Planned before the build
Work in Leaside is designed around how you live, and thoughtfully planned before construction begins.
Areas we serve · Leaside
Custom Builds, Renovations & Additions in Leaside
Renovations and additions planned around Leaside homes, their structure and the surrounding street.
Home renovations, second storey additions, rear extensions and custom builds in Leaside, planned around the existing home and the space your family needs.
Discuss your projectFrom design to warranty
One team from your first plans to warranty support.
Fixed price, agreed upfront
Your agreed scope, allowances and exclusions clearly set out.
Custom design around your life
Designed for your family, your property and your lifestyle.
Follow your project from anywhere
See progress, schedules and updates in your client portal.
HCRA licensed and insured
View our HCRA record. Insurance details on request.
250+ completed projects
Renovations, additions and custom homes across Toronto.
What we build in Leaside
Services We Offer in Leaside
Second storey additions, full renovations, and custom builds on Leaside’s 1930s bungalows. Thoughtfully planned before construction begins.
1
Design & Permits
From first sketch to your building permit, we handle every step.
2
Home Renovations
Whole house and full house renovations in Toronto, with layout, structure and finishes planned together, including the basement and the exterior when the plan calls for it.
3
Home Additions
Second storey, rear and side home additions in Toronto, with design, permits and construction planned around your home and the space you need.
4
Custom Homes
Tear down and rebuild in Toronto: design, permits and construction, thoughtfully planned around your life before work begins.
5
Laneway & Garden Suites
Garden suites and laneway houses behind your home in Toronto, a secondary dwelling designed around your life and thoughtfully planned before construction begins.
6
Project Management
Project management led with precision and transparency: one point of contact from the first idea to the final inspection.
The Housing Stock
Working With Leaside’s 1930s Bungalow Stock
Leaside includes older brick homes and later construction with different layouts and structural conditions. A bungalow, semi or detached house needs an individual assessment. Review the survey, existing building, trees and neighbouring homes before deciding the size of an addition.
A second storey or rear addition can be considered alongside an interior renovation. Review structural capacity, rooflines, room connections and the street-facing design together. The number of bedrooms and overall size must follow the space the property can support.
Good To Know
What Leaside Projects Actually Involve
A second storey addition requires a review of the existing foundations, walls and load paths. Do not assume the original structure can support another floor. The engineering assessment determines the reinforcement and construction approach.
Leaside lots are narrow, the houses sit close to property lines, and street parking is limited. Site staging, material delivery, dust control, and dumpster placement all need active management.
Consider trees early in the design. Confirm any required arborist assessment, tree-protection measures and City permits for the proposed work.
Confirm the zoning for the exact Leaside address, including height, setbacks and coverage. Compare the proposed addition with those requirements and identify whether a minor variance application is needed.
Leaside is a tight, design conscious community. We design additions to integrate with the original home and the surrounding street.
Our Process
Our Process
Custom home builders in Toronto coordinate design, approvals and construction. Our six step process brings those decisions together before work begins, with the proposed scope and schedule reviewed along the way.
- Step 1In home consultation
We walk the property, talk through your vision, and review what’s possible, including whether your project is a candidate for renovation, addition, or teardown.
- Step 2Design and Drawings
Architectural design developed in house, including structural engineering for additions and full interior design coordination.
- Step 3Scope in writing
The scope is written down before construction begins, including the materials and any extra work the house needs.
- Step 4Permits and Committee of Adjustment
We handle the full permitting process, including any minor variance work required for additions or design.
- Step 5Construction
Dedicated project manager, weekly meetings, portal access throughout.
- Step 6Handover
Final walkthroughs and full handover documentation.
Why Leaside Clients Work With Us
Grand Design Build’s Role in Leaside Home Projects
Addition and renovation experience
For a Leaside renovation or addition, review structural engineering, the transition between existing and new work, and the effect on neighbouring properties. These decisions help define the design and construction scope.
Project documents
Review current licensing and insurance documents for your project before signing. Confirm the scope, responsibilities and applicable coverage in writing.
One contract, one team
Architectural design, interior design, structural engineering, construction, and project management coordinated under one roof.
The work
Our projects
Examples from our wider Toronto project portfolio.
Custom homeCustom home Narrow contemporary custom home with tall windows and a dark upper storey.
Home renovationHome renovation Bathroom with twin vanities and a tub beneath tall windows.
Home additionHome addition Rear addition with dark brick, large windows and a raised deck.
Laneway / Garden SuiteLaneway / Garden Suite Garden suite with an angled dark roof and garage below.
Home additionHome addition Modern home with white walls, black windows and a front lawn.
Homeowner reviews
What homeowners say
Grand Design Build did a rear addition, second storey, and all our bathrooms on a house in the Beaches. March to September 2025. We were told end of September and moved back in the second week, so a bit ahead of schedule. Fixed price contract, and the final cost was exactly the contract number. That mattered a lot to us. We decided to change few items for bathrooms and kitchen halfway and there were no issues with the change orders, and the pricing was really fair even though a fixed contract was signed. There were no pushback. The office project coordinators and the site supervisor were really helpful the entire way through. They also kept the site tidy for six months straight and our neighbours never once complained. Respectful crew. Recommend them.
Allen and his team were a dream to work with. Truly an amazing experience and an incredible condo full renovation. The work was top notch and Allen was excellent to work with, respecting our ideas and desires and making our renovation dream a reality.
I had a really good experience working with Grand Design Build on my home renovation and rear addition project. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with throughout the process. They took the time to understand our needs, offered helpful suggestions along the way, and also provided complimentary interior design support, which was a great added value. They were responsive and attentive to questions as they came up, and the project stayed on track from start to finish. I would recommend Grand Design Build to anyone looking for a reliable custom build and design company in Toronto.
Grand Design Build did a great job on our renovation. Their team was organized, kept us informed through each step, and also delivered quality work. They were reliable with timelines and very clear about costs and materials. Overall, we had a very smooth experience with them. Highly recommended!
Grand Design Build exceeded every expectation we had. From the very first consultation, they were professional, transparent, and truly passionate about their work. If you’re considering custom home building in Toronto, you won’t find a more reliable and talented team. Our new home is stunning, and the attention to detail is second to none. We are so grateful for their dedication and highly recommend them.
Grand design build are a master in custom home building in Toronto for sure. They designed and built our place just exactly how we wanted it. They are very reliable when it comes to communication and planning.
Areas we serve
We also build nearby.
- Leaside
- Bayview Village
- The Beaches
- Bloor West Village
- Cliffcrest
- Danforth
- Forest Hill
- Ledbury Park
- North York
- Rosedale
- Willowdale
We build throughout Toronto and the GTA. These are the neighbourhoods we work in most.
Can't find your neighbourhood?
We build across Toronto and the GTA. These are the ones we work in most, not the only ones we work in.
Frequently asked questions
Leaside questions, answered
If the answer you need is not here, ask us on the call.
Can I add a second storey to my Leaside bungalow?
A second storey addition may be possible after structural and zoning review. An engineer needs to assess the foundations, bearing walls and load paths, then identify any reinforcement required. The design should follow those findings rather than assuming a bungalow can carry another floor.
Will a second storey addition look right on my home?
Yes, with careful attention to proportion, rooflines, and materials. We design Leaside additions to extend the architectural language of the original home, proportional massing, integrated roofline, matching brick and trim where appropriate, and window placement that reads consistent across the storeys. Good Leaside additions look like the home was always meant to be that size.
Do I need Committee of Adjustment for a Leaside addition?
It depends on the property's zoning and the proposed addition. If the design does not meet a requirement, review whether a minor variance application is appropriate. The Committee decides the application; nearby approvals do not guarantee the same outcome for your home.
How long does a typical Leaside renovation and addition take?
A Leaside renovation and second storey addition needs a schedule based on structural engineering, design, permits and construction. Material availability and site conditions can affect the sequence. Review the proposed schedule before signing the contract.
Can we live in the home during the renovation and addition?
A second storey addition can require you to move out while the roof is removed and structural work takes place. Discuss occupancy and temporary accommodation after reviewing the scope and site safety requirements. The relocation period is specific to the project.
Start here
Start with what your home needs
Tell us what you want to change and what you want to keep at your property in Leaside. We can discuss the proposed work and the next step towards a feasibility study.
- Discuss your goals and the existing property.
- Review the proposed scope and next steps.
- Confirm the study scope and any fees before proceeding.
Contact us (416) 920-6066