Garage Apartment Conversions – Legal ADUs in Ontario

Converting Garages into Apartments, Coach Houses & ADUs

Start-to-Finish: Planning, Drawings & Construction.

At Suite Builders, we specialize in converting under-utilized garages into legal garage apartments, coach houses, or accessory dwelling units (ADUs/ARUs) across Southern Ontario. Our team handles everything: feasibility study, BCIN-certified garage conversion permit drawings, Ontario Building Code compliance, building permit submission, and turnkey construction—providing one streamlined design-build solution for homeowners and investors. If you’re looking to convert your detached or attached garage into a legal apartment, add rental income, or maximize your property value, Suite Builders is your start-to-finish garage conversion builder.

One team, one process, and one seamless path from idea to move-in.

Finished basement apartment with separate entrance created through secondary suite conversion

Proudly serving homeowners, developers and real estate investors across Southern Ontario, including: Hamilton, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, Oakville, Burlington, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Wellington County, Brantford, Brant County, Woodstock, Oxford County, Norfolk County, Haldimand County, London, Middlesex, St. Thomas, Elgin County and surrounding areas.

Project Highlight: Garage ADU Conversion in Brantford, Ontario

Our team successfully designed & converted this single family home into three separate, Ontario Building Code-compliant living spaces by utilizing the existing basement and garage for self-contained units. By utilizing an existing structure and bypassing load-bearing walls, you can create additional living space that perfectly fits your needs. Not only does a garage conversion provide extra room, but it also offers homeowners the opportunity to offset their mortgage costs.

Finished garage conversion legal ADU Ontario
architectural drawing garage conversion BCIN permit Ontario
coach house garage suite conversion backyard Ontario rental unit
detached garage ADU design-build build team Ontario
garage to apartment conversion contractor Ontario secondary suite
investment property garage conversion rental income Ontario
Attached garage ADU design-build build team Ontario

Why Garage Apartment Conversions Are Gaining Momentum

Converting a garage to a legal living unit offers several advantages:

  • Turning a detached garage into a secondary suite or ARU is an efficient way to meet multi-generational living needs or provide private rental accommodation.
  • Because the structural shell is often in place, garage conversions cost less and complete faster than full additions.
  • A well-designed garage apartment adds considerable value to your existing home without buying another property.
  • A garage-to-apartment conversion can also generate meaningful rental income and enhance investment returns.

If you want to convert your garage into legal apartment, many municipalities now support detached ADUs/garage suites under evolving bylaws and zoning rules, making garage apartment conversions a practical path to legal rental units.

For a list of everything you need to consider about how to convert a garage into a legal apartment in Ontario, reach out to a garage ADU builder like Suite Builders or click here.

garage apartment conversion Ontario design-build exterior view

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, in many municipalities your existing detached garage may qualify for conversion into a legal garage apartment, coach house or ADU/ARU, provided zoning, servicing, parking and OBC-compliance requirements are met.

Municipalities typically require BCIN-certified architectural drawings, structural and mechanical details, Ontario Building Code compliance documents and a complete building permit application. We provide full drawings, handle permits, and streamline approval.

Conversion costs vary depending on size, finishes, servicing and structural work. Many garage apartment conversions start in the mid-six figures. With proper design and rental market conditions, you can generate significant monthly income, improving ROI.

Yes, zoning and lot rules vary by municipality—setbacks, maximum unit size, parking requirements and services all affect feasibility. We review your property in the feasibility stage to confirm compliance before proceeding.

Hiring a design-build contractor like Suite Builders means one team handles your drawings, permits and construction. This integrated approach reduces miscommunication, eliminates delays, and delivers predictable timelines and budgets—unlike coordinating separate professionals.

Garage Apartments: Affordable Housing & Added Income

Whether building an investment property, increasing property value, or creating a living space for multi-generational living or aging-in-place, finished garage apartments and coach house conversions are becoming an increasingly popular solution to housing affordability and family wealth building.

1. Income Potential

A garage ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit) conversion can generate substantial rental income. For instance, a 400 sqft garage ADU could potentially yield a profit of $1,100 per month, contributing to a significant return on the initial investment.

2. Legal Garage Apartments in Ontario

Transforming a garage into a functional living space requires careful consideration of legal and zoning requirements. Obtaining the proper permits will guarantee a smooth transition from garage to habitable living area.

3. Additional Dwelling Units

Converting a garage into an ADU can be a cost-effective way to create additional living space or rental income. Cost varies based on factors such as size and location. Consider financing, amount of space available, intended use, design and layout.

WHY CHOOSE SUITE BUILDERS AS YOUR GARAGE APARTMENT BUILDER?

As Ontario’s trusted garage conversion and ADU design-build specialist, Suite Builders offers you:

  • Complete design-build services for garage apartments, coach houses and ADUs
  • A faster and smoother process for converting your garage into a legal rental suite
  • A focus on investment property, rental income and homeowner value
  • One accountable team from concept to completion
  • Permit-ready garage apartment drawings and full Ontario Building Code compliance

Our proven process eliminates the confusion, delays, and cost overruns that often happen when multiple contractors are involved. With Suite Builders, you’ll have a single, accountable team that designs, manages, and builds your project—from concept to completion.

If you’re ready to convert your garage into a legal apartment, start earning rental income, or expand your property’s potential, contact us today for a free discovery call.