A second home at the back of your lot, built to earn
Laneway houses have become one of the most popular ways for Vancouver homeowners to add rental income, family space, or long-term property value, without touching the main house.
What is a laneway house?
A laneway house is a separate, detached home built at the rear of your property, with its own entrance facing the lane. Like any new home, it needs its own building permit and is built to the same code as any other residential dwelling.
In Vancouver, laneway houses are typically limited to around 900 square feet, one to two storeys, with defined setbacks from the main house and property lines. Exact limits depend on your specific lot, so a feasibility review is the right first step.
Independent dwelling
Fully separate from the main house, with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance.
Rear-lane access
Positioned at the back of the lot facing the lane, leaving the front of the property unchanged.
Sized to the lot
Floor area, height, and setbacks are set by zoning and vary from property to property.
Why homeowners build one
A laneway house is one of the most direct ways to put an underused backyard to work.
Rental income
A self-contained unit that can be rented out, helping offset a mortgage or generate ongoing income.
Space for family
A private space for parents, adult children, or guests, close by but fully independent.
Added property value
A second dwelling on the lot adds functional space and long-term value to the property.
Laneway house or secondary suite?
These two options are often confused, but they're built quite differently.
Laneway house
A standalone building at the rear of the lot, with its own entrance, address, and utility connections. Best suited to lots with rear-lane access.
Secondary suite
A self-contained unit inside the main house, such as a basement suite, sharing the same structure but with its own entrance and living space.
Many properties can support both under current zoning, giving homeowners more than one way to add income or space.
How the process works
Feasibility and lot review
We confirm lot eligibility, setbacks, and the maximum size available to you.
Design and permitting
Layouts are developed within size and setback limits, then submitted for permit approval.
Construction
Foundation through framing, finishing, and independent utility connections.
Completion and handover
Final inspections and occupancy, ready to move in or rent out.
Where we build
Xerox Builders is based in Surrey, BC, with most of our laneway home and secondary suite projects built in Vancouver and Burnaby, along with the wider Fraser Valley.