Designing The Maisley
This standard garage suite has become one of my most interesting challenges, because of the dimensions of the existing lot. The homeowner’s property was very narrow, and it was not a favorable candidate to design a laneway house. However, like most things in life, we look to see how we can use an unfavorable situation to work in our best interests. My motivations to decide on a suitable design were PURPOSE, CREATIVITY, AND COST.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this suite is to earn an income to the homeowner. The more space I can provide for the tenant, the more the homeowner can charge. But, due to the rules stipulated within the land use bylaw, it would be extraordinarily difficult to construct a two-bedroom suite.
CEATIVITY
Designing a two-bedroom suite was not an option; therefore, I would need to do something smaller. But how small? And what is my approach to selling it? Having to answer these questions, I realized I needed to create an attractive small suite. The Maisley, is what I would like to call a “treehouse for adults.” It is an open concept studio backyard suite containing a full kitchen, bath, laundry, living room, large balcony, and storage! Plus, you have a complete self-contained garage all to yourself. The garage provides enough room for your vehicle, storage, and additional recreational vehicles such as bikes and motorcycles.
Looking at this model seems excellent for students, couples, or single adults. The designated carport for the main house addresses the bylaw regarding one stall per dwelling.
COST
Reducing the suite’s construction costs is more than just downsizing the square footage. Instead, we need to consider how it will be engineered, heated, framed, and finished. Therefore, we are approaching towards a cost-effective building, and creating a more significant margin for profit. After careful evaluation, I would estimate that the construction cost of this suite would be to the upward of $85,000 or $65,000 on the lower end. (Not including your permit application to the city).
