top of page

Transforming a Century-Old House into a Dream Family Home

Introduction

Our clients, Behnaz and Vincent, a young couple with medical practices, were ready to leave their condo life behind and embark on a new homeownership journey as they prepared to start their family. They found their dream home designed by Architect & Designer Catherine Friis but lost it in a bidding war. Determined to create a home where they could build their future, they purchased a home with good bones and lots of potential in the charming Casa Loma neighbourhood. Although excited, the prospect of undertaking a significant renovation for their first home was a daunting endeavor. They reached out to Catherine Friis for her expertise, and it was through her that we were introduced to Behnaz and Vincent to help bring their vision to life

Approach

Understanding the couple's desire to create a forever home where they could start and grow their family, we collaborated closely with Architect Catherine Friis and our clients to develop a plan that was both comprehensive and tailored to their needs. Our approach was multifaceted, focusing on meticulous planning, transparent budgeting, and incorporating high-quality craftsmanship that respected the home's historic charm while meeting modern-day functionality.


  1. Detailed Budget and Planning: We walked Behnaz and Vincent through our structured process, detailing each phase from design to completion, ensuring they were comfortable and informed every step of the way.

  2. Collaborative Design Sourcing: We worked together with the clients and designer to source materials and design elements that aligned with their aesthetic preferences and budget.

  3. Custom Solutions: Given the extensive nature of the renovation, which included a new rear addition and the underpinning of the basement, one of our significant challenges was closely matching the new addition’s brickwork to the existing century-old structure to maintain architectural continuity.

Implementation

The renovation project was a substantial undertaking, involving both structural and aesthetic enhancements. Our execution was systematic and attentive to detail, ensuring that every element of the home met the highest standards of quality.


  1. Timeline and Resources: The project was executed for just over one year, involving a dedicated team of craftsmen, architects, and project manager. We adhered to a strict timeline to ensure timely delivery despite the complexities of the project.

  2. Construction Challenges: Access to the rear of the home, where we were doing a major excavation & addition was challenging.  The home had a very narrow shared driveway with the neighbor, so there was a lot of logistical planning for the equipment and materials to reach the rear of the home.

  3. Custom Millwork and Design Elements: The project featured intricate design elements such as herringbone patterned floors, coffered ceilings and wall paneling with custom mirror inserts. These elements added a touch of elegance and sophistication.

  4. Seamless Integration: By sourcing a near-close match for the existing brick, we ensured that the new rear addition blended nicely with the original house, preserving its historic charm.

Result

The final outcome was nothing short of spectacular. The renovated home has everything the homeowners desired and the coffered ceilings in the living, dining, kitchen, and family rooms added a sense of grandeur and continuity.


Key Metrics:

  • Timely Delivery: The project was completed within the agreed timeframe, despite intricate design elements and structural complexities.

  • Budget Adherence: We maintained transparency and adhered to the budget, ensuring no unexpected costs arose during the project. We provided options to our clients in conjunction with Catherine Friis so they could make informed decisions.

  • High-Quality Craftsmanship: The detailed and custom work exceeded client expectations, enhancing the overall value and appeal of the home.


Conclusion

Working with Behnaz and Vincent to transform their vision into a reality was an incredibly rewarding experience. Through collaboration, meticulous planning, and a dedication to excellence, we turned a century-old structure into a modern, elegant, and welcoming home that meets their needs now and in the future. Glenaden Homes is proud to have been a part of their journey, and we look forward to supporting them in any future endeavors.

This project is a testament to our commitment to quality, client satisfaction, and the transformative power of thoughtful renovation.

Contact us

Daniel, Vicki, and the rest of the Glenaden team did a spectacular job in renovating our century-old home. Our extensive project included an addition and underpinning of the basement along with all new mechanicals. Despite the complexity of the project and dealing with the nuances of an old home, the team was on time and on budget. What separates the Glenaden team from other contractors is their dedication to high-quality workmanship and doing things correctly. The communication was excellent not only during the project but also months later for any touch-ups or questions we had. We wholeheartedly recommend Glenaden for any construction project, big or small. We look forward to working with them again in the future.

Behnaz and Vincent

bottom of page