A garden suite or garage suite is a residential unit built above a garage.  It is most commonly built above a detached garage with a separate entrance to the suite. Stairs can be within the garage or on the exterior.  

Special permits are required from the City of Edmonton before building commences.  There are restrictions as to the height of the suite, size with respect to the lot and setbacks from the house and the back road/alley way. Specific electrical, water and sewer lines have to be connected from the main house. 

Some newer subdivisions already have pre-approvals in place for garage suites.  Certain builders specialize in garage suites with pre-set architectural plans and show suites to view. It is also possible to build a garden suite on an older property. 

The thrill of a garden suite lies in the fact that they provide a 'detached' housing unit away from the main house, thereby accomodating for privacy and security issues. Options include short-term and long-term rentals, accomodating extended family, or they can be used as a guest house. Current statistics show they are in high demand. 

For many, a detached single family home with a separate entrance to the basement suite, coupled with a garden suite enables the owner to operate three rental units on one property address.  This is quite a lucrative business for investors and homeowners.  Frequently the owner will occupy the main house and utilize the rental income to subsidize their current mortgage. 

Densification is definitely a hot trend right now and will continue to grow and develop in the near future!  Utilizing dead space to offer housing and obtain rental income is proving to be a very lucrative endeavour for many happy clients.