

We help you navigate through every step of your project. From the initial feasibility study, engineering requirements, architectural drawings, interior design, permit submissions, through to the construction management. From concept to completion we can make your dream home a reality.

Guaranteed Pricing and Timelines

One of the things we pride ourselves on most is our meticulous construction process and detailed project financials. Our professional systems provide maximum transparency and costs to all of our clients to help us stay on-time and on-budget. Enjoy peace of mind and build/renovate with confidence!

In-Law Suite Contractors in Toronto

Laws & Regulations For In-Law Suites in Toronto

Toronto permits in-law suites in several forms, and each has its own approvals:

  • Inside the house: a self-contained second unit is a secondary suite. It needs a City of Toronto building permit and must meet the zoning by-law and the Ontario Building Code, including fire separation and exit requirements.
  • As an addition: the addition itself needs a building permit, and if it exceeds zoning limits on setbacks, coverage, height or floor area, a minor variance from the Committee of Adjustment.
  • Detached in the back yard: a laneway suite (lots on a public lane, permitted city-wide since 2019) or a garden suite (lots without a lane, permitted city-wide since 2022), each with its own fire access and size rules.

Toronto also permits up to four units in a residential building city-wide, so an in-law suite can be part of a longer-term plan for the property. We confirm which route your lot supports during feasibility.

How much does it cost to add a mother-in-law suite?

The cost of adding a suite will depend on the size and needs of the occupant and if you’re converting an existing space or building an addition to the home. For an in-law suite built as an addition, our 2026 home addition cost guide puts hard construction for rear and side additions at roughly $350 to $500 per square foot and second-storey additions at roughly $450 to $650 per square foot, before design, permits, contingency and HST. Kitchens typically start around $40,000 and bathrooms around $25,000 each. Detached laneway suites typically start around $350,000. The furnishings, appliances and amenities will be additional and this typically depends on the materials you use as well as the design. Some people may decide on installing a full kitchen while others may be quite happy with just a smaller kitchenette for example.

In some cases, the occupants of the home may all eat together so the specific needs will be different for each family and these will affect the cost. However, while the cost of an in-law suite may seem high at first, you may easily recoup this money in the long run.

In-Law Suite Contractors in Toronto
Basement In-Law Suite Contractors in Toronto

What is the average size of a mother-in-law suite?

The size of an in-law suite generally depends on if it’s a separate dwelling, an addition to your home or a converted area of an existing home. Of course, it also depends on how big your home is in the first place. Separate buildings on a property are typically between 500 and 800 square feet and the size may be dictated by your local bylaws and building codes. If you’re building a new home, specific floor plans can be created to accommodate an in-law suite or suites and the size is up to you. The size depends on who’s going to be occupying the space and what their specific needs are. For example, the unit may be smaller if an independent living or cooking area isn’t needed.

In general, most suites range from between 300 and 1,000 square feet. Ultimately, this will all come down to your local laws and zoning regulations.

Does a mother-in-law suite add value to your home?

An in-law suite can certainly add value to your home especially when it comes to potential buyers who are looking for one. Not all suites are created equal though as they come in different sizes and may feature different amenities. Most suites have a full bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and living room while larger versions may contain a bar, fireplace or laundry room etc. The larger the suite is and the more amenities it comes with will typically increase the value. But while an in-law suite can add value to your home, you’d still need to consider the original costs of the addition and compare it to the increased value. The added value is not always dollar for dollar: it depends on the quality of the suite, the neighbourhood and what future buyers are looking for. It’s hard to predict how much value an in-law suite adds to a home since the real estate market varies in all areas and it also depends what the buyer is looking for. With that said, homes with in-law suites with their own entrance are in high demand in Toronto. You also need to calculate how much the suite has already saved you in costs such as having your relatives reside with you rather than in a retirement home. Realistically, a suite may add much more value to your home than your realize even if it’s not monetary.

Toronto in law suite contractor

Excellent company! Amazing people! Great communication! Exceptionally conscientious and high-quality work! Would absolutely recommend them for big or small reno’s!

Pavel and his team are excellent people to work with. Attention is paid to every detail and suggestions and preferences listened to and acted upon. Their word is their seal. A quality build in a timely and very professional manner.

Novacon was not only very competent construction team who did great work but they were a pleasure to have in my home.

What Makes Us Different

EXPERT TEAM

Our staff are fully trained qualified in each of their fields. From our project manager, designer, tradesman through to our onsite field carpenters, you can rest assured they are knowledgeable, courteous and truly care about each and every home we work on

AWARD WINNING CUSTOMER SERVICE

We have been voted by the public as best Toronto Contractor to work with on HOUZZ and HOMESTARS. Our client-centric approach assures you that we truly listen to your wants and needs. Don’t take our word for it, check out our reviews!

TRANSPARENCY

We believe in being upfront, honest and transparent throughout our building process. From our initial conversation through to our final project handover, transparency is the key. Our detailed pricing and clear communication are crucial to a successful renovation, which means we take the stress out of your building and renovation project.

PROFESSIONAL SYSTEMS

We use an industry-leading cloud-based project management system that you can access 24/7. Project scheduling, calendars, files/documents, drawings, site photos, product information, detailed and organized To-Do lists are always up-to-date and available at all times. Detailed monthly cost reports are provided so that you always know your project finances.

INSURANCE & WARRANTY

We carry all of the required insurance coverage, including $5 million liability, automobile, professional liability, builders’ risk, and WSIB, we’re fully protected for your peace of mind.

We provide an exceptional 2 year, no-nonsense warranty on all of our renovations. In business since 2004, you can trust that we’ll be here to take care of any issues should they arise.

DEDICATED PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Each project is assigned a dedicated project manager that will be the help you from the start of the project to the final finishing details. They are there to guide you through the sometimes stressful building process and answer any questions you may have during our journey together to ensure your peace of mind.

Testimonials

Professional Associations and Memberships

Frequently Asked Questions

Definitely! Obtaining a permit makes sure your project is in compliance with Ontario Building Code. Inspections of the project insure your safety!

No. Novacon Construction Inc. will get all relevant permits required on your behalf.

Yes we are a full service DESIGN – BUILD company. We can provide full interior designs and architectural/engineer drawings to suit every type of project.

Yes, we carry $5,000,000 liability insurance and have WSIB. We will provide all clients with copies of our certificates.

Yes. All standard renovation or remodeling projects come with a 2-year warranty.

Novacon Construction has been in business since 2004, more than 20 years of design-build work on Toronto homes.

Yes. Please see our reviews. We will also provide a list of previous clients when requested. You can also view our project gallery here.

Phone:
416-750-7555

121 Lebovic Ave, Suite C01
Scarborough, ON M1L 4T7

E-mail:
info@novacon.ca