The most common types of house extensions in Quebec
- coraliefortin076
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 21
At Plan Maison Québec, we understand that changes in family life, new ways of working from home, or simply the need for more comfort can lead homeowners to consider an expansion. Building or renovating a space is no easy feat, especially in a climate like Quebec's, where weather conditions and municipal regulations play a crucial role. The goal of this article is to help you better understand the different types of house extensions available in Quebec so you can choose the one that best meets your needs.
1 ) Lateral extension: extend your house while respecting architectural harmony
A side extension is one of the most popular choices among Quebec homeowners, especially for bungalows, bungalows, or single-family homes located on large lots. This type of extension allows you to add one or more rooms to the side of the house, such as an additional bedroom, a playroom, an office, or even an intergenerational living space.
At Plan Maison Québec, we design architectural plans that blend harmoniously with the existing style of the home, while respecting the setbacks required by municipal bylaws.
Benefits
One of the main advantages of a side extension is its great flexibility. New spaces can be created without affecting the main structure or the interior circulation of the house. Furthermore, this type of project is generally less expensive than a second-story addition, as it does not require major structural reinforcement.
Another advantage is that it is often easier to integrate the extension into the existing heating, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Disadvantages
Despite its many advantages, this type of extension can present certain constraints. For example, the lot must be large enough to accommodate the extension. It is also essential to check municipal regulations regarding the minimum setbacks to be respected between the house and the property line.
Another important point: if the land is sloping or poorly drained, stabilization or leveling work may be necessary, which increases overall costs.
2 ) Adding a floor: doubling the surface area without losing land
Adding a story is a great solution for homeowners who want to significantly increase the size of their home while maintaining their outdoor space. This option is often chosen when horizontal expansion is not possible, due to lack of space or municipal restrictions.
Plan Maison Québec has extensive expertise in designing plans for this type of complex project. We collaborate with engineers and technicians to ensure structural feasibility and compliance with applicable standards.
Benefits
Adding an extra floor is a great way to reorganize your home. Typically, the ground floor can be reserved for the living areas (kitchen, living room, dining room), while the bedrooms, bathrooms, and more intimate spaces are located upstairs. This functional separation increases the property's comfort and resale value.
It's also an attractive option for growing families or homeowners who want to accommodate family members, create a private office, or even a rental unit upstairs.
Disadvantages
This is one of the most expensive and invasive types of addition. Before proceeding, it's important to check whether the house's current structure (foundations, load-bearing walls) can support the weight of an additional story. Reinforcement work may be required, as may a complete roof replacement.
Furthermore, this type of project often involves a long and complex construction project that may require temporary rehousing of occupants. It is therefore imperative to plan carefully with an experienced team like Plan Maison Québec.
3 ) Rear extension: a discreet and functional space
A rear extension is ideal for those who want to expand their home without altering the main facade. Widely used in residential areas of Quebec, this option is often used to:
enlarge the kitchen
add a dining room
a family room
a four-season solarium
At Plan Maison Québec, we optimize each plan so that the rear extension blends into the topography of the land and adapts to Quebec's climate, particularly with regard to insulation and heating.
Benefits
This type of extension allows you to preserve the aesthetics of the facade while significantly increasing the living space. It's also an excellent solution for those who want maximum privacy, since the addition is on the garden side, away from prying eyes. Administrative procedures are often simpler, as municipal regulations are less strict at the back of the house than at the sides or front.
Disadvantages
If the lot isn't deep enough, expansion options may be limited. Furthermore, depending on the intended use of the new space, major work may be required to connect it to the home's mechanical systems (heating, electricity, plumbing).
Another aspect to consider is the impact on landscaping. A rear extension may reduce the size of the yard or require the relocation of existing structures such as a deck, shed, or pool.
4 ) Garage expansion or transformation: versatility and efficiency
Converting an existing garage into living space or expanding it is a smart and cost-effective alternative for many homeowners. It's an excellent way to maximize existing space without significantly altering the exterior of the house.
Plan Maison Québec offers plans tailored to this type of project, whether it's a complete conversion into a living space, a playroom, or the addition of a floor above the garage.
Benefits
The main advantage is financial. Since the garage is already an existing structure, construction costs are lower compared to a traditional extension. It's also possible to add a floor, creating living space without encroaching on the land. Converting a garage can also offer a quick solution for families who need more space without undergoing a long and complex project.
Disadvantages
Before converting a garage, you must ensure it is well insulated, ventilated, and structured to accommodate a new function. In many cases, significant work is required to achieve the required thermal and acoustic comfort. Another factor that should not be overlooked is the loss of covered parking space, which can have an impact in winter, especially in Quebec.
Conclusion : types of house extensions in Quebec
Regardless of the type of expansion being considered, it's crucial to carefully plan each step of the project: site survey, regulatory analysis, plan design, and work coordination. A well-designed project from the outset will save you time, money, and stress.
Plan Maison Québec offers a multidisciplinary team to design custom plans that meet your needs, budget, and building codes. Thanks to our local expertise, we guide you every step of the way, from dream to completion.
Don’t wait any longer to increase your comfort and the value of your home.
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