The Rise of the Additional Dwelling Unit

STORY: GABRIELLE TIEMAN-LEE | PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON HARTOG

Featured in The Golden Horseshow - Holiday/Winter 2025/26

Together, families are combatting the housing crisis. Multigeneration homes are becoming the norm, addressing affordability challenges as well as child and elder care. The appeal of additional dwelling units (ADUs) is growing in tandem with the rise of joined households. Builders and designers are pivoting to show how great design can thrive within limited square footage.

CEO and visionary of Team Shane, Shane Van Barneveld, firmly believes that ADUs are a solid solution to the current home attainability crisis. “ADUs are going to solve a huge problem,” Shane says. “Everyone is trying to fix the housing crisis, and nothing the government is saying, offering or doing is enough. The only way, as builders see it, is to turn a single family home into a multi-unit property for multigenerational living.”

Typically ranging from 400 to 900 square feet, Shane says these attainable, cost-effective homes can be detached, added onto the back of an existing home, or created through a garage, basement or attic conversion – depending on the lot and available space. “This is a massive opportunity, and it solves issues for many,” says Shane. “My family included. My kids are 18 and 21. If I can provide a second unit for them, it solves a lot of problems when they finish school.”

With the cost of custom homes on the rise and land prices at an alltime high, ADUs have also become the affordable option for new builds.

“For between $300,000-$400,000 you have a home; a brand-new, built-for-you home,” he says. “If you have an existing space, and we can find the area to create a separate unit, it is a no-brainer.

“Right now, if you want to build a standard custom home, you have to buy the land, which is likely to be a minimum $600,000-$700,000. New builds start around $800,000 and go up from there. Right away, you are well over a million dollars.”

“ADUs are the missing middle piece.”

Team Shane says the first step is partnering with a builder who can navigate and manage all of the key components and permits from day one.

“Every property is different, each unit is site specific, so we have to do extensive background checks and research zoning,” says Shane. “We manage all of the paperwork and municipal hurdles for the homeowners.”

Less square footage does not mean homeowners have to sacrifice style or amenities. Team Shane’s ADUs showcase all the features of a high-end sprawling home. Working with their design team, the company created a 900 sq. ft. home with all the comforts any homeowner would hope for.

The open-concept layout features a modern kitchen as its hub. Featuring a full-size Frigidaire fridge, Whirlpool dishwasher and electric range – all from Coast Appliances, the kitchen is ready to accommodate a family or anyone who likes to host. A long island at its centre conceals smart storage underneath, while the Vicostone Misterio Gold quartz countertop from Custom Granite doubles as added prep space and casual seating for four.

The natural brown veining of the quartz warms the bright kitchen, complementing the custom cabinetry painted Benjamin Moore Steam by Kitchens for Keeps and Flash White backsplash from Sarana Tile. An adjacent formal dining area is a detail you might not expect to find in a smaller home, but Team Shane believes a compact footprint does not limit your ability to host.

“It is all about smart design and using space intelligently,” explains Shane. “We have a small footprint but it still includes an island, plenty of counter space and a cooking area. When it comes to ADU design, we use every space, every nook, every little cranny.”

The kitchen overlooks the open family room, flooded with light from tall white-framed windows from Window Werx, giving the illusion of grandeur.

A discreet powder room is tucked off the living room. Chic cabinetry from KubeBath and fixtures from The Ensuite Bath & Kitchen Showroom perfectly fit the space – plumbed by Arscott Plumbing & Heating. Doors and hardware throughout were purchased from Regional Doors & Hardware.

The Monaco oak plank flooring from Just Rustic Woods spans the main floor, flowing into the bedrooms across the hall. Two large bedrooms sit side-by-side, with soaring ceilings and ample closet space. Adjacent is the full bath, outfitted with a walk-in shower tiled in EK Bernini porcelain that complements the KubeBath vanity.

Completing the 900 sq. ft. space is an entryway that opens to a patio – perfect for lounging or dining al fresco – and an office area with space for a desk and more storage, illuminated by Avenue Lighting & Design fixtures installed by Jans Electric Inc.

Shane says these smaller footprints represent the future and are quickly becoming the option of choice for all home buyers.

“We went through this phase over the last 10 to 15 years where everyone wanted a 3,000 sq. ft. home,” he says. “But now we are seeing a shift. People want thoughtful space with purposeful rooms, not wasted square footage.” OH