Home Extensions toronto

Types of Home Extensions

Toronto has many different types of homes. There are also several options for homeowners to add onto their homes. Here are the main types of home extensions and what they include:

Rear Extensions

A rear extension gives more space to the back of a house. This is something many people do in older neighborhoods of Toronto. Homeowners often expand into their backyard to make bigger kitchens, family rooms, or extra bedrooms. These extensions can be one story or more than one story, based on what is needed and the rules of the area. They usually change the layout of the house. For example, a small kitchen can be turned into an open kitchen and dining area that leads to the backyard. Homeowners must check that the extension follows the rules about how much of the lot can be used and how far back it should be from the property line. A rear extension often has a new foundation, or it may sit on piers for smaller ones. It is usually built with wood framing to match the rest of the house.

You can pick exterior materials that match your home, like similar brick or siding. Or, you can choose ones that stand out, like new paneling or big glass doors. Adding rooms at the back really helps make your home work better. In one example, a family made their century-old Toronto house bigger by adding 126 sq.ft. to the ground floor. This created a bright family room that opens up to the kitchen.

Rear additions can really increase the living space on the main floor. This can improve daily life and help with resale value. This is especially true if there is a kitchen upgrade or a family room included.

Side Extensions

A side extension makes a house bigger by adding space to the side. This works well for detached homes that sit on wide lots or corner lots with open side areas. People often use side extensions to make a small house wider, to create a new room, or to make existing rooms larger. For example, you might extend a living room or add a bedroom or mudroom on the main floor. In Toronto, side additions must follow side-yard rules. These rules usually say that you should stay about 0.9 meters from the property line, although this can change depending on the area.

If a side extension is built near a neighbor’s property, there are certain fire code rules that apply. These rules require fire-proof walls with few or no windows. A side extension usually means building a new wall and roof next to the house. The new roof can blend in with the existing one for a smooth look. Side extensions can be one-story or two-story. A second-floor side extension can go above a garage or porch. While side extensions make the house wider, they also add usable space. Many homeowners in Toronto add a side and back extension together. This creates an L-shaped design that makes the most of the space.

Wraparound Extensions

A wraparound extension connects a rear extension and a side extension in one project. It goes in two directions from the main building. This type of addition brings together side and rear extensions, creating a smooth flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Wraparound extensions are great for turning small, separate main floors into big, open areas. For instance, a wraparound addition could reach the backyard to make the kitchen and dining area bigger. It might also extend to the side to add a family room. This creates a large L-shaped great room. This design lets in a lot of natural light and offers several ways to access outdoor areas.

Wraparound projects change two sides of the house. They often need careful planning to ensure the new part matches the old one. Structural details are important because two outside walls are taken down or opened up. It’s essential to have help from experts in architecture and engineering. Even though it can be complicated, many people like wraparound extensions if they have enough space. This type of project allows for open areas that work well together.

Second-Story Additions

A second-story addition creates a new upper floor in a house. This is often done in Toronto with bungalows or one-and-a-half-story homes that want to increase their living space. Going up is usually the best option to add more room on a small lot without taking away from the yard.

A full second-story addition means taking off the current roof, making the structure stronger, and putting up new walls and a roof for the upper level. This can make space for several bedrooms, bathrooms, or even an extra apartment. Homeowners should talk to a structural engineer first. They need to check if the existing foundation and main-floor walls can hold another level. Some reinforcement might be needed.

Zoning rules about height usually allow a limit of 10 meters in residential areas. This is about two to three stories. These rules will decide if a second floor can be built. If nearby houses are all one story, getting the Committee of Adjustment’s OK might be necessary. From a design point of view, it is vital for the new second floor to match the style of the home. Architects work hard to make sure the new part looks good with the original building.

The house looks balanced and fits nicely in its surroundings. Adding a second story is expensive, but it is a great way to increase value. It can give about a 60–80% return on investment because it adds more space and extra bedrooms.

Building a second story is a big construction project. Many people choose to move out while the work is being done because the roof will be open and the house will be vulnerable to weather. But with careful planning, you can change a small house into a roomy two-story home.

Basement Extensions

A basement extension means adding more living space below the ground level. This can come in several ways:

• Finishing an unfinished basement: Turning an empty or storage basement into living rooms like a rec room or bedroom. It is not an “extension” of the home’s size, but it adds usable space. Finishing a basement is often the least expensive way to add living area in Toronto, and it can give you a 70–75% return on investment if done well.

• Basement addition under a new extension: When building a rear or side addition, homeowners can choose to add a basement level below it. This involves digging and foundation work, but it creates more living space for things like a media room, guest suite, or wine cellar.

• Lowering/underpinning and extending basement depth: Some homeowners in Toronto dig down to raise the ceiling height and may also expand outward beyond the original walls, often under the front porch or into the yard. This is complicated and requires reinforcing the foundation, but it results in a larger and more comfortable basement area.

Basement extensions usually need a lot of work on the structure and waterproofing. If you want to make a basement bigger or strengthen it, you must have a professional engineer’s design and get a building permit. It’s also important to plan for drains and sump pumps because basements can get water. The cost for adding a basement is often lower than the cost for building above ground. For example, in Toronto, it costs about $177 per sq.ft for adding a basement level.

However, if heavy waterproofing is needed or the floor is lowered, costs can go up. Finished basements, which include flooring, drywall, and bathrooms, will also add to renovation costs, but they give you more space. In Toronto’s busy real estate market, making a basement apartment or in-law suite is a common choice. It can bring in rental income or allow several generations to live together. If you follow this path, be aware of extra rules for second suites, like having a separate entrance and following fire safety codes. In general, improving or extending the basement is a smart way to make the most use of your home’s space.

Garage Conversions

A garage conversion changes a garage into living space. This can happen whether the garage is attached to the house or not. Instead of making the house bigger, it uses a space that isn’t used much. In Toronto, many older homes have separate garages on laneways or attached garages in suburban neighborhoods. Turning a garage into a bedroom, home office, gym, or rental suite can be a smart way to add space, since the walls and roof are already in place. On average, garage conversions in Toronto cost about $10,000 to $50,000.

, much less than building a new part, because you’re mainly adding insulation, finishes, and maybe plumbing or electrical work. It’s important to look at local rules. Usually, a building permit is needed for a change since the space’s use is changing (from not being used to being used).

You need to follow building code rules for things like insulation, ceiling height, emergency exits for bedrooms, and fire safety. A downside is that you may lose covered parking. If you have street or driveway parking, it might not matter as much. Still, some buyers want a garage for storage or parking. In Toronto, many garages are small or mainly used for storage. Changing them can greatly increase the usable space in a home. For example, you can turn an attached garage into a bigger family room or a main-floor bedroom suite. A detached garage in the backyard could be changed into a home studio or a small extra home if it meets the City’s rules. Converting garages often requires light construction work like putting up walls, adding flooring, and updating the electrical system. This makes it a quicker and easier project. It’s a great way to create more space without changing the house’s outside look.

Sunroom Additions

A sunroom addition (or solarium) is a room that is mostly surrounded by windows or screens. It is meant for enjoying sunlight and views. Sunrooms are usually one-story spaces added to the back or side of a house. They have big glass areas and may include skylights. In Toronto, a sunroom can be a three-season space, which is not heated or cooled and is used from spring to fall. It can also be a four-season space, which is insulated and connected to the home’s heating and cooling for year-round use.

Sunrooms are popular for homeowners who want a bright space for relaxing, indoor plants, or an outdoor feel without dealing with weather issues. They are usually lighter than regular home additions. Many sunrooms use aluminum or vinyl framing with glass panels, or they have traditional wood framing with large windows. The cost can change based on the design. A prefabricated three-season sunroom kit might cost less. A custom-built four-season sunroom with a good foundation, insulation, and high-quality glass will cost more. In Toronto, a sunroom addition typically costs around $312–$408 per sq.ft, which is about $50,000 for a small 130–170 sq.ft space.

Building permits are usually needed because a sunroom is an extra space, especially if it’s a four-season room, which adds more living area. But if the sunroom is just an enclosed porch with only screens and no real windows or heating, it might have different rules. It’s good to check with the City.

Many modern sunrooms have sliding or French doors that connect to the main house and the backyard. This design makes it feel open and welcoming. A sunroom might not give as much usable space all year round as a fully insulated addition, but it can add great value for enjoyment. The return on investment for sunrooms is average, around 50–60%.

Modular Extensions

Modular extensions are home additions that use pre-made parts. These parts are made somewhere else and then brought to your property to put together. In Toronto, some companies focus on modular home additions. For instance, they might build a new second-floor section in a factory and then lift it onto your house, or they might deliver a ready-made room that is attached to your home. People like modular extensions because they are quick and cause little disruption. Since the parts are made elsewhere, the time spent building at your home is much shorter, and the quality is better because it was made in a factory. Prefab additions are rooms or extra spaces made in a factory and sent to your site where they are put back together…on-site building is quicker, and it does not interfere much with your daily life.

A popular project in Toronto is a “bungalow top-up.” This means adding a pre-made second floor to a one-story house. Workers take off the old roof, and they put on the new modular upper floor. This process usually takes only a few days and helps keep the inside dry from the weather. Modular additions can also be used to expand the ground floor or to create separate backyard studios. About the cost, modular building can sometimes be a bit cheaper than regular building. This is because it needs less labor and benefits from buying in bulk. However, it’s not “inexpensive.” You should expect costs to be similar to regular building, which can be several hundred dollars for each square foot. Some experts say that building an addition on the property is much more costly than getting a prefabricated option.

The exact savings will depend on the project. You should keep in mind that even simple additions need permits. They must follow building codes and zoning rules. You will need architectural plans and city approvals like with any addition. Not all custom designs will work with prefab modules. However, for easy extensions, modular construction can make the project faster and less disruptive to your daily life. This method is also better for the environment. It usually creates less waste. In Toronto, more people are interested in laneway suites and garden suites, which has increased the use of modular construction for these small homes. This goes along with the idea of modular extensions to the main house. If you care about getting things done efficiently, reducing construction mess, and possibly lowering costs, a modular extension is a good option to think about.

Infill Additions

An infill addition is about adding space by using an underused part of a building. Unlike a large extension that goes out, an infill addition fills a gap or unused area in the layout. Here are a few examples:

• Filling in a side recess or courtyard: Some older homes in Toronto have an L-shaped layout or a small courtyard. A new extension could cover that space to make the house feel square, giving you a bigger room inside.

• Connecting structures: If there is a space between the house and a separate garage or between parts of the house, a new addition can connect them. A good example is building a mudroom to link the house and garage.

• Using tall spaces: You can add a mezzanine or loft to make use of high ceiling areas. You could also build a new dormer in the attic, but this type of change falls under a different category.

Infill additions are often small, but they can be complicated. They need to fit well with the existing house on several sides. The aim is to make the new piece look like it belongs to the home. A good infill addition will blend in nicely from the outside using the same materials. Since these projects are usually small, the cost per square foot can be higher compared to a larger addition. You still have expenses like design, permits, and setup, even if the increase in area is small. Yet, they can fix specific issues, like making a tight kitchen roomier or adding a closet or bathroom where there used to be empty space. The rules for zoning and permits for infill additions are about the same as any addition. Even if you build in a little corner of your own yard, you are adding to your floor area, so you need to get approvals. A plus is that infill additions often do not greatly increase the building size outside, which helps meet lot coverage limits more easily. Overall, an infill addition is a smart way to find extra space within your home’s structure. It makes good use of land that you already have.

Porch & Deck Extensions

Porches and decks are an addition of living space for outdoor use. They are not fully closed areas, but they greatly improve how a home works and look. In Toronto, putting in or growing a porch (at the front or back) or making a new deck can be a great upgrade.

• Porch extensions: You can make a front porch bigger. This creates more space for seating or a covered entry. It helps the look of the home and provides a place to gather. A back porch could be built or enlarged too, creating a bridge between the inside and the yard. Porches usually have a roof, and they might have open sides or screens. To build a porch, you often need a permit, since it’s an addition to the home. The design should fit the home’s style. For instance, a Victorian home could have a wood porch with decorative columns, while a modern house might have sleek posts along with glass or cable railings.

• Deck additions: Decks are flat, open areas outside, usually made of wood or a similar material. They are often attached to the back of a house. Decks give you a place to barbecue, eat, or just relax. In Toronto, a very low deck about 24 inches off the ground might not need a permit. However, if it is higher than 24 inches, you usually need one. Even low decks must follow local rules. This means not covering too much area or getting too close to property lines. A deck extension can be as simple as a small platform by a door or a big multi-level design with steps leading to your yard.

• Materials: Common deck materials are pressure-treated wood, which is budget-friendly, and cedar or other woods, which look nice and hold up against weather. Composite or PVC decking is also used as it needs less upkeep. Porches are often built with wood frames and have flooring made from wood or composite materials. They can include nice details like railings and trim that match the house.

Porches and decks are usually cheaper than enclosed additions. A basic wood deck might cost about $30–$60 per sq.ft. A nicer deck or porch with a roof could cost over $100 per sq.ft. This depends on the materials used and the details. For example, a simple 200 sq.ft deck could cost around $10,000, which is about $50 per sq.ft. A covered porch with roofing, columns, and flooring might run $20,000 or more. Even though they don’t add heated living space, porches and decks make the home more enjoyable and can attract buyers. A nice front porch can improve curb appeal and make a home feel more inviting. A deck in the backyard expands your living and dining area when the weather is nice. These projects are also quicker to build, often taking just a few weeks, and they involve less red tape than big additions. However, you still need to get the right permits and inspections to ensure safety, especially for the structure and railings. Overall, adding a porch or deck is a great way to improve outdoor living, host guests, and make a home look better, all while being easier on the budget compared to full additions.

2. Cost Estimates for Different Extension Types

The cost of adding to a home in Toronto can change a lot. This depends on the kind of addition, how big it is, the quality of the work, and how complicated the job is. Home additions usually have prices based on the square foot of new space. However, there are also important details and fixed costs to keep in mind. Below is a look at the price ranges for different types of additions. You will also find some key factors that impact these prices.

Typical Cost Ranges (Toronto):

Note: These ranges are rough estimates (2024–2025) to help you plan. Actual quotes will vary based on your home’s specific needs and the materials or finishes you choose. Building costs have also gone up; contractors in Toronto have often mentioned $250–$400 per sq.ft as a general idea for additions in recent years.

Get several detailed quotes for your projects. This way, you can feel sure about the costs, especially for kitchens, bathrooms, or any difficult tasks.