Adding a floor to your home is a very exciting project and is an ideal solution when you need more room in your home.
Adding another floor allows you to satisfy your need for more space without having to move to a new home, and can be a very interesting option for you and your family. However, some people may wonder how to maximize their investment and avoid complications.
Here are some tips to make sure you add a floor to your home the right way. Use these tips to ensure a hassle-free renovation.
Contact your municipality
Before adding a floor to a building, it is important to conduct a preliminary engineering inspection. To ensure that the project is in compliance, and to prevent any undesirable delays, it is advisable to verify with your municipality. Each city has its own regulations regarding residential expansion, so you should ensure that your work complies with all current regulations.
Some of the important elements to verify include:
- Building permits required
- Respect for the style and architecture of the house
- The structure and strength of the house (have it inspected beforehand)
- The impact on the neighbourhood
- Zoning regulations
That’s why it’s important to check with your municipality before you even start the renovation work. Make sure you have a certificate of location and a detailed plan of the work to be done to ensure you have every chance of success with your project! And don’t forget to allow time for a response from your municipality.
Establish your budget
Let’s be realistic: adding a floor to your residence represents a major investment. That’s why you should take the time to evaluate the costs.
Indeed, this type of renovation can cost more than $100,000, depending on the size of the house or the specific nature of the project. So when reviewing bids, make sure you understand all the details.
Here are some key factors to consider in your budget:
- Materials
- Surface area
- Plumbing
- Heating
- Finishing details
- Coatings
- Insulation
Also remember that there are several flexible ways to finance your home renovation project. Cost-plus work can also be an interesting option.
Track the progress of the project
You will know much more about what to expect when adding a new floor to your home if you are familiar with the major steps involved. This way, you will avoid many unpleasant surprises.
Here are the 5 main steps of a residential expansion project. They are essential to avoid delays and cost overruns:
- Preliminary meeting with all project stakeholders to plan the entire project.
- Preparation of the schedule according to the scope of the project
- Signing of the service contract
- Project start-up (carefully adhering to the schedule)
- Cleaning of the premises and completion of the work
Such a large renovation project usually involves several weeks. However, if your plans are compliant and you meet all the criteria, everything will go smoothly!
Verify the contractor’s compliance
It may sometimes be tempting for some to hire a cheaper contractor, but is it necessarily the best choice? Take the time to do some checking!
One of the first criteria to consider is the credibility and compliance of the contractor. Make sure that they belong to a professional construction association that oversees their practice. For example, Habitation Plani-Conseil is a certified member of:
- Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ)
- Association des professionnels de la construction et de l’habitation au Québec (APCHQ)
- Ordre des Technologues professionnels du Québec (OTPQ)
- APCHQ Certified
In addition, all workers involved in the project must possess a certificate from the Commission de la construction du Québec that attests to their competence.
Habitation Plani-Conseil: the pleasure of work well done
The Habitation Plani-Conseil team has the expertise, experience, precision and certifications required to successfully complete your residential expansion project.
Adding an additional floor to your home has never been easier!
