Residential Renovation & Addition Design in Ontario

Building design and engineering for home additions, interior renovations and secondary suites throughout Ontario.

Timber framed home addition under construction beside an existing brick house

JSR Engineering helps homeowners and project teams develop residential changes into coordinated design documents. Architectural layouts, structural details and HVAC design are considered together so a proposed renovation responds to the existing house.

Home additions & building alterations

An addition changes how a house is used and how new construction meets the old. Building layouts, elevations and structural details need to describe that connection consistently. We develop the selected design disciplines for additions and alterations, including the foundations and supports required by the structural design.

Interior renovations & structural openings

Removing a load bearing wall or forming a new opening affects the path of loads through the house. Structural design considers the beam and its supports, while the architectural layout establishes the intended room arrangement. The resulting details help communicate how the proposed change is to be built.

Basement renovations & secondary suites

Secondary suite layouts can involve changes to circulation, building separations and mechanical systems. BCIN drawings and HVAC or ventilation design are coordinated around the proposed arrangement. The appropriate design and submission scope depends on the house and the work proposed.

Design that connects the disciplines

A revised room layout can affect heating and cooling distribution, while a new beam may occupy a ceiling zone needed by services. Coordinating design information helps address these relationships before the drawing package is finalized.

Residential Renovations & Additions services

Home additions and interior renovations
Secondary suites and basement layouts
Load bearing wall removal and beam design
Deck and landing structural details
Residential HVAC and ventilation design

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Residential design for additions and additional living space

A successful residential alteration connects the proposed space to the existing home. Layout, structural support and heating and ventilation need to work together. A second storey addition has different design considerations from a garage suite or enclosed deck, so each assignment starts with a defined scope. JSR Engineering supports building design and engineering for residential renovation and addition projects throughout Ontario.

Related project experience

Explore our garage to residential suite conversion for an example of JSR Engineering’s project scope.

For official background on the building approval process, see Ontario’s guide to building permits.

Related design services

Frequently asked questions

Can a home addition affect the existing heating and cooling system?

Yes. New floor area, windows and room arrangements can change heating and cooling requirements. HVAC design should consider the proposed addition together with the system strategy for the house.

Can an addition affect rooms outside the construction area?

Yes. Structural load paths, air distribution and circulation can extend beyond the new space. The design considers these connections so that the addition is developed in relation to the existing home rather than as an isolated room.

Is a garage suite the same project as a new detached house?

No. A garage conversion works with an existing structure and its particular constraints. The proposed dwelling layout, building envelope and services need to be considered within that context, with design requirements established for the specific conversion.

Discuss your next project.

Connect with JSR Engineering about building design, engineering or reality capture services for your project.