New 'tiny home' package is ready to go

Article content

Home Hardware introduces its collection of 25 customizable ADU designs – each named after a Canadian bird

When the ground begins to thaw this spring, Home Hardware Stores Ltd. director of PRO and sales marketing Keri McMillan is expecting to see a new flock of ‘birds’ take flight.

Recommended Videos

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

New 'tiny home' package is ready to go Back to video

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Play Video

Since launching last fall, the Beaver Homes & Cottages Secondary Suite Collection — more than 25 customizable accessory dwelling units (ADUs), each named after a Canadian bird and available exclusively at select Home and Home Hardware Building Centres — is getting a positive response.

The aim is to make it easier for Canadians to contribute to the country’s housing stock by providing expert support to anyone looking to build additional housing on their existing property, from suites to bunkies to garage lofts.

“The collection came to light in response to the demand for smaller footprint housing and the ongoing housing shortage,” said McMillan. “Our goal was not just to be at the forefront of small footprint housing, but also to bring high design and functionality into our (collection).”

The secondary suites range in size from 144 square feet for the smallest units (Quail, Warbler, Tanager and Wren) to nearly 1,500 square feet for the largest garage lofts (Meadowlark and Peregrine). Material packages start at $50,000.

All standard models can be viewed and modified online at beaverhomesandcottages.ca, where homeowners can access a virtual design centre to test different looks and choose finishes.

They can also work with in-store design consultants and an in-house Architectural Solutions Group to finalize their plans, adjusting for any customizations that aren’t included in the standard package. A non-refundable deposit is required to start the preliminary drawing process.

Once a plan is settled on, a materials package is generated, including the blueprints, all structural components as well as exterior and interior finishes. Packages adhere to national and provincial building codes, and in-store consultants help to ensure municipal zoning legislation is also met. The construction timeline depends on the package specifications and contractor availability.

“We’ve established a reputable brand within municipalities, so when our consultants help the customer apply for permits, there’s a lot of weight that comes behind a well-known brand,” said McMillan, adding that all plans provided are stamped and engineered and ready to go.

Demand for tiny homes has been rising in Canada, she added, as people look to generate additional rental income from their property, provide living space for multigenerational family members or create backyard offices or studios.

Innovations in design and construction are evolving as consumers explore new materials and technologies to create efficient, comfortable and affordable small homes.

“Our differentiator is that we allow for complete customization,” said McMillan. “We have a lot of standard models, but you’re not just limited to that.”

The Beaver Homes & Cottages Secondary Suite Collection is offered at more than 130 locations across Canada.