The Backyard Suite by Wheelhouse Design Build in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Backyard Suite

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and craftsmanship with The Backyard Suite; a fully self-contained dwelling designed to feel like home in a compact, inviting space. Our base model features a thoughtfully designed ground-level bedroom, a stylish 3-piece bathroom, and a fully custom kitchen—all tailored to your specific preferences.

With large windows and a patio door, our suites invite in plenty of natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living. Whether you envision a cozy single-story suite or a spacious two-story guesthouse, we can build up to 1000 SF, ensuring compliance with height regulations set by Halifax Regional Municipality.

Backyard suite with wood siding in Halifax.

Backyard Suite Design Details

  • Up to 1000 SF with a maximum height of 25ft

  • Comfortably sleeps 2-4

  • All-season

  • On-grid compatible

  • 3-piece bathroom

  • Full custom kitchen

  • Steel roof

  • Kohler windows

  • Cedar, hemlock, or steel siding. 

  • Optional wood stove

More Than Just A Dwelling

The Backyard Suite is a versatile solution for various needs. It serves as an excellent permanent residence for family members, a charming holiday home on your rural property, or a lucrative rental income generator.

At Wheelhouse, we pride ourselves on our exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Our experienced team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life, ensuring that every aspect of your Backyard Suite meets the highest standards. We understand that navigating the approval process with Halifax Regional Municipality can be complex, which is why we take care of all the necessary permits, surveys, engineering, and excavation. This means you can enjoy a hassle-free experience as we deliver a turn-key unit tailored just for you.

With unmatched quality and custom craftsmanship, The Wheelhouse Backyard Suite offers a stylish and functional living space that will elevate your property.

Additionally, we now offer the option of designing your backyard suite to meet Passive House standards in collaboration with Passive Design Solutions.

LEARN MORE
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Halifax Regional Municipality by-laws for Backyard Suites

  • A Backyard Suite is a self-contained dwelling unit that is located on the same property as a house or another building that contains only residential occupancies. The Backyard Suite and the Main Suite must constitute a single real estate entity.

    Examples of Backyard Suites would include purpose-built structures, existing accessory buildings that are converted into self-contained dwelling units, or self-contained dwelling units that are constructed as an addition to an existing accessory building.

    Backyard Suites should not be confused with Secondary Suites. A Backyard Suite must satisfy all Building and Plumbing Code requirements as they apply to a residential dwelling. The requirements for a Secondary Suite would not be applicable to a Backyard Suite.

  • All Nova Scotia building code requirements for residential buildings apply to Backyard Suites, including, but not limited to:

    • Limiting Distance/Spatial Separation and Fire Safety.

    • Exiting.

    • Heating and Ventilation.

    • Insulation and Energy Efficiency.

    • Smoke Alarms.

    • Plumbing facilities.

    • Adaptable Housing.

    You may be required to provide additional documentation.

  • A Building Permit is required to construct a Backyard Suite or to convert an existing accessory structure into a Backyard Suite. Wheelhouse will help you obtain the required permits. An application for a Building Permit for a Backyard Suite must include the following minimum information:

    • A Site Plan that shows the location of the proposed Backyard Suite on the lot and includes distances (setbacks) from the Backyard Suite to the property lines and to the main dwelling.

    • Construction Drawings that include; elevations showing all windows, doors, and other openings as well as soffits; floor plans that show the layout of the Backyard Suite including all bedroom(s), bathroom, kitchen, living areas, corridors and exits.

    • Structural Details that show how the walls, floors, roofs, foundation and footings or floor slab are constructed.

    • Details of the Heating and Ventilation systems that will be installed in the Backyard Suite.

  • Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements here.

For more information on Backyard Suites, please view the Nova Scotia regulations here. You can also reach out to us here with any questions you may have. We’re here to help.