Renovating in Amherstburg
Amherstburg is one of the oldest towns in the region, home to Fort Malden and a downtown full of nineteenth and early twentieth century buildings. Renovating an older house here is rewarding, but it needs a contractor who expects the unexpected behind the walls and respects what makes the house special.
Older and historic homes
In older Amherstburg houses we often find original plaster, old wiring, aging plumbing, floors that are not level and framing that was built long before today's codes. We plan for these at the estimate and explain the options: what is worth keeping, what must be replaced, and what it costs. Some properties in Amherstburg are designated under the Ontario Heritage Act; changes to the outside of a designated building can need a heritage permit from the Town in addition to the building permit. We check the status of your property before design starts.
Older houses can also contain materials that must be tested before demolition, like certain insulation, plaster, flooring and paint. We have suspect materials tested and handled properly before any work starts.
Popular projects in Amherstburg
- Full renovations of older houses, with new plumbing and wiring and a modern layout that keeps the character.
- Kitchens that fit into older floor plans.
- Bathrooms, including adding a second bathroom to a house that only has one.
- Basements where height and moisture allow.
- Additions on newer homes and larger lots.
Permits in Amherstburg
Building permits are issued by the Town of Amherstburg. Properties along the Detroit River and Lake Erie may also need review by the Essex Region Conservation Authority. We prepare drawings and handle the applications.