Home Additions & ARUs
Design, permits, engineering and construction — all under one roof. We manage every step so you don't have to.
What We Do
A home addition is not a larger version of a kitchen or bathroom renovation. It involves new foundations, structural engineering, envelope work, and a permitting process that runs in parallel with design. The coordination burden is real — and it falls apart when the contractor doesn't own the whole process.
HandKind manages additions and ARUs from the first site visit to final inspection. We work with your engineer, handle the permit application, co-ordinate all trades, and manage site work through to handover. You get one point of contact and a fixed scope that doesn't shift mid-project.
We build additions and ARUs throughout Brantford, Paris and Brant County — new ground-floor additions, upper-storey additions, garage conversions, and self-contained secondary suites.
What's Included
01
We work with your structural engineer or connect you with one we've used on similar projects. Drawings produced to permit-ready standard before anything is submitted.
02
We prepare and submit the permit application to the City of Brantford or Brant County, manage the review process, and co-ordinate any required revisions.
03
New footings, foundation walls, and structural framing — poured, framed, and inspected to Ontario Building Code. Load-bearing changes documented and engineered.
04
Roofing, exterior cladding, windows and doors, and continuous insulation to meet current OBC energy requirements — integrated with the existing house envelope.
05
HVAC extension or new system, plumbing rough-in for bathrooms and kitchenettes, electrical panel assessment and wiring — all permitted and inspected.
06
Drywall, flooring, trim, cabinetry, tile, fixtures and paint — finished to the same standard as the rest of your home, not as a clearly-tacked-on room.
Types of Projects
Ground-Floor Addition
A rear or side addition that extends the footprint of your home — often used for a larger kitchen, a family room, a main-floor primary suite, or a mudroom-and-laundry combination. These require new footings, a foundation, and connection to the existing structure at the roofline.
Typical size range: 200–600 sq ft. Typical cost: $150,000–$300,000+, depending on complexity and finish level.
Upper Storey Addition
A second-storey addition allows you to add significant living space without expanding the footprint. Common use case: converting a bungalow to a two-storey to add 2–3 bedrooms and a full bathroom above. These require temporary roof removal, structural assessment of the existing walls, and full interior finishing on both floors.
Upper storey additions are complex and disruptive. We set clear expectations on sequencing and protect the occupied portions of the home throughout construction.
ARU — Accessory Residential Unit
An ARU is a secondary dwelling unit — either attached to the main home (such as a basement suite, above-garage apartment, or addition-based unit) or detached (a garden suite or laneway house). In Brantford and Brant County, ARUs are permitted on most R1 and R2 lots, subject to setbacks and zoning review.
ARUs generate rental income ($1,500–$2,200/month in Brantford), increase property value, and can house a family member while maintaining independent living space. They require a separate building permit and must meet full Ontario Building Code requirements as a dwelling unit, including egress, fire separation, and dedicated mechanical systems.
See our ARU guide for Brantford homeowners for a detailed overview of the permitting and construction process.
Garage Conversion
An attached garage can often be converted to conditioned living space — a home office, a guest suite, or an ARU — with significantly less disruption and cost than a full addition. The slab, walls, and roof structure are already in place; the work involves insulation, envelope upgrades, new mechanical connections, and interior finishing.
Garage conversions to ARUs require a permit and must meet fire separation requirements from the main dwelling. HandKind handles the full scope including any structural work needed to bring the space to code.
Home additions and ARUs in Brantford require a building permit from the City of Brantford Building Division. Permit review typically takes 4–10 weeks. We prepare the full application, co-ordinate with the engineer, respond to any revisions, and manage the inspection schedule throughout construction.
For projects in Brant County (outside Brantford city limits), we submit to the Brant County Building Department. Requirements vary slightly by municipality — we know the difference.
Common Questions
How much does a home addition cost in Brantford?
Home additions in Brantford typically range from $150,000 to $400,000+ depending on size, complexity, and finish level. A single-storey addition of 400–600 sq ft typically runs $200,000–$300,000 all-in, including structural work, envelope, mechanical, and interior finishing. ARUs vary by type: basement suites start around $90,000–$130,000; above-garage units and detached garden suites typically run $150,000–$250,000+. We provide detailed line-item quotes before work starts.
What is an ARU and can I build one in Brantford?
An ARU (Accessory Residential Unit) is a self-contained dwelling unit on a residential property. Brantford and Brant County permit ARUs on most residential lots, subject to zoning rules, minimum lot area, setbacks, and Ontario Building Code requirements. HandKind handles the full process: design, permit application, construction, and finishing.
Do home additions require a permit in Brantford?
Yes. Any structural addition to a home in Brantford requires a building permit. ARUs require a separate permit and must meet full Ontario Building Code requirements as a dwelling unit. HandKind manages the permit application as part of every addition and ARU project.
How long does a home addition take in Brantford?
A typical ground-floor addition takes 4–8 months from permit approval to handover. Permit review by the City of Brantford typically takes 4–10 weeks, which is separate from construction time. We provide a full schedule at the start of every project so you can plan around the disruption.
Will I need to move out during an addition?
For ground-floor additions, most homeowners stay in the home during construction — we sequence work to maintain a liveable space and protect against weather and dust throughout. For upper-storey additions involving roof removal, temporary relocation during the most disruptive phase is often necessary. We discuss this upfront so there are no surprises.
Start the Conversation