r/homebuildingcanada

Hey all, just bought 2 br condo in North York, its about 850 sq ft and honestly the place need alot of work. Were thinking new floors throughout, redo the kitchen completely and maybe open up the wall between kitchen and living room if its not load bearing. This is first time doing any kind of condo renovation so we have zero clue what things should cost or how to find a good contractor that wont ghost us halfway thru the job (before that the only thing I'd ever had to renovate was dad's garage lol). Also a bit worried about condo board approvals and permits - does anyone know how long that usually takes?

Any tips, horror stories, or contractor recommendations would help, tnx a ton!

I've noticed that whenever drafts around windows come up, the answers are all over the place. Some people blame old windows. others blame poor installation. I've even seen people argue that the biggest issue is usually air sealing around the rough opening and not the window itself. for builders, renovators, and homeowners who've actually solved this problem, what tends to be the most common culprit?

I need advice that isn’t pouring concrete.
So, i’m not allowed to have a traditional foundation on a piece of property. It’s technically off grid zoning, but I am allowed to have something solid out there, but just not a massive permanent house. I’m probably going to have a couple of shipping container homes, and also a few different sheds with decks. I’ve seen deck blocks/pier blocks that people put shipping containers on… my concern is them sinking/ shifting even if the ground is dug down and tamped. Is that a valid concern? I think I could get away with using something like 1 1/2” - or 3/4- aggregate and the fines in a hole, rather than poured concrete. Then should I set up these deck blocks on top of these holes with the rock under for added stability? Or is it smarter/safer to just do the deck blocks on the tamped ground? Or should I use the aggregate basically like a concrete alternative and put the pressure-treated post in the dugout subsoil with the fines and aggregate all around it in excess acting like concrete? Or is that very dumb cause they’ll move? 😅
Any advice would be helpful. I am new to building/construction. Also, how should I keep the shipping container home from sagging overtime just lots and lots of deck blocks or is there a more durable solution? Tia!!

Edit: this will *not* be for a full sized home, but several smaller structures. Anything I use will have to be able to be removed on an average size trailer; i.e. a 40” shipping container, or a tiny home that has a road legal width, or similar construction. Thx

Doing an extension on a Bungalow and have story addition in GTA.

The footing and forming is ready but there is no rebars. The structural engineer does not call for rebar. Do GTA homes typically call for rebar (10M or 15M)? Soil is 100 kPa (SLS), 300 kPa.

I am unfamiliar with this process and it feels - though maybe untrue - that one is sort of a hostage to an engineer always in Ontario for how they charge and operate.

I heard they charge per sq ft or so which doesn't make sense. How much work is there truly? What about changes? How to agree or not to those extra costs?

What cards does the home owner hold when dealing with engineers half way through the project if they want to change them or get reasonable prices out of them?

How to deal with their wrong sayings? Yet pay another engineer to give opinions?

What drives the engineers I guess I want to know.

I have a small house that was built in the 1950’s.

The brick chimney and fireplace have to be removed.

It is on an exterior wall, the hearth is brick and above the mantle is some form of wall board, not drywall.

It is one level. The roof has rafters, not trusses and until I open the inside wall, I will have no idea how it is supported where the chimney is.

I will not be replacing the fireplace. The siding is being replaced in a couple months.

I am thinking to do the following. Brace the ceiling joists inside before opening the wall and starting the demo.

Have fun with a sledge hammer and remove the brick work. Much of the mortar is crumbing.

Then rebuild the wall. Studs, sheathing, vapour barrier, rain screen, insulation etc.

Have I missed anything?

Hey all! I’m trying to learn more about what homeowners experience when applying for residential permits.

For projects like decks, sheds, porches, garages, additions, etc., it seems like the process is confusing for homeowners and expensive to get a designer.

For anyone who has gone through it, what was the biggest headache?

Hi everyone! I just bought my first home here in Edmonton, but it doesn't have a garage. I’m looking to build a basic detached garage but want to keep the costs down as much as possible.

The concrete pad is already there, so I just need the actual garage built on top of it.
Can anyone recommend a reliable builder who does solid work at a reasonable price?

I did consider a carport, but from what I’ve heard, they aren't a great idea for Edmonton winters, so I’m sticking with a proper garage!

Thanks in advance!