BURLINGTON, ON
Attic Renovations in Burlington
Burlington’s housing ranges from older homes in Aldershot, Roseland, Shoreacres and the downtown area to later suburban neighbourhoods such as Mountainside, Brant Hills, Headon Forest, Millcroft and The Orchard. Roof construction, headroom and floor structure vary considerably between these homes, so we assess the existing conditions before determining what can become finished living space.
BURLINGTON HOMES & ATTIC FEASIBILITY
How Burlington Homes Affect Attic Conversions
Many later Burlington homes use engineered roof trusses rather than conventional rafters. These trusses are designed as a complete structural system and cannot simply be cut or removed to create additional room.
Where a truss roof needs to be altered, demolition and new framing must be carefully coordinated so the roof and ceilings below remain supported while structural members are replaced or reconfigured. Work proceeds in stages as the new framing takes over the loads carried by the existing roof structure.
The existing ceiling structure was also not intended to serve as a finished residential floor. Where required, a new or reinforced floor system distributes the additional loads through suitable bearing walls, beams and posts to the foundations. Staircase openings, dormers and ridge-beam supports can introduce concentrated point loads that require dedicated structural support.
Older Burlington homes with conventional rafter roofs are assessed differently and may allow more of the existing roof structure to remain. In either case, roof pitch, usable headroom, staircase location and the existing framing system determine what is possible.
PERMITTING & LOCAL PROCESS
How It Works in Burlington
Attic renovations involving structural changes, a new staircase or roof alterations generally require a building permit through the City of Burlington.
Before applying for the building permit, residential renovation projects go through Burlington’s Pre-Building Approval process, which reviews applicable zoning and other municipal requirements. Depending on the property and proposed work, grading and drainage, tree, Conservation Halton, Niagara Escarpment or heritage requirements may also need to be addressed.
The City currently advises that Pre-Building Approval processing may take approximately 4–6 weeks. Once a complete building permit application is submitted, the City conducts its plan review within 10 business days, after which the permit may be issued or additional information may be requested.
We coordinate the applicable approvals, building permit submission, review correspondence and required municipal inspections throughout the process.
ATTIC RENOVATION
What’s Included
Every attic and every home is different. We plan the conversion around your needs and manage the work required to create comfortable, finished living space.
- Layout and living-space planning
- Staircase and egress solutions
- Dormers and skylights where needed
- Heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical upgrades
- Bathrooms and other requested features
- Interior construction and finishes
Our Work
A Closer Look
Selected attic renovations and conversions completed by Lepata Construction.
Detached Home Attic Conversion
View project →Townhouse Attic Conversion
View project →Neighbourhoods Served
Serving Burlington from End to End
COMMON QUESTIONS
Attic Renovation FAQ for Burlington Homeowners
START A CONVERSATION
Considering an Attic Renovation in Burlington?
Tell us what you are considering, and we will guide you through the next steps.