Vancouver Laneway House Builder
Maximise Your Property. Expand Your Lifestyle.
Laneway houses are one of Vancouver’s most desirable and forward-thinking ways to add value, flexibility, and livable space to your property. At Smithwood Builders, we design and build custom laneway homes that reflect the unique character of your main home while offering modern comfort, privacy, and long-term return. Whether you’re creating space for family, rental income, or future downsizing, our team delivers exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful planning, and a seamless build experience from start to finish
Key Features of Laneway Houses in Vancouver
Complement Your Property and Elevate City Living
At Smithwood Builders, we partner with Vancouver’s leading architects to design and build laneway homes that go beyond the basics. Each project is carefully planned to complement your main residence, meet your lifestyle needs, and reflect the unique character of Vancouver’s neighbourhoods. With expert construction, sustainable building practices, and refined interior finishes, our laneway homes are built to bring your architect’s vision to life and provide a seamless extension of your home.
Streamlined Kitchens
Whether your architect has planned a full-sized kitchen or a compact kitchenette, Smithwood Builders delivers expert laneway home construction with precision. We install smart layouts, high-end appliances, and custom cabinetry that make Vancouver laneway houses ideal for both daily living and long-term or short-term rentals.
Open-Concept Living
Laneway houses in Vancouver often have compact footprints, which makes open-concept layouts essential. Smithwood ensures high ceilings, clean finishes, and quality construction that maximize space, flow, and natural comfort in your laneway home.
Multi-Purpose Living Areas
Vancouver laneway homes are designed for versatility, functioning as guest suites, home offices, studios, or income-generating rentals. Smithwood Builders specializes in executing these flexible layouts with durable, high-quality construction so your laneway house adapts to your evolving needs.
Spa-Inspired Bathrooms
A well-built bathroom elevates any laneway house. From walk-in showers and modern fixtures to custom vanities and refined tilework, Smithwood’s building expertise ensures that your bathroom is constructed with exceptional craftsmanship for a clean, calming retreat.
Private Entrances
Privacy is essential in laneway housing. Every laneway home we build includes a separate entrance to maintain independence between your primary residence and the suite. This makes Vancouver laneway homes perfect for multigenerational families or tenants in rental situations.
Parking and Storage
Vancouver’s density makes parking and storage a priority. Smithwood Builders incorporates on-site parking where possible, EV charger-ready wiring, and discreet storage solutions for bikes, tools, and gear. Your laneway home is built to support both convenience and urban living.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Laneway home construction in Vancouver often includes outdoor areas such as patios, balconies, or rooftop terraces. Smithwood builds these features with lasting quality, creating inviting spaces for entertaining, relaxing, or gardening year-round.
Natural Light and Large Windows
Large windows, skylights, and glass doors are common in laneway houses to enhance the sense of space. Smithwood’s construction team ensures these features are executed to plan, filling your Vancouver laneway home with natural light—even during grey months.
Built-In Storage
Smart storage is key in smaller laneway houses. Working from your architect’s plans, Smithwood builds custom closets, under-stair storage, and integrated cabinetry that keep interiors organized, functional, and clutter-free.
Sustainable Building Options
Vancouver laneway homes often integrate sustainable features. Smithwood Builders can construct with high-efficiency insulation, energy-saving HVAC systems, solar-ready designs, and sustainably sourced roofing—all aligned with Vancouver’s Step Code standards.
Soundproofing and Privacy
Soundproofing is an essential element of laneway home construction, especially when homes are close to neighbors or the main residence. Smithwood incorporates effective techniques to ensure quiet, private living in every laneway house we build.
Smart Home Integration
Smithwood Builders also supports the installation of smart systems in Vancouver laneway homes. From lighting and heating to security, we ensure your laneway house is ready for convenient, energy-efficient modern living.
Frequently Asked Questions: Laneway Houses in Vancouver
What is a laneway house, and is my property eligible for one?
A laneway house is a detached secondary dwelling built in the backyard of a single-family home, typically accessed from the rear lane. In Vancouver, most properties zoned RS or RT with rear lane access are eligible. During your Discovery Call, we’ll confirm your lot’s eligibility and walk you through what’s possible based on current zoning bylaws and building code requirements.
How much does it cost to build a laneway house in Vancouver?
The cost to build a custom laneway house in Vancouver typically ranges from $550,000 to $1M, depending on the size, finishes, and site conditions. At Smithwood Builders, we provide a detailed estimate early in the process so you can understand the full investment and plan accordingly.
How long does it take to build a laneway home from start to finish?
From initial design to final completion, most laneway home projects take 8 to 12 months, depending on the complexity and permitting timelines. We manage every phase, including architectural drawings, permit applications, site preparation, and construction, to keep the project moving smoothly and on schedule.
Can I rent out my laneway house for additional income?
Yes. In Vancouver, laneway homes can be legally rented as long as they comply with zoning and building codes. Many of our clients generate passive income by offering long-term rental housing, while others explore short-term rental opportunities where permitted. Some homeowners also choose to use the space for family, guests, or even as a future downsizing option.
Do I need a separate address and utility connections for a laneway home?
Yes. Laneway homes in Vancouver are assigned their own address and must be serviced independently for water, sewer, and electricity. We coordinate all necessary connections and ensure the home is fully functional and code-compliant upon completion.
What size can a laneway house be in Vancouver?
Laneway house size is determined by your lot dimensions and zoning. In general, laneway homes in Vancouver can be up to 900 square feet of livable space, not including garage or storage areas. We work with your lot’s specific parameters to maximize usable square footage without compromising design or comfort.
Are laneway homes built to the same standards as a primary residence?
Absolutely. At Smithwood Builders, we apply the same level of craftsmanship, structural integrity, and attention to detail to every laneway home we build. These homes are constructed to meet or exceed Vancouver Building Code requirements and Step Code energy efficiency standards.
Can I customize the layout and design of my laneway house?
Yes. The layout and design of your laneway home are fully customizable through your chosen architect. From one-bedroom rental suites to flexible studios or multi-generational living spaces, your architect will create a design that reflects your needs and lifestyle. Smithwood Builders then brings those plans to life with expert construction, ensuring the finished home is functional, durable, and seamlessly integrated with your property.
Our Service Area
Smithwood Builders provides custom home building and renovation services in Vancouver and the surrounding areas.
We proudly serve the following regions and their neighborhoods, delivering award-winning, beautifully crafted spaces that elevate everyday living for local homeowners.
- Vancouver
- East Vancouver
- Shaughnessy
- Renfrew Heights
- West Point Grey
- Dunbar-Southlands
- Kerrisdale
- Mt. Pleasant
- Richmond
- British Properties
- West Vancouver
- North Vancouver
- Delta
- Burnaby
- Port Moody
- Dundarave
A sample of our work
Rich Artisan
Winner of the 2021 Georgie Awards for Best Single Family Kitchen over $150,000!
The Bold and the Beautiful
Beauty nestled within a neighbouring forest.
Banking On Wall Street
Winner of the 2020 HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence for Best Renovation $700,000 – $1 Million and Best Kitchen Renovation over $125,000.
