Signature Services | STJ Construction Inc.

Big Ideas. Small Footprint.

Did you spot one of our tiny homes coming up in Etobicoke?
Here’s what it is, how it works in Ontario, and whether one
could work on your property.

The STJ TINY Home Experience

What Counts as a Tiny Home in Ontario?

Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing describes a tiny home as a small, private, self-contained dwelling that has:

Living and dining areas
A kitchen and bathroom
Sleeping area (1-3 bedroom plans available with STJ)
Year-round use in mind

It can be someone’s main home, or a separate building on a property that already has a house. Campers, RVs, cottages and other seasonal structures don’t count.

Tiny homes come in a few common forms: built on site, built in a factory and delivered, or converted from a shipping container.

What We Deliver

Why People are Choosing Tiny Homes

01 Lower cost

They’re generally cheaper to build and maintain than a conventional house.

02 Flexible use

A tiny home can work as a primary residence or a separate dwelling on a property you already own, such as space for family, a rental or a home office.

03 Efficient living

A smaller footprint means lower energy use and less upkeep. Quality, designed to code: Done properly, a tiny home is a real, permitted, inspected home, not a novelty.

TINY HOMES GALLERY

Custom Home Designs and Projects in Kitchener-Waterloo

Explore custom home designs and residential projects that showcase modern layouts, thoughtful interiors, quality finishes, and practical living spaces. Our project gallery offers inspiration for homeowners planning a custom home in Kitchener-Waterloo and nearby communities.

The Rules: What Ontario Homeowners Need to Know

Tiny doesn’t mean exempt. Whatever the size, a tiny home must still meet:

Ontario’s Building Code: health and safety requirements, with a minimum size of 17.5 m² (188 sq ft).

Municipal zoning and by-laws: these decide whether you can build a tiny home on your property and how big it can be. Some municipalities set maximum sizes (for example, around 37 m² or 400 sq ft), while others set minimums.

Servicing: proper water and sewage connections.

Permits and inspections: building permits and required inspections during construction.

Parking and other local requirements : The rules vary from city to city, and the province notes that parts of its guide are still being updated after the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022. That’s why it pays to have an experienced builder involved early.

Build Your Tiny Home

How We Can Help

The approval and building process can feel complicated. STJ Construction can help you:

Check feasibility: find out what your property and municipality allow.

Plan and design: work with qualified professionals (designers, planners, architects, engineers) so the plan meets the Building Code.

Get approvals: navigate zoning, permits and inspections.

Build it: quality construction from start to finish.

sales@stjconstruction.ca

STJ CONSTRUCTION INC

Common Questions

Can I put a tiny home on my property?

It depends on your municipality’s zoning and by-laws and on your property’s servicing. We can help you find out.

Is a tiny home on wheels the same as an RV?

Not for housing purposes. A tiny home is intended for year-round living. RVs, campers and seasonal structures aren’t treated as tiny homes under the Ontario guide.

How small is too small?

Ontario’s Building Code sets a minimum of 17.5 m² (188 sq ft), and your municipality may set its own limits on top of that.

Do I need permits?

Yes. A tiny home needs a building permit and inspections just like any other dwelling.

What does it cost?

Yes. A tiny home needs a building permit and inspections just liIt depends on size, finishes, servicing and site conditions. Contact
us for a conversation about your goals and budget.ke any other dwelling.

This page is general information and isn’t legal, engineering or architectural advice. Requirements vary by municipality, so please confirm with your local planning and building departments.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, “Build or buy a tiny home” (ontario.ca)