Plan your house expansion without stress. To have peace of mind at every stage of this major project, let the professionals of Compare Home Quotes platform guide you.

Receive 3 free quotes from recommended contractors by filling out the form on this page.

Below are the topics covered in this comprehensive guide for your house expansion:

• Types of Home Expansion & Prices
• Benefits of expanding your home
• Hire an architect for a house extension?
• Planning a home extension project: the steps
• How to choose your general contractor?
• Standards & Laws for Home Expansions
• Grants and government programs
• Some tips for your extension project or floor addition
• Compare prices for your home expansion

 

What is the price of a house expansion in Quebec?

You like your current home. Your neighborhood is active (or quiet) as desired, your landscaping is done as you prefer, your basement is finished, your patio is perfect, and your shed is convenient for you. You do not wish to move and start all over again but the family is growing, the teens are running out of space, and you would like to have your aging parents near you. In short, you are starting to feel cramped.

What is the best solution?

Enlarge towards the backyard or the sides? Dig a basement? Add an entire or partial floor? Add an attic?

Before making your choice, the first step is to make your budget as realistic as possible.
To do this, you can use two (2) calculation methods.

Method 1: How much does your house expansion project cost per square foot?

To give a quick approximation of the price of your home extension, a professional with many years of experience and has completed a large number of projects such as yours will be able to evaluate all the dimensions and express them in cubic feet, linear feet, and square feet of work to be done.

By simply multiplying each result by the cost of the materials at pi 2, linear foot or pi 3, you will get a rough estimate of the price of materials needed for your home extension project.

Below is an example:

You want to build an extension on a concrete slab. The hardwood you have chosen for the flooring costs $10 /sq. ft.., installation included.

Knowing the size of the extension is 100 sq. ft., you can calculate that the price of the floor will be $1,000 (100 sq. ft. x $ 10 / sq. ft.).

Pay attention to the economy of scale!

On the other hand, an experienced professional will take into account what is called economies of scale. This term means that the greater the volume of purchase for the same commodity (large scale), the more the acquisition tends to be economical because you enjoy the discount granted to a bigger purchase

 

Method 2: What would be the fixed price for expanding your house?

It is difficult to accurately calculate the fixed price of a home extension.

This approach requires the expertise of an expert who can determine the price according to each trade involved in your home extension project:

• all tasks to be done
• the time needed to execute them
• the labor costs associated with these tasks
• the required materials
• the cost of all these

Obviously, you have to add taxes to these amounts. However, under certain conditions, you can get 36% of the maximum GST and 50% of the maximum QST. Ask a professional.

Here are some examples of the fixed price for adding a floor or extending a house by the sides or the back.

• Adding a floor to a bungalow 1150 sq. ft. (107 m²) can cost from $175,000 to $250,000, depending on the quality of materials used and the selected design.
• Adding a floor to a bungalow 1000 sq. ft. (93 m² ), to include, for example, a bathroom, four (4) rooms, and a staircase, can cost from $100,000 to $150,000 ($ 200,000 in the Greater Montreal area).
• A house extension to add 150 sq. ft. (14m²) from the sides or the back would be $70,000, if a basement is included that needs some work before it is completed.

To obtain a realistic price, several factors must also be considered, such as:

• the level of difficulty encountered by contractors in assembling the new section at the existing house,
• the adjustment or solidification work to be carried out on the existing building,
• the quality of the materials you have chosen,
• the number of doors and windows to put in place,
• etc.

 

Some recommendations for evaluating the price of a home extension

Seek the assistance of architects three (3) to four (4) months before the date you plan to start the work. You will know the feasibility of your project.

Find out about the price of materials in your area.. According to an analysis commissioned by the APCHQ, it is possible that, given the change in prices of materials in different regions of Quebec, you had to pay double that in another city, for an enlargement of 1000 sq. ft., for example.

Ask for quotes at different times of the year. By planning to expand your home in September or October (if it is possible to do your work in two (2) or three (3) months at the most), you may be offered more advantageous prices because contractors not so busy. Request your quotes by filling out the form on this page. They are free and quick.

Plan for the unexpected by adding a budget provision of around 20% of the amount planned for your home extension.

Also, set aside a sum for the storage of furniture and hotel accommodations during the time that construction work is full blast.

---

Types of Home Expansion & Prices

There are different types of a house expansion. How do you know which one is best for your needs, your goals, and your budget?

 

 

Price for adding a floor

The value of your home will increase significantly because not only will it be larger but all its design will be transformed: adding a sidewall, new windows (matching existing windows), and renovation of the exterior cladding.

A huge percentage of the cost of adding another floor will be for heavy machinery and labor..

Every home expansion project is different. Depending on the scope of the work, the cost of the addition of a floor can vary between $90,000 and $150,000 if we are referring to adding a unit (upstairs) to a single-family home of 1000 sq. ft.

Usually, the addition of a floor is completed by the time you return to your home. However, you can save on the cost of labor if you have the know-how and experience to:

• install the exterior cladding,
• build the stairs leading to the upstairs,
• build the inner divisions,
• do the interior finishing,
• etc.

 

Price for the addition of a basement

The addition of a basement gives a significant increase in the multifunctional space of your home: living room, bathroom, bedroom, storage space without the appearance being affected.

Plus, you’ll have easy access to your plumbing and heating system.

To add a basement to your home, foundation contractors must work in what is called an “underpinning”. That means they have to dig under the basement to pour a new concrete foundation precisely beneath existing foundations.

The cost of this type of project could be from $25 to $50/ sq. ft.(including concrete foundations) considering the technology required, the machinery used, and the expertise of basement contractors needed.

 

Price for the addition of a garage

Adding a garage to your home means not only adding a parking area (especially appreciated in winter) but also providing you with extra storage space for bikes, tools, tires, furniture, garden (in winter season), etc.

If you insulate it, heat it, ventilate it, and add power outlets, you can include a workshop designed for your carpentry and mechanical work or to repair some odds and ends.

A garage will increase the value of your home by making it look bigger.

• The addition of an attached garage (attached) to your home will allow you to have access without having to go outside (appreciated in winter)

• On the other hand, the addition of a garage separate from the house will allow you to do work that makes a lot of noise (jigsaw, round saw, mechanical).

The cost of adding a single garage is estimated at around $18,000. As for a double garage, you should plan a budget of about $25,000.

If you need to build a sloped access, expect to pay about $1,000 to $1,500 extra.

The concrete floor costs from $9 to $11 per sq.ft. or about 20% of your garage construction.

The size, the style, the choice of materials, and the price of the garage doors vary. Ask your contractor for advice.

If you plan to build or expand your garage and wish to receive free quotes, simply fill out the request form on this page.

Compare Home Quotes will forward it to one of our many partners to offer you its services. You will quickly receive up to three (3) quotes from recommended professionals in the field of home or garage expansion in your area without any obligation on your part.

 

Price for enlargement on foundations

The price of a home extension on a foundation will vary depending on the type of excavation, the amount of concrete to be poured and the integration of the annex into the existing building.

The cost of a house extension on a foundation will also vary depending on the size and depth of the foundation :

• The raft is a shallow foundation (50 cm to 1 m deep) in the form of a reinforced concrete platform that extends over the entire surface of the annex.
• The running sole is a superficial foundation cast only under load-bearing walls.
• The semi-deep foundation is a sole that plunges between 2 to 5 m below the ground.
• The deep foundation goes down to 6 or 7 meters deep. It can, however, be replaced by piles plunging up to 12 m deep.

 

Price for pile extension

This type of house extension is particularly suitable for flood-prone areas and unstable terrain. However, care must be taken to insulate the floor of the pile appendage, especially if you plan to install a floor heating system because heat loss can occur from below the floor.

Larger piles are usually more economical than an extension of a house on a foundation since the machinery needed and the scope of the work is considerably less.

Indeed, if the price of a concrete foundation of the house extension is about $300 /sq. ft. ($400 if a basement is included in the extension of the house), the installation of a pile may cost about $140, which must be added the cost of the construction of the extension and the insulation which ranges from $25 to $155/ sq. ft.

Price for the extension on concrete slab

A side extension of your house on a monolithic concrete slab, that is to say, formed of a single block serving as both floor and foundation, is an option to consider if you want to avoid pouring new flooring.

The insulation of this type of home extension is easy.

If your municipality grants you the required permits, a structural engineer gives you approval, and the floor of your property lends itself to your extension project on a slab of concrete, the construction of this type will cost you approximately $165$ to $195 / sq. ft.

 

Approximate prices of different types of home enlargement

For more specific quotes, simply contact Compare Home Quotes at
1(855) 280-0106 or fill out the request form on this page.

Qualified and experienced contractors with all required permits and certifications will be recommended.

 

---

Benefits of expanding your house

Extending your house by adding a basement, a garage, another floor, a side extension, or an extension in the backyard can be your best decision yet.

There are several benefits to expanding your home to restore it and adapt it to your new reality.

You can continue to live in your neighborhood and in the home that you enjoy while improving it.

You do not have to move away from your workplace, your children can continue to attend the same school, and everyone keeps their daily routine while having more space to go about their business.

In fact, it is a personalized increase of your living space, a custom restructuring, and a new layout that is the solution to a space that has become too small.

 

Expansion of your house:

• opens the door to a multitude of possibilities and innovations,
• allows easier trips inside your home,
• maximizes the entry of natural light,
• optimizes storage space,
• allows the increase of energy-efficiency of your home,
• allows you to update the design,
• allows you to invest in an ecological architecture.

By avoiding the need to move, you can also avoid having to pay the transfer tax (also called welcome tax), the expenses incurred for moving services, the cost of new furnishings, notary fees, and a pre-purchase home inspection, etc.

Not only does enlarging your house allow you to adapt it to your vision but it will now meet your needs and requirements.

Larger, more functional, more modern and more current, its value will skyrocket on the real estate market.

---

Do you need to hire an architect for a house extension project?

According to the Association of Institutional Property Managers (PUFA), in a “green” environment, productivity will increase by approximately 6%-16% and absences by 15%.

If this is the result of a consistent, functional, and harmonious work environment, what about the benefits you could derive from a home whose expansion plans were designed by a home extension architect?

Most of the time, the law requires an architect to take part in a residential, commercial, industrial or institutional building expansion project as he or she has the training, skills, and the technical knowledge necessary to carry out this kind of work.

By being monitored by the Ordre des Architectes du Quebec (OAQ), a certified architect is required to take out professional liability insurance, adhere to the code of ethics, and participate in a continuing education program.

However, even if the law does not require you to do so, it is strongly recommended to use the services of a licensed architect. This is a professional with the best skills to assist you in your home expansion project

Win or lose with House Expansion

An architect will guide you to a successful house expansion project, whether it is the addition of a floor (full or partial), a basement (complete or partial), a garage or a room above it, a back or side extension of your house, or a construction of a cantilever (that can make you gain up to four (4) feet).

Unfortunately, there are also unsuccessful house expansions- those who denature your home by not respecting its basic architecture. An architect will allow you to avoid this kind of situation.

The architect will enlarge your home while preserving its original style and its general appearance, whether the latter is centenary or modern, Canadian, English, Acadian, or contemporary so that its value is increased in the real estate market.

A professional architect will precisely define your current needs and will also plan for future ones, taking into account the limits of your budget before designing your plans for extending your home.

He will also ensure that the floor of your property has the bearing capacity to allow the durability of your house expansion project

For example, the clay soil of the Ottawa Valley, the St. Lawrence Valley, and the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean regions are highly compressible.
A professional architect will take all the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of foundations collapsing.

You need a custom construction plan

As you can see, the role of an architect greatly surpasses the concepts of sustainability of your expansion and waterproofing of the roof and walls!

He will balance the notions of solidity, functionality, and aesthetics. He will take into consideration the environmental, geographical, cultural, social, and technical aspects. As each home enlargement is personalized, it is unthinkable that the sketches and plans for your home expansion could be used on another site or for another client.

A trustworthy architect will create a quality home expansion while respecting the budget and deadlines.

 

How much does an architect cost for a home extension?

Since the fees for hiring a professional architect are fixed at an hourly rate, be prepared to meet your architect in a house expansion knowing exactly what budget you want to invest in your project and having a clear idea why you want to expand your house and the configuration of your future home extension.

---

The steps in planning a home extension project

Allow at least three (3) months of preparation to complete the various steps leading to the start of the expansion of your home.

The first steps will consist of:

Application for permits from the planning department of your municipality. Is adding a floor possible in your area? Does the zoning bylaw permit a home extension? What are the restrictions and requirements?

Meet with a mortgage broker to assist you in analyzing your budget and your loan

Make an appointment with a real estate broker, for example:

• to evaluate the cost–effectiveness of adding a new complete dwelling with an independent entrance for a possible rental,
• to estimate the added valuethat a house extension will give to your home,
• to sell the house of your parents who will come to live with you (expansion for an intergenerational home)

Consult an architect for a feasibility study on:

• the state of the structure of your existing home,
• the capacity of the soil to receive the weight of a house enlargement,
• the perfect place to enlarge your house, and
• Accessibility to the ground.

A land surveyor will then establish the boundary lines of the land if necessary.

An architectural technologist could draw 2D sketches according to the addition of space that would satisfy your needs and the possibilities of your home. Different proposals can be presented to you.

The draft preliminary 3D plans will then be carried out to suggest the combination of materials, the design, the development of the architecture, and the layout of the lighting.

If the estimated costs are within the planned budget and you agree to these detailed final plans, they will be returned to the contractor for the execution of the work.

The next step is to request quotes from reputable contractors for expanding your house. The quotes you receive will be based on the implementation plan you have approved.

By using Compare Home Quotes, you connect with all the specialists you need under just one roof. Compare Home Quotes is a network of more than 300 partners (home improvement specialists, contractors, excavators, brokers …) who have joined our web platform to offer you their services.

By completing just one request form on this page, you can receive up to three (3) free quotes from professional (s) serving your area for your expansion project without delay or obligation.

The home improvement specialist you choose will purchase the materials needed.

Your project can finally begin to take shape with site preparation, pouring foundations or concrete slab, or screwing piles (if required), etc.

 

Example of the steps to be taken to add a floor

The addition of a floor usually takes six (6) to eight (8) weeks. However, it is possible that the work is extended to 12 weeks. To begin, you will need:

• To install the scaffolds,
• To undo the existing roof,
• To dismantle the outer coating,
• To knock down the walls,
• To preserve the water-tightness of the existing floor (in case of bad weather)

A contractor who specializes in a floor addition:

• will mount the outer walls,
• will install the doors and windows,
• will build the roof,
• will install the shingles,
• will perform the exterior and interior finish,
• will build the stairs to go upstairs,
• install the new doors and windows,
• etc.

 

---

How to choose your general contractor? Expertise for the work needed

When the final detailed plan (execution plan) is completed and includes all the elements that will be useful for the expansion of your house, you must choose and meet the contractor who will be able to complete your project.at a realistic cost.

This step requires a lot of care because the contractor of your choice will need to have enough experience regarding house expansion and possess all the certifications and permits required for you to be covered in case of problems.

Note that it is possible to choose your contractor before making plans for your expansion. Indeed, the contractor can even guide you during the development of plans. In this case, the choice of your contractor is doubly important.

It is advisable to contact people who have already had a home expansion done to get their opinion about their contractor. If you do not know one personally, you have surely seen such a project in your area. The owners of the expanded house will certainly be proud to let you see the work done, to tell you about their experience, and to give you the name of their contractor and the company.

Another solution is to contact the ACQC (Consumers Association for Quality of Construction) to ask for the names and addresses of customers who have had their house extended (a minimum of three names).

Ask these people about the:

• the timelinessof the work
• the pre-established budget
• the plansthat were given to the contractor with whom they did business.

Ask questions about:

• manpower managementon the construction site
• of the cleanlinessof the contractor
• and the quality of the finish

You don’t want to be among the 6% of ACQC’s annual calls for complaints about renovation contractors. Take the time necessary to do your research and receive at least three (3) quotes as detailed as possible to compare them.

Feel free to fill out the request form on this page. Upon receipt, Compare Home Quotes will send it to partner contractors in your area with the expertise and professional know-how to carry out your project at a competitive cost.

Contractors who specialize in the extension of the house, the addition of a floor, a garage, or a basement who will receive your request for quotes will evaluate your project at its fair value and prepare a written proposal based on the final detailed plan (implementation plan).

 

What is the content of a good quote for a home extension project?

The quote received should include all the parameters for good management of your home expansion project such as:

• your contact information and where the work will take place,
• contact information, permit and license numbers of the contractor,
• a detailed description:
  • various works,
  • associated costs and
  • the materials used (characteristics and quantity),
• the dates of the beginning and the end of each intervention,
• the penalties if there are delays,
• the date of repossession of your house and the final cost,
• payment terms,
• a written document by which the contractor undertakes to respect the codes and standards in force,
• proof of civil liability insurance:
  • number of the insurance policy and
  • Company Name,
• proof of insurance guaranteeing omissions or professional misconduct,
• etc.

You can designate your contractor to be responsible for acquiring the necessary certificates, authorizations, and permits. The quote should ideally include the exact name of the person responsible for these requests.

• Work plansmust also be attached to the bid.
• Financial institutions are very cautious and strict regarding applications for large-scale renovation funding such as home expansions. It is recommended to meet potential lenders with accurate and detailed information

Beware of quotes that are so cheap that they seem untrue

If the contractor has made mistakes in his evaluation of your home expansion project, you can expect additional fees along the way.

It is also possible that they simply do not have licenses, certifications, professional liability insurance, or that they offer no guarantee, in which case you have no recourse if problems arise.

BEFORE you sign a contract with a contractor, ask him to show you his license from the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Note his license number, expiration date, and subcategories (search for subcategories 1.2 and 1.3). Remember that only contractors who have a license from the RBQ have the legal authority to carry out (or have carried out) construction, renovation or expansion of a house.

Also, make sure your potential contractor can prove to you that he or she has third-party liability insurance in the event of material damage to your property or related property during the expansion of your home.

It is to your advantage to choose a company that provides a guarantee for the omissions or malpractice of a contractor. Ask about the specific terms of the renovation guarantee plan and its restrictions (the accepted construction defects, the amount and the duration of the guarantee).

There are organizations whose purpose is to protect you from fraudsters and potentially unscrupulous contractors.

For example, under the “Trader’s Profile” tab in the Office of Consumer Protection (CPO) website, you can search for complaints about the contractor you are considering for your project: invalid or non-existent license, inadequate contract, misleading advertising, etc.

---

Standards & Laws for Home Expansions

Before starting a side house extension (or through the backyard), adding a garage, adding a floor, or adding a basement, make sure that the contractor or any other person responsible for the work has done all the necessary administrative formalities.

Municipal Building Permit, Required for Your Home Expansion

The completion of a house expansion is conditional to obtaining an authorization from the planning department of your municipality.

A building permit is mandatory so post it prominently to avoid having to put a damper on your project or start a job that you will not be able to complete.

Depending on your municipality, you will need to submit several documents when you apply for a home expansion permit:

• proof of ownership,
• certificate of location (copy),
• site plan,
• Photos,
• evaluation of the cost of the work,
• peculiarities of the association of grafted walls with existing walls,
• various architectural plans (drawing to scale and with precise magnitudes):
• planned expansion,
• side walls …
• etc.

As stated in Protégez-vous Magazine, Mr. André Gagné, Director of Technical Expertise at the Association of Construction and Housing Professionals of Quebec (APCHQ): “Some cities, including Montreal, require that the plans be signed by an architect or an architectural technologist, others not. “ Check, on the website of your municipality, if this situation applies to your locality.

It is possible that special documents may be required in more complex situations. For example, the addition of a subsoil (excavation), the pouring of a foundation in clay soil, declared unstable, in a flood zone or declared heritage

 

 

Energy efficiency standards

Issued by the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), compliance with these is required by certain municipalities, including Quebec.

Did you know that exterior cladding imitating stone or brick is prohibited in certain cities (Quebec)?

As the owner of your home, you can apply for a home enlargement permit from your municipality but by using the services of a specialized contractor in your area who has all the expertise related to these administrative procedures, you will save a lot of time and you will have peace of mind.

By completing the request for quotation on this page, you will receive up to three (3) free quotes from home improvement contractors without any obligation on your part.

 

 

 

RBQ license, compulsory for any building contractor … even you!

If you wish to act as a construction contractor while you are expanding your home, you may need to apply for a license with the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ).

This organization ensures that the work performed is consistent with set standards and that the professionals and stakeholders involved have the required professional qualifications and are ethical.

Other administrative tasks will be assigned to you. You will, among others:

• Be assured that all subcontractors are certified by the CCQ (Commission de la construction du Québec),
• send a monthly report to the CCQ concerning the hours worked and the wages granted,
• act in accordance with the collective agreement,
• participate in the various provisions of the construction industry,
• adopt the code of conduct of the:
  • RRQ (Régie des rentes du Québec),
  • HRSDC (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada),
  • MRQ (Quebec Ministry of Revenue),
  • CSST (Commission for Occupational Health and Safety)
  • etc.

In addition, if you act as a contractor for your house expansion, you will not be eligible for the New Residential Building Guarantee Plan. The latter provides protection to homeowners in the event that a contractor has done a poor job.

It is therefore in your best interest to use the services of a contractor in good standing who has the experience, skills and knowledge to take charge of your home expansion project and who will be able to complete it in compliance with all standards and regulations.

 

The CCQ and the management of the workers involved in your house expansion

The R-20 Act, under the authority of the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ), deals with the supervision of all workers working in the construction industry.

It states that all those who are involved (manually) in the expansion of your home must be a contractor (or a designated representative), an employer or an employee.

So, if you, your friends or family members who came to help you expand your home do not have the qualifications recognized or legal authorization from the RBQ to work on the site or if they are not remunerated at the rate provided by the Code, you may have to face challenges from the CCQ, the RBQ, the Quebec Ministry of Revenue (MRQ) or the CSST.

Professional services with all the certifications and permits required to extend your home or to add a garage, basement or floor to your home is recommended.

All partners of Compare Home Quotes are in good standing with all the organizations involved.

The financial aspect of using a professional contractor should not hinder your efforts. There is a variety of programs that can help you plan your budget.

---

Grants and government programs

Several financial assistance programs have been put in place to help you renovate your home to make it more energy-efficient and therefore healthier.

The ecological aspect of adding a floor, a house extension, or the addition of a basement to create a new home, for example, can benefit the financial aspect of your project.

Here is a non-exhaustive list, updated in February 2017, of programs and grants that are likely to kick-off your home expansion project.

Government programs related to energy efficiency

• Rénovert,initiated by Revenu Québec, offers a tax credit for residential renovations until March 2017 that will have a positive impact on the environment or energy.
• Rénoclimat ,initiated by the Énergie et Ressources naturelles Québec, provides financial assistance for sealing and insulation work or for the installation of mechanical systems.
• Novoclimat 2.0, initiated by the Énergie et Ressources naturelles Québec, encourages high-performance buildings. The contractor responsible for the project must, however, be accredited by Novoclimat 2.0.
• Grants for energy efficiency, a project initiated by Gaz Métro for Gaz Métro’s customers, facilitates the acquisition of hot water appliances with increased efficiency, and programmable thermostats

 

Financial products for your home enlargement

• Green housing offer, initiated by Desjardins, rewards ecological renovation by offering the most advantageous and interesting mortgage loan currently available in the market
• Green House, initiated by CMHC, offers a certain percentage of repayment on the mortgage loan contracted by the latter to build or renovate in order to increase energy efficiency.
• Energy-efficient homes, initiated by Genworth Canada, offers a 10% refund on their mortgage insurance premium.

 

Municipal Grant Programs

• Housing financial assistance from the City of Montreal subsidizes programs related to residential home foundations, renovations, etc.
• Home Improvement, City of Quebec, has a financial assistance program for residential renovation in historic boroughs, among others.
• Renovation programin Varennes, Victoriaville and Saint-Valérien, is a subsidy program that offers the opportunity to make your home more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly through the use of sustainable materials, for example.
• etc.

Check with your municipality to benefit from all the programs in place.

---

Some tips for your extension project or addition of a floor

Your property is probably the most important investment you will have made on your home.

Here are some tips to make sure you take all necessary precautions before performing major work such as adding a floor or an extension of your home. Make sure your dream does not turn into a nightmare.

Adding a floor to your garage will create a space that you can develop as you see fit and provide an undeniable added value to your home. However, it is recommended that you always have the lift capacity of your current garage structure checked before adding a floor below it.

The enlargement of a bungalow by adding a floor is a large-scale project often disputed. Transforming a bungalow into a cottage requires the complete demolition of the roof, resulting in rather high costs. It is better to think carefully and target your exact needs.

Make sure the new floor or extension of your home is integrated.

• The exterior design of your home: talk to a professional designer or your architect. Be bold with new styles or materials. When the expansion of your home is finished, it could look like a newly-built home.
• Interior design: expanding your home may involve redistributing the rooms, or even moving the front door. Organize the consistency and balance of your home expansion with help from an architect or a home improvement consultant.

Do not forget the sunshine. Examine the possibilities of orientation of your addition or your home extension and plan the fenestration, the lighting, the skylight in a consistent way.

Add a penalty clause in the event of a delay when you sign the contract written according to the recommendations of the Régie du bâtiment. This is a situation that happens frequently.

When you study the different financing options, always plan a 25% financial buffer for unforeseen events that will undoubtedly occur.

Pay the contractor as the various stages of construction are completed. Ask the contractor for proof that the suppliers’ invoices have been paid. If a supplier remains unpaid, he may ask you to give him the money owed even if you have already paid the money to the contractor.

Think about miscellaneous fees. While you should not underestimate the cost per square foot of your home expansion, you also need to budget the architect’s fees as well as the building permit amount for your garage addition, the addition of a floor, a basement, or your home extension.

For example, in Montreal, the application for your home enlargement on an area of ​​less than 10 sq. meters will cost you $265. If you plan to expand your home on an area of ​​2,500 sq. meters and over, it will cost you $3,150.

A license fee of $8.90 will be added for every $1,000 worth of work (the minimum amount for a residential building is $130).

Do not just take on the challenge of a home expansion project. A project of this size must be considered in the same way as a new construction. This is not a trivial project so do not try to meet the challenge of expanding a home without the help of professionals.

---

 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for expanding your home in Quebec

It often happens that an owner decides to increase his living space or storage by adding a floor or a building attached to his home. If you find yourself in this situation, it is normal to ask yourself about the consequences of your choice.

Here we have compiled some frequently asked questions and their answers to help with your research.

 

If you are expanding your home without a permit, what are the risks?

Without a permit, the consequences can be very unfortunate. For example, a Montreal resident in his forties will need to demolish his porch since he did not meet the requirements of his borough (in Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve).

Do not take a chance and check the requirements of your municipality with this tool (provided by Municipal Affairs and Housing Quebec) which is accessible to all residents of the province.

What should you do with the building permit during the expansion?

While your renovation is in progress, place your permit in plain sight. It is possible that the inspector of your borough will come to examine the work.

Upon receipt of your file, the city has received the plans for your project. This inspector will ensure that everything is done properly and that your permit for the expansion or construction of a building is visible.

Which Regional County Municipalities (RCMs) receive financial assistance to repair the damage caused by pyrrhotite?

The Société d’habitation du Québec manages this program which is designed to ease the burden of homeowners for repairing the damage or rebuilding their basement because of pyrrhotite.

If this applies to you, you could reduce your fees by 75%.

If you live in these RCMs, contact your municipality to initiate the procedures:

• Shawinigan
• Nicolet-Yamaska
• Antoine-Labelle
• Chenaux
• Trois-Rivières
• Mékinac
• Maskinongé
• Becancour

What is the first thing to do if you want to expand your home?

As soon as you decide on your type of expansion, contact the municipality to find out about the steps specific to your area. Normally, you will need to first provide your certificate of location for the proper procedures to be disclosed.

If you are already doing business with a contractor, he will usually offer assistance during the filing of your application.

Essentially, if you want to borrow money from your financial institution, ask yourself about the value of your property. Your bank will grant the loan if it believes that you are getting your money back at the time of the eventual sale of your property.

If your goal is to increase the value of your property do you have to do the work yourself?

If you have the necessary skills (and the time), why not. Note that only a flawless finish will increase the value of your home.

To do this, always avoid:

• Lower quality materials
• The assistance of a “jobber”, defined as an amateur or casual worker
• In the future, when the time comes to sell your home, your visitors (often accompanied by a real estate broker) will analyze every detail they see.

The goal will be to impress them so do not neglect obtaining the help of a professional for your project.

Should you add a floor to a bungalow?

Absolutely! Take the time to browse the internet or ask contractors for pre-post photos of bungalow conversions.

The building will often undergo alterations so significant that it becomes unrecognizable:

You will quickly notice that a bungalow on which we add a floor is transformed: with a redone facade, new windows, and probably a brand-new pediment, it improves in style while significantly increasing the living spaces of ​​the occupants.

Which house in Quebec is the most expensive in the market?

If you tried to guess the answer, it is a safe bet that old news conveyed by the media has misled you.

Celine Dion had the most expensive house before (in 2016). It was priced then a little above $25 million: a sum for the city of Laval. Located on Gagnon Island, just east of Boisbriand, this castle spent a little over 2 years on the market.

The current champion at the provincial level is in Montreal. Built in 1913, it has 67 rooms and stands on a 2.5 acre property. It was completed by its subsequent owner (John Wilson McConnell, publisher of the Montreal Star) and has undergone several expansions which increased its value.

The price of this mansion: $40 million.

If you own a shoebox house in Montreal, do you have the right to add a second floor?

Yes, but you will have to follow certain rules to keep the stamp and the historical aspect of the shoebox.

There are 561 “shoebox” type residences in Montreal, divided into 3 levels of architectural value, 1, 2 and 3.

Owners of a “shoebox” wishing to enlarge should first contact the planning division of their borough to inquire about the criteria specific to their situation.

How can you build a theater at home?

First of all, be aware that a theater should be located away from the main rooms.

Common choices for building a theater:

• A heated garage of a good size.
• A basement with a fairly high ceiling.
• A room away from the passage areas.

Remember to calculate the proper distance between the spectator seats and the screen. Then, will you adopt the good old clear canvas to welcome a projector or will you opt for a trendy television?

If your choice stops on the canvas, think about the space needed for effective projection. Nobody likes to watch a movie if they have to constantly lean their head or crash into their seat. Fortunately, the modern paintings are retracting to allow you to use this room for something else.

Shop hard for your device to choose between the projector and the TV.

Note: an excellent projector can cost you a few thousand dollars.

Opaque curtains to prevent light from entering are required to enjoy your movie theater.

To better appreciate your movie theater, it is essential to soundproof your room and understand the basics of acoustics.

Find out about:

• types of walls and types of sound insulation
• the ideal windows to stop the noise
• the best type of carpet based on your type of floor

When the time comes to renovate your home to enjoy a home theater, contact our partners with this specialty and get answers to your questions as well as free quotes for your project.

What type of flooring should you put in your expansion?

It’s simple!

Good ideas

• Good quality hardwood floor installed by a professional.
• Regularly varnish your wood floor to protect it.
• Any floor that does not trap dust is ideal.

Less than ideal options

• A poor quality varnish on your hardwood floor.
• A floating floor, because it will diminish the “wow” effect of your property.

Bad ideas to discard

• Do the work yourself if you are not an expert.
• Use machines without knowing how they work.
• Line your floor with carpet

Compare prices for your home expansion by a qualified general contractor

Like many others, are you interested in expanding your home?

To compare the cost of adding a basement, a floor, a garage, or extending your house with quotes from various professional and qualified contractors, contact us at (855) 280-0106 or fill out the request form for quotations on this page.

The Home Expansion Consultants, partners of Compare Home Quotes, will be happy to answer your questions and assist you with your project

Be guided by the best professionals for your project with Compare Home Quotes!

Compare Home Quotes is a web platform wherein more than 300 companies and real estate professionals have gathered: home improvement specialists, contractors, mortgage brokers, notaries, real estate brokers, certified appraisers, home automation, excavators, landscapers, etc.

All regions of Quebec are represented by our network’s members who have been selected according to rigorous criteria, including the possession of all permits, insurance, and certifications required for their area of ​​expertise.

 

The next step: receive your 3 free quotes

The expertise of the members of the Compare Home Quotes network will protect you, as much as possible, from cost overruns.

It is a guarantee of certified and qualified professionals who have already completed house expansions and know the costs of carrying out a project such as yours.

Possessing the capabilities to ensure their commitment, they will take charge of the application for a permit from your municipality so that the construction does not fall behind from the start. They will also contact their subcontractors and schedule their services so that deadlines are met.

As a site manager, they will regularly visit the site to monitor the proper operation and compliance with regulations, standards and plans.

Do not hesitate to contact Compare Home Quotes for adding a garage, a floor (complete or partial), a basement (complete or partial), a cantilever, a turret or extending the house by the sides, the backyard or even the facade.

• It’s free
• Without obligation
• Quick
• And easy!