Toronto Demolition Gives New Meaning to Losing A House

September 19th, 2008 Categories: Home Buyers, Home Ownership, News Wire

If you’ve lived in Toronto the past few years, no doubt you’ve seen a house or two being torn down. Even past-their-prime shopping centres like West Hill’s Morningside Mall have (at last!) fallen to the wrecking ball.

Watching a house being torn down is almost hypnotizing, and little kids seem to love to watch the heavy equipment (from a safe distance, of course!). A demolition means long-anticipated work can begin in earnest on a new home or commercial property, and is often a moment of celebration for owners and builders.

But, not always.

City Of Toronto Orders
House Demolition

On September 16, the City of Toronto was compelled to order the demolition of an east-end two-storey detached home. According to news reports, excavation work in the basement over the weekend undermined the foundation, destabilizing the walls and rendering the building unsafe. Heavy rainfalls over the weekend led to flooding water that contributed to the problem. On Sunday, the foundation walls collapsed in on themselves. Toronto House Demolished

The building was described by Jim Laughlin, a Deputy Chief Building Official for the City of Toronto, as being in “dire need of being taken down”.

And so it was.

Building Permit Not Issued

It has been reported that there was no building permit issued for the renovation project, although an application for one had been made, and that a family member, who had previously dug out other homes, was used as the contractor for the excavation job.

Was this project doomed to failure from the start? What, if anything, could have prevented this unfortunate outcome? If you’re planning to renovate, are there lessons to be learned? Well, when a house is razed due to safety concerns, there’s just gotta be something to take away from it, other than rubble!

Sound Advice For A
Successful Toronto Renovation

Contemplating a renovation project? Although every project is unique and has its own ~~problems~~ challenges, the following suggestions are a good reminder of what it takes to successfully renovate.

Buy the right house. Although your renovation plans are amazing, not every house will be suitable for your project. Have the house inspected by a qualified structural engineer. This person can provide a written opinion regarding the existing structural condition of the house, as well as identify what work, if any, will be required to ensure the structure is able to handle any additional load. You might have to walk away from a couple of properties, but the cost of the reports will be well worth the expense if it keeps you from getting in over your head.
Never underestimate the cost. Seek the advice of experts, pay for said advice if necessary, and don’t take your eyes off the bottom line.
Keep your promises! If there is a mortgage on the property, you’ve signed a document that sets out a number of provisions or terms with respect to that mortgage. For example, you’ve agreed to pay the money back. Yes, the bank thinks of everything! You’ve also agreed to keep the property in good condition and repair. How do you think your lender will react when he finds out that the property used to secure the mortgage is now rubble that has been hauled to a landfill site? And that you are the one responsible? Now that would be an interesting conversation!
Get your building permit. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that submitting a permit application and paying the required fees assures formal permission will be granted. Starting work without your permit is extremely risky. Work being done without a permit can be halted by the City, even if the site is safe. And as we’ve just seen, an unsafe building can be ordered demolished, with or without a permit. No shovel in the ground or hammer on nail until that permit is issued and affixed to the front door or window.
Use qualified, experienced contractors. Make sure they have verifiable recommendations. It would also be prudent to inspect some of the projects on which they have worked. Is it wise to hire family or friends? Perhaps, if they are qualified, experienced contractors, but keep in mind that many people never do this and for good reason. Only you know if you are willing to potentially risk friendships and stress family relationships if a project goes awry. Don’t forget, they’re the ones you have to make nice to at Thanksgiving dinner, at least for as long as Grandma is alive!
Verify your contractor’s insurance coverage. Ask to inspect the applicable documents if there is any concern.
Know what your insurance policy covers. Talk to your insurer about your renovation plans and make any changes as required with respect to coverage.

If you’re renovating, all the best with your project. And, as always, if you need assistance on the selling side of your renovation, call Lauren at 416–550–6991. I have all my permits!