With many planning offices touting densification, the lowly garage has some lofty potential! In laneway settings, many cities now allow, or are looking into allowing the inclusion of a separate dwelling unit or work studio. Even when a laneway is not present, your zoning may allow the building of such a unit.
Drummond House Plans has a number of garage designs with bonus or flex space above the garage which could be ideal for this situation. An outbuilding like this could provide valuable space for storage, a studio, home office, workshop, guest quarters, in-law suite or even a rental unit as a mortgage helper. You can also visit our carriage house plans section if you are looking for a carriage house or a garage with apartment. If you would like to customize your detached garage plan, garage plans with apartment or Carriage house plans, our Plan Modification Services can help you determine a base budget for your construction plans.
A few of our popular models are featured below:
Model 3935, “The Saddlery” is a popular unit as an outbuilding or a secondary dwelling unit. It has even been used as a temporary residence while the main house is being built and then converted to a guest suite or mortgage helper!
Model 3980, “The Glide-Away” presents a blank slate on the second level and can be configured to taste by the DrummondHousePlans customization department. With three garage stalls, a separating wall could easily be added to allow for integrated parking for the suite while maintaining 2 stalls for the main house.
Narrow options? Model # 2933, “The Murphy” is as versatile as a Murphy Bed! A mere 24-feet wide, it allows for ample parking and features two bedrooms and covered deck.
Of course, you should contact your planning department to find out what the zoning options are for your location. If zoning does not currently allow laneway houses or secondary dwelling units, a case could be made if sufficient demand arose. We would love to speak about your secondary dwelling unit project. Feel free to contact DrummondHousePlans with your specific request.
