Construction & Renovation Services in Leslieville & Riverside

A party wall agreement is a formal arrangement between you and your semi-detached neighbour regarding shared wall construction. In Ontario, there is no specific party wall legislation like in the UK, but a written agreement is strongly recommended before any work that affects the shared wall — including underpinning, structural modifications, or even vibration-intensive demolition. The agreement typically covers scope of work, responsibility for any damage, insurance requirements, access provisions, and restoration obligations. A real estate lawyer can draft an appropriate agreement, typically costing $1,500-$3,000. Proceeding without one exposes you to significant liability if your neighbour's property is damaged.

Rear additions in Leslieville typically cost $275-$475 per square foot, with most projects adding 200-500 square feet across one or two storeys. A single-storey rear kitchen extension of 200 sq ft runs approximately $55,000-$95,000, while a full two-storey rear addition of 400 sq ft ranges from $110,000-$190,000. These estimates include structural work, finishes, mechanical systems, and permit costs. Costs are at the higher end of Toronto ranges due to narrow lot access, party wall considerations, and the need to tie new construction into existing 130-year-old structures. Design fees typically add $8,000-$20,000 depending on complexity.

If your property backs onto a public lane (common in parts of Leslieville), you may be eligible to build a garden suite under the City of Toronto's garden suite permissions adopted in February 2022. Requirements include minimum lot size, setback compliance, and maximum height restrictions. Garden suites must comply with the Ontario Building Code and require full building permits. Not all Leslieville lots qualify — narrow lots and existing rear additions may not leave sufficient footprint. A preliminary zoning review ($500-$1,500 through an architect or planner) will confirm feasibility before investing in design.

Yes, and it is often required. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) mandates that any knob-and-tube wiring disturbed during renovation must be replaced with modern wiring. Most home insurance providers either refuse to insure or charge significant premiums for homes with active knob-and-tube. Complete rewiring of a typical Leslieville semi-detached home costs $15,000-$30,000, including a panel upgrade to 200-amp service. This investment improves safety, enables modern appliance loads, and eliminates insurance complications. If you are doing any significant renovation, complete rewiring is strongly recommended even for circuits not directly affected by the renovation scope.

Under the City of Toronto's multiplex zoning update effective May 2023, residential properties can be converted to contain 2-4 units, subject to lot size and building envelope requirements. The conversion must comply with the Ontario Building Code requirements for multi-unit buildings, including fire separations between units, separate entrances, and adequate parking (or exemption). Each unit requires its own kitchen, bathroom, and living space. ESA electrical permits and TSSA gas permits are required for separate metering. The building permit application should include plans prepared by a qualified designer or architect showing code compliance for all units.

Lead-based paint is present in virtually all Leslieville homes built before 1960. During renovation, disturbing lead paint creates hazardous dust that poses serious health risks, particularly to children. Ontario Regulation 278/05 governs lead paint handling during construction. For renovation projects, hire a contractor trained in lead-safe work practices. Full abatement (removal to bare substrate) costs $10-$25 per square foot depending on the surface. Encapsulation (sealing with specialized coatings) is a less expensive option at $3-$8 per square foot for surfaces that will not be disturbed. Testing costs $200-$500 for a comprehensive home assessment.