As we have said earlier, a home expansion is not something to be taken lightly. It will involve a hefty financial investment on your part as well as your time and effort.

Thus, we want to help you make the best decisions concerning your home renovation and get the highest possible return on your investment.

Below are some frequently asked questions about home expansion in Ontario that can guide you in planning this exciting project.

When is the best time to start construction of a home expansion?

Spring is the national construction season in Canada with home builders for new construction and renovation in high demand. But contrary to popular belief, the cold winter months can also be a good time for home additions because contractors are not so busy and can give discounts for their services. The frozen ground and drier air are also ideal for digging foundation and concrete pouring.

For indoor projects such as kitchens and bathrooms, summer is an ideal time although most contractors would also be booked months ahead.

What types of contractors am I required to hire for a home expansion?

Depending on the design, complexity, and size of your home expansion, you need to hire a general contractor to supervise and plan the work. You will also need an architect or engineer, and licensed trades for plumbing, electrical work, insulation, carpentry, and painting.

How long does a home expansion take?

Some renovation projects are invasive and can take months to complete. Depending on the complexity and size of a home addition, several factors can affect the time issue such as getting permits, the availability of contractors, and the intricacies of the construction design. A simple bedroom addition takes less time than a multi-room addition.

What is the best home expansion project for increasing property value?

The answer depends on what you mean by increased property value. If it is a home addition just before a sale, it will not be a lucrative project as other home renovations can increase market value before a sale more effectively. But if you are doing a home addition for personal use and want to increase the future potential resale value, a second-floor addition can offer a high ROI.  A garage addition with a bedroom on the upper floor also offers a good return on investment.

How much is the average cost of adding a garage with an upstairs bedroom and bathroom?

One of the best ways to get bedroom space is to expand the garage with an upstairs bedroom and bathroom. It will not increase the footprint of the home, thus, reducing the cost. But the challenges in the planning and construction of this project are also unique and should be handled by an experienced pro.

If you are building an attached garage with living space above it, you will need to put in plumbing, electrical wiring, and expect to pay from $200 to $220 per square foot for the upstairs room. The total cost of this project could be from $60,000 to $65,000.

Is a home addition on piles better than a home addition on a foundation?

A home addition on piles is ideal even for unstable soil and is cheaper and easier to do. The machinery used is less invasive, too, and gets the job done faster.

On the other hand, a home addition on a foundation is a good option if you want to expand the ground floor of your home and your basement. This type of home expansion is warmer during the winter compared to one using piles. The cost is more expensive, though.

Is it worth adding a second floor?

Adding a second floor can be messy- the roof needs to be ripped off and major construction could take months to finish. It will also cost a lot of money. However, adding a second floor is a great way to significantly increase space and allow you to stay in the home you love. It also potentially increases the value of your home.

What is a multi-room expansion?

A home addition can be a single room or multiple rooms. For instance, you can add a new family room and toilet or a home office with a kitchen and bathroom. A single room project allows you to address a specific need whereas a multi-room addition not only stretches your space significantly but also allows you to revamp activities by shifting them from the existing spaces to new spaces.

A multi-room addition is a good way to add architectural drama especially if you will be building new rooms on the ground and second floor.

Multi-room additions offer great opportunities to generate architectural drama, with large spaces that open to smaller ones or adding attributes that the home lacks.

Should I hire a home addition contractor?

A home addition is a major home renovation that will cost you thousands of dollars and will affect your lifestyle and home value significantly. Thus, you need to make sure the project will be a success. Scheduling and budgetary issues are critical and will be handled more efficiently by an experienced professional. Undertaking a home addition is stressful but a qualified contractor will be able to plan and execute the project well and relieve you of much of the stress.

How much does a contractor charge for a home addition in Toronto?

Labor and materials in Toronto for a home addition can be anywhere from $120 to $255 per square foot. The price will be higher if the addition will use a full foundation.

Do I need an architect for a home addition?

Small home additions require a building permit before construction. You need to submit plans for your addition drawn by an architect according to building standards set by your municipality.