Attimo FAQs

FAQ

Garden Suites, Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs), and Additional Residential Units (ARUs)

Yes, at Attimo, the terms “Garden Suites,” “Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs),” and “Additional Residential Units (ARUs)” are used interchangeably. They all refer to secondary housing units that are located on the same lot as a primary residence, providing additional living space. For consistency, we use the term “Garden Suites” throughout our material.
Attimo serves as the main point of contact for property owners, providing comprehensive project management support throughout the entire Garden Suite journey. We draw from an alliance of manufacturers to ensure the best options for your Garden Suite and work with our trusted team of engineers, planners, and contractors to prepare your site to receive your Garden Suite so that when it arrives, it is fully functional and rentable! No headaches. No need to deal with individual trades. Attimo provides a hassle-free experience.
Yes, a building permit is required. Your Garden Suite must comply with applicable zoning by-laws, building codes, and regulations. Our manufacturers provide us with all the building and engineer drawings we need, and we apply for your building permit with the Municipality on your behalf.
Yes, a building permit is required. Your Garden Suite must comply with applicable zoning by-laws, building codes, and regulations. Our manufacturers provide us with all the building and engineer drawings we need, and we apply for your building permit with the Municipality on your behalf.
Utilities such as water supply, electricity and sanitary pipes will either connect to your primary dwelling or directly to the town supply.
Yes, existing garages can be converted into Garden Suites, subject to compliance with zoning by-laws and building regulations.

No, presently only a single Garden Suite containing one unit is permitted on a property, in Collingwood.

Yes. All of the designs we offer and manufacturers we work with conform to the Ontario Building Code and are CSA certified, or equivalent.
In Collingwood, the parking requirements for Garden Suites are 1 parking space per unit, with no more than 2 parking spaces required for all Additional Residential Units (ARUs) on a property.

FAQ

Modular, Prefab Construction

A modular or prefab home is factory-built, constructed indoors and then transported in modules to your lot and completed on-site. Your Garden Suite can be constructed with wood, steel frame or a container conversion. With modular construction, there is no prolonged on site construction noise or disruption to your neighbours. All Garden Suites are foam insulated, and the R-value is dependent on local building codes based on the permanent location of the home.
Modular homes offer controlled materials, labour, superior workmanship, cost efficiency, and faster construction times. Modular is the better, smarter way to build into the future. Building inside a climate-controlled indoor facility protects your unit from the elements. Some modular Garden Suites can even be relocated or re-sold due to their flexible design. This adaptability provides an added layer of investment security, making modular construction a versatile and sustainable choice for homeowners.
Modular units are built on largely automated, factory-style production lines. This means that our supplier’s streamlined processes are far faster than traditional construction, eliminating costly delays.Typically, from the start of building to move-in, it takes about 14 to 16 weeks, depending on the Garden Suite complexity and finishes.
Our suppliers transport the modular unit(s) for your new Garden Suite via flatbed truck(s), which are then craned into the foundation Attimo’s team has ready. With this process, modules are installed in a matter of hours, and once it’s all done, you’ll never know it was prefab!
The precision building process of modular units results in minimal environmental impact and minimal waste. For more data on the superior sustainability of prefab, modular construction, check out some of the following resources:

FAQ

Cost, Financing, and Warranties

See Our Process for a full outline of inclusions.

Costs start at approximately $350-400 sq ft depending on the size of your Garden Suite, plus taxes and delivery. This includes standard finishes. Additional costs include, applications, permits, site prep, site servicing and any desired upgrades, appliances and furnishings. See “Our Process” for a full outline of inclusions.
All Garden Suite purchases are subject to HST. However, a 6% rebate up to a maximum of $24,000 may be available on your new home if it is your primary residence.
You can outright purchase the ADU and pay out of pocket costs for municipal fees and site servicing. And/ or, Attimo can assist with the following financing options:
  • Monthly Lease based on a minimum 5-year lease.
  • Using a CHIP Mortgage provided by the Home Equity Bank: You repay the costs of the Garden Suite when your home is sold.
  • HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) arranged through your local bank.
  • Traditional Bank or Mortgage financing.
Depending on the manufacturer and Garden Suite design you choose, your warranty will vary. However all of our manufacturers provide a minimum 1 year warranty on the building, as well as pass down all of the manufacturer’s warranties on all interior finishes and appliances. Warranties similar to Tarion Home Warranty with most suppliers.

FAQ

ATTIMO VILLAGES

An Attimo Village is a thoughtfully designed community that offers a variety of housing options, including workforce housing, 4,6 and eightplexes, one and two-bedroom apartment buildings, and Tiny Homes, all provided at attainable prices. These villages aim to address the housing crisis by creating diverse, inclusive, and affordable neighbourhoods.
Attimo Villages offer a range of housing options such as Tiny Homes, duplexes, fourplexes, and mid-rise apartment buildings (3-6 stories). These options cater to different needs, from individual living spaces to family accommodations.
Attimo Villages foster diverse and inclusive communities, improve social cohesion, and provide affordable housing close to job opportunities and essential services. They contribute to economic growth and stability by ensuring people can live near their workplaces.
Attainable Villages focus on providing affordable living spaces for a variety of income levels. Socially Responsive Villages offer transitional housing with support services for those in need, such as homeless populations or those needing emergency shelter. Workforce Villages provide affordable housing solutions specifically for entry-level workers, enhancing employer recruitment and retention efforts.
Yes, Attimo works closely with municipalities, associations, landowners, and developers to design villages that meet specific needs. Whether it’s more workforce housing, traditional apartments, multiplex units, or tiny homes, the housing mix is designed to suit the size of land, municipal densities, and any unique requirements.
Attimo Villages balance natural and built landscapes, incorporate narrower roads to reduce asphalt surfaces, and design small parking clusters near living units to promote walkability. Additionally, the modular construction process minimizes environmental impact by reducing construction waste and energy use.
Socially Responsive Villages include on-site professional reintegration resources to assist residents in transitioning to stable, long-term homes. These services are tailored to the needs of disadvantaged and homeless individuals and families, ensuring they receive the essential assistance to attain self-reliance.
Attimo’s modular housing is built in record time, with pre-fab units that can be installed on-site in days, minimizing disruption to the neighborhood and expediting the availability of affordable housing.
Attimo collaborates closely with municipalities, associations, and landowners to design and develop Attainable and Affordable Villages. These thoughtfully designed communities offer a variety of housing options, including Workforce Housing, Tiny Homes, duplexes, fourplexes, and mid-rise apartment buildings. Our goal is to create diverse, inclusive, and affordable neighborhoods that address the housing crisis. We provide support through every step of the process, from planning and design to construction and financing, thus ensuring that each village meets the specific needs of the community.
Yes, Attimo collaborates with CMHC, banks, trust companies, and mortgage brokers to offer accessible and sustainable financing options for Attimo Villages, ensuring that funding is available to support the development of these communities.
To learn more about developing an Attimo Village, contact us through our website. Our team of experts are ready to discuss your needs and provide tailored solutions to create vibrant, sustainable communities.

Please contact us with any additional questions or for more detailed information regarding your specific project needs!

➡ Our Process

Scroll to Top