ADU Builders in Ottawa

Accessory Dwelling Units, Garden Suites, Coach Houses & Secondary Dwelling Units

Why Homeowners Choose OakWood

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Ottawa Design & Build Experts Since 1956

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Complete Permit & Zoning Support

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One Team from Design to Construction

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Award-Winning Design Centre

Build More Space, Flexibility & Value with an ADU

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are one of the fastest-growing housing solutions in Ottawa. Whether you’re creating a private space for family members, generating rental income, accommodating multi-generational living, or increasing the long-term value of your property, an ADU offers flexibility and opportunity.

OakWood’s award-winning Design & Build team manages every stage of your project, including planning, architectural design, permits, material selection, construction, and project management. With more than 65 years of experience serving Ottawa homeowners, we make building an ADU simple, efficient, and stress-free.

Is Your Property a Good Fit for an ADU?

Not every property is suitable for an Accessory Dwelling Unit.

Before investing in plans or permits, OakWood evaluates your property’s zoning, lot size, servicing capacity, setbacks, access requirements, parking considerations, and municipal regulations to determine the most suitable ADU solution.

Our feasibility-first approach helps homeowners make informed decisions before construction begins.

Which ADU Option Fits Your Property?

Garden Suites & Coach Houses

Garden Suite

Detached building in the rear yard

Best for:

  • Rental income
  • Parents
  • Adult children

Coach House

Separate residential building above the garage or detached structure

Best for:

  • Long-term rental
  • Family & Guests

Basement Apartment

Convert unused basement into legal secondary dwelling

Best for:

  • Fastest ROI
  • Rental income

Attached ADU

Built as an addition connected to the main house

Best for:

  • Multi-generational living
  • Aging parents

OakWood’s Complete ADU Design & Build Solution Includes

From detached garden suites and coach houses to attached secondary dwelling units and basement apartments, OakWood provides a turnkey Design & Build experience with one dedicated team managing your project from concept to completion.

Why Ottawa Homeowners Build ADUs

Rental Income Opportunities

Create a legal secondary dwelling unit that generates ongoing rental income and improves your property’s long-term financial performance.

Multi-Generational Living

Keep family members close while providing privacy, independence, and comfortable living accommodations.

Aging in Place Solutions

Support aging parents or loved ones with a safe and accessible living environment near family.

Home Office or Studio Space

Create a dedicated workspace, creative studio, or professional office separate from your primary residence.

Guest Accommodation

Provide comfortable accommodations for extended family and visitors without compromising your home’s privacy.

Increased Property Value

ADUs are one of the most effective ways to increase usable living space and improve overall property value.

in-law-suite home addition

In-House Architectural Design

In-house architectural design & planning experts to help you develop a vision that’s supported by a detailed, construction ready plan
Clients and project manager looking at materials at the design centre
Material Selection
All materials including door, lighting, window, wall & flooring solutions, custom cabinetry, and more through our award-winning Design Centre
OakWood certified contractors looking at a blueprint
Turnkey Installation
Turnkey Installation by OakWood’s certified trade professionals including site preparation and extensive precautions to protect your home
Clients meeting with their OakWood project manager
Expert Project Management
Expert project management with one point of contact including client portal updates and on-site meetings to keep you informed and your project on budget

Explore ADU, Garden Suite & Coach House Design Ideas

Explore inspiring ADU projects, detached garden suites, coach houses, and secondary dwelling unit concepts designed to maximize functionality, comfort, and long-term value. Visit the OakWood Design Centre to discover materials, layouts, finishes, and innovative solutions for your project.

ADU Design & Build Process

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Step 1: Consultation

Discuss goals, property suitability, and budget.

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Step 2: Site Evaluation

Review zoning, lot coverage, setbacks, and servicing requirements.

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Step 3: Design & Planning

Architectural drawings and permit-ready plans.

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Step 4: Permit Approval

Support through Ottawa permit and compliance requirements.

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Step 5: Construction

Turnkey Design & Build delivery.

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Step 6: Move-In Ready Completion

Final inspections and occupancy.

Planning and material selection couldn’t be easier

With OakWood you get a one-stop large project solution. Everything you need is under one roof at our award-winning Design Centre and Showroom.

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See over 7,500 items and one-of-a-kind, fully functioning displays
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Access our database of over 150,000 products—many from our handpicked partners
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Choose materials from any manufacturer in the world
modern living room featuring wooden floors
Flooring Options

Choose from a broad range of material choices including marble, granite, various wood options, linoleum, laminate and eco-friendly options like cork or bamboo. Our Design Consultants will help you select flooring solutions that complement the style, function, and long-term durability requirements of your ADU.

Energy-Efficient Windows

Natural light plays an important role in making an ADU feel bright, spacious, and welcoming. Energy-efficient windows help improve comfort while reducing heating and cooling costs throughout the year. Casement windows, Bay or Bow windows, awning windows, architectural windows, single and double hung tilt windows and many other styles. See them all at the OakWood Design Centre.

energy efficient in-law suite windows
modern and innovative lighting solutions
Innovative Smart Lighting
Choose from smart LED lighting solutions like the Flux Bluetooth Smart LED to ceiling, wall, floor, and table lamps to get the perfect light. An OakWood Design Consultant will work with you to give your in-law suite the right light for every room—kitchen, bathroom, living room and others.

Private Entry Door Solutions

Independent access is often one of the most important features of an ADU. OakWood offers a wide range of secure, energy-efficient entry systems designed to provide privacy, convenience, and curb appeal while complementing your home’s architecture.

private access entrance for in-law suites
decorative in-law suite ceilings featuring minimalistic style and potlights
Simple to Decorative Ceiling Options
Whether you are looking for a conventional, suspended, slanted, tray, vaulted, cathedral or custom ceiling design, the Design Centre gives you instant access to the materials you need including accent features like ceiling fans, crown moulding for a touch of sophistication, special decorative panels, and others.
Custom Cabinetry & Millwork
Add sophistication and elegance to your new in-law suite with a custom wall or entertainment cabinet. OakWood has an exclusive production line inside Cabico Manufacturing to give you an affordable cabinet solution tailor made for your space with over 100 finishes and material choices including cherry, knotty pine, red oak, maple, rustic alder and many others.
custom walls featuring custom cabinetry and millwork
wall featuring high-performance tesla battery technology

Smart & Energy-Efficient ADU Solutions

Modern ADUs benefit from advanced building technologies that improve comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. OakWood can integrate smart home automation, high-performance insulation systems, EV charging solutions, battery backup systems, energy-efficient HVAC equipment, solar-ready infrastructure, and other innovative technologies that enhance long-term value.

This list barely scratches the surface of possibilities for your ADU renovation.Schedule a consult and tour of the Design Centre to see hundreds of options..

ADU Feasibility Checklist

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Lot Size

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Property Access

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Zoning

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Parking

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Utility Connections

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Water & Sewer

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Fire Separation

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Privacy

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Setbacks

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Budget

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Rental Readiness

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Permit Requirements

All Services

Aging in Place

Stay safe, comfortable, and independent in the home you love.

Energy-efficient and eco-friendly modern home

Custom Homes

Energy efficient custom built homes that are healthy, technology enabled and eco-friendly. Start planning your dream home today

Renovation Experts

Kitchens, additions, basements, attics, sunrooms, bathrooms and more. We offer the largest suite of specialized renovation and home improvement services

Investment Properties

Design & Build investment options for creating income-generating properties

ADU Regulations & Permits in Ottawa

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit in Ottawa requires careful consideration of zoning regulations, setback requirements, lot coverage limitations, utility servicing, and permit approvals. OakWood’s Design & Build team helps homeowners navigate these requirements while creating functional, attractive living spaces that comply with municipal guidelines.

Whether you are considering a detached garden suite, coach house, basement apartment, or attached secondary dwelling unit, our team can guide you through the planning and approval process.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Frequently Asked Questions!

What is an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained residential living space located on the same property as a primary residence.

How much does it cost to build an ADU in Ottawa?

Costs vary depending on size, design complexity, site conditions, servicing requirements, and finishes. OakWood can provide a detailed consultation and project estimate.

Can I rent out my ADU?

In many cases, ADUs can be used as rental units, subject to municipal regulations and permitting requirements.

What is the difference between a garden suite and a coach house?

Both are forms of detached ADUs. The specific classification may vary based on local regulations and site conditions.

Do ADUs increase property value?

Yes. An ADU can increase usable living space, create rental income opportunities, and improve overall property value.

How long does it take to build an ADU?

Project timelines vary depending on design complexity, approvals, and construction requirements, but most projects follow a structured Design & Build process from planning through completion.

Let’s Build Something Beautiful

Start your journey with OakWood today and experience our award-winning Design & Build services.

Let's Build Something Beautiful Together

Book your consultation today and experience award-winning renovation services in Ottawa!

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