Backyard Suite Builder In Halifax

A backyard suite is a detached, self-contained residential unit located in the backyard of a property, separate from the main house. It’s designed for independent living and can be used as a rental unit, guest house, or multigenerational space.

Yes, backyard suites are legal in Halifax. The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) amended its land-use by-laws in 2020 to allow backyard suites as permitted accessory dwelling units on many residential lots, meaning you no longer need a rezoning in most cases to build one, as long as you meet zoning and building requirements.

To build a backyard suite in Halifax, the property must be in a residential zone where low-density housing is permitted, and the suite must be a self-contained dwelling located in an accessory building on the same lot as the main house. The suite must comply with HRM land-use by-laws for maximum size (generally up to 93 m² / 1,000 sq ft), height (up to about 7.7 m / 25 ft), setbacks, lot coverage, and access, including a clear pedestrian route to a public street. A building permit is required, and the unit must meet the Nova Scotia Building Code, covering structure, fire separation, exits, energy efficiency, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Existing garages or sheds converted to suites must be fully upgraded to code, and any applicable watercourse buffers, tree protection rules, or servicing requirements must be respected; while additional parking is typically not required, all zoning and safety standards must be met before an occupancy permit is issued.

In Halifax, a backyard suite can generally be up to 93 m² (1,000 sq ft) in total floor area, which is the municipality-wide maximum introduced through recent planning updates. That said, the suite must also comply with any accessory-building footprint limits, height limits (typically up to about 7.7 m / 25 ft), setbacks, and lot coverage rules in your specific land-use by-law, which can further constrain the buildable size. In practice, this means the maximum size is whichever is more restrictive: the 93 m² cap or what your lot’s zoning, placement, and servicing conditions realistically allow.

Yes — in Halifax, you can build a two-storey backyard suite in many cases. Recent HRM planning updates increased the typical maximum height for backyard suites to about 7.7 metres (25 feet), which allows for 1.5- to 2-storey designs, including above-garage or carriage-house layouts. The suite must still comply with the maximum floor area (generally up to 93 m² / 1,000 sq ft), accessory-building setbacks, lot coverage, and access requirements, and it must meet the Nova Scotia Building Code.

Yes. You’ll need to apply for a building permit, and in some cases, a minor variance if your property doesn’t fully comply with zoning regulations. A full site plan and design package is required.

Prices typically range from $250,000 to $350,000+, depending on the size, layout, materials, and whether it’s a prefabricated or fully custom build.

Yes, backyard suites can be rented out as long as they meet building code standards.

Most residentially zoned lots with sufficient rear yard space and proper access can qualify.

However, properties with small lots, mature trees, or unusual grading may face additional limitations or require variances.

We handle design, zoning review, permits, construction, utilities, and final finishes, offering a turn-key solution for your garden suite.

From design to final construction, most projects take 6 to 12 months, depending on permit approvals, weather, and the scope of work.

Building a backyard suite will affect your property tax assessment by increasing your home’s overall value. This could raise your monthly property taxes by as much as $180, depending on the size and features of the new structure.