Second story Additions

Why Families Across Toronto Choose a Second-Story Addition

• Stay in the neighbourhood you love– Avoid the stress of moving schools, leaving friends, or giving up your community.
• Add bedrooms, baths, or even a full primary suite- A second floor gives flexibility for growing families or multigenerational living.
• Maximize your lot- Perfect for smaller Toronto lots where building out isn’t possible.
• Boost resale value– A well-planned two-storey extension can recoup 60-65% of costs at resale 
• Customize for your future– Whether it’s a home office, rental suite, or upstairs laundry, you’re building to fit your lifestyle.

What’s Involved in a Second-Story Build? A Step-by-Step Guide

We’ve refined our process over 15+ years and 200+ projects. From first consultation to final walkthrough, here’s exactly what to expect—clear, predictable, and stress-minimized.

1. Feasibility & Structural Assessment

• Engineer inspects foundation, walls, roof, and soil
• Determines if reinforcements (e.g., underpinning) are needed
• Free preliminary evaluation included

2. Design & Permit Approval

• Custom architectural plans + 3D renderings
• Full permit application submitted to the City of Toronto Building Division
• Average approval time: 8–12 weeks (we manage everything)
• All designs comply with the Ontario Building Code (OBC)

3. Roof Removal & Framing

• Existing roof carefully removed
• New second floor framed with engineered lumber
• Home and yard protected with temporary enclosures

4. Stairwell & Circulation

• Strategically placed staircase for natural flow
• Designed to preserve main-floor function
• 3D preview provided before cutting

5. Mechanicals: Electrical, Plumbing & HVAC

• Electrical circuits extended or upgraded
• Plumbing lines run for new bathrooms
• HVAC ducted or mini-splits installed for comfort

6. Insulation, Drywall & Finishes

• High-efficiency insulation (R-20 walls, R-50 roof)
• Drywall, trim, flooring, paint, and fixtures installed
• Matched to your existing style or fully modernized

7. Exterior & Final Inspection

• Siding, roofing, and trim matched seamlessly
• City of Toronto inspections scheduled and passed
• Certificate of Compliance issued-project complete!

Zoning, Setbacks & Neighbour Considerations: Build Smart from Day One

Before we draw a single line, we make sure your second-storey addition meets Toronto’s zoning rules so your project gets approved fast and avoids costly changes.

Using the City’s Preliminary Zoning Review and Property Information Report (PIR), we confirm:

• Maximum building height (critical for two-storey additions)
• Required side, front, and rear yard setbacks
• Lot coverage limits (how much of your property can be built on)
• Easements or restrictions (e.g., hydro corridors, shared walls)

What About Neighbours?

The City may notify adjacent property owners if your addition:

• Overlooks their yard
• Affects natural light
• Requires work near a shared lot line

We help you:

• Review potential sightlines early
• Adjust window placement if needed
• Communicate professionally (if required)

💡 Pro Tip: Addressing neighbour concerns upfront prevents delays and keeps relationships positive.

Learn more: Apply for Zoning Review & Get Building Records – City of Toronto

Why Homeowners Choose Us for Second Floor Construction

We make second-story additions simple, compliant, and stress-free because we know Toronto’s rules, timelines, and neighbourhoods like the back of our hand.

• We Know the City’s System

We file permits daily with the City of Toronto Building Division and track every step- from application to final inspection so you don’t have to.

• No Surprises on Zoning

Before we design, we pull your Preliminary Zoning Review and Property Information Report (PIR) to ensure your addition meets height limits, setbacks, and lot rules avoiding costly re-draws.

• Full OBC Compliance Built In

Every plan is reviewed for Ontario Building Code compliance. We schedule and pass all mandatory inspections- framing, rough-in, insulation, final with zero shortcuts.

•  We Handle the Details

– Permit applications & City correspondence

– Inspection tracking & status updates

– Neighbour notifications (when required)

– Tree protection & site safety

All while following Toronto’s noise, safety, and construction bylaws.

•  Design + Build. One Team. No Handoffs.

No juggling architects, engineers, and contractors. We manage everything in-house so your project stays on time, on budget, and fully coordinated.