Added Space, Value and Income
Many homeowners are doubling down on usable space in their houses — looking at basements as additional living space, multi-generational accommodation, potential income and to increase the value of their property. Whether new-build or renovation, lower levels are becoming popular places to give a glow-up.
Ironstone was an early adopter of ADUs (Additional Dwelling Units), creating the award-winning Flex Haus program to offer “two homes under one roof, self-funding, making homes ownership possible.
Affordable ADUs
Ironstone was an early adopter of ADUs (Additional Dwelling Units), creating the award-winning Flex Haus program to offer “two homes under one roof, self-funding, making homes ownership possible.” Stimac says their houses are in the smaller starter range, and the fully sustainable ADUs have support from banks who view them as rental potential for mortgage qualification. There are programs to educate buyers on how to be a landlord, be compliant. “It’s had a lot of success,” Stimac says of the program. “We’ve sold a lot.”
To provide options for buyers, Graystone Homes has designed four-level townhouses with eight potential layouts. Tracy Mclenaghan, operations/ warranty coordinator, says the ground level includes a foyer and garage with possible kitchen and living spaces; the basement can be finished with a bedroom and bathroom to combine with the entry door as a unit; the second level includes living, dining, kitchen and bathroom; while the top floor provides three bedrooms and two baths.
Visitors to the model home can check out how this configuration looks and feels. “What attracts people is the options,” says Mclenaghan. “We market to a wide variety of situations. We market it as a nanny suite or space for parents/ grandparents on the ground level.”
Sarah Betty, project manager for Auburn Developments, agrees these options are becoming more popular. “More buyers are looking for a multi-generational or rental unit.”
Ironstone’s Flex Haus Catalina model. The option of a lower level suite can provide multi-generational independence or rental income.
Ironstone’s Monterey Flex Haus floor plans show the basement as a fully independent rental suite with generous living space on the first and second floor.
This Riverside Construction full basement renovation includes a generous family room that opens to a stylish bar.
Built-ins create minimalist storage or display options.
Mixed metals on the fireplace offer a textural contrast to the white and cream finishes.
Lower level bar area by Riverside Construction
We strongly believe that’s the future — multi-generational, self-contained units. You can still interact with the family but have your own space.
Auburn’s model home includes a one-bedroom suite to address that new demand in the market, says Betty. It gives options, including more storage, also on buyers’ wish lists, or use as a separate unit. “It can have a secondary access, so if you rent it, it’s a fully separate unit.”
Betty says children returning home or aging parents need a separate space. “We find retirees want a finished basement with a bedroom and bath. Bedrooms are the biggest ask.”
For adult children returning home, the basement can give them independence and a means to save for their own place. For parents, having an adult child at home means developing a different relationship than when they were younger.
“We strongly believe that’s the future — multi-generational, self-contained units,” says Mclenaghan. “You can still interact with the family but have your own space.”
A sleek bar area by Riverside Construction offers a sophisticated entertainment area.
Stylish wine storage, reflective tile and metallic accents add a touch of glam.
Additional living space
Lower levels once evoked images of dark, dank, dreary rooms with low ceilings and little light. With today’s regulations, they are lighter, brighter and drier. Increased insulation, improved energy, HVAC systems and lighting, and larger windows for egress create more comfortable spaces year-round.
“Code dictates the energy and efficiency of a home,” says Mclenaghan. “It creates a dry, comfortable basement.” At least one egress window (large enough to escape through) must be installed, which also increases natural light.
“If you have a 1,200-square foot house, you might get 1,000 more in the basement, doubling the living space,” says Hassall. He hears a lot of requests for separate areas for kids and adults “so they’re not on top of each other — somewhere to go, somewhere to have their own space. That’s the biggest motivator. People want a place where they can do different things, have privacy, quiet.”
For growing families, this can translate as a place for adults on one level and the kids’ hang-out on another. Imagine a meditation room, an art studio or a place to play instruments. Trends show a growing interest in home gyms, yoga studios and hobby spaces. Home offices continue to be popular.
A simple bar sink in the middle of a long countertop with a beverage cooler and dishwasher balance beautifully with upper cabinets and open shelving.
“We get a lot of calls,” says Hassall. “They can be a great way for some rental income or in-law or kids suite.” He cautions basement renovations require meeting updated building codes and fire protection, and depend on the space and age of the house.
Basement home gym by Riverside Construction
“Adding a bar is always popular — a bar, living space, bedroom and bath are a standard layout.” Upgrading millwork to match upstairs décor, add a feature wall and amenities such as a fireplace are also big asks. “Offices are another big one — they’re a great space to add. It’s hard to carve out an office upstairs.”
Renovations usually include adding more and bigger windows. Removing dropped ceilings and replacing lights with pot lights to modernize are trending.
Ironstone Building Co.’s Flex Haus Catalina model living room.
The in-law or rental suite level floor plan.
The Flex Haus Catalina model kitchen contains all the essentials for independent living.
The bathroom includes a generous shower and a door to access the utility room.
The Graystone Homes Lotus suite in their Lotus Towns development includes a large principal bedroom with natural light coming through an egress window set within a deep window well.
The bedroom includes generous closet space.
One door conceals a stacked full-size washer and dryer.
Ironstone’s Flex Haus Caldwell model offers an open concept living room and kitchen, and two bedrooms.
Stairs to the ground level and a private entrance door are at the end opposite the kitchen area.
A feeling of spaciousness in the Graystone Homes Lotus Towns model suite bathroom is enhanced by a full-height glass shower wall.
Added value
“The affordability also increases the value of the home,” says Stimac. “I like it because it hits a lot of buttons. A single person could live on the lower level and rent the upstairs to a family and become mortgage-free. They can move upstairs and rent the basement for supplemental income. Retirees can live there or owners could put their parents there.”
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Inspiration
New home builders provide furnished model homes you can tour for inspiration and to see what is on offer if you want to build. Their websites offer virtual tours, floor plans and more information.
Ironstone Building Company:
ironstonebuilt.com/fl ex-haus/
Graystone Homes:
graystonehomes.ca
Auburn Developments:
auburndev.com or
tours.clubtours.ca/cvt/361492
Renovators showcase their work during the London Home Builders’ Association Parade of Renovations in the fall. You can also contact them through LHBA RenoMark to discuss options.
London Home Builders Association:
lhba.on.ca
Riverside Construction:
rsclondon.com
Ironstone’s Flex Haus Caldwell model kitchen.
The modern bath maintain’s the unit’s design esthetique.
We market it as a nanny suite or space for parents/grandparents
on the ground level.”
TIPS
Do your research: view open houses and renovators’ projects. Decide how you want to use the space.
Confer with a designer to determine the best layout for your space and needs.
If renovating, choose a qualified contractor through London Home Builders Association at lhba.on.ca. “They will be able to identify any issues with the existing utilities, ceiling heights, etc. and find a layout that will work for you and be functional,” says Hassall. “They know what is behind the walls.”
“Planning and execution are key,” says Stimac.
Additional Residential Units
(ARUs) or Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs)
What: An Additional Residential Unit (ARU) is a self-contained dwelling unit located within the same building, or on the same lot, as an existing residential unit. Self-contained means that it has its own kitchen and washroom facilities, and a separate entrance.
Why: Governments, such as the City of London, are encouraging this form of residential development to improve housing diversity, affordability and sustainable land use.
Where: ARUs can be located within the interior of the existing house (for example in the basement), in an existing garage, as an addition to an existing building, or by constructing a detached tiny home on the property.
How: Determine the type. Determine zoning compliance. Determine permits required. Determine servicing, building and fire code requirements. Apply for building permit.
london.ca/living-london/building-renovating/additional-residential-units
