MODERN Secondary Dwelling Units

custom-designed secondary dwellings in Southern Ontario to enhance freedom, finances, and community.

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Homes to enhance life together

AERAS designs modern secondary dwellings that offer freedom, flexibility, and financial balance for families seeking multigenerational living possibilities and homeowners looking for new areas of income - and closer community. Thoughtfully crafted and sustainably built, AERAS dwellings help you live with more ease, connection, and possibility — a new era of balanced living, right in your own backyard.

Modern two-story secondary dwelling unit (ADU) with outdoor lighting at night, surrounded by greenery and trees.
  • Dark modern secondary dwelling unit (ADU) with illuminated interior windows and exterior porch lights, surrounded by trees at night.

    The Haven

    A compact, modern retreat designed for simple, intentional living.

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  • Modern two-story secondary dwelling unit (ADU) at night with warm interior lights, dark exterior, and surrounded by trees, with a small front porch and outdoor seating.

    The Grove

    A spacious, single-level home that balances privacy and connection.

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  • A modern two-story secondary dwelling unit (ADU) at dusk with lit windows and outdoor lighting, surrounded by trees and a well-maintained yard.

    The Loft

    a flexible, two-storey dwelling that maximizes space without sacrificing comfort.

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Grow Your village

We’re experiencing a cultural shift, from overemphasized boundaries resulting in degrees of isolation, towards fostering healthy community. Whether family generations more intentionally enhancing each others’ lifestyles, or renters purposefully partnered for mutual support, a secondary dwelling reflects the front edge of our emerging values. And to make this possible for you, we’re not just here as design and construction experts to build your secondary dwelling, but to help you build healthy community through our whole process. Our counselling experts will be there to help you access the personal and relational tools to thrive in your emerging village!

we’d love to share more - let’s talk!

Black and white map of Southern Ontario containing the Niagara region, Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville, which is magnified in a circle, showing its outline and surrounding areas.

Custom Backyard Homes in The Niagara Region

Based in St. Catharines, AERAS serves the Niagara, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, and Greater Toronto communities. Our ADUs are designed to meet local regulations and climate needs, helping homeowners across Southern Ontario create accessory dwellings that are functional, compliant, and beautiful.

Why is a secondary dwelling Right for you?

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Multi-generational Living

Create space for aging parents, young adult children, or extended family — close enough to stay connected, but with built-in independence.

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Increase Monthly Income

Rent your secondary dwelling as a short- or long-term suite to generate steady income and offset your mortgage or living costs.

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Boost Property Value

A thoughtfully designed secondary dwelling adds long-term equity and appeal to your home — increasing both resale value and versatility.

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Be Part of a solution

Increased housing through a secondary dwelling has a direct impact on helping alleviate Canada’s housing crisis (and working with AERAS further helps create affordable housing).

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adaptability over time

Whether you use it as a home office, studio, rental, or guest suite, your secondary dwelling evolves with your lifestyle.

The process

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1. Let’s Talk

After you reach out we’ll set up a time to meet virtually and answer your questions, talk through your ideas, and outline next steps tailored to you.

A man wearing a hat and black T-shirt working with a drill building a secondary dwelling unit in Southern Ontario.

2. Site visit

An on-site visit to assess your property, review logistics, and ensure everything lines up beautifully for your new secondary dwelling.

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3. Permit

Our team manages the permitting process with your local municipality — so you can relax while we deal with the details.

Construction worker building a small wooden structure in a backyard, with tools and lumber scattered around.

4. Build

The fun part - seeing your secondary dwelling go up, all the way to fine-finished details, move-in ready!

ready to get started? let’s talk.