Homes in East York and Toronto’s core reflect a bygone era, with many built over 100 years ago. These homes were designed for lifestyles very different from today’s. Smaller closets, fewer electrical outlets, and compartmentalized main floor layouts were common. Features like separate dining rooms were prioritized, even at the expense of open living spaces. For modern families, these features can feel limiting, especially as storage and living needs grow. If you’re seeking ways to accommodate a growing family or evolving lifestyle, selling your current home for a larger one might seem like the only option. However, between real estate commissions, legal fees, moving costs, and Toronto’s double land transfer tax, the financial burden of moving can be significant, often exceeding $165,000 in lost equity. For this reason, many East York homeowners are exploring creative ways to add space to their current homes.
Closet Organizer For Space Optimization
One of the simplest ways to enhance functionality is by rethinking your closet space. Older homes often have modest closets that lack the efficiency and storage capabilities required today. A carefully planned closet can drastically increase storage capacity. By incorporating shelving or adding double-hanging rods, you can make better use of the vertical space, reducing reliance on bulky furniture like dressers. For those seeking a cost-effective solution, closet organizer systems offer an efficient way to customize your existing space.
However, if a more polished and tailored look is desired, custom closets are an excellent investment. They can be designed to fit the dimensions of your home while incorporating features like custom cabinetry, mirrored surfaces, and specialty drawers. Although custom closets may cost upwards of $5,000 depending on size and complexity, the aesthetic and functional benefits often make them worthwhile investments.
Utilize the Space Under Your Stairs
The often-overlooked area beneath the stairs holds significant potential for creative use. It can be enclosed to serve a variety of purposes depending on your needs. Some examples include transforming the space into additional storage, a small coffee station, or shelving for books and decorative items. With thoughtful planning, it can even accommodate a compact powder room. The cost of transforming this space typically starts at $10,000 and may increase if plumbing or electrical work is required. By utilizing this often-overlooked area, you can add storage to your home without altering its footprint.
Transform Your Basement
Adding living space to your home can often mean finishing the basement. Basements in East York homes often span 550 to 600 square feet, providing ample room to create functional spaces such as a laundry area, a three-piece bathroom, or a recreational room. A complete renovation, which can include upgraded lighting and plumbing, generally starts at $60,000. However, older homes may have lower basement ceilings that limit usability. If this is the case, underpinning may be necessary to create a functional space with a ceiling height of 8 feet. This involves excavating the basement and updating infrastructure like plumbing and electrical systems. The cost of underpinning typically starts at $50,000, but the result is a fully functional and versatile area that significantly adds to the premium aesthetics and atmosphere of your home. Find out more about our interior remodelling services here.
Add A Porch Enclosure
For homes with front porches, enclosing this space can be an excellent way to add extra living or storage space, providing around 100 square feet of extra space. As this home renovation project is considered a front addition, porch enclosures may require a minor variance application to Toronto’s Committee of Adjustment, depending on zoning regulations.
A reasonable budget for the entire process would be at least $5,000. If you do not require a Committee of Adjustment, then building permit design, submission, and city fees should be budgeted for around $3500. If the enclosure is designed as an unheated mud room that is not integrated into the main floor of your house, costs may begin around $30,000. For a more integrated design that includes insulation, heating, and seamless flow into your existing home, prices typically exceed $40,000. Learn more about our porch enclosure service here.
Additional Outside Space – Garage & Studio
Outdoor structures, such as backyard studios or garages, are another creative way to add extra living or storage space. A single-car garage measuring 12 by 20 feet can be added to a laneway, creating additional storage space for not just your vehicle, but tools, lawn mowers, bicycles, recycling bins, and seasonal items. Costs start at $65,000.
Alternatively, a stand-alone studio can function as a year-round office, playroom, or guest suite. A fully insulated and heated 240-square-foot studio typically costs around $95,000, depending on design complexity and additional amenities. These options not only add functionality but also enhance your property’s appeal and usability. Learn more about D2’s work with these spaces here.
Build an Addition
For more ambitious projects, home additions can dramatically expand your living space. Adding a second story to a structurally sound first floor is an excellent way to gain more space without altering the home’s footprint. These additions start at approximately $125,000 for 150 square feet, including permits and design. Rear additions to the existing structure, which involve extending the home and laying new foundations, cost upwards of $175,000 for a two-story extension. For homeowners with single-story houses, a top-up addition that doubles the square footage of the home will exceed $300,000 but offers unparalleled room for growth.
Keep Thinking Creatively About Expanding Your Home
No matter the scale of your project, adding space to your home can be a rewarding investment, providing both practical and financial benefits. Whether you’re looking to create more storage, improve functionality, or add living space, there are countless creative solutions to explore. By working with a professional general contractor, you can ensure your vision is brought to life with precision and quality. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how we can help you maximize your home’s potential.
