We live in a house in Mississauga i would describe as a typical war box on a big lot. I would like to improve the house by making it bigger, but don't know whether it makes more sense to add a storey to an old house or take it down and start again.
Answer:
Going up one story would probably be less costly and you could even gain substantial floor space if the new level were cantelevered three feet all around. If there is nothing wrong with the foundation or footings, this would probably be the best way to go - its already settled so you wouldn't even have to put up with the plaster repairs which are normal with new footings and foundation.
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