Bungalow renovation is big business in Toronto. The city has a large stock of small homes on large lots, mostly in older suburbs close to the city centre. The chief factor that has kept these homes relatively affordable for so long has been their smaller size. Most bungalows lack the large, open living areas now popular with homebuyers, as well as add-ons like larger bathrooms and bedrooms.

 

What Toronto’s bungalows do often possess is location, with the added attraction of a large, pleasant lot. There’s room for parking, a garage and a good-sized garden. Many bungalows also possess a period charm and the older ones, in particular, often boast superior craftsmanship. They are accessible; with all the principle rooms on the main floor, it is the ideal house form for anyone with mobility issues.

 

Some bungalows have become tear-downs. After demolition, a larger home – with a much larger footprint – is built on the lot, often out of proportion with that of its neighbours. It’s a drastic solution and one that is unnecessary for most families, for whom a simple renovation would give the extra space needed, while retaining the charm of the existing bungalow.

 

 

Building an addition– usually to the rear of the home – is a common solution. Unless you deal with a design-build company (one who combines both design and construction under one roof), you will have the same hassles of dealing with the contractors. There is always a disruption as the work progresses. But that disruption is going to be less than with a tear-down and can probably be "lived around”.

 

A large family room can be extended from the kitchen, giving that open space so popular nowadays. And, if enjoyment of the lot is a desired result, a deck can be built off that, bringing what is essentially a new room into play for the warm weather months. Bedrooms can be combined and thus enlarged. The basement can be deepened and bedrooms put there. That tiny bungalow bathroom can also be given a makeover.

 

 

The bathroom is, after all, a place where everyone spends a lot of time. Traditional bungalows had one cramped bathroom down a hallway, with perhaps an emergency toilet down in a dark basement.

 

Once you’ve established your budget, you should find out if there are any special considerations with the bathroom space. A contractor can determine if there is water damage, new subflooring needed or any other functional challenges. And then the fun begins...

 

Do you need a vanity? How big of a shower do you want? And is a new tub on your wish list?

 

What is appropriate for your home decor? There are a variety of materials that are appropriate for walls and flooring, with the main criteria being the degree of waterproofing and ease of cleaning.

 

Marble countertops, backsplashes and flooring are popular and combine a high degree of functionality with beauty. You might want to consider a rougher, less slippery floor surface such as granite.

 

Bungalow renovation in Toronto can result in a great new home being built out of a very good older one – with just the right amount of creativity.