Construction & Renovation Services in Marda Loop & Altadore

Here's the full cost breakdown for a typical single-family infill on a 50-foot Altadore lot: Land (existing bungalow purchase): $900,000-$1,200,000 Asbestos assessment: $500-$1,500 Asbestos abatement: $3,000-$12,000 Demolition: $15,000-$25,000 Design (architect + engineer + energy advisor): $25,000-$50,000 Development permit + building permit: $5,000-$15,000 Construction (2,800-3,200 sq ft above grade): $980,000-$1,600,000 at $350-$500/sq ft Landscaping (front and rear): $30,000-$80,000 Window coverings, closet systems, appliances: $20,000-$50,000 Total all-in: approximately $1.6-$2.5 million, varying primarily with finish level and house size. Timeline from purchase to occupancy: 14-22 months (2-3 months for design and permits, 1 month for demolition and site prep, 10-16 months for construction, 1-2 months for landscaping and deficiencies). The wide cost range reflects the difference between a straightforward design with good-quality production finishes versus a custom architectural design with premium materials — both are common in Altadore.

This is the most common question in the neighbourhood, and the answer depends on three things: the existing foundation, your space requirements, and your timeline. Renovate if: the foundation is poured concrete in good condition (not deteriorated concrete block), the basement has 7+ foot ceilings (avoiding the $50,000-$80,000 cost of underpinning), you're comfortable with 2,000-2,200 total square feet including developed basement, and you want to preserve the neighbourhood's original character. A comprehensive renovation runs $250,000-$400,000 and takes 6-10 months. You'll live with some compromises — lower ceilings in the basement, room layouts dictated by existing bearing walls, potentially less efficient floor plans — but the cost-per-square-foot is significantly lower than new construction. Demolish and rebuild if: the foundation is failing, the basement ceiling is under 7 feet, you need 3,000+ square feet, or you're building for resale where buyers expect new-construction finishes and modern open-concept layouts. The construction cost alone is $600,000-$900,000+ above the land purchase, but you get exactly the house you want with a 25-year structural warranty and current energy code compliance. The case for demolition gets stronger as land values rise — when you're paying $1 million for the lot, the marginal cost to build new versus renovate old narrows in percentage terms.

The two-year streetscape construction along 33rd and 34th Avenues (2023-2025) was financially devastating for many Marda Loop businesses. Road closures reduced foot traffic and eliminated on-street parking for extended periods, and several businesses closed permanently during the construction. The completed project, however, has transformed the commercial district: wider sidewalks, new street trees, modern lighting, curb bump-outs for safer pedestrian crossings, and improved cycling infrastructure. The net change in parking was modest — a loss of about 15 on-street stalls offset by 9 new off-street stalls — but the pedestrian environment is significantly improved. For commercial property owners and tenants, the post-construction period represents a renovation opportunity. Businesses that deferred maintenance and upgrades during two years of disruption are now investing in interior refreshes, new signage (to complement the updated streetscape aesthetic), and patio expansions that take advantage of the wider sidewalks. Landlords are investing in facade improvements. The improved pedestrian environment is expected to increase foot traffic and support higher commercial rents, which in turn justifies deeper renovation investment in commercial spaces.

Currie — the final phase of the former Currie Barracks military base redevelopment — is one of the largest urban infill projects in Canada. The 80-hectare site is planned for approximately 12,000 residents in a dense, mixed-use urban village format. Currently about 980 homes are completed with construction ongoing. The project includes mid-rise residential buildings, stacked townhomes, commercial spaces, parks, and a community centre. The ripple effects on nearby renovation markets are significant. First, the sustained construction activity provides a reliable local workforce — trades crews working on Currie's commercial and multi-family projects are also available for residential renovation work in adjacent Altadore and Garrison Woods. Second, the new amenities and commercial spaces in Currie increase the desirability (and property values) of the surrounding neighbourhoods, which justifies higher renovation budgets for existing homes. Third, the architectural standard of the Currie development — contemporary design, quality materials, emphasis on street-oriented living — raises buyer expectations for what a renovated home in the area should look and feel like. Garrison Woods owners renovating 20-year-old kitchens are now benchmarking against the finishes in Currie's newest buildings.