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Architectural style in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

 

In HOMA, you’ll find plenty of lofts, plexes and multi-dwellings, ideal for families looking for spacious living. This makes it an ideal neighborhood in which to invest in real estate. The modern architecture is very appealing to young families. What’s more, thanks to good transport links, the neighborhood is close to downtown Montreal. HOMA also has large green spaces, ideal for all the family to get some fresh air.

If you’re thinking of renovating your home, here’s everything you need to know. The borough of Hochelaga, like all boroughs in Montreal, has some rules regarding renovation work. To find out what these rules are, we advise you either to contact the permit office, or to call in experts like us, who will do all the paperwork for you.

If it’s a heritage building, you’ll need to consider certain deadlines for obtaining permits, as the project will have to go before the Urban Planning Advisory Committees (CCU).

COMMON PROBLEMS

 

-Our extensive experience in residential renovations in Montreal enables us to draw up a list of the most common problems encountered on HOMA homes. First of all, rubble stone foundations: many buildings have been built on this type of stacked stone foundation. Although these foundations are solid, great care must be taken before insulating them. Without some precautions, such as ensuring a perfect exterior seal, you could end up with serious consequences from freezing and thawing.

Asbestos is another well-known problem. This harmful substance is present in plaster linings. One of the most important steps in any renovation project is to carry out an asbestos survey. If asbestos is present, it must be removed to clean up the house and protect your health.

Homes in HOMA often need insulation upgrades. It may seem like a big job, but it’ll give you an excellent return on your investment and financial savings on your bills.

As in many other neighborhoods, homes have been poorly renovated in the past. Carrying its working-class past, the dwellings have sometimes suffered from under-maintenance or structurally weakening alterations. The charming sloping floors found in the area are evidence of a structural design problem. It may also be the result of the construction of the metro in the 60s.

UNIQUE RENOVATION STYLES

 

In this neighborhood, homes renovations are mainly focused on leveling the floor, updating the building envelope and the structure. Windows are also being replaced (possibly subsidized), providing better soundproofing and insulation. Excavation of the crawl space and creation of a full-height basement are also in high demand. This adds value to the house and, above all, saves space. What’s more, by excavating the crawl space, we can check the condition of the structure and restore it if necessary.

We’ve also observed that families are increasingly keen to open up the ground floor of their homes to create more open, shared spaces. Some even go so far as to add an upper floor or a roof terrace if the city has given them permission.