Neighborhood
The renovation in Westmount
Westmount is a sought-after neighborhood in Montreal with unique challenges. With many years of experience in this sector, ESPÉ is qualified to offer you innovative solutions tailored to your needs.
Renovating in Westmount: Navigating Heritage Regulations
When undertaking finishing or renovation work in Westmount, one of the first steps is to check with the Municipality of Westmount whether the residence is considered heritage and whether it is governed by a specific by-law. Given the age of Westmount’s homes, they present specific needs, and the municipality requires strict compliance with its current regulations.
The Municipality of Westmount requires the preservation of important elements characteristic of the neighborhood’s architecture when it comes to exterior modifications, such as doors and windows, the roof, and landscaping.
Some minor modifications may be authorized without being submitted to the Municipality of Westmount if they comply with the by-law regarding Westmount’s architectural heritage.
Note that no major exterior modifications will be authorized without having been submitted to the Municipality of Westmount. Therefore, additional time must be allowed when applying for a permit.
Each project is unique, and regulations are constantly evolving. This is why we offer projects that comply with current regulations depending on each house entrusted to us.
The Most Common Renovations in Westmount: Preserving History, Integrating Comfort
Here are the most common renovations in Westmount:
Frequent Interior Renovations
Kitchens and Bathrooms: This is almost a constant. Homeowners invest in high-end materials, state-of-the-art appliances, and custom designs to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The goal is often to open up spaces for more light and a more welcoming atmosphere.
Basement Renovations and Remodeling: Basements are often converted into additional living spaces: family rooms, guest bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, gyms, or even home theaters. Insulation and waterproofing are priorities to ensure comfort.
System Upgrades (Plumbing, Electrical, Heating/Air Conditioning): Many homes in Westmount are older, and upgrading systems is essential for safety, energy efficiency, and comfort. This often includes the installation of modern centralized heating and air conditioning systems.
Restoration of Architectural Details: Westmount homeowners pride themselves on the unique character of their homes. Renovations often include the restoration of original woodwork, moldings, floors, and decorative elements to preserve the property’s authenticity.
Frequent Exterior Renovations
Facade Restoration and Renovation: This can include repairing or replacing masonry (brick, stone), restoring balconies, cornices, dormers, and roofs. The goal is to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the home while ensuring its durability.
Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces: Gardens in Westmount are often works of art. Renovations can include the creation of decks, patios, sophisticated landscaped gardens, the installation of swimming pools (with strict regulations), and improved outdoor lighting.
Improving energy efficiency: Even with preservation, many homeowners seek to improve their home’s energy efficiency by replacing windows with more efficient models (while respecting the original style) and improving insulation.
Extensions: Although regulations are strict to preserve the city’s character, some extensions are being made, often at the rear or sides, to add living space. These projects require careful integration to avoid distorting the existing architecture.
The challenges of renovating old houses in Westmount
Westmount’s often older and prestigious homes present specific challenges during renovations. Here are the most common problems:
Asbestos: The presence of asbestos is very common in homes built before 1980, particularly in plaster coverings, floor and ceiling tiles, roof shingles, insulation (around boilers, ducts, pipes), and pipe cement. Professional asbestos testing and removal are often necessary.
Insulation Issues: Older homes are often poorly insulated, resulting in significant energy losses and reduced thermal comfort. Improving insulation is a priority to optimize living comfort and reduce heating costs.
Age-Related Structural Issues: Over time, foundations, frames, and other structural elements may show signs of wear, cracks, or movement. Thorough inspections are crucial.
Outdated plumbing and electrical problems: The plumbing and electrical systems in older homes often no longer meet current standards and can be inefficient or even dangerous. Complete upgrades are frequently required.
Water infiltration and mold: Waterproofing issues, whether related to the roof, foundation, or broken pipes, can lead to water infiltration and mold growth, particularly in basements.
Heritage and regulatory constraints: The Municipality of Westmount has strict regulations regarding the conservation of architectural heritage. Exterior modifications (walls, doors, windows, roof, landscaping) are subject to strict rules and require specific permits, often resulting in additional delays.
Compartmentalized interior layouts: Older homes in Westmount often have highly partitioned interiors, which no longer reflect today’s desire for open, bright spaces. De-walling projects are common, and this may involve touching load-bearing walls, which requires structural expertise.
Low basements or crawl spaces: Many homes have basements with limited ceiling height or crawl spaces. Converting these spaces to create additional living areas can require significant work, such as excavating the concrete slab.
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