Lane & Garden Suites

Unlock living space potential in your backyard. We offer Drawing & Permit Services for Laneway & Garden suites.

Our Drawing & Permit Packages Include

Easy Planning

Optimized design to make the most of your lot

Modern Living

1-2 storeys, 350 to 650 square feet units

Toronto & The GTA

Serving Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Markham, Hamilton, Oakville & More

Strong Suites

Cost Effective Design

Taking the care to fine-tune architectural & structural details to keep construction costs to a minimum

Optimized Layout

Designing every allowable square foot of space to it's maximum potential

Code Compliant & Robust

Adhering to the Ontario Building Code, city regulations, and providing you with a design that will last

Interior of a new home showing wall studs, ceiling trusses, and a black drainage pipe installed in the ceiling.

Why StrongBuilds

Free Zoning Check & City Revisions

Painless Communication

Licensed & Insured

Testimonials

"Strongbuilds made the process seamless from start to finish. Their expertise in drawing and permit services turned our backyard into a beautiful, livable space."
Jessica Martinez
Homeowner, Toronto
“Exceptional service and attention to detail! The team at Strongbuilds exceeded our expectations and made our laneway suite project stress-free.”
Alex Turner
Property Developer
"Thanks to Strongbuilds, our garden suite addition was completed with ease. Their professionalism and deep understanding of permits ensured everything went smoothly.”
Michael Grant
Homeowner

Projects

Have a vision and want to make it a reality?

Tell us about it

Projects
Sunlight shining through the exposed wood joists and wall studs of a house under construction, looking out toward a grassy field.
Get Started
Hire Us For Your Next Project
Get in touch with us today! Simply send us a message, email or call us to start discussing your project with one of our Engineers.
An upward view of dense parallel wooden floor joists and a main support beam during the framing stage of a building.

Questions? Call or Email Us Now!

Lane & Garden Suite Structural Engineering

Maximize your property’s potential with expert engineering, design, and permitting services that ensure your lane or garden suite is safe, legal, and built to the highest standards.

OUR SERVICES

Complete Design and Permit Packages for Lane & Garden Suites

We offer express drawing and permit services for laneway and garden suites, providing a one-stop shop for all required documentation.

Free Zoning Check

We review zoning rules and local rules to confirm compliance with maximum lot coverage and setback requirements from property lines.

Site Evaluation

A detailed site visit to measure the existing house and the subject property.

Architectural Plans

Detailed site plans, floor area layouts, elevations, sections, and a roof plan.

Structural Engineering

P.Eng stamped drawings for foundations, framing, and roof trusses.

HVAC and Plumbing

Mechanical designs that meet energy efficiency requirements and include all necessary plumbing fixtures.

Grading and Drainage

A professional lot grading plan and support for drain permits as required by the planning department.

Permit Submission

We handle the permit application form and required forms, coordinating directly with city planning.

WHY US

The StrongBuilds Difference

We offer express structural engineering drawings and permit submission services for laneway and garden suite projects, including all required applicable-law documentation.

Cost-Effective Design

We design every allowable square foot of space to its maximum potential, typically in 1-2 storey units ranging from 350 to 650 square feet.

Optimized Layout

We fine-tune architectural and structural details to keep building methods efficient and construction costs to a minimum.

Code Compliant & Robust

Our designs adhere strictly to the Ontario Building Code and city regulations, providing a safe, long-lasting structure.

Free Zoning and Revisions

We review local bylaws before finalizing drawings. Municipal technical clarifications are handled promptly at no extra cost.

Direct P.Eng Access

Speak directly with your engineer to ensure a code-compliant design and keep the permit approval process moving efficiently.

Licensed and Insured

We are a PEO-licensed firm with a Certificate of Authorization and are insured for up to $2,000,000 to protect your backyard investment.

OUR WORK

Residential Structural Engineering Projects Across the GTA

StrongBuilds provides tailored structural engineering for complex accessory dwelling units in Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Markham, Hamilton, Oakville, Etobicoke, and surrounding areas.

OUR CLIENTS

Solutions for Every Project Stakeholder

Exterior of a grey-sided house featuring a modern multi-level roofline, stone water table, and an integrated garage.

Homeowners

Gain peace of mind knowing your secondary dwelling units are safe and legal. We handle the technical heavy lifting, from checking the proximity of a fire hydrant to ensuring emergency access meets local fire services standards.

Designers & Architects

We provide the technical stamp and structural calculations needed to complement your vision for a modern coach house or laneway suite.

Close-up of two engineers discussing structural blueprints with a 3D house model and yellow hard hats on a project table.

Contractors

Benefit from fast turnaround times and designs that utilize practical building methods, helping you start construction without unnecessary delays.

TESTIMONIALS

Trusted by Homeowners & Professionals

"Strongbuilds made the process seamless from start to finish. Their expertise in drawing and permit services turned our backyard into a beautiful, livable space."
Jessica Martinez
Homeowner
“Exceptional service and attention to detail! The team at Strongbuilds exceeded our expectations and made our laneway suite project stress-free.”
Alex Turner
Property Developer
"Thanks to Strongbuilds, our garden suite addition was completed with ease. Their professionalism and deep understanding of permits ensured everything went smoothly.”
Michael Grant
Homeowner

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the emergency access requirements for a garden suite?

For a garden suite to be approved, there must be a clear path for emergency access. This typically requires a minimum width of 0.9 to 1.0 metres from the flanking or public street to the suite entrance. We also ensure that your design includes the required safety features, such as an exterior strobe light, to meet the relevant fire safety criteria.

Can I include a basement in my garden suite?

Yes, you can include a basement in your proposed construction. This is an excellent way to increase the total floor area of a secondary suite without exceeding the maximum rear-yard lot coverage allowed. StrongBuilds provides the structural engineering for safe basement excavations near your principal dwelling.

How long does the permit application process take?

Once the building permit drawings are submitted to the building department, the permit review process typically takes 10 to 14 business days for the initial response. Larger or more complex infill housing projects may take 4 to 6 weeks for a full review.

Do I need separate services for my lane or garden suite?

In many jurisdictions, an additional dwelling unit may require separate plumbing and electrical connections from the main house. We help you confirm compliance with local rules regarding separate services and fire separation during the design phase.

GET STARTED

Begin Your Project Today

Ready to begin your lane or garden suite? Speak with an engineer today to discuss your project and receive professional guidance on the next steps.

Projects
Sunlight shining through the exposed wood joists and wall studs of a house under construction, looking out toward a grassy field.
Get Started
Hire Us For Your Next Project
Get in touch with us today! Simply send us a message, email or call us to start discussing your project with one of our Engineers.
An upward view of dense parallel wooden floor joists and a main support beam during the framing stage of a building.

Questions? Call or Email Us Now!