Find Home in the Lane

Laneway Home Design and Build

As Vancouver’s pioneer in laneway housing, Smallworks can help you find a sense of place in the lane. We handle all of the details, big and small, to create a liveable, flexible space adapted to your unique needs and lifestyle.

Getting started is easy

Simply book a meeting and we will prepare a free assessment of your size, cost, and timeline.

Book a meeting

Materials & Finishes

Our core vision for interior design is an honest approach to materiality (if it looks like wood, its wood), simplicity and an understated elegance.

Interiors

We work with you to make a home that honours the character of your family and the neighbourhood – either by blending in or standing out.

Exteriors

It’s all in the details

Our aim is to elevate the concept of modern living with intuitive design and premium finishes that seamlessly blend form and function. Each element of our homes is thoughtfully curated, reflecting the unparalleled craftsmanship and keen eye for detail synonymous with our vision of young families thriving in a small footprint.

We place emphasis on functionality, which is why all of our appliances have been hand selected based off of valuable client feedback.

Appliances

Luis Barragán once said – “In the creation of architectural space, what is essential is the play of shadow and light.” (We also have a broad selection of options for lighting the home through more modern means)

Lighting

Millwork is the soul of your home, which is why we make capturing your lifestyle a priority through a variety of standard and custom options.

Millwork & Detailing

How it works

20 months from first consultation, to completed construction

Preconstruction

On-site consultation, site survey, align on objectives, floor plan design. 5 Months
Permits and ID

Application of municipal permits, interior design completed, pricing and budget prepared. 6 Months
Budget Meeting

Finalize costing and achieve consensus on the final budget. Think of this meeting as the checkout. We can still decide whats included and whats not. 2 Weeks
Construction

Construction of home commences. 8 Months
Completed Home

Finishing touches are completed, quality is ensured, and warranty kicks in. Total 20 Months

Stress-free, streamlined process

We handle all of the details big and small, creating livable flexible spaces adapted to your unique needs and lifestyle.

Flexible pricing starting at $389,000

We work with you to provide a detailed, fixed price plan so you don’t have to worry about surprise costs.

Book a Consult

“We just completed our lane house project with Smallworks and we couldn’t be more pleased with the final outcome. Along every step of the way we felt valued and respected. We were very involved in our project, from design to completion, and during each phase of the project we felt that we were all working together as a team towards our common goal of building our dream small home.”
– Graham, Homeowner

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I finance my laneway home?: Vancity offers unique Laneway Construction Financing options to help seamlessly facilitate the build of your laneway home. Using standard debt-servicing, income verification, and mortgage rates, Vancity locks your rate in at the beginning of the project and allows for up to 18 months for construction, from there, interest-only payments are based on the balance (you are not required to use all of the available funds.) Get in touch if you are interested in learning more and we will connect you with a Vancity representative.
Are laneway homes good starter home alternatives to condos?: Laneway homes present a distinct and appealing alternative to condominiums. These homes offer comparable sizes to condos, with the unique advantage of detached living. This means you can say goodbye to disruptive noise from neighbouring units. Living in a laneway home provides a ground-oriented lifestyle, and you’ll enjoy the convenience of single-detached neighbourhood amenities, such as parks, schools, and door-to-door trick-or-treating!
How long does it take to build a laneway home?: At Smallworks, the journey from engaging our services to moving into your new laneway home takes approximately 20 months. This time frame is divided into two phases: pre-construction and construction. During the first year, we survey your site, design your home, handle the permit application process with local municipalities, and finalise your budget. Following this groundwork, the subsequent 8 months are dedicated to the construction of your laneway home.
Is a laneway home big enough for a family?: Laneway homes offer an average of 600 – 1200 square feet and typically include 1.5 to 2 bedrooms. While they are not as large as single-family homes, they are well-suited for small families. Our homes often incorporate clever built-in storage solutions to maximise space. Additionally, outdoor areas and quiet residential neighbourhoods contribute to the appeal of laneway living, providing a cosy haven for families seeking a balance of comfort and convenience.

Next Steps

Book a free online consultation to assess the feasibility of your property.

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