Leslieville renovations and what to consider

Located right in the heart of Leslieville, affords Woodsmith Construction a unique perspective on the homes in the area. All Leslieville renovations have their brand of fun that they bring to the table. So in order to completely understand what to expect, we must first understand when the neighbourhood was constructed and for what purpose.

Leslieville is a blend of homes built from as early as the 1900s to right around the 1950s. They were primarily blue collar worker homes. They were designed to house their families safely and serve a primarily utilitarian function. They were not luxury homes by any stretch, and as the families started to outgrow of their tiny square footage starter homes. They were forced to add on in any way, shape or form.

Given that they were not well off, they would need to make up the financial gap with practical old, fashion self-sufficiency. So they set upon trying to make their homes fit their families. Which turns out was the beginning of what continues to this very day of the Leslieville renovations.

These renovations comprise mostly weekend projects to close in a porch and add a rear single-storey addition. Not much thought was given to these early renovation projects’ longevity or overall curb appeal. These early renovations were strictly for function; what was once a front porch became a living room, and the rear decks became kitchen or storage areas. As the homes grew, so did the need for extra services. That self-sufficient spirit continued, and the first Leslieville residents also did their plumbing and electrical. The result was less the top-notch, but it worked for what they needed then. We might shudder at the idea of the light browning out when you turn on the dryer in the bathroom. Or how you get a sudden cold shower or no water if someone downstairs turns on the water. These, however, were the results of the early Leslieville renovations. Most still exist in some way, shape or form in most Leslieville homes today. They worked for the time they were needed, and now that time has passed. We now have ushered in a new breed of Leslieville residents. One that loves the area and wants to make these homes last for another 100 years.

Today’s new generation of home buyers has seen the great value Leslieville homes offer. Many of them might not have been too pleasantly surprised with the laundry list of repairs and complete redo’s, required for their home once they got it, but they have learned to love it all the same as the stewards of our great neighbourhood. We are responsible for leaving it in a better state than we found it in. Here at Woodsmith Construction, we look forward to the chance to do just that. We live here with you and share your love and respect for our great community, and we look forward to helping as many families as possible, making their Leslieville homes their forever homes. Let’s work together to ensure we leave things in a better condition than when we found them. That way the next generation of people will also enjoy our great neighbourhood.