Located in Southampton, Trinity Tiny Homes offers a range of services for those interested in ARUs. They provide DIY kits and partially built, weather-tight modular shells, allowing homeowners to customize and complete their tiny homes on their properties. Visitors can explore model tiny houses at their Southampton location and even stay on-site in a luxury Airbnb to plan their designs.
Understanding ARUs in Ontario
An Additional Residential Unit (ARU) or Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained dwelling that exists on the same property as a primary residence. These units can take various forms, including basement apartments, attic conversions, additions to the main house, garage transformations, or standalone tiny houses. The Ontario Building Code has been revised to permit such units, aiming to add 1.5 million new homes over the next decade.
Key Features of ARUs
Headroom and Access: The main level must have a minimum finished interior height of 6 feet 11 inches. While lofts are permitted, access must be via standard stairs; ladders are not allowed under the code.
Minimum Size: Open-concept units can be as small as 188 square feet of usable interior space. Notably, loft areas, defined as mezzanines, do not count toward this minimum.
Four-Season Use: ARUs must be suitable for year-round occupancy, distinguishing them from seasonal cottages or bunkies.
Essential Amenities: Each unit must include its own bathroom, kitchen, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, along with connections to utilities such as electricity, water, and sewage.
Construction Standards: Structures must utilize graded lumber with specific dimensions to meet insulation requirements appropriate for Ontario’s climate zones.
Community Engagement and Resources
Trinity Tiny Homes actively participates in tiny home shows across Canada and the USA, showcasing their designs and engaging with the community. They maintain a YouTube channel, @Trinity Tiny Homes, featuring extensive videos on tiny house communities and innovative loft designs. Their vision includes not only addressing housing shortages but also catering to individuals seeking affordable vacation homes.
The Future of Tiny Homes in Ontario
With the Ontario government’s support and recent legislative changes, the tiny home movement is poised for significant growth. Trinity Tiny Homes predicts that developers will recognize the demand for tiny home communities, providing solutions for both urban housing challenges and the desire for simple, cost-effective vacation properties.
For more information or to explore tiny home options, contact Trinity Tiny Homes at 416-271-7752 or visit their model homes in Southampton.