Must Have Home Addition Upgrades
When people think about home additions they usually do not think of it as a “custom home build”. Well I am here to tell you that it is entirely possible to create a one-of-a-kind home by completing a home addition versus a new home build. Yes there are a few more constraints to deal with, but if you have the right design and permit submission team and General Contractor anything is possible!
If you don’t believe us, check out some of our featured home addition projects, some of the outcomes may surprise you (especially Fishleigh, Broadleaf, and Cosburn).
In this article we dive into the upgrades you will want to make (or consider making) during your home addition project to turn your home addition into a custom home. If you have any questions or comments you can contact us via our online contact form, which also has our email and phone number for direct contact.
Upgrades to consider during a Home Addition
Upgrade Idea #1: Increasing main floor ceiling height
A very common upgrade for home addition projects in Toronto is to increase the ceiling height of your main floor while your roof has been removed. Note that this only works for top-up additions where the entire roof has been removed, and your exterior walls will need to be removed to confirm if they can support the additional blockwork required to properly increase the ceiling height.
If you are unsure if your exterior walls are load-bearing, reach out to us to schedule a consultation.
Upgrade Idea #2: In-floor heating
In-floor heating is another popular add-on for home addition projects, and the application of such varies. There are many different areas where you can consider in-floor heating:
Bathrooms
Foyers
Basically any tiled floor
Basement flooring
Above-grade in-floor heating
Depending on the total square footage and location of the in-floor heating you have a few options on type of in-floor heating. For smaller square footages like bathrooms it is recommended to go with an electric in-floor heating option, and for larger square footages (like basement in-floor heating) a hydronic heating solution is your best bet.
Upgrade idea #3: Ev-charging Station
With the rise of electric vehicles throughout Canada it has become a great idea to upgrade your home to accommodate your future needs as a commuter. Installing or roughing in for an EV charging system is a very easy process that can be completed during the electrical phase of a home addition project. This upgrade will allow you to have a dedicated charging area for your current or future EV vehicle, and will also future-proof your home from a resale perspective.
The location of an EV charging station is recommended to be in the area of your property where you park your vehicle, so if you have a driveway or garage those would be the most ideal locations.
Upgrade Idea #4: Garage
There are many ways to introduce indoor parking into your existing home. Some designs incorporate a garage within the existing footprint, while other designs call for an extension to the existing home in order to accommodate a garage. Depending on the size of your property, local setback rules, and location of your driveway you may have an easier or more difficult time, so we suggest reaching out to a designer or architect to confirm what is possible for your property.
Upgrade idea #5: Generator rough-in and/or Installation
Gas Generator
Installing a generator is quite an expensive venture from beginning to end (around 10-20 K), so rough-in only is a more popular approach. In order to have the ability to install one in the future you will need to consider a few items during your home addition:
Future location of the generator. Note that the generator will need to be located away from any windows, doors, or fresh air intakes into the home. This will dictate where the next two items will be placed.
Gas rough-in. You will want to get a gas line run to the area where the generator will be installed (or the closest area on the outside of your home that you can place the gas line)
Electrical rough-in + transfer switch. An electrician will be responsible for connecting the generator to an automatic transfer switch, which senses when the grid power goes out. It is recommended always to install a whole-home transfer switch that matches the amperage requirements of your existing panel. For example, if you have a 200 amp panel you should install a 200 amp transfer switch. The transfer switch should ideally be placed as close to the meter base as possible, which will lower the amount of wiring work for the electrician.
Battery Back-up Storage Systems
Another option for back-up power is a battery back-up storage solution. The industry is still in it’s infancy and there are less options in Canada but if you reach out to any solar provider they may be able to offer a battery storage system as part of your solar panel installation. These systems work with or without solar panels, and would be able to provide back-up power to your home in the event of a power outage. One of the best-marketed battery storage solutions is the Tesla Powerwall, but there are other options if you look into it online.
Upgrade Idea #6: Basement walk-out
If you are looking for additional functionality and accessibility in your basement, a walk-out is a great option. Whether it is to provide better entertaining opportunities for yourself and your family or to allow for a legal basement apartment, it may be a worthwhile upgrade for your property while you are extending to or adding to your existing footprint. The best type of home addition to consider a walk-out with is an extension project. Since the blockwork or concrete forming work for the new foundation is already being completed for the extension it will cost a minimal amount to add in the foundation and finishing work for a basement walk-out (compared to adding one to an existing home’s foundation).
Example of a basement walk-out at one of our home addition projects in East York, Toronto
Upgrade Idea #7: Custom window finishes
If you are planning on upgrading all of your windows during your home addition (which is a common choice from our clients) it would be a good idea to understand what all of the finishing options are for the windows. You can pick a bunch of different colour options and can create different window styles by the use of various grill patterns. Our window manufacturer is able to customize your windows to be a truly unique look in your neighbourhood.
An example of a custom window ordered through BVM Contracting’s Window Supplier at one of our East York Home Addition Projects
Upgrade Idea #8: Specialty plumbing fixtures
Specialty plumbing fixtures are common upgrades for custom homes and new home building projects, but that does not mean that they cannot be included in your home addition project. Our top recommendations for plumbing upgrades (from what our clients have done) includes:
Pot fillers for kitchens
Ice and water maker for Fridge
Bidet for bathroom
Stand-alone tub for master ensuite
Hot water recirculation system (see article below)
Wall-mounted faucets for bathrooms and kitchens
Hydronic in-floor heating (as described above)
Upgrade Idea #9: Dual zone HVAC system
It is surprisingly easy to set-up a dual-zone HVAC system for your home, as long as you are replacing your ductwork during your home addition project. This allows you to set the temperature for your second floor differently from your main floor, which comes in handy during the cold winters and hot summers that we experience in Toronto. If you are interested in learning more about how to set-up a system like this for your home addition project please reach out!
Upgrade Idea #10: Solar Panels
Last but not least is the installation (or rough-in) for solar panels. If you are planning on offsetting your energy usage with solar then planning for it during the home addition planning process is critical. Make sure that you reach out to a solar installer as soon as you know you are planning a home addition to make sure you can properly plan the installation after the home addition is built.
If you are only looking to rough-in for solar you will want to make sure that you work with a solar installer to run the correct wiring to the final location of the solar panels. There is always an option to run everything AFTER the home addition is complete, but there will need to be wiring and conduit on the exterior of your home which may interfere with the overall look of the exterior.
Conclusion
The bottom-line is that you can complete a lot of upgrades to a home addition to make it look and feel like a new home, as long as you are working with the right team. We will be able to help you create a budget that accounts for all of these upgrades and allow you to make a decision on which ones you would like to incorporate into your addition project. Reach out to us today to start the conversation about building your dream home!
About BVM COntracting
BVM Contracting is a full-service General Contractor or Home Builder located in Toronto. We provide home renovation and building services for major home renovations (kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement renovations, full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, and new home construction). Our goal is to help guide our clients through the process of renovating their home, from concept to completion.
Further than providing General Contracting and Project Management for major home renovations, we also offer value-added services such as renovation financing, renovation rebate consultations and services, building permit and design services, smart home installation services, and real estate investor services.
To learn more about our offering by visiting our services page.