Riverside Park bungalows and split levels
The postwar bungalow is the defining house type here, and it has a predictable set of needs.
Kitchens are closed off at the back of the house with a single door to the dining room. Removing that wall transforms the main floor, and in these homes it is very often load bearing, so it needs a beam, posts and a permit.
Bathrooms are original in many of these houses, and the original had no exhaust fan or a fan vented into the attic. Split levels bring their own detail, with short runs of stairs that limit how much a layout can change without structural work.
Insulation is the other constant. Exterior walls in this vintage were built with minimal insulation, so any wall we open is a chance to improve it. Attics are usually the cheapest place to gain comfort, and we look there first.
Living close to the Rideau River
Being near the river is the reason people love this area and the reason basements need attention. The water table sits higher here than in much of the city, and spring thaw makes it higher still.
Before finishing any basement in this area we look at grading, downspout discharge, window wells, sump function and any staining on the foundation wall. Get that right and the basement stays dry. Skip it and you will be rebuilding it in a few springs.
What we build most in the Riverside area
Kitchens and main floor openings lead. Taking down the kitchen wall, adding a beam, and rebuilding the kitchen around how the family actually cooks. See kitchen renovation for detail, and our remodeler service for the structural side.
Whole house renovations are common here too, usually when a bungalow changes hands after decades with one owner. Our home renovation page covers how those are staged.
Then basements, bathrooms, roofing and brick. Masonry on this vintage of house needs the right mortar, which our building restoration service handles, and roofing goes through our general contractor service.
Based in the neighbourhood
Our office is in this part of the city, which is a practical advantage rather than a marketing line. Site visits get scheduled sooner, material runs are shorter, and if something needs looking at we are minutes away rather than across town.
Access is easy along Riverside Drive, with Bank Street and Heron Road covering most of the surrounding streets. Lots are generous, so bins and deliveries are rarely a problem.
Spring is our busiest local season, largely because of basement calls after the thaw. Booking interior work for winter usually means a faster start and a calmer schedule.
Permits and inspections for Riverside 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 Riverside looks like
- Free consultation: we come to your home in Riverside 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.