New Infill Residential Construction in the Heart of Danforth Village in East York
BVM Contracting was the General Contractor and Project Manager for this new home construction project in East York, which was completed by a growing family that was looking for more space and a completely new home.
Our new custom home located on Orley Avenue in East York was completed in from Spring to Fall 2019, taking BVM Contracting about 7 months to complete from demolition to occupancy. The success of this project was achieved by the client working closely with the BVM Contracting team to ensure that there were no bottlenecks in the project, which ultimately lead to a new home build being completed in Toronto in record time!
Check out our progress photos and final showcase video that outlines the key areas of the build and the final product, which is a beautiful two-storey new home.
EAST YORK NEW HOME BUILD Progress Photos
About the New Home Build in East York
This home was started in April 2019 and finished up in November 2019. The forming of the foundation was delayed due to the soil conditions for the home coming back unfavourable and causing BVM Contracting to have to shore the West side of the property as per our Engineer’s guidelines. This allowed the integrity of the neighbouring property’s foundation to remain intact and allowed us to move forward with the build.
Once the foundation was created we had to make up on lost time and were able to complete the remainder of the project in record time! This didn’t happen without the help of our amazing client, who always had her finishes ready for installation and kept on track with her client-managed items.
Some of the key features of this home includes:
Vaulted or cathedral ceilings in the master bedroom
Skylight installed for second floor hallway to bring in copious amounts of light
A 5-piece master bathroom with a stand-alone bathtub, shower, and double vanity
Front foyer with walk-in powder room and closet area
Custom kitchen with island
Built-in fireplace for living room
3 + 1 bedrooms
3.5 bathrooms
Garage was finished in the same colour stucco as the exterior of the home
New rear deck
New front porch with overhang
FeatureS Video for Orley Avenue New Home Construction
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 and custom home builds (full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, new home construction, and laneway suites). Our goal is to help guide our clients through the process of building 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.
Take our quiz below to find out if we should be your home builder for your next home addition or new home construction project in Toronto
BVM Contracting actively books projects from 6 months to 2 years out, and we only take on a select few projects per year (usually 5-7 projects per year, depending on the size and complexity of each one). We also have certain strengths as a home builder that allow us to provide more value to a targeted persona of home owner or investor than others. In other words, we are not perfect for every type of home owner (no builder is, they are just afraid to tell you!) so this quiz will help both yourself and BVM Contracting determine if there is a good fit.
To find out if BVM Contracting is the right Home Builder for your next residential construction project please take our questionnaire/quiz below. Once you fill out the questionnaire we will be in contact within 1 business day to let you know if we think we will be a good partner for your project!
BVM Contracting Residential Construction Project Questionnaire
Please note that your name and email are the only required items for this home builder matching form, but in order to evaluate your request properly we require all of the questions/areas of the questionnaire to be completely filled out. Please do your best to fill out everything!
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 and custom home builds (full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, new home construction, and laneway suites). Our goal is to help guide our clients through the process of building 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.
Meet Matthew Thompson, who completed a home addition project with us in the up-and-coming Birch Cliff neighbourhood located in Scarborough. Watch the video below and read on to learn more!
About the Home Build in Scarborough
Meet our client Matthew Thompson. The existing house was a 2 bedroom bungalow and his family was quickly growing out of the home and needed more space in order to accommodate their two children. First they decided to look for a larger house in the neighbourhood but came up short and didn’t find the perfect house to suit their needs
Viewbank Avenue Home Addition BeforeViewbank Avenue Home Addition After
Their Decision to Build Their Dream Home
They realized that all of the extra money they would be spending moving into a larger home could be used to invest in a home addition on their current house, and that is exactly what they did! Initially they had decided on a builder but right as the contract was signed they lost contact with them and the builder they initially signed with was very hard to reach after that.
Finding a Local Home Builder that Builds Quality Home Additions
They happened to stumble upon one of BVM Contracting’s projects in their same neighbourhood, which they were impressed with and inquired about our services. They ended up working with us instead on their home and were able to make something that was exactly what they wanted for their family!
The biggest reason they decided to work with BVM Contracting was our transparency and honesty throughout the process. No home build goes 100% smooth, but if you are partnered with the right builder they are able to smooth out any bumps and allow you to enjoy the experience!
In the video above Matthew touches on many different topics and outlines the level of trust that needs to be established with your builder to do a massive home addition project like they did. We were very glad to gain Matthew and his family’s trust and help them build an amazing home for their family to enjoy for years to come!
Conclusion
If you are looking to start your home addition, home renovation, or new home construction journey on the East End of Toronto, look no further! Contact BVM Contracting today to set-up a phone call to learn if we will be the right partner for your home renovation or home building project!
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 and custom home builds (full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, new home construction, and laneway suites). Our goal is to help guide our clients through the process of building 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.
Learn about which areas of Scarborough are able to complete lot severances
BVM Contracting is one of the only reputable new home construction builders in Scarborough that can help you determine a strategy of investment, finance your build, help you with the design/permit process, and also build the house for you! A true turn-key approach that puts us at the top of the list for real estate investors in Toronto.
In this article we break down the neighbourhoods in Scarborough where we see many of lot severances being successfully completed, and how you can start your journey to either complete a lot severance on your existing property (if you live in one of these areas) or buy a property to complete a lot severance.
Neighbourhoods in Scarborough Where You Can Successfully Sever a Lot
How to Start the Process of Severing a Lot in Scarborough
The absolute best place to start the process of completing a lot severance in Toronto or Scarborough is to find a home builder that has completed lot severance projects in Scarborough, and has the the experience to help you with the planning.
Don’t let the above neighbourhoods fool you into believing that every lot is severable, because that is not the case. There is certain criteria that need to be met for the City of Toronto planning department to accept the completion of a lot severance. With our architect and design partners we would be able to determine if your lot will qualify and will create a strong application to give you the best chance at completing the residential construction project in Scarborough or other areas of Toronto.
Let BVM Contracting guide you with our expertise in residential lot severances in Toronto and you will be very pleased with the attention to detail we give even before a contract is signed and we charge you a nickel. Our goal is to build quality and trust and give you complete transparency before you commit to working with us. Our consultations come at no charge and our pricing will always be fixed so you don’t have to worry about paying more for your new home construction project in Scarborough or Toronto.
We are looking forward to helping you with your Toronto real estate investment!
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 and custom home builds (full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, new home construction, and laneway suites). Our goal is to help guide our clients through the process of building 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.
Are There Any Eligible Laneways in Scarborough to Build a Laneway Suite?
BVM Contracting is one of the only reputable new home construction builders in Scarborough that can help you determine a strategy of investment, finance your build, help you with the design/permit process, and also build the house for you! A true turn-key approach that puts us at the top of the list for real estate investors in Toronto.
In this article we want to highlight the small opportunity present in Scarborough due to the Laneway Suite program in Toronto being extended into Scarborough (as well as North York and Etobicoke).
Number of Laneways in Toronto Eligible for Laneway Suite Creation
Neighbourhoods in Scarborough with Laneway Eligible Properties
Do you know of any areas in Scarborough with laneways? Comment below! If you back on to a laneway in East York, The Beaches, Leslieville, Scarborough, or any other neighbourhoods on the East End of Toronto reach out to us to get the process started!
How to Start the Process of Created a Laneway Suite in Scarborough
The absolute best place to start the process of completing a laneway suite in Toronto or Scarborough is to find an experienced home builder in your area. If you live in Scarborough, East York, or anywhere East of the DVP in Toronto reach out to us for a no charge consultation!
Let BVM Contracting guide you with our expertise in residential laneway suite in Toronto and you will be very pleased with the attention to detail we give even before a contract is signed and we charge you a nickel. Our goal is to build quality and trust and give you complete transparency before you commit to working with us. Our consultations come at no charge and our pricing will always be fixed so you don’t have to worry about paying more for your laneway suite construction project in Scarborough or Toronto.
We are looking forward to helping you with your Toronto or Scarborough real estate investment!
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 and custom home builds (full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, new home construction, and laneway suites). Our goal is to help guide our clients through the process of building 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 or construction 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.
Delivering an Exceptional Face-Lift to a Amazing Local Butcher
When we were approached by The Butcher Shop to help them with remodeling their store interior, we were both excited at the opportunity and couldn’t wait to show our quality and workmanship to a local business that has given so much to BVM Contracting and the surrounding community for decades upon decades.
Since BVM Contracting specializes in substantial renovations, custom home additions/extensions, and new home construction projects this was uncharted territory, but we were able to use our superior project management skills to pull off an amazing new space for an exceptional local business.
Watch the Renovation Recap Video Below!
BVM Contracting worked with the management team at The Butcher Shop to start planning the type of work they were looking to do. They wanted to complete the following renovations:
Install new flooring for the customer area
Install new cabinets and counter space for The Butcher Shop employees
Install a new back-splash for the counter space to prevent messes
Painting the ceiling and walls to give the place a completely new look
Check out the before and afters below to see the difference between each of these spaces
New Flooring
Before photo of the flooringAfter photo showing the new tile, painting, and back splash
New Cabinets and Counter Tops
Before counter tops for the employee areaNew custom cabinetry and counter tops with some stainless steel and butcher’s block.
There were many challenges that needed to be overcome during the renovation process, including:
The work was only able to be completed during the store’s closed hours, which only gave us Sunday evening and Monday to complete as much work as possible per week.
The floors for the tile were very uneven, and made for a lot of prep work to ensure that the new tile did not crack once installed
The cabinets were not ready when needed and temporary ones had to be installed in the meantime until the new ones were ready to be installed
The counter space back splash was meant to be a different product but it did not work for the application, so we were able to pivot really quickly and match the floor tile to the back splash tile to create a consistent look
The Final Product
All of the interior renovations are complete, but there is one more surprise that The Butcher Shop cannot wait to get installed! Stay tuned for updates and a final video with The Butcher Shop but in the meantime please see the final pictures below of the finished interior product.
Contact BVM Contracting for your Home Construction Needs
If you are interested in inquiring with BVM Contracting about your proposed residential construction plans for your home please feel free to contact us below! We offer no obligation consultations to get your renovation or new home build started off on the right track!
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 and custom home builds (kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement renovations, full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, 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.
Learn about the pros and cons of building a completely new home, versus building with your existing foundation
BVM Contracting specializes in substantial renovations, custom home additions/extensions, and new home construction projects. In this blog we try to give prospective home construction clients the pros and cons for doing a new home construction project, versus doing a home renovation (i.e. home addition or extension) on an existing home.
In this blog we are going to cover the following subjects:
The major difference between a new home construction and home renovation/home addition is that a new home involves removing the entire existing home, including the foundation, and being left with a giant hole in your property. This allows you to build a completely new home from the foundation/footings, and make any adjustments in depth of the home necessary to fulfill any municipal by-laws (i.e. lower basement, higher ceilings, etc.).
It is also important to note that a house is also considered a new home build in the City of Toronto when you do not maintain a certain percentage of exterior walls. It is usually a safe bet to maintain 51 percent (which usually equates to around two walls) in order to avoid any issues with turning your renovation into a new home build. Working with a designer will help you determine if your wishlist will allow for completing a house as a renovation versus a new home.
Benefits
You get a completely new home with no pre-existing headaches
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but when you build on an existing home and don’t address the existing conditions you will still have to live with them even after your home renovation or addition is completed. This will increase the maintenance costs of your home over time.
You are in control of footprint and finishes
Sometimes there is a lot of value in creating a completely new footprint for your new home since sometimes your existing footprint doesn’t allow you to create the house of your dreams. Creating a completely new foundation will allow you to built it right from the ground up, which is what a lot of luxury home clients want!
Avoided headaches from renovating an existing home
Whenever you are building on an existing home there are existing conditions that may pop up and may add to the cost of the renovation. It is important to note because with a new home you do not have to deal with any of these existing problems because the house is completely new.
Rebate for new Home Construction
A new home build on land you already own is generally eligible for the Ontario new housing rebate, as long as it will be your primary residence. For our clients that is worth up to $16,080, because no HST was paid on the land when they bought it. Ontario’s enhanced rebate can be worth far more, but it stops at $1,850,000 of finished value including the land, which rules out most Toronto custom homes. Our HST rebate guide walks through both.
Considerations
Increased Pre-design, Design, and Permit Costs
The following items are extra costs needed when before the project commences:
New survey (topographic)
Grading plans
Development charges (payable to the City during submission of permits)
Surveying fees during and after the construction (pin footings, as-builts, etc.)
Possibility of Increased utility Construction fees
The City of Toronto requires that the incoming water supply line gets replaced when an infill construction project commences. This means that you have to spend money over-top of spending money on the project itself. When you complete an infill construction you also have to pay for the natural gas disconnect from Enbridge. The good news with this is they give you a new line as a result of the disconnect. Usually hydro is the same type of process between infill and home renovation, unless the meter base is relocated or underground service is a wishlist item.
Increased Cost to Construct
Sometimes, if there are no issues with a home addition of the same size and scope, the cost to construct a new construction home is the same or more expensive than completing a home renovation/home addition. It is important to note though that the contingency needed for a new home construction project is way less than what is usually needed for home renovations/home additions since there are no unknowns. A new home construction is therefore less worry but potentially at more of a cost. Would you rather sleep at night or save a bit of money? We will leave that up to you!
BVM Contracting is well equipped to handle Home Additions, Home Extensions, Full Interior Renovations, and Infill New Home Construction projects, but time and time again we find that with the contingency needed for home additions that most of the time you are spending the same (if not more) to try to keep the project a renovation.
BVM Contracting recommends to any client that wants the peace of mind knowing that they will get their house built at the amount agreed to in the contract (and not a penny more) that a new home construction will fit the bill better than piecing together a renovation on an existing home. With the massive reduction in variables, it is the sensible option to choose if you want to have a painless residential construction experience!
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 and custom home builds (kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement renovations, full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, 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.
BVM Contracting has successfully implemented a project management service for residential home renovations in Toronto. This service allow customers with complex home improvement needs to get access to contractor pricing, full transparency, and an efficiently delivered project.
The topics that will be addressed in this blog are:
Why do I need a project manager for my residential renovation project?
How does BVM Contracting’s Project Management Program Work?
What types of projects do you normally manage?
Why do I need a Project Manager for my residential renovation project?
This is a great question that we get asked a lot! If you are working with any home builder or general contractor in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area, they are considered the Project Manager for your renovation or new home project.
The value that a home builder, general contractor, or renovation contractor brings with a superior project management structure is:
Buying Power: Your Home Builder or General Contractor should have very reputable sub-trades and vendors that they work with to get you the best value for every dollar you spend. The pricing they receive from these companies is way more cost effective (usually anywhere from 15 to 30 per cent) than pricing you can get as a home owner. This is because a Home Builder/General Contractor gives these trades and vendors more work than any singular home owner can give them!
Investment in a Project Management Structure: Many Home Builders/General Contractors have systems in place to properly manage a residential construction project, no matter the size or type of project. The best Home Builders in Toronto know exactly what to look for as a project progresses, and can usually diffuse any issues before they become permanent.
Quality Control: A superior residential construction project management company will be able to add a layer of quality control, which holds every single sub-contractor and vendor who works on the project accountable for their work. If there are any issues with any workmanship your Home Builder/General Contracting Company will make sure that the issue gets resolved. The reason why sub-contractors and vendors respond better to a residential construction project management company instead of a home owner? Buying Power!
In summary, you will get a superior and more efficient residential construction project experience, at a similar cost to you procuring everything yourself and managing the project. It also ensures that nothing is missed in the scope of work, which usually happens since you are not the residential construction expert!
How does BVM Contracting’s Project Management Program Work?
Here is the process of BVM Contracting’s Project Management Program:
First we complete a scope of work by completing a site visit and project discovery. At this point, if a designer or architect is needed for the project we bring them in to provide a fee proposal for the design and permits.
Once the site visit is completed we build a scope of work to include all of the work that needs to be completed. This is completed at no charge. Once this is completed we share with the client to confirm that everything they want is included.
Once confirmation is received that the scope of work includes all of the wish-list items for their residential construction project, we procure all of the services and material for you. This is also done at no charge.
As pricing come through, we building out the pricing for the budget/scope of work at the cost that we received from the vendor and sub-contractors. We then add on a labour component (for our BVM crew to complete prep work between trades) and project management fee for a percentage of the total managed services. This can vary from 10 – 25 percent depending on the complexity of the project.
Once the budget is built out it is presented to the client, and is usually lower or at the amount that they would have paid if they tried to procure everything themselves!
The advantage of working with BVM Contracting’s Project Management Program is that we will save you time and money on managing any of your larger projects around the home!
What types of projects do you normally manage?
We manage the following types of residential construction projects:
Substantial Exterior Renovations (new exterior, roofing, aluminum, etc.)
Home Additions and Extensions
Custom and New Home Builds
Substantial Interior Renovations
Underpinning and Basement Renovations
Lot severance home builds
Laneway Suites
And more, just reach out and inquire below.
Contact us about your project management requirements below!
Book aN ONLINE renovation consultation!
Please book your online renovation consultation to start your renovation journey! Even though we are socially isolated for the near future doesn’t mean that we can’t start a conversation about your proposed home renovations. Now is a perfect time while we are at our homes to figure out what the next best plan is for home improvement. You can rely on BVM Contracting to guide you through the renovation and home building process, even if it has to be done online!
We are looking forward to getting you started off in the right direction and learning about your project.
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.
BVM Contracting is a home builder that specializes in home additions, home extensions, and generally any residential renovation projects where home owners are looking to add more square footage to their home. Below we go over and answer the following topics and questions:
We have found in doing many home addition projects in Toronto and the surrounding area that the definition of a home addition is sometimes ambiguous to home owners while starting the process of evaluating how they want to renovate their homes.
A home addition is any alternation to a home that adds square footage to the existing structure. Even if you add one room off of the back of your bungalow that is technically considered a home addition.
There are as many reasons for adding to your existing home as there are types of home additions. Maybe you’re planning a larger family, or perhaps you just want to add to your home’s aesthetic appeal. Many people build an addition to take better advantage of views surrounding the home, some building up and some building out, or both! And, of course, for many people, a home addition is a financial investment.
Many times we see growing families that want to utilize the equity they have gained in their home to add space so that they can accommodate a larger family. A lot of times as well we also see families turning their single family home into a duplex by installing a legal basement apartment, so that they can subsidize their mortgage by gaining additional income through rent.
With the high cost of selling and acquisition of residential real estate in Toronto comes high costs of selling your existing home to buy into a larger home. In our experience, 99% of the time you can build more square footage into your existing property so that you can avoid the large costs of transacting real estate.
A second storey addition to a bungalow in Toronto
Here is a list of different types of home addition projects you can complete in Toronto:
Existing Bungalow to Two Storey Home Addition (see example here)
Existing Bungalow to Three Storey Home Addition
Existing Two Storey to Three Storey Home Addition
Existing Bungalow to Two Storey Home Addition w/ Two Storey extension into backyard (see example here)
Adding Additional Floors to Side Split Home (see example here)
Adding Additional Floors to Back Split Home
Turning your Attic Space into Additional Living Space
Extending Your Existing Bungalow
Extending Your Existing Two Storey Home
Existing Bungalow to partial second storey home addition
Adding space over your existing garage for a two storey home.
In our experience, these are the most popular types of home renovation and home building projects. Though there are many more different types of home addition and extension projects, the one thing that all of these have in common is that they are all constrained by local zoning by-laws and variances depending on the type of property and area of the city the home is located. BVM Contracting will be able to help you determine what is possible to complete on your property by completing a no obligation renovation consultation and working with our designer to help get you started off on the right path.
The first step in planning your home addition is to have a clear sense of why you’re building it in the first place. You can get a lot of good advice from your local home builder, who will help you clarify your goals and assess the feasibility of your plan. In the final analysis, however, this is your vision, and it should reflect your needs and desires. Having a “wish list” of ideas for your addition is always a great starting point. You may or may not have the funds for everything on your list, so prioritizing what is needed now and what can wait until a later date will help. Or alternatively, if your budget doesn’t allow for everything to be completed you can also hold off until you can afford the entire package.
Your general contractor will be able to assist you with these decisions and should also be able to provide a rough order of magnitude budget base on your project wish-list. This will allow you to understand exactly what you can afford before investing in any designs for the proposed home addition project.
Use BVM Contracting’s Renovation Consultation Service or simply head over to our residential construction cost calculator to get a better sense of how much your home addition will cost.
BVM Contracting’s Recommendation
If you want to add to the size of your home, but don’t want to decrease the size of your yard, have a relatively small property, or want to convert a ranch style house into a multi-level structure, you can remove the roof and add another floor or two. Work with your general contractor or home builder to take advantage of the new views of your surroundings this kind of addition will give you.
Many times in Toronto due to local zoning and variances you will be constrained by the amount of floor space that your home can cover your property. That is why building up instead of out is always the best way to start the conversation, then seeing if you can add more to the front, back, or side of your home will work with your designer or architect.
Conclusion
Building a home addition is an important decision. The right addition is a sound financial investment as well as a significant lifestyle upgrade. At every phase of the project, your experienced home addition builder or general contractor will walk you through the process and give you smart advice at every step along the way.
To learn more about your home addition options, contact us today.
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.
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.
