The right questions to ask yourself before extending your house
- coraliefortin076
- Jun 30
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 21
A home extension is much more than just a renovation project: it's a process that affects your quality of life, the value of your property, and the organization of your daily life. Whether you lack space to accommodate a growing family, want to set up a home office, or create a multigenerational space, expanding your home in Quebec can be an excellent solution.
However, to ensure the success of this project, it's essential to ask the right questions from the outset and to seek expert advice. In this guide, Plan Maison Québec, a specialist in designing house, cottage, and garage plans across Canada, guides you through this strategic process. So here are the questions to ask yourself before extending.
1 ) What is the objective of your expansion?
One of the first things to clarify before considering an addition is the goal you want to achieve. This step is often underestimated, yet it is fundamental because it influences all subsequent decisions:
the shape of the addition
its location
the materials used
the necessary budget.
For example, if you are looking to add a bedroom for a new child or a space to accommodate an elderly parent, the requirements in terms of comfort, accessibility, and privacy will be very different from those of an addition aimed at creating a playroom or storage space. Similarly, a home office will require good natural light, adequate soundproofing, and possibly independent access.
With Plan Maison Québec, you benefit from personalized support to design a plan that precisely meets your current needs while anticipating future ones. Our technicians and designers help you maximize the available space while taking into account the ergonomics and overall aesthetics of your home.
2 ) Does your land and zoning allow for expansion?
Even if you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you must ensure that your project complies with the urban planning regulations in effect in your municipality. Quebec is governed by very strict municipal bylaws regarding residential construction. These regulations are designed to regulate neighborhood densification, preserve architectural harmony, and ensure building safety.
It is therefore imperative to check with your municipal planning department to see if your project is authorized. Certain restrictions may apply, such as limits on the total buildable area, setback requirements (the distance between your house and your lot lines), or constraints related to the maximum building height. For example, a project involving a raised extension in a neighborhood of single-family homes may be rejected if it compromises the visual uniformity of the area.
Plan Maison Québec is well-versed in Quebec's regional specificities and can help you navigate this regulatory complexity. Our experts ensure that your plans comply with all applicable standards before you even submit a permit application.
3 ) Can your house accommodate the expansion?
Every house has its own technical characteristics, and not all are designed to accommodate an addition, especially a tall one. The structural integrity of your building must be rigorously assessed before work begins. This means inspecting the foundations, load-bearing walls, the frame, and sometimes even the surrounding soil to ensure they can support the additional load.
A house built several decades ago, for example, may require reinforcement or modernization work before adding an extra floor or wing. Conversely, some more recent constructions were designed from the outset to be scalable, which greatly facilitates future expansion.
At Plan Maison Québec, we work in collaboration with engineers and building professionals to analyze the structural feasibility of each project. Thanks to a thorough technical assessment, you get a clear picture of what is and isn't possible, and what the technical and financial implications will be.
4 ) What is the budget allocated for the expansion?
Budgeting is central to any expansion decision. Estimating materials or labor costs isn't enough. You need to consider all expenses, which are often more numerous than you might think: professional fees (designer, engineer, contractor), municipal permits, inspection fees, taxes, municipal service connections, interior design, furniture and decor, etc.
Furthermore, you should always allow for a safety margin of at least 10 to 20% of the initial budget to cover unforeseen circumstances. Unpleasant surprises during construction—such as the discovery of hidden defects or non-compliant structures—are not uncommon. Proper budget planning allows you to better manage these uncertainties without compromising the project's completion.
Plan Maison Québec offers detailed plan design services that allow your contractor to prepare accurate estimates from the outset. This helps you better manage your finances and make informed decisions based on your priorities.
5 ) Do you need any permits or authorizations?
One of the most regulated aspects of a residential expansion is the need to obtain one or more permits from the municipality. These official documents ensure that your project complies with local construction, safety, environmental, and urban planning standards.
The process may seem tedious, but it is essential. A project carried out without a permit is not only illegal, but it could also lead to serious consequences:
fines
stoppage of work
obligation to demolish the modifications made
difficulty selling your property later
Fortunately, with Plan Maison Québec, you don't have to worry about these procedures alone. We assist you in preparing all the documents required to obtain permits and advise you every step of the way to ensure compliance with your application.
6 ) Who will draw up the plans and supervise the work?
The choice of professionals who assist you is crucial to the quality of your project. A good plan isn't just a simple drawing: it's a true technical and aesthetic roadmap for your contractor, who must include exact dimensions, recommended materials, structural details, and any constraints to be met.
Hiring specialized technicians like those at Plan Maison Québec ensures you receive plans that take into account the specific features of your land, your existing home, your objectives, and municipal bylaws. This also facilitates obtaining permits and coordinating with the various trades.
As for the execution of the work, it should ideally be entrusted to a certified general contractor, who will be able to manage every step: excavation, structure, insulation, electrical, plumbing, interior finishing, etc. Proper site supervision is essential to meet deadlines, budget, and the expected quality of workmanship.
7 ) What impact will this have on your quality of life during the work?
An extension is a major project that can last several weeks or even months. During this period, your daily life will inevitably be affected. It's therefore important to be aware of this from the outset in order to prepare mentally and logistically.
Noise, dust, the comings and goings of workers, temporary water or electricity outages, and the loss of certain amenities are all factors that can cause stress. Some even choose to leave their homes during the work to avoid these inconveniences, which represents an additional cost to consider.
At Plan Maison Québec, we help you plan your project realistically. By discussing with the various stakeholders from the outset, you can organize an optimized work schedule that takes your lifestyle into account and minimizes interruptions.
8 ) How will the expansion affect the value of your property?
A well-thought-out and well-executed addition can significantly increase your property's resale value. By adding square footage, functional rooms, or desirable amenities like a garage or an additional bathroom, you make your home more attractive on the market.
However, not all modifications generate the same return on investment. An addition that is poorly integrated into the existing building, or that doesn't respect the architectural harmony of the neighborhood, can even harm your home's value. That's why it's essential to consider the real added value the project can bring in advance.
With Plan Maison Québec, you benefit from strategic support that takes into account both your personal needs and real estate market trends. Our plans are designed to maximize the functionality, aesthetics, and value of your home.
Conclusion : questions to ask yourself before extending
Adding to your home is an exciting adventure, but it shouldn't be improvised. Proper planning, professional advice, and meticulous execution are the keys to a successful project. By asking the right questions and surrounding yourself with the right experts, you'll transform your current home into a living space that's better suited to your needs, more comfortable, and more valued.
Plan Maison Québec is your trusted partner for designing plans for your addition, whether it's for a house, a cottage, or a garage. With our local expertise, personalized approach, and attention to detail, we help you realize your vision while respecting standards and your budget.
Don’t wait any longer to start your project!
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