Can you handle it? Utility Upgrades for Laneway Suites and Garden Suites (ARUs)
Are you dreaming of building a laneway suite or garden suite (ARU)? An ARU is a self-contained dwelling unit that can be built on your property, separate from your primary home. It's a great way to add extra living space for your family, friends, or tenants.
But before you start building, it's important to make sure that your property's utilities can support the new unit. This means planning for upgrades to your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
Here's a guide to utility upgrades for ARUs in Toronto:
Plumbing
Incoming water line size: If you're adding an additional laundry, kitchen, and bathroom to an ARU, you'll need to upgrade the supply line to 3/4-inch or even 1-inch to ensure adequate water pressure and flow.
Plumbing upgrade costs - city side: The City of Toronto charges a fee to upgrade the water supply line on the city side of your property. The fee varies depending on the size of the new water line.
Plumbing upgrade costs - private side: You'll also need to upgrade the supply (and possibly drain) line on your own property, which will cost additional money.
Plumbing between ARU and primary dwelling: The plumbing for the ARU will need to be connected to the plumbing in your primary dwelling. This can be done by running a trench from the ARU to the primary residence to where the drain exits the home.
Permits: You'll need to obtain a permit from the City of Toronto before starting any plumbing work.
Electrical
Upgrade primary panel to 200 amps: If you don't already have a 200-amp electrical panel, you'll need to upgrade your service to support the additional electrical load of the ARU.
Running electrical to the ARU: You can run electrical to the ARU using the same trench that you used for the plumbing. You'll need to install a separate electrical panel in the ARU, which should be sized appropriately for the expected electrical load.
Need a larger or separate electrical service? If you need a larger or separate electrical service for the ARU, you can contact Toronto Hydro to get pricing.
Permits: You'll need to obtain a permit from the City of Toronto before starting any electrical work.
HVAC and gas
To run or not run natural gas? If you're considering running natural gas to the ARU, you'll need to confirm that your existing natural gas meter is sized properly. If any changes need to be made, you'll be responsible for the additional costs.
HVAC options: If you're not running natural gas to the ARU, you can use a cold climate heat pump to provide heating and cooling. Cold climate heat pumps are very efficient and can provide comfortable temperatures year-round.
Permits: You may need to obtain a permit from the City of Toronto before starting any HVAC or gas work.
Conclusion
Planning for utility upgrades is an important part of building an ARU. By understanding the key considerations, you can avoid unexpected costs and delays. Be sure to factor in the cost of upgrading both the city-side and private-side utilities. It's also important to obtain the necessary permits before starting any work.
EvaLanes is a Toronto-based company that specializes in ARU development. We can help you with every step of the process, from planning and design to construction and completion. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you build your dream ARU.
Imagine the possibilities:
A cozy space for your aging parents to live independently
A place for your adult children to launch into adulthood
A rental property to generate extra income
A home office or studio to pursue your passions
The possibilities are endless with EvaLanes supporting you all the way!! With a little planning and preparation, EvaLanes can create an ARU that meets your needs and enhances your lifestyle.