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Housing affordability, sustainability, and livability are some of the biggest challenges facing communities on Vancouver Island today. As land becomes scarcer and costs continue to rise, builders and homeowners alike are being asked to rethink what housing can look like, and what it can do for us.

On a recent episode of Change Builders, hosted by Kerriann Coady, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Vancouver Island, that reimagining came into sharp focus through a conversation with Mike of Chiorando Homes, a Nanaimo-based builder passionate about carriage homes, gentle density, and energy-efficient construction.

From Backyard Space to Financial Freedom

Chiorando Homes specializes in carriage houses, secondary homes built on existing residential lots—and Mike shared one project that perfectly illustrates their potential. The homeowner, a mid-40s teacher in Nanaimo, initially planned to build a carriage house as a rental investment. For roughly the same cost as buying a small condo, he was able to add a two-bedroom home with an ocean view to his property.

But partway through the build, something unexpected happened: he realized he wanted to live in it himself.

By moving into the new carriage house and renting out his primary home, he not only upgraded his quality of life—living in a brand-new, customized space—but also increased his rental income and reduced his monthly costs. It’s a powerful example of how adding a secondary home can fundamentally change the way people live, earn, and plan for the future.

Why Density Matters—Personally and Practically

For Mike, density isn’t just a planning concept, it’s personal. Growing up in a single-income household, he remembers the constant financial stress that came with making ends meet. Later, as a homeowner himself, he felt the pressure of high housing costs firsthand.

Those experiences shaped his belief that the way we use land needs to change.

Today, housing prices are seven to eight times average incomes, compared to roughly three times in the 1970s. Even with lower interest rates than past decades, households are spending a much larger share of their income on housing and operating costs. Densification—using the land we already have more efficiently—is one of the most practical tools we have to address this imbalance.

Carriage homes, in particular, offer a way to add housing without dramatically changing the feel of a neighbourhood. It’s density you don’t feel, but that makes a real difference.

Energy Efficiency That Pays Off

Affordability doesn’t stop at the mortgage. Operating costs—heating, cooling, and electricity—are a growing concern for homeowners. That’s where energy efficiency becomes a critical part of the conversation.

Mike explained that many efficiency measures are already required by code, but the real value comes from making thoughtful choices within those requirements. For example:

Mechanical ventilation: Opting for an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) instead of a lower-end system can significantly improve air quality and energy performance.

Exterior insulation: This not only boosts efficiency but also improves comfort by moderating indoor temperatures year-round.

Smart design: Simple building shapes, good orientation, and attention to air tightness can dramatically improve performance—often without adding extra cost.

Solar readiness: With rising energy demand and increasing incentives, solar power is becoming an appealing way for homes to reduce costs and even contribute energy back to the grid.

Because carriage homes are smaller—capped at just over 1,000 square feet—investments in efficiency tend to deliver outsized returns at a more manageable upfront cost.

Homes That Work for Every Generation

One of the most compelling aspects of carriage homes is their flexibility. They can support aging in place, multi-generational living, rental income, or even work-from-home needs.

Mike described scenarios where:

• Parents downsize into a carriage house while adult children and grandchildren move into the main home.
• Families reduce childcare costs and strengthen support systems by living closer together.
• Homeowners create long-term, generational properties instead of buying and selling repeatedly.
• Backyard space is transformed from unused land into vibrant, functional living space.

In a time when both seniors and younger families are struggling with housing costs, and when aging in place has become more important than ever, this kind of adaptability is invaluable.

Looking Ahead: Building for the Long Term

As energy codes continue to advance toward higher performance standards, Mike sees the industry moving toward longer-lasting, more resilient construction: more exterior insulation, improved ventilation, and durable materials designed to stand the test of time.

Programs like PACE financing, which allow homeowners to pay for energy upgrades through their property taxes, could also play a key role in helping people afford higher-efficiency homes without taking on additional personal debt.

Ultimately, the goal is simple but transformative: homes that last longer, cost less to operate, and better support the people who live in them.

A Different Way Forward

Carriage homes may not be the answer to every housing challenge—but as this conversation made clear, they are a powerful part of the solution. They help address affordability, sustainability, and community resilience all at once, using land we already have.

As Mike put it, this isn’t just about building houses—it’s about making properties work for the people who live on them.

And that shift in thinking may be exactly what our communities need next.

Thanks to Our Guest

Thanks again to Mike Chiorando for taking the time to sit down with me and share his insights on innovative homebuilding, densification, and what the future holds for residential construction here on Vancouver Island. If you’re inspired by Mike’s approach and want to learn more about how Chiorando Homes helps maximize living space through carriage homes, custom builds, income suites, and tiny offices, you can reach out directly:

Chiorando Homes Inc. – Nanaimo, BC
Phone: (250) 714‑1595
Website: https://chiorandohomes.com/

Whether you’re planning a new build or exploring ways to add value to your existing property, Mike and the team at Chiorando Homes are great people to talk with.

A special thank you to our partners, BC Hydro and FortisBC, for their support in making Change Builders possible and for advancing energy-efficient, sustainable housing across Vancouver Island