Frequently Asked Questions

The following costs are the starting prices for our Backyard Homes. These prices do not include the cost of site prep or servicing hookups. Please note that appliances and furnishings are also not included.

Model 395 – starting price of $140,000
Model 540 – starting price of $170,000
Model 720 – starting price of $200,000
Model 800 – starting price of $220,000

The $3,000 deposit is an investment in your project’s feasibility. It covers the engineering review. This deposit is deducted from your total project cost once you proceed with construction. It ensures your property qualifies and that we can obtain the necessary permits before you commit to the full build.

The base price includes the complete structure: framing, exterior siding and roofing, windows and doors, hilical pile foundation, interior finishing’s (drywall, flooring, trim), kitchen with cabinets and countertops, bathroom with fixtures, electrical wiring and fixtures, plumbing rough-in and fixtures, HVAC system (electric heat pump and baseboard heaters), and insulation. The base price does NOT include: HST, site preparation (grading, foundation), appliances, furniture, landscaping, utility connections to your main house, optional upgrades (quartz countertops, dimmer switches, under-cabinet lighting), appliances, furnishings, or landscaping. We will provide a detailed breakdown during your design consultation.

Process & Timeline

The typical timeline is 5-7 months from your initial consultation to completion. This includes: pre-qualification (1-2 days), engineering review and plot plan (2 weeks), design meeting (1 hour), servicing plan and quote (2-3 weeks), contract signing, permit drafting (2-3 weeks), permit approval (2-4 weeks depending on the City of London Building Division), and construction (90-150 days after permit issuance). We provide regular updates throughout the process so you always know where your project stands. While construction delays can happen, we are committed to providing a quick and easy install process for our customers.

The timeline will vary per project. Projects typically take between 90-150 days after a building permit is issued to be completed. While construction delays can happen, we are committed to providing a quick and easy install process for our customers.

We handle all permit applications and building approvals on your behalf. Our team prepares the architectural plans, HVAC calculations, pile foundation engineering, and all required documentation. We submit everything to the City of London Building Division and manage the approval process. You don’t need to navigate municipal requirements – we take care of it all as part of our white-glove service.

The building of your Backyard Home is the responsibility of our team of trusted contractors and tradespeople. A service that is not in our scope of work is any “site preparation” work that might need to be done. An example of this would be removal of a shed where the backyard home is being built.

Property & Installation

Not necessarily. The minimum lot requirements depend on your municipality’s zoning by-laws and setback requirements. During the pre-qualification phase, we conduct a by-law review of your property to confirm it meets all necessary zoning and setback requirements. Most standard residential lots in London, St. Thomas, and surrounding areas can accommodate our smaller models (The 395, The 540 and even The 720). We’ll let you know right away if your property qualifies.

CBYH is responsible for the hydro, water & sanitary hookups for the backyard home from the existing home. Our team will plan and execute how to service the backyard home, taking the stress and complexity out of the project for you. Each project we do is unique and we price each job individually; hookups are not included in our starting price. We recommend our customers budget $30,000- $40,000 for this. It is important to remember that any additional services such as cable TV or internet are also at the expense of the homeowner.

Copp’s Backyard Homes can be built on 4 different foundation options: Full Basement (unfinished), crawlspace foundation, slab-on-grade foundation, or helical piles. Each of these construction methods have different costs and benefits depending on your project

CONSTRUCTION & TECHNICAL

Our Backyard Homes are built like new build homes, built to Ontario Building Code Standard or Higher. The models are all constructed out of wood. A big part of the construction depends on the access to your backyard. If access is limited or restricted, the home will likely be “stick framed” on site. If we have clear access then we will use pre-fabricated panel sections that will be assembled on site. In addition to this we are launching our new range of modular units. These will be constructed completely off site and shipped to your property.

Temperatures in Ontario can range from +30°C in the summer to -30°C in the winter. When designing our Backyard Homes we made year-round comfort a priority. Our models are built to strict Ontario Building Code standards or in some cases above. Typically, we use a combination of spray foam, batt insulation & blown-in insulation.

Our standard model for heating and cooling is an electric heat pump and baseboard heaters. This is included in the price. Electric heat is eco-friendly, economical to operate, and provides consistent heating of the backyard home without the swings in temperature some gas furnaces experience.

Tarion is Ontario’s new home warranty program. Every Copp’s Backyard Home is registered with Tarion, which means your home comes with mandatory warranty protection including: 1-year warranty on materials and labour, 2-year warranty on electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, and 7-year warranty on major structural defects. This protection is backed by law and gives you peace of mind. Many backyard home builders are not Tarion registered – this is a significant differentiator that protects your investment.

Customization & Options

Yes, while our units are not 100% customizable we have a number of “standard” exterior packages. This includes premium siding in different colour schemes. Customization beyond our designer curated colour combinations is available. This option is an upgrade beyond our standard pricing, and is quoted on a per job basis.

We offer a selection of colours in LVP (luxury vinyl plank). LVP is highly durable, water resistant and comfortable underfoot. Like many of our options, upgrades beyond our standard are available.

Why Choose CBYH

Experience, industry experts, and a name Southwestern Ontario has trusted for over 145 years are all reasons you should choose Copp’s Backyard Homes to execute your project. There’s an estimated 3,000+ decisions that go into building a home. With Copp’s Backyard Homes, we’re simplifying that process so you can get a beautiful backyard home without the stress of traditional home building.

Copp’s Backyard Homes stands apart in several key ways: (1) Tarion Registration – We’re one of the few backyard home builders offering Tarion warranty protection. (2) Nearly 150 Years of Craftsmanship – CBYH is backed by Copp’s Buildall, a family-owned business with a legacy of quality construction since 1877. (3) White-Glove Service – We handle everything from permits to construction to final inspection. You don’t need to coordinate multiple contractors. (4) Local Expertise – We understand London-area zoning, by-laws, and building codes intimately. (5) Transparent Pricing – We provide detailed quotes with clear breakdowns, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.