Is Your Home Ready for an Extension? What You Need to Know

Your home might have been perfect when you first bought it, but life changes. Maybe your family is growing, you need a bigger kitchen, or you finally want that dream primary suite. If moving isn’t an option (or just sounds like a headache), a home extension could be the answer.

At MTL Contractors, we specialize in seamless home extensions that blend perfectly with your existing space while meeting all Montreal zoning and building codes. But before you start envisioning your extra square footage, let’s talk about what it actually takes to expand your home the right way.

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1. Can Your Property Legally Accommodate an Extension?

Before drawing up any plans, you need to check if your home is even eligible for an extension under Montreal’s zoning laws. Every borough has specific rules regarding setbacks, lot coverage, and building height.

✔ Zoning Bylaws – Certain neighborhoods have strict limits on home expansions.

✔ Setback Regulations – There are minimum distances required between your home and property lines.

✔ Lot Coverage Limits – You can’t cover too much of your land with structures.

✔ Height Restrictions – Some areas won’t allow a second-story addition.

🚨 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about what’s allowed on your property, we handle all zoning research and permit approvals so you don’t have to deal with city hall.

💡 Fun Fact: Some older homes have existing structures that are technically “grandfathered in”, meaning an extension might be possible even if current zoning doesn’t allow it.

2. What Type of Home Extension Do You Need?

There’s more than one way to expand your home—choosing the right type depends on your needs, property, and budget.

🔹 Rear Extensions (Most Common)

✔ Extends your home into the backyard.

✔ Ideal for kitchen expansions, extra living space, or larger dining areas.

✔ Requires checking lot coverage and setback regulations.

🔹 Side Extensions

✔ Expands the home horizontally, often into an unused side yard.

✔ Great for mudrooms, pantries, or home offices.

✔ Works best if you have enough side yard clearance under city bylaws.

🔹 Second-Story Extensions

✔ Adds an entire second floor to a bungalow or extends over an existing section.

✔ Best for growing families who need extra bedrooms.

✔ More involved process requiring structural reinforcement.

🔹 Garage or Basement Extensions

✔ Convert an attached garage into living space or add a full basement walkout.

✔ Ideal for income suites, in-law apartments, or rental units.

✔ In some cases, adding a new foundation may be required.

🚨 Reality Check: Not all properties are suitable for every type of extension. We assess the foundation, existing structure, and zoning rules before recommending the best option.

3. How Much Does a Home Extension Cost in Montreal?

The cost of a home extension depends on size, materials, and complexity. Here’s a rough guide:

💰 Cost Breakdown

💰 Small Extension (100-250 sq. ft.) → $50K - $150K

💰 Mid-Size Extension (250-500 sq. ft.) → $150K - $300K

💰 Large or Second-Story Addition (500+ sq. ft.) → $300K - $600K+

✔ Basic additions (unfinished interior, no plumbing) cost less.

✔ Luxury finishes, kitchens, and bathrooms drive up the price.

✔ Structural work, foundation reinforcement, or major electrical upgrades add to the cost.

🚨 Pro Tip: If your budget is tight, a smaller, well-planned extension is often better than a large, over-the-top addition that drains your finances.

💡 Money-Saving Tip: Keeping the same roofline and foundation footprint helps cut down costs. Changing structural elements adds time and money.

4. Do You Need a Permit for a Home Extension in Montreal?

Absolutely. Montreal has strict permit requirements for home expansions, and skipping them can result in fines, forced demolition, or legal issues when selling your home.

✔ Building Permit – Required for all home extensions.

✔ Zoning Approval – Ensures compliance with local regulations.

✔ Architectural Plans & Engineering Approvals – Must be submitted to the city for approval.

✔ Heritage Property Considerations – Extra steps required if your home is in a historic district.

🚨 Pro Tip: We handle the entire permit process so you don’t have to worry about approvals, inspections, or paperwork.

5. How Long Does a Home Extension Take?

Adding a home extension isn’t a weekend project—it takes careful planning, city approvals, and construction time. Here’s a rough timeline:

✔ Planning & Permits (3-6 months) – Design, zoning approvals, and building permits.

✔ Site Prep & Foundation Work (1-2 months) – Excavation, pouring foundation (if needed).

✔ Framing & Structural Work (1-2 months) – Building walls, roofing, and exterior.

✔ Interior Finishing (2-4 months) – Insulation, drywall, flooring, plumbing, electrical.

🚨 Total Timeline: 6 months to 1 year (depending on complexity).

💡 Reality Check: A properly built home extension takes time. If a contractor promises unrealistically fast timelines, that’s a red flag.

Why Work With MTL Contractors?

A home extension is one of the biggest investments you can make in your property—so you need a contractor who knows the process inside and out. At MTL Contractors, we ensure that every addition is structurally sound, seamlessly integrated, and legally compliant.

Here’s what makes us different:

✅ Full-Service Design & Build – From blueprints to final touches.

✅ Licensed, Bonded & Insured – No cutting corners. No surprises. Just expert work, done right.

✅ Honest Pricing & No BS – We give you real numbers upfront, so you know what to expect.

✅ A Team You Can Trust – We handle everything from permits to construction.

If you’re thinking about a home extension in Montreal, let’s talk. Book a consultation with MTL Contractors today, and let’s build the space you actually need.

🚀 Don’t forget! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert renovation tips!

Is Your Home Ready for an Extension? What You Need to Know