Second-Storey Additions in Montreal: What You Need to Know Before Building Up
For many homeowners in Montreal, a second-storey addition is the best way to expand living space without sacrificing yard area. As families grow and housing prices rise, building up instead of moving has become increasingly popular. But is it right for your home?
At Groupe Anthem, we design every addition with its structural impact in mind, especially when building vertically. Because we evaluate and integrate the existing structure from the start, there’s no need to bounce between multiple professionals—making our model ideal for this type of project. The result: less coordination, faster service, and reduced overall cost.
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Why a Second-Storey Addition Makes Sense in Montreal
A second-storey addition can dramatically improve:
Total usable square footage
Long-term property value
Comfort and functionality
Room for growing families
Layout modernization
In dense Montreal neighbourhoods with limited lot sizes, building upward often offers the best return on investment.
Understanding Montreal’s Zoning Rules Before You Build Up
Montreal’s zoning bylaws vary by borough and can affect:
Maximum allowed height
Roof shape requirements
Setbacks and architectural integration
Whether a full or partial second floor is permitted
Many homeowners are surprised by these rules — which is why early analysis is essential.
The Importance of Integrating a Second-Storey Addition With Surrounding Homes
Many Montreal boroughs take streetscape appearance seriously, and poorly integrated additions can lead to permit delays or rejections. Beyond compliance, a well-integrated second floor also enhances curb appeal and long-term property value. A second-storey addition should complement neighbouring rooflines, materials, window proportions, and overall form. This doesn’t mean copying the surrounding homes, but rather designing in a way that respects the existing aesthetic rhythm of the street. Thoughtful integration prevents your addition from appearing bulky, out of place, or visually disconnected.
Turnkey Planning: From Permit to Construction
A second-storey addition is a major undertaking, and managing all the moving parts can quickly become overwhelming for homeowners. That’s why a turnkey planning approach is so valuable — it ensures your project moves smoothly from concept to permit approval and straight through to construction without unnecessary delays or confusion.
Groupe Anthem Handles the Entire Planning Process
We deliver permit-ready plans, manage zoning communications, and provide construction support — making your project seamless from start to finish. A true turnkey process gives homeowners peace of mind:
One point of contact
Consistent oversight from start to finish
Faster approvals
Fewer surprises during construction
A smoother, more predictable building experience
Ready to Build Up?
Contact us for more information.
