Before we pour a foundation or frame a single wall, there’s a lot of work that takes place behind the scenes that you don’t see from the street, but that lays the groundwork for everything to come.
Designing and building a custom garden suite is about understanding the client’s needs, what’s driving the project, how they plan to use the space, and what they want their future to look like. This is especially true in Edmonton’s mature neighbourhoods, where the goal is to build something that fits within the existing fabric of the area and offers lasting value to the homeowner.
This month on The Gentle Side of Infill blog, we’re sharing what happens during the planning stages, from signing the first contracts to crafting the design, and securing the right permits to build a garden suite in Edmonton.
Signing Contracts & Starting with Clarity
Every garden suite project starts with a conversation. We want to understand your lot, your goals, and the “why” behind your build.
For some families, that means building rental suites as a long-term investment. For others, it’s about creating space for aging parents or adult children, a way to keep family close while maintaining independence. More and more families are choosing multigenerational living because it’s a practical way to manage costs, stay connected, and support one another.
Understanding your “why” helps us shape the project around your family’s needs and honour what matters most to you.
Once the vision is clear, we move into the contract phase. We outline the scope, timelines, estimated costs, and shared expectations, so you can move forward with confidence. This is the paperwork that gives your project a solid foundation before any soil is touched.
Blueprints and Design
This is where ideas take shape. We design with the future in mind, thinking not just about how the space looks today, but how it can adapt over time. Even if features like solar panels, an EV charger, or a hot tub aren’t part of your immediate plans, we make sure your suite is ready for them. Thoughtful planning now makes future upgrades easier, more affordable, and less disruptive later on.
In Hazeldean, we worked closely with the homeowners to choose a floor plan that fit their needs, starting with options from our existing designs, with the flexibility to customize or even start from scratch with the support of our interior designer, Sandi.
They visited our previously completed Windsor Park garden suite to get a feel for space and layout, and when it was time to sit down with the architect, we joined them at the meeting to offer suggestions that aligned with their priorities.
Throughout the process, we guided them through every key decision, for example: whether to have utility meters separate for the suite or combine with the main house, a small but important choice that affects cost, flexibility, and long-term use.
We also made sure all of their design needs aligned with Edmonton’s zoning bylaws right from the start, so when it was time to apply for the city’s permits, there were no surprises.
Navigating the City’s Permitting Process
Most homeowners are surprised by how many small details go into getting a garden suite approved in Edmonton.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Development Permit: Confirms your suite fits the zoning rules and blends into the community.
- Building Permit: Ensures it’s safe, structurally sound, and meets Alberta’s Safety Codes.
- Demolition Permit (if needed): Required when removing an existing structure like an old garage to make room for your new suite.
These permits can seem overwhelming at first. But our goal is to make this part of the process as stress-free as possible.
We manage the entire permitting process, from creating detailed drawings to submitting paperwork and coordinating with City planners. Because we work exclusively in Edmonton, we are experienced in the process, the people, and the potential pitfalls, which means we can flag issues early on and keep your project moving forward smoothly and on time.
What’s Next for the Hazeldean Garden Suite
In our next blog, we’ll take you through how we prepped the Hazeldean lot for construction, from removing the old garage to getting the site ready for what’s next.
Until then, if you’re thinking about building a garden suite, or are interested to learn more about what’s involved, please reach out to us at info@eehomes.ca or 780-708-4660.
For more insights on thoughtful, energy-efficient infill, follow us on LinkedIn, we regularly share Edmonton’s bylaw updates, project stories, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from the Energy Efficient Homes team.
About Energy Efficient Homes
At Energy Efficient Homes, we believe infill should feel good, for your family, your neighbours, and the neighbourhood as a whole. Every project is rooted in collaboration, designed with care, and built to support a more livable, walkable Edmonton.
If you’re interested in building a garden suite for your backyard, please reach out!
