Screw Pile Solutions Main Foundation and Deck Installation, February 2024
There has been a lot of buzz in recent years around whether to build a Tiny House or a Garage Suite on one’s property. In this article we want to look at what many homeowners across the continent and beyond are considering as a way to stay in their cherished home or to offset home ownership expenses.
The layout of your property, any relevant setbacks or zoning regulations will determine whether a garage suite or tiny house is best for your property. Screw Pile Solutions Ltd. is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to help you dig through the mountains of regulations and information to get you going on your exciting project.
Garage Suites and Tiny House Advantages:
Also known as carriage houses, granny flats, or accessory dwelling units, these easy improvements can provide several financial benefits. Let’s break them down;
- Rental Income: One of the primary financial benefits of a garage suite or tiny home is the potential rental income they can generate, providing you with a steady stream of additional income. In many areas, the demand for rental housing is high, making garage suites, or a small separate dwelling, a lucrative investment. Rental properties can also be adjusted according to market conditions, such as switching between long-term and short-term rentals based on demand.
- Offsetting Mortgage Costs: Renting out additional dwelling units can help offset your mortgage costs and help build equity. The rental income can contribute towards paying off your mortgage faster or covering other expenses associated with homeownership. Additionally, rental income can help qualify for larger mortgages or better loan terms when refinancing or purchasing additional properties.
- Tax Benefits: Depending on your location and local regulations, you may be eligible for certain tax benefits or incentives for building additional units. These benefits could include property tax reductions, grants, or tax credits for investing in affordable housing. Further deductions related to the rental property may be available, such as maintenance, repairs, and property management fees. Some property owners can benefit from depreciation deductions over time, reducing taxable income.
- Multigenerational Living: These units can also provide financial benefits for multigenerational families. If you have elderly parents or adult children, they can live close by, allowing you to share living expenses and provide support for one another.
- Home Office or Studio Space: If you work from home or need a dedicated space for hobbies or creative pursuits, a garage suite or separate structure make perfect home offices or studios. This can potentially allow you to deduct a portion of your housing expenses as business expenses for tax purposes.
- Short or Long-Term Rental Income: In addition to long-term rentals, these units can also be rented out on a short-term basis through vacation rental platforms. This can provide even greater income potential, especially in areas with high tourist demand. Long-term rentals can provide a steady cash flow, enhancing overall financial stability.
- Increased Property Value & Market Demand: Adding a garage suite or a tiny home can increase the overall value of your property. This can be beneficial if you decide to sell your property in the future, as the presence of an additional dwelling unit can attract buyers and potentially increase the selling price. Properties with rental units may also be more attractive to buyers looking for investment opportunities as real estate rental properties diversify an investment portfolio, potentially reducing overall risk.
Garage Suites and Tiny House Considerations:
Building a rental tiny house on a residential property can be a great way to generate extra income and utilise space efficiently. Before building a garage suite or a tiny house, it’s important to research local regulations, zoning laws, and permit requirements. Additionally, consider factors such as construction costs, maintenance expenses, and the potential impact on your property’s aesthetics and privacy.
Here are some steps and considerations to help you get started:
- Budgeting and Financing
- Budget: Estimate the total cost of the project, including design, materials, labour, permits, and utilities.
- Financing: Explore financing options if needed. This could include savings, loans, or other financial resources.
- Research Local Zoning Laws and Regulations
-
- Zoning: Check local zoning laws to ensure that a tiny house is permitted on your property.
- Permits: Determine what permits are required for construction and rental purposes.
- Building Codes: Ensure the tiny house meets local building codes and standards.
- Planning and Design
-
- Design: Decide on the design and layout of the tiny house. Consider factors like space efficiency, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
- Foundation: Consider strengthening foundations where a second storey suite will be added.
- Utilities: Plan for essential utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage. Determine if the tiny house will be connected to the main house’s utilities or have its own.
- Grade and Soil Quality: Assess the area and consult with qualified foundations experts to ensure a solid start to your project.
- Construction
-
- Hiring Contractors: Perhaps one of the most important decisions is in hiring a trustworthy and experienced contractor.
- Whether you decide to hire contractors or build the tiny house yourself, hiring professionals can ensure the build meets all codes and standards.
This is a great time to consider all the benefits of upgrading your home, expanding with additions onto your house or enhancing the value and overall use of your property space with the construction of a tiny home or garage suite.
Screw Pile Solutions Ltd. is ready to to advise on all steps of the project, guiding you through permitting process, assessing the best footing for your project and collaborating with the very best of local building professionals.
Call us now to book a meeting!!
Austin, Manitoba – Head Office Yorkton, Saskatchewan
O: 204.637.2621 O: 877-574-5376
C: 204.761-5240 C: 306-802-0170
E: austin@postechpiles.com E: yorkton@postechpiles.com