How to build a Home Addition in Toronto
BVM Contracting outlines the important questions that need to be answered before considering a home addition.
Whether your family is growing or you would like more square footage without making the first floor larger building a second or third storey addition is a viable and cost effective option. Building up and not out saves that coveted landscaping or yard space while adding on those extra rooms you want. Usually adding an extra level is a more effective way to add resale value to your home.
Before you dive head first into building a home addition it is important to ask yourself a few questions before getting started.
Questions to Ask Yourself and Your Home Builder or General Contractor
Can my existing foundation support the extra weight?
Will the new staircase affect my existing floor plan?
Should the second floor be on the same or different heating/cooling system?
Will I upgrade my furnace and AC units while I complete my renovations?
When does my contractor plan to start and finish?
Where will I live as the substantial renovations are being completed, and for how long? *This applies for home additions, full interior renovations, some extensions, and new home construction projects.
Does the contractor I am looking to work with have the proper insurance and WSIB clearances?
Can the new space be added to my existing electrical panel or is another panel needed?
What are my city ordinances for allowable heights for houses?
How will the addition of a second or third storey affect the look of my home overall?
Will my electrical/plumbing/HVAC fixtures downstairs match the new ones upstairs?
Will the new home’s gross floor area be under the allowable percentage when compared to the area of the property? Or will I have to go to Committee of Adjustment?
Will my new doors, windows, and siding be energy efficient and keep my home insulated?
Will I replace all of the existing windows/doors?
Will I adjust the main floor layout now that I can move all or most of the bedrooms upstairs?
Would I prefer a second/third floor that is the same size as the first/second floor, or have a smaller/larger second/third floor?
How will I finish the exterior of the new addition compared to the existing exterior? Will I also add a new exterior to the existing exterior or leave it the same?
Will I be adding a legal secondary suite/apartment to the home?
Am I able to increase the ceiling height in the basement while we are at it?
Can I extend my home backwards while adding an addition to the home?
There are many more questions that should be asked and answered, but if these main questions get answered you should be well on your way to beginning a successful renovation project.
Book a renovation consultation to answer these questions
Instead of trying to be a Google Search Hero and try to answer all of these questions by yourself, you should reach out to a General Contractor/Home Builder that will be able to not only give you the answers to all of these questions, but will be able to make recommendations on what is possible based on your budget. Renovating your home is an investment, and it is our mission to make sure that you understand the costs before you start designing your renovations.
BVM Contracting has a renovation consultation program, which allows home owners to learn more about the process of home renovations, whether that is a home addition or other type of substantial renovation project. With a renovation consultation, you can get accurate budget pricing for a prospective project, even without drawings or proposed floor plans.
Let us understand and learn about your ideas and we will give you accurate pricing so you can make the most informed decision about which path to go down during your renovation journey. You can learn more about our renovation consultations here, or click the link below to book a consultation with one of our Renovation Consultants!
Conclusion
Adding space to an existing home is time consuming, but going through the process step-by-step saves you from major headaches months or years after construction. With a professional General Contractor/Home Builder, you are placing your trust in a group that has decades of experience and the know-how to provide you and your family with the best customer service in the business. Building a second storey addition is a major decision, so choose a contractor with the professionalism and dedication you deserve.
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, 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.