Accessory Buildings are the detached structures that don’t need the same complex “residential occupancy” permits but still require a professional builder. While Laneway Houses are technically accessory buildings aswell, they are still a specific category because they are “dwellings” (people live in them).
As your family grows or your work-from-home needs change, you often realize the main house just isn’t big enough. At Nobel BC, we specialize in building high-quality accessory buildings in Vancouver and across the North Shore. These aren’t just “sheds” from a big-box store—these are fully framed, insulated, and powered detached structures that add real square footage and value to your property. Whether you need a secure custom garage for your vehicles or a quiet backyard office away from the kids, we handle the design, foundation, and construction.
A standard garage often becomes a cluttered storage space. We build detached garages that are designed for how you actually use them. From high-ceiling workshops with specialized electrical for power tools to “Man Caves” or automotive shops with reinforced concrete floors for lifts, we build structures that are as solid as your main house. We ensure the exterior finishes, roofing, and trim match your existing home perfectly so the new building looks like it has always been there.
If you’ve been trying to work from a kitchen table or a cramped spare bedroom, a backyard office is a game-changer. We build detached studios that are fully insulated and climate-controlled, giving you a professional workspace just steps from your back door. These accessory buildings are the perfect solution for Vancouver homeowners who want a quiet, private office, a yoga studio, or a music room without the massive cost of a full home addition or a laneway house conversion.
Contact us today to discuss your renovation ideas and project with a Nobel Homes project manager.
NOBEL HOMES
In most of the Lower Mainland, any structure larger than 107 square feet (10 square meters) requires a building permit. Even for smaller structures, you must follow “zoning bylaws” regarding how close the building can be to your fence line (setbacks). We handle the permit check during our first site visit.
You can put a powder room (toilet and sink) in an accessory building in many zones, but adding a shower or a kitchen often re-classifies the building as a “Laneway House,” which has much stricter permit requirements. We can help you navigate what is allowed on your specific lot.
Since the footprint is smaller than a house, the actual construction usually takes 6 to 10 weeks once the permits are issued. The permit process itself can take 3 to 5 months depending on which city you are in (Vancouver vs. North Van).
A basic custom-built detached garage in Vancouver typically starts around $60,000 to $90,000, depending on the size and if you want it finished inside with drywall and electricity. High-end workshops or “flex-spaces” with plumbing can range higher.
Most municipalities in the Vancouver area limit accessory buildings (that aren’t laneway houses) to a single story with a maximum height (usually around 12-15 feet). This is to prevent “shading” of your neighbor’s yard.
Yes, adding a permanent, permitted structure adds value to your property, which can slightly increase your property tax assessment. However, the increase in resale value almost always far outweighs the tax change.
Yes. We coordinate with licensed electricians to run a sub-panel from your main house to the new building. This ensures you have enough power for heaters, computers, or heavy-duty shop tools without tripping your home’s breakers.
