The cost of building a laneway house

Building a laneway house can be expensive. The costs vary depending on the size of the new building and its amenities.

An average single-family property in Vancouver measures 33 by 120 feet. Currently the city allows a 500-square-foot laneway house to be built on a lot this size. If you have a larger property, your laneway house can be up to 750-square-feet. Visit the city’s for more information

Here’s a breakdown of the possible costs associated with a 500-square-foot laneway house:

• Construction fees: $100,000 at $200 per square foot (Source: Interview with Ocea Ringrose)
• Building permit: $699.25 – based on construction fees ()
• Development permit: $748 ()
• Demolition: $249 – if demolishing main house ()
• Landscaping: $500 + depending on space, complexity and design – required by the city ()
• Garage demolition (if required): $1,500 ()
• Enviroshake roofing (from recycled plastic): $28,000 ()
• Installation of solar heating system: $1,000-$3,500 – depending on type of system ()
• Water sewer connection: $8,000-$30,000 – depending on new infrastructure required (; and Interview with )
• Electrical connection (must be separate from main house): On average $1,000, but can be up to $20,000 if new equipment or infrastructure is required ()
• Architectural and engineering fees: $10,000 + ()
• Site survey: $2,000 + (if required) ()
• Estimated appliance costs: ()
  – Washer/dryer: $800
  – Small refrigerator: $600
  – Basic oven/stove: $600
  – Toilet: $80
  – Sinks: $500
  – Bathtub/shower: $750

Related: