We’re adding an “historic” rear addition to this classic 1846 Gothic Mansion — It’s going to be fabulous!

We were thrilled to be selected over several other leading contractors in the area to build this rear addition on one of Port Hope’s classic homes. The addition has been designed by renowned restoration architect, Phillip H. Carter who has done so much fine work in the Port Hope area and beyond.

We’re particularly excited because this project will give us the opportunity to show off not only our construction expertise but our woodworking craftsmanship—we’re recreating all of the home’s original window sash in our workshop, including some very ornate Gothic style frames. Of course, we will be using reclaimed first-growth, Douglas Fir from Toronto’s famous Gooderham & Worts Distillery District!

The windows restoration has been made possible with a generous grant from the Port Hope Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario which has been responsible for a huge amount of restoration work in Port Hope.

This is a challenging job—the 170-year-old house is located on a very high elevation above street level and the ground slopes steeply to the north side. In addition, there were several large trees that were too close to where we are building, so needed to be removed. Luckily we’re also loggers! We saved all the wood for the clients use as firewood.

Over the years, several alterations have been made to the back of the building, some very poorly executed (in my opinion). An extension of about four feet was added a long time ago with a very poor foundation in soft soil. This resulted in a large crack in the brickwork where it joins the original. We’re removing and replacing a lot of brickwork and underpinning the foundation in this area to strengthen everything so the new addition will be joined to a sound structure. My son, Conor, used his considerable welding skill to weld extra vertical wall supports under the huge iron beam we’ve installed at second-floor level.

We’re adding deep footings on the new construction topped with the latest in foam clad, concrete filled wall systems with a very high R-value. The new section will have heated floors on both levels so will be quite cozy!

Rob