Can I Live in My Coach House While Renting My Main House?
Can I Live in My Coach House While Renting My Main House?
For many homeowners in Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, and North Vancouver, building a carriage house (ADU) isn’t just about adding space, it’s about creating flexibility.
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“Can I move into my ADU and rent out my main home?”
The short answer: Yes, absolutely.
And in many cases, it’s one of the smartest financial and lifestyle decisions you can make.
Why Homeowners Are Making the Switch
Living in your ADU while renting out your main home can make a huge difference:
Lower your living costs. Your main home’s rental income often covers most or all of your mortgage.
Stay on your property. You keep your garden, your neighborhood, your views — without having to sell.
Simplify your life. ADUs are smaller, easier to maintain, and energy-efficient by design.
Create long-term wealth. You own two livable dwellings on one lot — that’s long-term equity and flexibility.
We’ve helped clients in Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton do exactly this moving into a 600–900 sq ft carriage house while their primary home earns steady rental income.
What Type of ADU Works Best?
If you plan to live in your ADU long-term, you’ll want something comfortable, efficient, and built to last.
Our most popular layouts for homeowners downsizing on their own lot include:
Click Modular’s Davis or Grantham – spacious, full-size homes with modern finishes.
Good Way Homes carriage model D.2 – two-storey layouts with garage below and bright living above.
Aux Box –Modular Spaces, Made Beautiful, low-maintenance units perfect for one or two-person living.
Kalesnikoff mass-timber ADUs – State of the art sustainable construction, stunning design and amazing value.
Each one offers the durability and comfort to make your ADU a true home not just a rental.
A Lifestyle Shift That Makes Sense
Downsizing into your ADU can free up time, cash flow, and energy for what matters most.
Many of our clients use the transition to:
- Travel more, while tenants maintain the main house.
- Simplify their daily life with less upkeep and lower utility bills.
- Stay close to family while gaining privacy and independence.
It’s a modern take on multi-generational living that works perfectly in the Sea-to-Sky.
Ready to Explore the Possibility?
If you’re considering building an ADU to live in and rent out your main home we can help you plan the process from design and permitting to move-in day.
Start with a Free Remote Lot Assessment, we’ll confirm what’s allowed on your property, estimate costs, and help you find the right modular or panelized solution.