Should You Extend Your Home? A Montreal Homeowner’s Guide

At Groupe Anthem, we help homeowners throughout Montreal evaluate this decision with clarity—guiding them from planning to design to permit approval, and straight through to construction. Here’s what you should consider before making your choice.

Is Your Property Suitable for an Extension?

Montreal zoning bylaws vary significantly from borough to borough. Factors like lot coverage, setbacks, heritage overlays, and maximum building heights will determine what’s possible.

At Groupe Anthem, we start with a feasibility study to confirm:

  • What the city will allow

  • How much area you can add

  • Whether a vertical or horizontal extension makes more sense

  • How the extension will impact your structure

Understanding these constraints early prevents costly surprises later.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

What Is the Condition of Your Existing Structure?

Older Montreal homes—especially in neighborhoods like Ahuntsic, Rosemont, and Villeray—often require structural upgrades before adding new loads. During our planning phase, we assess:

  • Foundation strength

  • Existing framing

  • Roof and floor systems

  • Insulation and energy performance

This ensures your extension is not only beautiful, but also safe and durable.

Are You Ready for the Process?

An extension involves several stages:

  1. Concept planning

  2. Architectural design

  3. Structural design

  4. Permit approvals

  5. Construction coordination

Thinking of Expanding Your Home?

Contact Groupe Anthem to explore what’s possible. We’ll help you plan with confidence—one step at a time. At Groupe Anthem, we accompany you from start to finish. Our team manages the technical details, communicates with the city, and ensures your plans meet all requirements—so your project moves forward efficiently and without stress.

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Second-Storey Additions in Montreal: What You Need to Know Before Building Up