Q: What motivated you to build this garden suite?
Lorena:  I originally planned to renovate my home — dig out the basement and do an extension. But I also kept thinking about the future, especially for my mom. My dad has Alzheimer’s and is in long-term care, and I wanted my mom to be nearby as she ages. So when I found out my lot met the criteria for a garden suite, I decided to include one in the project. I pictured her having her own space close to me, while still maintaining her independence. It just felt like the right thing to do — both for my family and for the long-term flexibility of the home.

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‍Q: How did you finance your project?

Lorena: Financing was tricky. I couldn’t access equity from my own home since it was already under major renovation, and getting a traditional mortgage wasn’t an option. I didn’t explore many alternatives as there just weren’t a lot of solutions at the time. What ended up working was using equity from my mom’s condo to get a private loan through a MIC (Mortgage Investment Corporation). I think there are more options out there now — lenders are becoming more open to these kinds of projects, and there are tools that make it a lot easier to figure things out. It feels like there’s finally support for people who want to take that first step.

Want to explore your financing options? Visit our Financing Options page.

Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced?

Lorena: There were definitely a few bumps along the way. Navigating the city’s process was one of them. There were moments of confusion around what was allowed, and I had to go back and forth with inspectors just to get clarity on connecting services to the main house.

I also experienced delays, unexpected costs, and a bit of pushback from neighbors who weren’t sure what was being built. And because I was renovating my main house, finishing the basement suite,and building the garden suite all at once — I handled the design decisions myself while my GC coordinated the trades — it was still a lot to juggle

It wasn’t until after my project was done that I came across Resimate at a laneway and garden suite meetup. I remember thinking, I really wish I had known about this earlier. They help homeowners understand what’s possible on their lot, guide you through permitting, financing, and even connect you with prefab or modular builders. It’s the kind of support I could’ve really used, and I know it would’ve made things feel way less overwhelming.

Need tools to manage your project timeline and budget? Check out our Resource Directory.

Q: What impact has the garden suite had on your life?

Lorena: It’s been transformative. While my mom hasn’t moved in yet, I now rent out both the garden and basement suites. I live on the property and have formed such a lovely bond with my tenants — we share meals, hang out, and even have dog playdates. It’s truly become a little community. Financially, it’s also helped me manage the cost of the project and ease mortgage pressure. I feel more secure, and honestly, I’m proud of what I built — especially after taking such an active role in the process.

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Q: What are your top tips for someone starting their own project?

Lorena:

1. Get support early. Whether it's a platform, a builder, or someone who’s done it before — having guidance can save you a lot of stress. There’s so much to figure out, and you don’t need to do it all on your own.
2. Design with your people in mind. If you're building for a parent, a child, or a future tenant, think about what will make the space feel comfortable and functional for them. A bit more kitchen space, a second bathroom, or good lighting can make all the difference.

Inspired by Lorena’s story? Learn more with our Step-by-Step Guide to explore what’s possible on your own lot.