You’re interested in creating a space on your Winnipeg area residential property to host (short-term) visiting family members, friends, and others, but you don’t want it to be within your existing detached home. Fortunately, you have a large yard which for the most part goes unused. You recognize that the expansive outdoor space could provide the perfect foundation for your goal, and you have typed/voiced “add a guest house to property” into Google or ChatGPT. You’ve come to the right place, as Vulcan Construction is Winnipeg’s specialized guest house builder. Reach out right away for a no-commitment conversation about your needs and to get a FREE estimate by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 204-201-3455, or read ahead first for more information.
Overview of Building a Guest House on Your Winnipeg Property
Benefits of Adding a Guest House to Your Winnipeg Property
Your current search for information on a guest house addition may be a cursory one, as you may not yet be sure that this is the route you want to go. Is it really worth the investment, or should you convert a space within your home to create a guest room instead? Below is a strong case for former:
- Ability to welcome and host company while maintaining privacy, which is generally preferred by primary household occupants (yourself included) and the guests themselves.
- Creates opportunity to generate passive income on the short-term rental (STR) market. To run an STR in Winnipeg, homeowners are required to prove that the whole property is a primary residence (the home you live in for most of the year). Adding a detached guest house, and leveraging it as an STR, allows you to host short term renters while maintaining differentiation from traditional investment properties which come with all sorts of taxation and regulatory complications.
- A guest house – even a small 500 to 1000 square foot one – adds livable square footage. This makes your Winnipeg residential property more desirable and significantly adds to its resale value.
- Creates an opportunity for multi-generational living, as elderly parents or semi-dependent adult children needing independence can live separately on the property while staying close for care or support (as applicable).
- Creates an opportunity to convert the space for other functions in the future (or concurrently). For example, a guest house can become a detached home-office, gym, studio, craft room, or storage space. By adding a guest house today, you create the opportunity to adapt to your changing needs over time.
- Offers a separate space for entertaining. The guest house can be used not just as p/t living quarters, but to host parties or gatherings without disrupting the main house.
Do You Need a Permit to Add a Guest House to a Winnipeg Property?
Homeowners require permits to add a guest house (or Accessory Dwelling Unit, ADU) in Winnipeg. You require at least a Development Permit and a Building Permit, and possibly sub-trade permits (for electrical, plumbing, gas) as it’s a significant structure that needs to meet zoning, safety, size (350-600 sq ft for suites), and building code rules. While you can dig out the nitty-gritty on the City of Winnipeg website, Vulcan Construction is happy to take it all on, on your behalf. We can discuss this when you email or call!
Not Enough Yard Space? Need Your Garage?
Concerned that you may not have enough yard space to add a guest house? If you have a garage that you don’t use all that much, or you’re open to parking on the road or under a carport (we install those too) we can convert your garage into a detached guest house. View more on how this will work, right here.
What Does Guest House Construction Cost?
It varies, significantly. The overall cost can vary wildly from around $80,000 for a basic 400 sq ft unit to more than $1,000,000 for larger, custom builds. The total depends heavily on where in the Winnipeg area the property is, desired finishes (luxury vs basic), site preparation to address utilities and slopes, the type of build, and more. Logically, prefab/modular options are cheaper than custom builds. Ultimately, it’s a disservice for any home renovation contractor to provide an estimate on adding a guest house without visiting your property for an inspection, or at the very least discussing the project with you on the phone beforehand. The good news, if that Vulcan Construction offers a FREE initial consultation and subsequent estimate.
FREE QUOTE ON A GUEST HOUSE ADDITION TO YOUR PROPERTY
The team behind Vulcan Construction has decades of collective experience and expertise in guest house renovation and construction. Let’s get started on your project with a quick call or email to schedule a property inspection and FREE quote.
FREE QUOTE ON A GUEST HOUSE ADDITION
(Winnipeg Area Homeowners)