The Pros and Cons of Adding a Second Story to Your Ontario Home

August 24, 2025

Adding a second story to your Ontario home can be a game-changing renovation, especially in dense urban areas like Toronto, where lot sizes are limited, and space is at a premium. Whether you’re expanding to accommodate a growing family, upgrading for resale, or modernizing an older home, building upward offers serious potential, but also comes with specific challenges.

In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of adding a second story so you can make a well-informed decision for your home. We’ve also included links to relevant renovation services across Ontario to help you get started.

Pros of Adding a Second Story to Your Ontario Home

Explore the top benefits of adding a second story to your Ontario home:

1. More Space Without Giving Up Your Backyard

Let’s face it, backyards in places like Toronto, Mississauga, or Markham are already pretty tight. A second story gives you extra bedrooms, bathrooms, or even a home office without sacrificing outdoor space. That’s a huge win if you’ve got kids, pets, or just love your garden.

2. Avoid the Hassle (and Cost) of Moving

Selling and buying a bigger house? It’s a headache. Between realtor fees, land transfer taxes, and moving costs, it adds up fast. Instead, put that money toward your own home.

At RM Renovation, we’ve helped many homeowners stay put by adding more room right where they are.

Want it done right and done once? Our team of renovation experts in Toronto handles everything from planning and permits to finishing touches.

3. Adds Value to Your Home

Adding a second floor is one of the best ways to boost your home’s value in Ontario’s real estate market. With more square footage and upgraded features, you’ll attract more buyers if you ever decide to sell.

Whether you go with a new primary suite, extra living room, or rental space, it’s a smart long-term move.

4. Custom Layout That Fits Your Lifestyle

The beauty of a second-story addition is that it’s fully customizable. Want an upstairs laundry room? A bright, open loft for your teenagers? Or maybe an in-law suite? We can build that.

With RM Renovation’s custom home build services, your ideas drive the plan, and we handle the rest.

5. Perfect for Growing or Multi-Generational Families

As families grow (or age), more space is more than just a luxury; it becomes a necessity. Second-story additions let you create separate zones for privacy and comfort, which is ideal for families with older parents, adult kids, or even renters.

The Cons You Should Know

Understand the key challenges of adding a second story before starting your Ontario home expansion project:

1. It’s a Big Project, And It Takes Time

You might need to move out during construction (especially when the roof comes off), so be prepared for that. The good news? We plan everything from start to finish and keep your timeline on track.

Book a no-pressure consultation with our team, and we’ll walk you through the process.

2. It’s Not Cheap

Building up costs more than finishing a basement or remodelling a kitchen. Between structural upgrades, new roofing, HVAC rerouting, and materials, prices add up.

But when done right, with proper planning, it’s still cheaper than buying a larger home in most Ontario neighbourhoods.

Check out our whole home renovation services if you’re looking to tie in multiple upgrades at once and save on costs long-term.

3. Permits & Zoning Can Be Tricky

Every municipality in Ontario has its own zoning by-laws. Height limits, distance to lot lines, and even tree protection rules can affect what you’re allowed to build.

That’s why having an experienced contractor who knows the Ontario permit process inside and out is so important. We’ll handle it, so you don’t get stuck waiting months for approval. Check out our verified customer reviews to see how we’ve helped homeowners navigate complex permits.

4. Not All Homes Are Ready to Go Up

Before you build anything, we’ll need to check your home’s foundation and framing. Some older homes can’t support a second floor without reinforcement, and others just aren’t suitable.

Our team includes licensed structural pros who’ll inspect your home and tell you straight what’s possible, what’s safe, and what’s not worth the risk.

5. Temporary Disruption

No sugarcoating it; you’re going to have noise, dust, and contractors around for a while. But we take extra steps to protect your property and minimize disruption as much as possible.

We’ll also work with you to plan the schedule in a way that fits your life, including seasonal timing.

Key Planning Considerations Before Building a Second Story

Before you jump into construction, it’s important to plan smart. Adding a second story is a big job that affects every part of your home, so taking the time to think through the details now can save you stress (and money) later.

Here’s what to consider:

Structural Strength

Your current foundation and framing must be able to support another floor. A structural engineer will need to assess if reinforcements are required before building.

Zoning & Building Permits in Ontario

Every city and town in Ontario has different rules. Some restrict building height, while others have strict setback requirements. You’ll need the right permits before anything starts. RM Renovation handles all of that for you.

Budget and Timeline

Second-story additions typically start at $200 per square foot and can take several months. Include a buffer for possible surprises like electrical upgrades or weather delays.

HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Planning

All major systems will likely need to be modified to serve the second floor. Your contractor should plan this early in the design phase to avoid costly rework.

Temporary Living Arrangements

Depending on the scope, you may need to move out for part of the project. Be sure to factor this into your overall renovation plan.

Alternatives to a Full Second Story

Not sure if a full second floor is right for you? Consider these options:

Partial Addition: Add rooms above a garage or one part of the house with our home additions service.
Main Floor Extension: Expand out if your lot allows it.
Basement Finish: A smart, budget-friendly way to add space with basement renovation.
Garage or Loft Conversion: Great for rentals or in-law suites.

Why Choose RM Renovation for Second-Story Additions in Ontario?

We’re proud to be one of Ontario’s top renovation companies, with over 20 years of experience building second floors, custom homes, and full-house remodels.

Here’s why clients choose us: