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While the concept of a secondary suite may conjure the image of a dark, cramped or low- quality basement apartment for some, when designed right, they’re bright, open and just as
“We also make sure it runs inde- pendently with its own heating system and separate electrical, if needed. At the end of the day, we build these spaces the way we’d want them built for our own fami- lies — with care, thoughtfulness and real attention to detail.” Each of Manak Homes’ show homes features a separate side entrance to the basement, helping homeowners visualize how a suite might fit into their build. The Manak team takes pride in assisting homeowners in imag- ining the possibilities and is happy to walk visitors through their show homes, discuss layout options and answer any questions. “At Manak Homes, we like to do things a little differently. For us, building homes isn’t about volume — it’s about people. Every home we create starts with a conversation and ends with a place that truly feels like home, reflecting each family’s unique story,” he says. “Our motto — ‘Your Vision, Our Expertise’ — isn’t just a slogan; it’s how we work. Whether it’s a custom home or one with a secondary suite, we make sure every detail aligns with the homeowner’s needs, life- style and dreams.” At the end of the day, they treat every home like it’s their own. Manak Homes is a local family-run business celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. Visit manakhomes.com for more information.
econdary suites typically have a private entrance, a complete kitchen, laundry
facilities, living space and one or more bedrooms. They also have separate heating and, in many cases, a separate electrical panel. “They offer flexibility — whether it’s for aging parents, adult chil- dren staying home longer or even as a mortgage helper through rental income, including Airbnb,” says Amrit Manak, president of Manak Homes.
comfortable as any other part of the home.
“We typically include a side entrance at the stair landing
leading to the basement, allowing easy access to a secondary suite without disrupting the main living space. In some cases, we’ve also incorporated a separate entrance through the garage by adding an additional staircase directly to the basement. This provides home- owners with flexible options for privacy and independent access.” Manak attributes the increase in demand for homes with secondary suites to the fact that they are not only desirable but also practical and, in some circumstances, essential. He believes that immigration has played a significant role, since multi-generational living is much more common abroad. Manak also notes that affordability is a crucial factor. With rising home prices and higher interest rates, many homeowners are seeking ways to offset costs — and rental income from a secondary suite can provide additional revenue.
– AMRIT MANAK, PRESIDENT, MANAK HOMES
While the concept of a secondary suite may conjure the image of a dark, cramped or low-quality base- ment apartment for some, Manak says, when designed right, they’re bright, open and just as comfort- able as any other part of the home. He also dismisses worries that secondary suites complicate a build or are unaffordable. The right builder and a bit of guidance can make all the difference. “It all begins with understanding what the homeowner needs. Is the suite for a family member? A rental? Just some extra flexibility? Once we know the goal, we plan the layout to match — with its own entrance, full kitchen, laundry, living space and bedrooms,” Manak says.
FALL 2025 PARADE of HOMES 117
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