How much does garden and laneway suites cost in Markham?

With Zigma Group, garden and laneway suites starts from $320 per sq ft, and most projects fall between $280,000 and $500,000. Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026, and are confirmed after a site visit. The main factors are size of the suite and number of storeys; distance for water, sewer and power connections; and site access for construction.

What is the difference between a laneway suite and a garden suite?

A laneway suite sits on a lot that backs onto a public lane and faces it. A garden suite is a detached unit in the rear yard of a lot without lane access.

How do I find out if my property qualifies?

We review the lot dimensions, the distance and path for emergency access, existing trees, and the zoning rules for your municipality, then tell you whether a suite is feasible and roughly how large it can be.

Do you do garden and laneway suites projects in Markham?

Yes. We work throughout Markham, including Unionville, Thornhill, Cornell, Markham Village, Milliken and Angus Glen. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.

Who issues the permit for this work in Markham?

Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Markham's building department. We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.

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Garden and Laneway Suites

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Garden and Laneway Suites in Markham

A garden or laneway suite is a small detached home in your backyard, for family or rental. Whether your lot qualifies comes down to access, size and local rules. In Markham, the city mixes 1970s and 1980s subdivisions with newer communities such as Cornell and historic cores in Unionville and Markham Village.

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Rear view of a modern brick house with large windows facing a garden — From our Damavand project

Scope

What is included.

Lot feasibility: access, setbacks and servicing
Design and permit drawings
Building permit application
Foundation, structure and envelope
Water, sewer, gas and electrical connections
Interior fit-out and landscaping

Cost

What it costs.

From $320per sq ft

Most projects in Markham: $280,000 to $500,000

What moves the price

Size of the suite and number of storeys
Distance for water, sewer and power connections
Site access for construction

Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026. Every project is confirmed with a written quote after a site visit.

Local knowledge

Garden and Laneway Suites in Markham.

Homes like these
Subdivision lots have set building envelopes, so the usual options are a rear addition or building over the garage.
Housing
In Markham, the city mixes 1970s and 1980s subdivisions with newer communities such as Cornell and historic cores in Unionville and Markham Village.
Permits
Building permits in Markham are issued by the City of Markham's building department. We prepare the drawings, submit the application and book the inspections.
Areas we cover
We work throughout Markham, including Unionville, Thornhill, Cornell, Markham Village, Milliken and Angus Glen.
Heritage districts
Unionville, Markham Village and old Thornhill are heritage conservation districts. Exterior work there needs heritage approval in addition to a building permit.
Updating 1980s homes
Many Markham homes are reaching the age where kitchens, bathrooms, windows and mechanical systems all come due together.

Before you start

What to know.

Where they are allowed
Toronto permits laneway suites and garden suites on most residential lots that meet its rules. Ontario also allows additional residential units province-wide, but each municipality sets its own standards, so we check yours.
Emergency access
Firefighters must be able to reach the suite from the street within a set distance and along a clear path. This is the requirement that most often decides whether a lot works.
Servicing
The suite normally takes its water, sewer and power from the main house, which can mean trenching across the yard.

How we work

One team for every stage.

AssessWe survey the house as it stands.
Design and permitsDrawings and approvals before work starts.
Strip-outWhat is worn out comes off.
RebuildStructure, wiring, plumbing and walls.
FinishesCabinetry, tile, floors and paint.
HandoverWalkthrough and documents.

Questions

Garden and Laneway Suites in Markham: the short answers.

How much does garden and laneway suites cost in Markham?: With Zigma Group, garden and laneway suites starts from $320 per sq ft, and most projects fall between $280,000 and $500,000. Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026, and are confirmed after a site visit. The main factors are size of the suite and number of storeys; distance for water, sewer and power connections; and site access for construction.
What is the difference between a laneway suite and a garden suite?: A laneway suite sits on a lot that backs onto a public lane and faces it. A garden suite is a detached unit in the rear yard of a lot without lane access.
How do I find out if my property qualifies?: We review the lot dimensions, the distance and path for emergency access, existing trees, and the zoning rules for your municipality, then tell you whether a suite is feasible and roughly how large it can be.
Do you do garden and laneway suites projects in Markham?: Yes. We work throughout Markham, including Unionville, Thornhill, Cornell, Markham Village, Milliken and Angus Glen. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.
Who issues the permit for this work in Markham?: Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Markham's building department. We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.