Neighborhood
The renovation on Le Plateau Mont-Royal
Are you ready to breathe new life into your home in Montreal’s Plateau Mont-Royal? Excellent idea! To ensure your renovation project goes smoothly, it’s essential to fully understand the specific features of this sought-after neighborhood.
We’ll reveal the secrets and key information that will make all the difference. By being informed, you can approach the transformation of your home with confidence. We’ll cover the architectural features, local regulations, and potential challenges specific to this dynamic area of Montreal.
Le Plateau Mont-Royal: Renovation and Conservation of Architectural Heritage
The Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood is instantly recognizable thanks to its iconic row houses and their tall exterior staircases. These distinctive structures, which appeared at the turn of the 20th century, were an ingenious solution to address rapid population growth. Their main function? To connect the units of Montreal’s first duplexes and triplexes, thus allowing for maximum interior living space. Today, these staircases are much more than just a function; they have become an iconic symbol of the Plateau Mont-Royal.
It’s fascinating to note that at that time, a new municipal regulation required the construction of buildings with fire-resistant party walls, spaced no more than 25 feet apart. This constraint explains the architectural regularity omnipresent in the neighborhood, a characteristic that can still be observed today.
In the Plateau Mont-Royal, the majority of buildings feature an exterior architectural style that elected officials are keen to preserve. The initial construction of this district was completed in 1914, and thanks to the rigorous protection of this heritage, a stroll through its streets becomes a true journey through time.
Le Plateau Mont-Royal: A Dynamic and Young Neighborhood Around Mont-Royal Avenue
The Plateau Mont-Royal was shaped by multiple waves of European immigration (Greek, Portuguese, French, etc.) that began after the Second World War. More recently, French immigrants seem to have made their homes around Mont-Royal Avenue, so much so that some have affectionately nicknamed it “New France.”
This neighborhood is so popular with both French and Europeans, perhaps because of its “small village” atmosphere. Here, you have everything at your fingertips: from charming cafés to lively restaurants, from friendly bars to a variety of shops, not to mention its beautiful parks.
The Plateau Mont-Royal is an extremely lively borough, and Mont-Royal Avenue is its central and vibrant artery. Today, this borough is home to approximately 100,000 residents and proudly boasts the youngest average age in Montreal, a testament to its continued dynamism.
Plateau Mont-Royal Renovation: Correcting Past Problems
If you’re considering a renovation in the Plateau Mont-Royal area, it’s crucial to understand the specific challenges you might encounter.
The majority of buildings in the Plateau rest on rubble (stacked stone) foundations. Although these foundations are solid, great caution is required before insulating them from the inside. Without precautions such as perfect exterior waterproofing, you risk facing serious consequences due to the freeze-thaw cycle.
Another common problem, not only in the Plateau but throughout the city of Montreal, is the presence of asbestos. This substance, which is harmful to health, is often found in plaster coverings. If it is present, we conduct a rigorous decontamination to ensure a healthy environment.
Thermal insulation was virtually nonexistent when these buildings were constructed. This is why it is strongly recommended to reinstate the insulation during your renovation. This investment will guarantee you significant savings on your electricity bills and increased living comfort.
Finally, it’s important to note that homes in the Plateau Mont-Royal area have often been poorly renovated in the past. As testaments to its working-class past, they have sometimes suffered from poor maintenance or alterations that have weakened their structure. The charming uneven floors, so common in the area, are often a sign of structural design problems or the consequences of the metro’s construction in the 1960s.
Renovation at Plateau Mont-Royal: Essential Investment and Expertise
Undertaking renovation work on your building in the Plateau can represent a significant investment. Indeed, if your project involves reviewing or redoing the structure, the building envelope, or the windows, expert help is essential, and this comes at a cost. Hence the importance of choosing your partner carefully.
A popular option is converting your duplex into a single-family home. This type of project allows you to create exceptional living comfort in the city, offering personalized spaces adapted to your needs. You just need to be familiar with the regulations in your borough.
It is also common to receive requests to create a roof extension. However, these additions are subject to strict regulations: they must be set back from the street to avoid being visible and thus not visually alter the building’s facade. Furthermore, this extension can only occupy a maximum of 40% of the roof area (subject to change with the borough).
At the same time, many homeowners also want to expand their homes. These extensions are designed to maximize every square meter and improve your quality of life.
Another popular option is to convert your basement, excavating it to create a full-height space. This transformation can significantly increase your living space and add considerable value to your property.
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