An addition is two buildings that have to behave as one. The new structure has to tie into the existing framing properly, the roof has to intersect without creating a water trap, and the exterior has to meet the original in a way that does not look like an afterthought from the street.
That is where additions go wrong, and it is almost always at the connection rather than in the new construction.
What we take on
Rear and side additions, wings and sunrooms
Second-storey additions over existing structure
Attached and detached garages
Structural alterations — removing walls, adding beams, opening up plans
Full exterior envelope replacement while you are at it
Interior finish and trim matched to the existing house
Older homes in this region
A lot of the housing across Riverview, Sackville, Memramcook and rural Kent County predates modern building envelopes. Opening one up usually reveals something — old wiring, failed flashing, sheathing that has taken water for years. We would rather find that early and tell you than discover it at a point where it wrecks your budget.
Living in it while we build
Most addition clients stay in the house. That is workable but it has to be planned: dust separation, which entrance stays usable, when services get interrupted, and what happens over a weekend. We agree that before starting, not on day three.
The trade
What good additions & renovations looks like
The difference between adequate and good in this trade is almost never visible on handover day. It shows up in year three.
Sequence. Work that arrives in the right order costs less than work that has to be undone and redone.
Tolerance. Square, plumb and level are not aspirations — every trade that follows inherits whatever tolerance you accept.
Detailing. The parts nobody photographs, like laps, flashings and fastening, are what decide whether it lasts on this coast.
Honesty. If we find something behind the wall, you hear it with photographs before we carry on.
Usually yes. It needs planning - dust separation, access, and when services get interrupted - and we agree all of that before we start.
Can you match the new exterior to the existing house?
Usually closely, and where an exact match is not available we will show you the options and where a transition would sit before you commit.
What if you find problems once you open it up?
We tell you immediately, with photographs, and price the options before doing anything. Older homes here frequently hide something, and pretending otherwise helps nobody.
