The Annex is defined by Late Victorian and Edwardian homes built between the 1880s and 1910s — tight lots, mature streetscapes, and a university-area density that makes adding upward far more practical than buying larger. Kopman Build has been adding second storeys to Toronto homes since 1999, with the structural knowledge and heritage awareness these properties demand.
The Annex housing stock presents specific challenges that reward contractors with direct experience. Homes built in the late 19th and early 20th century were not designed to carry an additional storey — load-bearing walls, foundations, and floor systems must be assessed and typically reinforced before vertical expansion can begin. Kopman Build engages a structural engineer on every second storey project, well before any permits are filed.
The neighbourhood's heritage character area designation means the City of Toronto expects new additions to be contextually appropriate in scale and materiality. We work with architects who understand Toronto's heritage review expectations, which shortens approval timelines significantly. And because The Annex is a dense, pedestrian-heavy neighbourhood close to U of T, we plan logistics carefully — site hoarding, noise restrictions, and neighbour communication are part of every project plan.
Dustin Kopman founded this company in 1999 after growing up in construction through his family's firm. That background shows in how projects are managed: detailed pre-construction estimates, open-book cost tracking, and direct site supervision throughout.
Full engineering review of existing foundations, load-bearing walls, and floor framing before any design is finalised — standard on every Annex project.
Architectural design that respects The Annex streetscape and satisfies Toronto's heritage character area review requirements.
We manage all City of Toronto building permit applications, heritage reviews, and Committee of Adjustment filings where required.
Complete construction of the new upper level — framing, roofing, windows, insulation, mechanical, electrical, and finishes.
New bathrooms and reconfigured kitchen layouts are common additions alongside a second storey — we coordinate all trades under one contract.
Returning semi-detached conversions to single-family use while adding a second storey is a common scope in The Annex — we know the structural and zoning considerations well.
We visit your Annex property, assess the existing structure, and document scope, budget, and timeline in writing.
A detailed line-item estimate with structural allowances and contingencies, so you understand the full number before committing.
We manage all permit applications, engineering consultants, heritage review, and City approvals — nothing falls through the cracks.
Full-time site supervision, weekly client updates, and open-book cost tracking from structural work through final finishes.
Structured handover with all documentation, warranties, and a 12-month attendance window post-completion.
A full second storey addition on a Late Victorian or Edwardian semi-detached or detached home in The Annex typically runs $350,000–$650,000+, depending on the footprint, structural complexity, and finish level. Older homes often require upgrades to the foundation, load-bearing walls, and mechanical systems as part of the scope. Kopman Build provides a detailed pre-construction estimate before any commitment.
The Annex falls within a Toronto heritage character area, and some streets include individually designated heritage properties. While not all properties require a Heritage Permit, a design that respects the streetscape and existing massing is strongly advisable and often required by the City. Kopman Build works with architects familiar with Toronto's heritage review process to produce designs that pass approval efficiently.
From initial consultation to occupancy, plan for 14–20 months on a typical Annex second storey addition. Permit and heritage review can take 4–8 months before construction begins. The construction phase itself typically runs 8–12 months. We provide a realistic schedule from day one and communicate proactively if anything changes.
Most Late Victorian and Edwardian homes in The Annex can support a second storey addition, but the existing structure nearly always requires reinforcement. Foundation review, upgraded load-bearing walls, and new floor framing are standard scope items. Kopman Build commissions a structural engineer on every second storey project to confirm what is required before construction begins.
Kopman Build builds second storey additions on Late Victorian and Edwardian homes across The Annex and central Toronto. No-obligation consultation — we come to your property.
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