Orleans housing stock by decade
The older Orleans neighbourhoods sit closest to the river. Convent Glen and Queenswood Heights homes from the 1970s and early 1980s have mature trees, decent lots and original mechanical systems that are now well past their design life.
In those houses we frequently find bathroom fans venting into the attic, undersized electrical panels, and basements finished long ago with panelling and no insulation.
Fallingbrook and Chapel Hill are 1990s two storeys. Solid framing, better insulation, and finishes that owners are now replacing: melamine cabinets, laminate counters, worn carpet and builder grade bathrooms.
Avalon and the newer south Orleans subdivisions rarely need structural work. Those projects are basements, kitchen upgrades and outdoor living space, often within builder covenants that we check before quoting exterior changes.
Ice damming on east end roofs
Orleans gets the same freeze and thaw pattern as the rest of the city, and we see a steady run of winter ceiling stains here every February.
That is ice damming rather than a failed shingle. Warm air escaping into the attic melts snow, the water refreezes at the cold overhang, and it backs up under the shingles. The repair involves attic insulation and ventilation, not just roofing, which our general contractor service covers together.
What we build most in Orleans
Basements come first. Family rec rooms, a fourth bedroom with an egress window, a full bathroom and storage that is actually usable. See basement renovation for how those run.
Bathrooms are close behind, especially second floor bathrooms in the 1990s stock where the original builder tub surround has started to fail. Waterproofing above living space is where we spend the extra time. Detail on the bathroom renovation page.
Kitchens, additions and exterior work fill the rest. Rear additions and sunrooms go through our building designer service for drawings and permits first, then our crews build them.
Working in the east end
We reach Orleans on Highway 174, and crews start early so the commute lands before the worst of the inbound traffic. Innes Road, St. Joseph Boulevard and Tenth Line Road cover most addresses from there.
Lots here are generous, with driveways and space for bins, so material deliveries and demolition staging are straightforward.
One local detail worth planning around: many Orleans streets have deep front yards with irrigation and interlock. We protect those routes before heavy material starts moving across them.
Permits and inspections for Orleans projects
Structural changes, new plumbing lines, panel upgrades and finished basements generally need a City of Ottawa building permit. Electrical work also needs its own notification to the Electrical Safety Authority.
We apply, book the inspections and meet inspectors on site. Unpermitted work causes problems with insurance claims and at resale, so it is not a corner worth cutting. If you want the process explained on its own, our building consultant service covers that.
What working with us in Orleans looks like
- Free consultation: we come to your home in Orleans and walk the space with you.
- Itemized estimate: within 3 to 5 business days, with allowances stated in real numbers.
- One point of contact: the owners stay involved from first visit to final walk through.
- Written change orders: nothing extra proceeds without your approval.
- WSIB and full insurance: proof available before any contract is signed.
- One year workmanship warranty: on every project we complete.