Accessory Dwelling Units in Metro Vancouver
Discover Your Dream Backyard Studio
Backyard Studios
Backyard studios are permitted, detached accessory dwelling units built on your residential lot for use as a home office, guest suite, or rental income. CoreVal Homes designs and constructs backyard studios from 200 to 750+ sq ft in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Metro Vancouver — full permits handled, same structural standards as our custom homes.
What's Included
Scope of Service
According to CMHC, accessory dwelling units can increase a property’s value by 20–30% while providing rental income potential of $1,500–$2,500 per month in Metro Vancouver.
“Accessory dwelling units like backyard studios are a key strategy for addressing housing affordability while preserving existing neighbourhood character.”
01
More Than a Shed — Built to Residential Standards
A CoreVal backyard studio is a permanent, code-compliant structure built with the same materials, insulation standards, and construction methods as our custom homes. These aren't prefabricated kits — they're purpose-built structures designed for your lot, your needs, and your lifestyle. From foundation work to roofing, every element meets or exceeds BC Building Code requirements.
02
Flexible Use Cases for Every Homeowner
The rise of remote work, multigenerational living, and property investment has made backyard studios one of the most practical additions a homeowner can make. Use it as a dedicated home office with high-speed internet and proper lighting. Build a self-contained guest suite for visiting family. Create a rental-ready unit for supplemental income. Or design a creative workspace — art studio, music room, photography studio — with the acoustic and environmental controls you need.
03
Simpler Permitting, Same CoreVal Quality
In many Metro Vancouver municipalities, backyard studios and ADUs have streamlined permitting pathways compared to full laneway homes. CoreVal handles all zoning reviews, permit applications, and inspection coordination. We assess your lot's eligibility during the initial feasibility call and guide you through the fastest path to an approved, permitted structure.
04
Custom Backyard Studio Cost
Backyard studio costs in Metro Vancouver range from $80,000 to $200,000+ depending on size, structural scope, servicing (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), finish level, and municipal permitting requirements. Smaller studios with basic servicing sit at the lower end; fully equipped guest suites or rental units with kitchen, bathroom, and premium finishes move toward the upper range. Site conditions — soil type, drainage, lot grade, and utility access — also affect foundation and servicing costs. CoreVal provides a free ballpark estimate based on your specific lot, goals, and finish level so your planning range reflects your actual project.
05
Backyard Studio Estimate Process
CoreVal's backyard studio estimate process starts with a short discovery call — no plans required. We confirm your location, intended use, rough size, and finish goals, then assess your lot constraints and the municipal permitting path for your address. You leave the call with a realistic investment range, preliminary timeline expectations, and an understanding of any zoning or permit variables specific to your property. A formal design-build proposal follows based on agreed scope. Starting with a free estimate prevents costly surprises before you invest in architectural drawings or engineering.
Let's Talk
Start With a Discovery Call
Planning a backyard studios project in Vancouver, Burnaby, or the Fraser Valley? In a short call, we'll confirm feasibility, discuss zoning and permits, and give you a realistic investment range — so you can move forward with confidence.
Book a Discovery Call
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do backyard studios require permits or zoning approvals in Vancouver / Burnaby / Fraser Valley?
Yes. Any permanent structure with electrical, plumbing, or heating requires a building permit. Zoning requirements vary by municipality — setbacks, lot coverage, and height limits all factor in. CoreVal handles the full zoning review, permit application, and inspection coordination for your specific lot.
What's included in your discovery call and free ballpark estimate?
We confirm your location (Vancouver/Burnaby/Fraser Valley), goals, scope, and finish level, then provide a free ballpark estimate with practical budgeting guidance, high-level timeline expectations, and what to expect for zoning and building permits.
What does a backyard studio cost per square foot in BC?
Cost per square foot varies by design complexity, site conditions, servicing, plumbing/kitchen requirements, and finish level — plus municipal approval factors. We focus on the cost drivers that apply to your property so your range is realistic and usable for planning.
How long does a backyard studio build usually take?
Most backyard studio projects take 6–10 months from design through completion. Permitting and approvals are often the biggest variable, so we plan early for zoning/building permits and manage milestones to keep your timeline predictable.
Can a backyard studio be used as a rental or living space?
In many Metro Vancouver municipalities, yes — depending on zoning bylaws and whether the unit qualifies as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). CoreVal helps align layout, privacy, durability, and finish level with your goals, whether that's rental income, multigenerational living, or a dedicated workspace.
Are you a Vancouver custom home builder, and do you offer warranty coverage?
Yes. CoreVal Homes is a Vancouver custom home builder serving Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. We build to professional standards and support projects with 2-5-10 warranty coverage (where applicable) through Pacific Home Warranty — the same standards we apply to our full custom home builds.
Do you work as backyard studio builders in Surrey, BC?
Yes. CoreVal Homes builds backyard studios across Surrey, Delta, Langley, and the broader Fraser Valley. Surrey lots have specific zoning bylaws, setback requirements, and ADU permitting pathways that differ from Vancouver and Burnaby. Our team assesses your specific address during the discovery call to confirm eligibility, lot coverage limits, and estimated permitting timelines for your project.
Reviews
What Our Clients Say
Rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 57 reviews on Google
Based on 57 Google reviews
Kathryn E
3 years agoThanks you CoreVal and Carlos for doing a fantastic job on our new backyard office! Process was simple and smooth from quote to completion. Quality was excellent and Carlos checked every detail with u...
Lindy Sisson
5 months agoCoreval Homes solved my storage problem by renovating my laundry room and increasing its storage capacity and design flow. We had the pleasure of working with Brendan who was thoughtful, thorough and ...
Danielle T
2 years agoWe just completed a two year complete home renovation, and then added on a heated/air conditioned outdoor office after everything else was complete. No part of our home Reno was smooth, UNTIL Jonatha...
Dustin Hemmerling
6 months agoWe recently hired Coreval Homes for a bathroom renovation, and I was impressed with their dedication to quality and follow-through. Gordie, was incredibly approachable and invested significant time to...
Clarke Kendrick
2 months agoMy name is Clarke, I currently live in a basement suite near maple ridge, coreval homes did a complete transformation of my basement suite top to bottom, they did an amazing job with the design of the...
Where We Build
Backyard Studios Across Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley
Start Here
Get Clarity Before You Spend on Plans
Start with a candid conversation about your backyard studios project. No pressure, no obligation — just honest guidance from experienced builders.
Book a Discovery Call