Older homes have a unique character that is enticing. Toronto homeowners often purchase older homes with a dream of adding on to the existing structure to make the house more modern. Creating a custom home addition in Toronto has its challenges. Working with an expert business that specializes in custom home additions in Toronto is your first step in understanding what will work best to suit your needs. By consulting a reputable and experienced design-build company, you will have access to designers, architects and builders who work together as one team to give you the house you’ve always dreamed of.

 

 

Often, the best way to expand a house is to go upwards and not outwards. Toronto properties are known for their tight spaces thanks to high-density urban living. If the space does exist to expand outwards, the question of what is better presents itself. There are advantages and disadvantages to building in either direction. The first consideration is the style of the existing structure. Some homes were designed to be one level, while others will accommodate a second-story addition quite nicely. A ranch-style home for example would suit a same-level extension onto the home, whereas a split-level bungalow may look a little odd with the same addition. Another consideration is the type of land and foundation the original structure has. Building upwards may not be possible if the integrity of the foundation will not support a second story addition. There are ways around this, but the extra work needed will be reflected in the price tag. Therefore, cost is a considerable factor in how you will add onto your home. It is more expensive to move upwards than outwards. Building up requires more materials to get the job done. Adding a second story to a custom home addition could cost Toronto homeowners almost 50% more than a standard expansion.

 

 

Same-story additions have the benefit of adding considerable space to a living area. To do this, walls are removed to make a more open concept living area. The smallest shifting of a wall can have a tremendous impact to a room’s ambiance. This however can alter the structure of a house. Weight-bearing walls are very important to the structure’s integrity. A load-bearing wall is placed perpendicular to the roof trusses to provide a rest place for them between the outside walls.

 

One challenge designers will have when working with a custom home addition is to maintain continuity in home decoration. Matching wall décor and flooring is just one way designers will mesh the new rooms with the old. Some homeowners will choose to leave two distinctive styles to give a clear line between the old room and the new while others will update with a total renovation. Again, each custom home addition will directly depend on the existing structure. A design-build team will look at all the factors impacting the home addition and offer a complete solution. This is much more convenient than working with a designer, architect and contractor separately in a situation where communication is hindered and not encouraged.

 

A design-build team will work together to give you the best feedback and advice possible on your custom home addition in Toronto. They can assess multiple factors and provide you with the answers to the questions you have so you can make the most informed decisions in creating your dream home.