Additions

More house. Same address.

If you like your street and your lot but the house has run out of room, an addition is often the better move. We build up, out the back, or a separate suite in the yard.

A house at dusk with a dark-clad upper storey and lit windows above a sloped lawn

Three ways to add space

Second storey

A new floor over an existing bungalow or rancher. The roof comes off, the walls below are checked and reinforced, and a stair goes in.

Typical cost: $400–$600/sq ft
On site: 6–9 months
Live at home?: Usually not for 3–5 months

Rear addition

A bigger kitchen, a main-floor bedroom or a family room off the back of the house, opening to the yard.

Typical cost: $375–$550/sq ft
On site: 4–6 months
Live at home?: Usually yes

Garden suite

A separate small home in the back yard, for a parent, a grown child or a tenant, with its own services.

Most land at: $260,000–$420,000
On site: 6–8 months
Live at home?: Yes

2026 Kelowna-area ranges including labour, before design fees, permit fees and GST. Interior-only renovations under $40,000 go to a partner firm we trust.

Before we price it

What we check on your house first

Whether the foundation and walls can carry a second floor, with an engineer when they might not.
Height limits, setbacks and lot coverage under your zoning.
Electrical service size. Many older homes need an upgrade to take a new floor or a suite.
Sewer, water and power routes to the back yard for a garden suite.
Where we can stage materials and park without blocking your street.

Hands drafting on a sheet of plans beside a scale ruler and a rolled drawing

Questions people ask about additions

Can we stay in the house while you build?

For a rear addition, usually yes. We build the new part first, then open the wall to the old house at the end, behind a sealed dust wall. For a second storey the roof comes off, so most families move out for three to five months. We put the move-out window in the schedule so you can plan around it.

Is a second storey cheaper than moving?

Sometimes. Once you add selling costs, the property transfer tax and moving, an addition can come out ahead, especially on a lot you love. We will price it honestly and you can compare.

Do we need an architect?

For a second storey or a garden suite you need permit drawings, and for most additions an engineer's sign-off on the structure. You can bring your own designer or use one we work with often.

Who handles the permit?

We do. We prepare and submit the application, book the inspections and keep the permit card on site.

Next step

Outgrowing the house?

Tell us what is not working and what you would add. We will look at the house and tell you which option fits.

Tell us about the project

(555) 555-0116

Office: 1460 Sawmill Road, Kelowna, BC
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8:00 to 4:00. Crews on site from 7:00.