From secondary suites to backyard retreats. Franklinbuilt brings expert craftsmanship and functional design to every corner of the Niagara Region. Let’s expand your footprint.
As a trusted custom home builder in the Niagara Region, we deliver fully managed construction and renovation services focused on quality, functionality, and long term value.
Expanding Your Property with Custom ADU Backyard Structures in Niagara Region
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a smart way to maximize your property’s potential. Whether you’re looking to create a rental unit, guest house, or private living space for family, Franklin Built specializes in designing and building high-quality backyard structures tailored to your needs.
Our team works closely with you to ensure every detail—from layout to finishes—aligns with your vision while meeting all local building regulations in the Niagara Region.
We manage the entire process from concept to completion, delivering seamless construction with a focus on durability, efficiency, and modern design. Our ADUs are built to enhance both your lifestyle and your property value.
With Franklin Built, you can expect expert craftsmanship, transparent communication, and a finished space that feels like a natural extension of your home.
Designed for Comfort, Built for Value
Every ADU we build is thoughtfully designed to maximize space and functionality without compromising style. From open-concept layouts to fully equipped living spaces, we ensure your backyard structure is both practical and visually appealing.
We also consider energy efficiency, natural lighting, and long-term usability in every project.
Whether you need a compact garden suite or a fully independent living unit, our team adapts to your goals and property specifications.
We guide you through zoning requirements, permits, and design decisions to make the process simple and stress-free.
ADU Key Facts
- You can now build up to 3 units on a single residential lot — no zoning amendment needed
- Development charges eliminated for most ADUs (saves $20,000–$50,000 upfront)
- Applies across most Niagara municipalities including St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake & Pelham
- No special approval process — your build goes straight to permitting
💡 What this means for you: The red tape that used to block backyard suite projects has been largely removed. If your lot qualifies, you can build.
Under Ontario’s More Homes Built Faster Act, most Niagara homeowners no longer need a zoning amendment to build a backyard suite. You’re already permitted — you just need the right builder.
The federal government offers up to $80,000 at 2% interest to help finance a secondary suite through the CMHC Secondary Suite Loan Program — and it can be combined with mortgage refinancing.
Discovery
We assess your property, review local zoning, and confirm your ADU is feasible before any design work begins.
Design
We create a custom layout with drawings and 3D renderings, aligned with your vision and Ontario Building Code.
Permits
We prepare and submit all permit applications — structural, plumbing, electrical, and zoning — on your behalf.
Build
Our licensed trades manage every phase of construction, with a dedicated project manager keeping you updated throughout.
Completion
We conduct a final walkthrough and hand over the keys with all Tarion warranty documentation in place.
Book a Free ADU Consultation
What our Clients are saying
Our clients’ experiences speak for themselves. See why we’re a trusted custom home builder in the Niagara Region.
Incredible work by Franco and team to completely gut and restore our lakefront retreat both inside and outside. Great design, work, attention to detail made this beautiful home for our family. Franco’s team did it all from complete kitchen and bathroom renovations to adding all the beautiful and subtle touches throughout. The outside deck and stonework is amazing, really bringing the beach front experience to another level. Highest marks for professionalism, commitment, quality of craftsmanship and just all that brilliant practical advice as we transformed the existing home. Special shout out to Jessica at Pinnicle Designs who Franco brought on the team. Wonderful people to work with and trust with your most precious home. Thank you
ADU & Garden Suite FAQ: Niagara Region
We’ve compiled these FAQs to help you navigate your building journey with confidence.
What is a Garden Suite vs. an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a broad term for any self-contained secondary home on your property. A Garden Suite is a specific type of detached ADU located in your backyard, separate from the main residence.
Can I build an ADU or Garden Suite on my property in Niagara?
Most municipalities in the Niagara Region, including St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Pelham, now allow for Additional Residential Units (ARUs). However, feasibility depends on your specific lot size, setbacks, and existing utility capacity. Franklinbuilt provides a detailed Feasibility Study to ensure your backyard structure meets all local zoning bylaws.
What is the maximum size for a Garden Suite in Ontario?
While provincial legislation encourages these builds, specific size limits are set by your local municipality. Typically, a Garden Suite cannot exceed a certain percentage of your backyard or the total floor area of the main house. We navigate these Ontario Building Code and municipal requirements to maximize your usable square footage.
Does a Garden Suite or ADU require a building permit?
Yes. Any structure intended for year-round living requires a full building permit, including structural, plumbing, and electrical inspections. Franklinbuilt manages the entire permitting and design process, ensuring your ADU is fully legal, safe, and protected by a Tarion warranty where applicable.
How do utilities (water, sewer, hydro) work for a backyard suite?
Most ADUs in Niagara are "serviced" through the main house's existing connections. This involves trenching lines from your primary residence to the new structure. Our team coordinates the utility integration and ensures your current electrical panel can handle the additional load before construction begins.
Will an ADU increase my property taxes?
Adding a permanent, livable structure will likely increase your property’s assessed value, which can affect taxes. However, the rental income potential and the added equity to your Niagara property almost always outweigh the incremental tax increase.