In the heart of London, Ontario, Copp’s Buildall stands as a pillar of quality, trust, and innovation. Established in 1877 by brothers Thomas and William Copp, the company has spent nearly 150 years adapting to the evolving needs of homeowners and builders. Under the leadership of Steve Copp, and now including fifth-generation family members Mac and Averil Copp, Copp’s Buildall is now tackling one of the most pressing issues of today: housing affordability and availability.
Its latest initiative, Backyard Homes, brings practical and high-quality housing solutions to homeowners across London and the surrounding areas.
Copp’s Buildall has deep roots in London’s history. Originally called Copp’s Brothers, the company was founded as a supplier of essential building materials such as timbers and bricks. William Copp also played a pivotal role in constructing many historic homes in London, some of which still stand today.
The company evolved over time, rebranding as Copp’s Buildall and expanding its services. Despite these changes, its core values remained intact: high-quality products, exceptional customer service, and a strong connection to the community. As Mac Copp states, “We don’t do anything that we’re not going to stand behind. And we’ve always been customer-centric, focused on making sure the job goes well, that the customer is taken care of.”
Copp’s Buildall has also built a reputation for fostering long-term relationships with customers and employees alike. The company celebrates employee anniversaries each year at its Christmas party, where it’s not uncommon to see employees who have been with the company for over 30 years.
“We really value our employees and the contributions they make,” Copp says. “We treat our team the way we would want to be treated, and that creates an environment where people stay and grow with us.”
Copp’s Buildall has a history of pioneering housing solutions. In the 1970s, the company introduced the ‘Build by Numbers’ program, which allowed homeowners to purchase complete home-building kits ranging from 400 to 900 square feet. These kits made homebuilding more accessible and provided a streamlined approach for those looking to build their own homes.
As housing needs shifted over the years, the demand for this type of product declined. However, with the passing of Ontario’s Bill 23 in 2022, which encourages homeowners to build additional residential units (ARUs) on their properties, Copp’s Buildall saw an opportunity to reintroduce a modernized version of the Build by Numbers concept: Backyard Homes.
Backyard Homes are high-quality, fully detached ARUs ranging from 400 to 800 square feet. These units are designed to provide an efficient and affordable housing solution without compromising on quality.
Unlike traditional home additions, Backyard Homes are entirely separate structures built in the customer’s backyard. They function as independent living spaces, complete with kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas, making them ideal for a variety of uses. They provide a solution for homeowners looking to maximize the potential of their property, whether for family accommodation or financial gain through rental income.
“When you buy a Backyard Home from us, not only are you getting a great product, but you’re buying something from a company that’s been around for a long time and will continue to be around for a long time,” says Copp. “We stand behind our word. When we quote something and sign a contract, we’re going to deliver on that.”
The demand for Backyard Homes comes from homeowners who need additional living space for family members, those looking to generate rental income, and people searching for affordable housing solutions without the high cost of a new primary residence. Many homeowners are using Backyard Homes to house aging parents, adult children, or even themselves while renting out the main home. The shift toward multi-generational living is growing as families seek solutions that allow them to stay close while maintaining independence.
“Whether it’s parents moving into the backyard or kids moving into the main house, we’ve seen a big shift toward multi-generational living,” says Copp. “It’s a smart solution that allows families to stay close while still having their own space.”
For homeowners interested in generating rental income, Backyard Homes provide an ideal investment opportunity. Rising housing costs have made it increasingly difficult for many individuals to enter the housing market, and ARUs offer a more accessible path to home ownership. Property owners are turning to Backyard Homes to create rental units that help offset their mortgage or increase cash flow while providing high-quality living spaces for tenants.
“We understand the rental market, and we structure pricing so that investment property owners can achieve positive cash flow with our Backyard Homes,” Copp explains. “Our goal is to create a product that makes financial sense for landlords while still providing quality living spaces.”
The company offers a full-service approach, handling everything from initial planning and zoning requirements to construction and final installation. This streamlined process removes the complexity from homeowners who may otherwise struggle with navigating the permitting and building process. And the company works closely with trusted contractors to ensure that each Backyard Home meets the highest construction standards. A team of experienced professionals guides clients through every stage of the process, ensuring that the finished product is not just a house but a home that seamlessly integrates into the existing property.
This team takes pride in ensuring that every Backyard Home is built to the highest standard. As a licensed Tarion builder, the company guarantees that its units are durable and come with a warranty for peace of mind. And Backyard Homes are thoughtfully designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. Mac’s sister, Averil, an experienced interior designer, contributes to the project by ensuring that the interiors are both stylish and practical. The most popular model, the 720, features high ceilings, large windows, and a bright, open-concept design that makes the compact space feel expansive.
“We wanted to design something that feels spacious despite the smaller square footage,” says Copp. “The vaulted ceilings and big windows make a huge difference.”
Each Backyard Home is built with high-quality materials to ensure longevity, efficiency, and comfort. Homeowners can choose from various design options, allowing them to customize their units to fit their personal style and needs.
While the current focus is on London and the surrounding areas, Copp’s Buildall has ambitious plans to scale the Backyard Homes division. The team is continually refining its processes to enhance efficiency, reduce construction time, and make homes more accessible to a wider audience. “We’re mastering our processes right now, streamlining production so we can bring more units to market faster,” Copp says. “The demand is there, and we want to be ready to meet it.”
In the coming years, the company aims to expand beyond London and serve more areas in Southwestern Ontario. “We’re seeing interest from people outside our current service area,” says Copp. “For now, we’re focused on perfecting our process, but in the future, we definitely plan to expand.”
As Ontario’s housing market continues to evolve, innovative solutions like Backyard Homes will play a crucial role in addressing affordability and accessibility. Copp’s Buildall, with its deep roots in the community and unwavering commitment to quality, is leading the way in providing homeowners with smart, sustainable housing options that stand the test of time.
For those considering a Backyard Home, Copp’s Buildall provides a hassle-free experience, handling everything from concept to completion. Whether it’s for family use or rental income, these compact yet high-quality homes offer a smart solution for today’s housing challenges. As Copp concludes, “We want to make it easy, take care of any problems, and never push issues back onto the customer. When we take on a job, we own it from start to finish.”
