Addition of a floor to a residential house - What to know before you start?

Adding a floor to a modern house

Addition of a floor to a residential house in Quebec may seem like an ideal solution for increasing living space without having to move. However, this type of renovation project requires careful preparation, both technically and administratively.

Plan Maison Québec

At Plan Maison Québec, we assist our clients in designing plans tailored to their needs, while ensuring the feasibility of their construction and renovation projects. In this article, we guide you through the essential steps for successfully adding a floor to your home.

1. Pourquoi ajouter un étage à sa maison ?

2. Les considérations techniques : l'importance des fondations

3. Le respect des réglementations locales

4. La conception de l'étage : une planification minutieuse

5. Le budget et le financement

6. Le processus de construction

Why add a floor to your house?

Before embarking on such a project, it's important to understand the benefits it can offer. Adding a floor can significantly optimize space, especially in urban areas where land may be limited. By increasing living space without encroaching on land, you also avoid the costs associated with purchasing additional land.

Adding a floor to a wooden house

At Plan Maison Québec, we've seen many clients opt for this solution for a variety of reasons. Whether it's to expand a family, set up a home office, or create additional living space, adding a floor is an option worth serious consideration.

Technical considerations: the importance of foundations

One of the first steps in adding a story to your home is to check whether the existing foundation can support the additional weight. This is a crucial aspect of the project, as the foundation must be strong enough to support the weight of the additional structure.

Adding a floor to a house

Depending on the type of soil, the house's design, and the architecture of the time, reinforcement work may be necessary. To assess this feasibility, it is essential to consult a professional, such as a structural engineer, who can perform the necessary analyses. Plan Maison Québec works closely with experts to ensure that your construction plans meet safety standards and technical specifications.

Compliance with local regulations

Before beginning any work, it is imperative to check your municipality's zoning regulations. Each city or region has strict building codes and restrictions regarding:

• maximum building height

• window placement

• distance from neighboring properties

• etc.

These rules may vary from region to region.

In some cases, you will need to obtain a building permit before adding a story. Therefore, it is crucial to consult local authorities or hire a professional to ensure your project complies with current standards. Plan Maison Québec can help you incorporate all these considerations into your renovation or construction plans.

Floor design: careful planning

Once the technical and regulatory aspects have been addressed, it's time to think about the design of the upper floor. This includes the layout of the spaces, the choice of materials and finishes, and the integration of the extension with the rest of the house. Good design is essential to ensure that the added floor blends harmoniously with the existing structure, while meeting the specific needs of future occupants.

Extension above a garage

At Plan Maison Québec, we offer our expertise to create custom plans that maximize space utilization while respecting your aesthetic preferences. Our team will design solutions tailored to your vision, whether you're looking for:

• an additional bedroom

• a bathroom

• an office

• a multipurpose space

Budget and financing

Adding a story to a house involves a considerable investment. In addition to construction costs, you'll also need to factor in permits, engineering studies, and possible electrical and plumbing upgrades.

Questioning about a budget

It's essential to set a clear budget from the start and allow for contingencies. Depending on the scope of the project, you may also want to explore financing options, such as renovation loans or using your home's equity. Plan Maison Québec can help you assess costs based on your needs and desired design.

The construction process

Once all preliminary aspects are completed, the construction process can begin. It will include several stages, from installing the upper floor structure to finishing the interior spaces. Depending on the complexity of the project, this can take several months.

During this period, it is important to closely monitor the progress of the work and communicate regularly with the professionals involved. Plan Maison Québec is committed to providing you with detailed plans and rigorous monitoring throughout the construction process, ensuring that the project remains on time and on budget.

Conclusion : addition of a floor to a residential house in Quebec

Adding an extra floor to your home can be a great way to improve your living space, but this project requires careful planning and attention to detail. At Plan Maison Québec, we specialize in creating customized construction and renovation plans, and we'll guide you every step of the way, from design to completion.

If you're considering adding an extra floor to your home, don't hesitate to contact us to discuss your ideas. We'll be happy to provide expert advice and help make your project a reality.

Contact Plan Maison Québec today to start planning for your home's future.

Contact our team and bring your project to life