Why Families with Teenagers Should Consider Building a Laneway Home for the Future
Have teenagers at home? Discover why building a laneway home is a smart investment for growing families in Vancouver. Add space, privacy, and long-term value.
Raising teenagers in Vancouver comes with its own unique set of challenges—especially when it comes to space, privacy, and planning for the future. As your children grow into young adults, your home’s needs change. That’s where a laneway home can make a major difference.
At Simply Laneways, we’ve helped countless families create functional, beautiful backyard homes that evolve with them. Whether you’re looking to give your teens more independence or preparing for university-aged kids to return home, here’s why now is the perfect time to consider building a laneway house.
1. Give Teenagers Space—and Privacy
Teenagers crave independence, and parents crave peace. A laneway home offers the perfect balance. Whether it’s a quiet space for studying, a hangout zone for friends, or a separate living area for older teens, a laneway house provides room to grow—without moving away.
Many families in Vancouver are choosing to build custom laneway homes as teen suites, giving their kids a sense of autonomy while still keeping them close to home.
2. Future-Proof Your Home for University-Aged Kids
As kids head off to college or university, many return home to save money or transition into adulthood. A laneway house for adult children gives them a private space to land, while also helping them learn independence.
Instead of spending thousands on rent elsewhere, they can stay in a beautifully designed laneway suite, and you maintain your privacy in the main home.
3. Generate Rental Income Later On
Once your kids are fully independent, that teen-friendly laneway house can easily become a rental suite that generates passive income. Vancouver’s tight rental market means your well-built laneway home will always be in demand.
At Simply Laneways, we design every laneway home with flexibility in mind—so it works for your family today and adds value tomorrow.
4. Create Multi-Generational Flexibility
Planning ahead? That laneway house you build for your teen today could be the perfect space for aging parents in the future. Laneway homes support multi-generational living without overcrowding your main house.
You get the best of both worlds: separate entrances, full kitchens and bathrooms, and custom layouts that suit every stage of life.
5. Take Advantage of Vancouver’s Zoning and Incentives
Vancouver is one of the most progressive cities in Canada when it comes to laneway housing. Recent updates to zoning bylaws make it easier and faster than ever to build a laneway home or backyard suite. Plus, new incentives for sustainable and energy-efficient builds make it an even smarter investment for families.
As experienced laneway home builders in Vancouver, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from design to permits to construction.
Build Today. Benefit for Years.
Your teenagers might not live at home forever, but the right laneway home can continue to serve your family for decades. Whether it becomes a guest suite, a rental unit, or a downsized home for you one day, building a laneway house is one of the best decisions a growing family can make.
Ready to plan your future with a custom laneway home?
Contact Simply Laneways today for a free consultation. Let’s design a home that grows with your family.

Build Your Laneway Home with Confidence
At Simply Laneways, we specialize in turning underused backyards into beautiful, functional laneway homes. From design to construction, we handle every step of the process—making it smooth, stress-free, and tailored to your vision. Whether you're creating space for family, generating rental income, or adding long-term value to your property, we’re here to bring your laneway home to life.
Suite 300 - 1275 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6H 1A6