Minimum Room Sizes for Ontario Home Renos
Published on 29 August 2022, 07:22:56 AM
Don’t let home renovations get a failing grade by being too small for Ontario Building Code minimum room sizes. Your next stop may be a building inspection lawyer!
Seriously, as long as you have the permits and your project satisfies Ontario Building Code standards, you can build (almost) anything you like.
Get your free digital copy of the Ontario Building Code compendium and let’s get building.
Quick Read
What is the minimum size house you can build in Ontario?
What is the minimum size for a bedroom in Ontario?
What is Part 11 of the Ontario Building Code?
What is Part 5 of the Ontario Building Code?
When did Ontario introduce regulations for accessibility?
Picture the Smallest Tiny Home You Can Build
Visualize a modest bedroom with ensuite. Now wedge an inline kitchen into the space. You get the picture. How tiny are the room sizes? The minimum home size you can build in Ontario is an open concept 17.5m² or 188.368 sq. ft. tiny home. Tiny home room sizes in Ontario.
Is it a Secondary or Laneway Suite?
Now a secondary unit or laneway suite is a different matter.
Building a secondary home in your backyard that connects to a municipal laneway can bring in rental income or add living space for parents, in-laws, or adult children. But even laneway houses, and other secondary suites in your home or backyard, have minimum room sizes. Remove a construction lien if a subcontractor hasn’t been paid.
Minimum Size Master Bedrooms
For instance, master bedrooms, excluding a walk-in closet, must have minimum room sizes of at least 9.8 m² (105.5 sq. ft.). See Ontario Building Code standards for laneway suites (Table 3). Add a secondary suite to your home or backyard.
Secondary Bedrooms
Secondary bedrooms without walk-in closets will set you back 7 m² or 75 sq, ft,
Living Areas
You can get away with 4.2 m² (45.2 sq. ft.) for stand-alone kitchen room sizes. But open concept great room sizes, without space to sleep, are a minimum of 11 m² (118.4 sq. ft.). Building inspectors get out the measuring tape for room sizes of anything less than 13.5 m² or 145 sq. ft. when you plan to sleep in the same area where you watch TV, cook, and eat.
Protect yourself from laneway suite contractor fraud.
Parts of the Ontario Building Code to Know
Familiarizing yourself with Parts 5 and 11 when you renovate can keep your new construction nice and legal. We highly recommend it.
Part 5
Keep your home addition dry. Consult Part 5 of the Ontario Building Code for wind, rain, groundwater, and condensation standards.
Part 11
Renovations can be easier than new construction in Ontario. That’s because, depending on how complex your project is, you may not need a professional designer or engineer to sign off on construction documents. Part 11 applies to you if:
- your residence is over five years old
- the use remains residential, not commercial, institutional, or retail
- changes to room sizes or other features won’t affect your home’s performance, such as causing overcrowding or adding too much weight on floor beams
- and the renovated space is safe to live in.
Download Part 11 of the Ontario Building Code.
Meeting Ontario Building Code Accessibility Regulations
January 2020 accessibility requirements in the Ontario Building Code give commercial and institutional designers more direction on making it easier to get around. The province aims to be more accessible by 2025. See ways to create room sizes that are barrier free. https://www.ontario.ca/page/accessibility-ontarios-builcding-code
Keep accessible renovations centred on the user. Watch this video for tips on human-centred design for accessibility.
Good luck and good building!
Why You Need a Real Estate Lawyer
Axess Law can review basic home renovation contracts before you sign. We refer you to our trusted legal partners for complex contracts or construction disputes. More on how to resolve a building code dispute in Ontario.
You could be liable for home contractor mishaps that happen on your property. Before you wind up in court, read your homeowner liability for a contractor injury.
Refinance your home to fund home renovations. Your Axess Law mortgage lawyer liaises with a new bank, trust company, credit union, or private lender to finalize legal documents you need to refinance a mortgage. Mortgage laneway suites.
We discharge your existing mortgage and witness your signature on new loan obligations, then add your new lender to title to your property. You can meet with us in person or via virtual video conference. Questions to ask your real estate lawyer.
Virtual Signings 7 Days a Week
Can’t leave home or office to sign new mortgage documents? Your Axess Law mortgage lawyer meets with you via secure, confidential video conferencing software 7 days a week. We can witness your signature from any home computer, laptop, tablet, or compatible mobile device. Trust Axess Law for flat fee legal services any day of the week.
Sign mortgage documents remotely.
Affordable Legal Services, Anywhere in Ontario
Access lawyers for less in the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, or anywhere in Ontario when you buy, sell, or transfer property. Axess Law’s flat fee real estate lawyers are affordable, and our rates are all inclusive (excluding taxes, disbursements, and third-party charges). Axess Law offers you only the legal services you absolutely need. Your final invoice includes no surprises or hidden charges. Your itemized statement of adjustments is explained when we deliver it, and we answer any questions you have about it.
Find an Axess Law real estate lawyer near me.
Find a Mortgage Refinance Lawyer Near Me
Axess Law has an affordable mortgage lawyer anywhere in Ontario. Use our online web booking form to make appointments or dial our 647-479-0118 lawyer line in Toronto to schedule times that suit your schedule. We have online lawyers available 7 days a week. Call toll free to 1-877-402-4277 outside the Greater Toronto Area. Meet in person with a mortgage lawyer at any of our conveniently located offices in the Greater Toronto Area or Ottawa.
Axess Law has onsite parking and easy transit access.
Get legal help from a mortgage refinance lawyer.
