Leaside's compact lots and coveted postwar brick bungalows make second storey additions the neighbourhood's defining renovation — adding a full floor to a 1940s–1960s home without moving from a tight-knit community families have chosen for generations. Kopman Build brings the structural expertise and heritage awareness this work demands.
Leaside is one of Toronto's most active markets for second storey additions — and for good reason. The neighbourhood's postwar bungalows sit on well-sized lots in a family-oriented community that holds its value. Adding a full second floor is almost always a better decision than leaving Leaside for a larger home elsewhere in the city.
Leaside is also a Heritage Conservation District, which means second storey additions must be designed with sensitivity to streetscape character and may require Heritage Permits in addition to standard building permits. Kopman Build knows this process thoroughly — we manage every submission, consultant, and review stage in-house so nothing stalls your project.
Dustin Kopman founded the company in 1999 after growing up working in construction through his family's firm, G&G Enterprise. That hands-on background means every project is run by someone who understands the craft, the structure, and what it actually takes to lift a Leaside bungalow into a proper two-storey family home.
Complete bungalow-to-two-storey conversion, structurally integrated with existing 1940s–1960s masonry and framing.
Engineering review of existing foundation, walls, and framing to confirm capacity and identify any remediation before work begins.
Full handling of Heritage Conservation District permit submissions, documentation, and City of Toronto review coordination.
Main-floor layout updates — open kitchens, new staircase placement, revised circulation — to complement the new upper floor.
Leaside families typically add a primary bedroom with ensuite and walk-in closet above the existing footprint — we design and build it properly.
New roofline, window placement, and facade detailing designed to read as a cohesive whole and respect Leaside's streetscape character.
We visit your Leaside property, assess the existing structure, and document the project in writing — scope, budget, and timeline.
A detailed line-item estimate with allowances and contingencies, so you know the number before committing to anything.
We manage all building permit and heritage permit applications, engineering consultants, and City of Toronto approvals.
Full-time site supervision, weekly updates, and open-book cost tracking throughout the second storey addition.
Structured handover with all documentation, warranties, and a 12-month attendance window post-completion.
A full second storey addition on a Leaside bungalow typically runs $350,000–$650,000+ depending on the existing structure, finished area, and specification level. Leaside's 1940s–1960s brick homes often require additional structural assessment and temporary shoring, which factors into the total cost. Kopman Build provides a detailed pre-construction estimate before any commitment.
Yes. Adding a second storey to a postwar brick bungalow is the most common major renovation project in Leaside. The existing foundation and walls are assessed by a structural engineer, temporary shoring is installed, and the new floor structure is integrated with the original masonry. Kopman Build has completed this scope many times on similar Leaside and east Toronto housing stock.
Yes. A second storey addition in Leaside requires a building permit from the City of Toronto. Because Leaside is a Heritage Conservation District, projects that alter the exterior appearance of a property may also require a Heritage Permit. Kopman Build manages all permit applications, heritage review submissions, and consultant coordination.
From permit submission to final occupancy, plan on 12–18 months for a full second storey addition in Leaside. Permitting — including any heritage review — typically takes 4–8 months. Active construction runs 6–10 months. We provide a realistic phased timeline during our initial consultation so you can plan accordingly.
Kopman Build builds second storey additions on Leaside bungalows. No-obligation consultation — we come to your property.
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