
Professional garden suite services in Markham and York Region. Licensed, insured, free estimates.
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Markham permits detached garden homes under its comprehensive Zoning By-law 2024-19, which specifically allows Additional Dwelling Units on most residential lots. Konstruction Group handles the framing, insulation, and drywall for garden suite builds across Unionville, Cornell, Berczy, and Cathedraltown — taking your project from foundation to paint-ready walls with one coordinated team.
Markham's Garden Homes By-law 2024-19 specifically permits detached additional dwelling units — what Markham officially calls "garden homes." The by-law requires a minimum 1.5-metre rear setback, and the maximum footprint depends on your lot size. Markham has actively positioned garden suites as part of its housing affordability strategy, making the approval process relatively straightforward compared to some neighbouring municipalities. Building permits are required through the City of Markham, and all construction must meet Ontario Building Code standards including fire separation, energy efficiency, and accessibility provisions where applicable.
Markham is one of the most proactive municipalities in the GTA when it comes to garden suite policy. The city views garden homes as a practical solution to its housing shortage, particularly for multigenerational families — a common household structure in Markham. Neighbourhoods like Unionville, Berczy, and Angus Glen feature properties with deep lots that accommodate garden suites within setback requirements. The Cornell and Box Grove communities offer newer homes with planned rear yards. With GO Transit service at Markham and Unionville stations, garden suites also appeal to renters commuting to downtown Toronto.
A one-bedroom garden suite in Markham rents for approximately $2,200 to $2,600 per month based on 2025 CMHC and rentals.ca data for York Region. That translates to $26,400-$31,200 in annual gross rental income. With construction costs of $250,000-$450,000, a Markham garden suite delivers a gross rental yield of roughly 8-9% at midpoint costs — among the strongest returns in the GTA garden suite market. Markham's larger lot-based footprint allowances mean homeowners can build bigger units that command higher rents, while the city's multigenerational housing demand provides an alternative to rental income through family use.
Unlike municipalities that set a single maximum square footage, Markham ties the permitted garden home footprint to your lot size. Larger lots are allowed larger units, while smaller lots have tighter footprint limits. This approach ensures garden suites remain proportional to the property. Before beginning design, we recommend confirming your maximum permitted footprint with Markham's planning department. Our team works closely with your architect or designer to ensure the framing plan respects the approved footprint and all required setbacks.
Share your architect's drawings and structural engineering package. We cross-reference the footprint against Markham's lot-based allowance under By-law 2024-19, confirm the 1.5-metre rear setback, and identify every steel beam location.
Typical timeline: 1-2 daysWe visit your Markham property to assess side-yard access width, rear yard slope, and material staging options — conditions that vary significantly between deep Unionville lots and newer Cornell properties. A detailed, line-item quote follows.
Typical timeline: 3-5 business daysOnce the foundation passes inspection, we build the floor system, raise exterior and partition walls, and install the roof structure. All blocking for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC is placed according to your Markham-approved drawings.
Typical timeline: 2-4 weeksWith mechanical and electrical rough-ins inspected and approved, we install insulation — spray foam on the exterior envelope for air sealing and thermal performance, plus batt or blown-in where your Markham plans specify.
Typical timeline: 3-7 daysAll drywall is hung, joints are taped with three coats of compound, and surfaces are sanded to a smooth Level 4 finish. The garden home is delivered paint-ready with construction debris cleared from the Markham site.
Typical timeline: 1-2 weeksYes, Markham permits detached garden homes under By-law 2024-19. The city actively encourages garden suites as part of its housing affordability strategy. A minimum 1.5-metre rear setback applies, and maximum footprint depends on lot size. Building permits and Ontario Building Code compliance are required.
Complete garden suite construction in Markham typically costs $250,000-$450,000+ depending on size and finishes. Our scope (framing, insulation, drywall) for a typical garden home runs $15,000-$25,000. The remaining budget covers design, permits, foundation, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and finishing.
Markham's garden home footprint limits are tied to your lot size rather than a single fixed maximum. Larger lots are permitted larger units. Contact Markham's planning department or check By-law 2024-19 for the specific footprint allowance for your property's lot dimensions.
Markham has been proactive about garden suite policy, and the by-law is designed to be straightforward. However, permit timelines still depend on the completeness of your application and any site-specific issues. Having complete architectural and structural drawings before applying helps avoid delays.
Overall construction typically takes 6-12 months from design to completion. Our scope (framing, insulation, drywall) takes 4-8 weeks once the foundation is poured and inspected. Markham's permit approval timeline varies but is generally competitive with other York Region municipalities.
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