TORONTO HOME BUILDING AND RENOVATION BLOG — BVM Contracting

Garden Suites Toronto

Summary of Toronto's Pre-approved ADU Designs

Summary of Toronto's Pre-approved ADU Designs

Learn more about the pre-approved ADU designs that Toronto has, what they solve for, and what the key considerations are before deciding if they are right for your property!

Value Versus Lowest Cost in Residential Construction

Value Versus Lowest Cost in Residential Construction

In our experience, over ninety percent of homeowners who get construction pricing after securing permits either abandon their project or chase the lowest bidder. We see this pattern a lot. Beautiful architectural plans meet construction reality. The gap between expectation and cost becomes a chasm. The problem isn't the homeowner's budget. It's the process.

Should Multi-unit ADU's Be Allowed in Toronto?

Should Multi-unit ADU's Be Allowed in Toronto?

A correction to our article from a couple of weeks ago. The project at Indian Grove included a severance and semi-detached Accessory Dwelling Unit with 1 unit on each side (not 2 units on each side as previously thought). In this article, we have shifted focus and created a thought-provoking piece that centers around why multi-unit ADU’s should be allowed in Toronto and beyond.

What Happened to The Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program?

What Happened to The Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program?

Learn about the failure of the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program, which was planning to offer up to $80,000 in low-interest loans to homeowners to build secondary suites and increase density but was unfortunately held up by politics and likely not to happen.

Here's Why Accessory Dwelling Units Cost So Much

Here's Why Accessory Dwelling Units Cost So Much

Have you ever wondered why accessory dwelling units like garden suites and laneway suites cost so much? Here’s why!

The Perfect Home Build Doesn't Exist

The Perfect Home Build Doesn't Exist

The perfect home build doesn’t exist, but what does exist are home builders that work towards perfection with every project completed. Learn more about how we approach challenges with all of our home building projects and why builders who can rise above the challenges faced with every project are the ones you should be working with.

Here's Why Cost Per Square Foot Pricing is Dumb

Here's Why Cost Per Square Foot Pricing is Dumb

There is a better way to determine the cost of your renovation, home addition, or new home building project, and it doesn't involve a cost per square foot. Learn more about how we approach projects costs for our residential construction projects.

Here's Why Accessory Dwellings Units Beat Condos Every Time

Here's Why Accessory Dwellings Units Beat Condos Every Time

Forget buying a condo in Toronto. There is an alternative! Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) in the form of Garden Suites and Laneway Suites are way more economical and we give you some real facts to make you think twice before purchasing a condo.

Understanding the Stratification Process For Residential Properties in Toronto

Understanding the Stratification Process For Residential Properties in Toronto

Learn more about the process of stratification in Toronto and why it is usually reserved for large multi-unit development projects. We go over a case study of a project that completed a stratification of a residentially-zoned low-rise project in East York.

Garden Suite Cost Calculator

Garden Suite Cost Calculator

Looking to understand how much your garden suite or laneway suite will cost you? Try out our cost calculator today to get more clarity into what to expect for your garden suite construction project in Toronto.

Garden Suites: Building Solutions for Toronto’s Multigenerational Families

Garden Suites: Building Solutions for Toronto’s Multigenerational Families

Toronto – like many cities around the world - is seeing a growing trend in housing that caters to the needs of multi-generational families. One such innovative solution is the construction of garden suites, providing families with the space and flexibility to live together while maintaining their independence. At BVM Contracting, we are proud to showcase a recent garden suite construction project that beautifully exemplifies this trend and how we worked with our client to find the right solution to support the dynamics of their multigenerational household.

Understanding Ontario Regulation 462/24: Additional Residential Units in Toronto

Understanding Ontario Regulation 462/24: Additional Residential Units in Toronto

Discover how Ontario Regulation 462/24 simplifies building Garden Suites and Laneway Suites in Toronto. Learn about reduced setbacks, removed angular planes, and how BVM Contracting can help with your project.

Overcoming Fire Hydrant Constraints for ADU's in Toronto

Overcoming Fire Hydrant Constraints for ADU's in Toronto

Toronto's urban landscape is evolving. Garden suites and laneway suites offer a promising solution to housing challenges, but a hidden obstacle often stands in the way: fire hydrants! In this article we discuss the solutions to overcome your property’s proximity to a fire hydrant, including one that one of our pre-construction client used!

Unexpected Home Building Costs in Toronto

Unexpected Home Building Costs in Toronto

There are so many variables and costs when it comes to building or renovating a home in Toronto, but here is a list of a few that are commonly unaccounted for that...

How to Navigate Toronto's Interactive Zoning Map

How to Navigate Toronto's Interactive Zoning Map

Learn how to use the Toronto Zoning By-law Map and discover how BVM Contracting’s free zoning analysis can help you unlock your property’s development potential.

Attached Secondary Suites Versus a Garden or Laneway Suite

Attached Secondary Suites Versus a Garden or Laneway Suite

Discover when a secondary suite via rear extension or addition is better than building a garden or laneway suite in Toronto. Learn about zoning, fire code, and cost considerations.

Discover Canada's New Housing Design Catalog

Discover Canada's New Housing Design Catalog

Explore and learn more about the Government of Canada's new catalogue which includes 50 pre-approved designs for garden suites, laneway suites, new homes, and multi-unit buildings. Save time, cut costs, and streamline your building project. Learn more with BVM Contracting!

Step-by-Step Planning Guide For Home Building Projects in Toronto

Step-by-Step Planning Guide For Home Building Projects in Toronto

Embarking on the journey to build your dream home is an exciting but sometimes daunting process if you are unsure of how and where to start. As Toronto’s leader in quality home renovations and home building, we've taken the time to outline a step-by-step guide to help you feel prepared to navigate this journey smoothly.