A carriage house or coach house is a structure originally designed to provide shelter for horse-drawn carriages. These buildings were commonly located at the rear of larger homes or estates, providing a convenient space for storage and equipment.
Today, the purpose of a carriage house has changed dramatically. These homes, now known as coach houses, laneway houses or garden suits, provide much needed housing for singles, couples and families. Like duplexes and multiplexes, coach houses now make up an important part of small-scale multi-unit housing found throughout Delta and the Lower Mainland.
Why is this important to me as a Delta resident?
A recent bylaw change in Delta now allows homeowners to build secondary suites or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their properties to help address the housing shortage. This offers a great opportunity to enhance your home’s value and function. Here are a few ways a coach house or garden suite could benefit you:
● Guest Houses: A separate space on your property for hosting family or friends.
● Home Offices: A quiet, private area for remote work or personal projects.
● Rental Units: A potential source of extra income for homeowners.
What can I build?
Coach houses in Delta can either be attached or detached from the main residence and they come in various sizes and architectural styles. Many feature unique elements like vaulted ceilings, large windows and exposed beams.
The new bylaws also state that up to three units are permitted on single-detached and duplex properties with an area less than or equal to 280 square metres (3,014 square feet). Up to four units are permitted on larger lots.
Case Study 1
This project is a perfect example of how thoughtful design, a granted variance, and exceptional craftsmanship can bring a carriage house to life. The accessory building was designed with a functional layout, including a kitchenette, a full bathroom, and a spacious multipurpose room upstairs. Downstairs, a large two-car garage offers valuable storage space.
The exterior was finished with beautiful woodwork, and fine stonework, while the interior showcased custom millwork that blends storage, sleeping space, and lounging areas. Completed in just six months, this 800-square-foot carriage house is a perfect example of form meeting function.
Project Courtesy Alair Hunt Country
Today, the purpose of a carriage house has changed dramatically. These homes, now known as coach houses, laneway houses or garden suits, provide much needed housing for singles, couples and families. Like duplexes and multiplexes, coach houses now make up an important part of small-scale multi-unit housing found throughout Delta and the Lower Mainland.
Why is this important to me as a Delta resident?
A recent bylaw change in Delta now allows homeowners to build secondary suites or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their properties to help address the housing shortage. This offers a great opportunity to enhance your home’s value and function. Here are a few ways a coach house or garden suite could benefit you:
● Guest Houses: A separate space on your property for hosting family or friends.
● Home Offices: A quiet, private area for remote work or personal projects.
● Rental Units: A potential source of extra income for homeowners.
What can I build?
Coach houses in Delta can either be attached or detached from the main residence and they come in various sizes and architectural styles. Many feature unique elements like vaulted ceilings, large windows and exposed beams.
The new bylaws also state that up to three units are permitted on single-detached and duplex properties with an area less than or equal to 280 square metres (3,014 square feet). Up to four units are permitted on larger lots.
Case Study 1
This project is a perfect example of how thoughtful design, a granted variance, and exceptional craftsmanship can bring a carriage house to life. The accessory building was designed with a functional layout, including a kitchenette, a full bathroom, and a spacious multipurpose room upstairs. Downstairs, a large two-car garage offers valuable storage space.
The exterior was finished with beautiful woodwork, and fine stonework, while the interior showcased custom millwork that blends storage, sleeping space, and lounging areas. Completed in just six months, this 800-square-foot carriage house is a perfect example of form meeting function.
Project Courtesy Alair Hunt Country
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Home Renovations
Kitchen Renovations
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