Balsam Ave
Duo Triplex Conversions
Challenges & Objectives
Located in Toronto’s beautiful Beaches neighborhood, the Balsam Avenue project involved transforming both sides of a semi-detached duplex into two fully functional triplexes. This ambitious renovation required full basement underpinning, structural upgrades, and extensive flood prevention measures due to the high water table near the beach. The result is two stunning triplexes, each with modern, livable spaces tailored for multi-unit living. The project was a complete success, leaving the property owners thrilled with their upgraded investment.
This project presented unique challenges due to its location and scope:
- Water Table Issues: Mitigate the risk of flooding caused by the high water table near the beach.
- Structural and Layout Upgrades: Perform full basement underpinning to create additional headroom and transform both basements into livable units.
- Multi-Unit Design: Configure each side of the duplex to function as a triplex, maximizing space and usability while ensuring modern aesthetics.
- Seamless Execution: Deliver consistent results on both sides of the semi-detached home without disrupting the structural integrity of the shared walls.
Our objective was to create high-quality, flood-protected triplexes that met the owners’ goals for functionality, durability, and style.
Design Solutions
To achieve the project goals, our team developed creative and practical solutions:
- Flood Prevention:
- Installed advanced waterproofing systems, including sump pumps, drainage membranes, and backflow preventers, to ensure the basements remained dry and functional.
- Specialized techniques were used to address the high water table and prevent future water infiltration.
- Underpinning and Structural Work:
- Underpinned the basements on both sides of the duplex, increasing ceiling height and creating livable, spacious basement units.
- Reinforced shared walls and the overall structure to maintain stability during and after construction.
- Triplex Configuration:
- Designed layouts for each unit to optimize space, providing bright, modern interiors with separate entrances for all six units.
- Used high-quality materials and finishes to enhance durability and appeal for tenants or future homeowners.
Construction Process
The conversion of the Balsam Avenue duplexes followed a detailed, phased approach:
- Underpinning and Waterproofing:
- Completed full underpinning to increase basement height.
- Installed flood prevention measures, including sump pumps, perimeter drainage systems, and waterproof membranes, to combat the high water table.
- Structural and Interior Renovations:
- Reconfigured both sides of the duplex into triplex layouts with distinct units.
- Upgraded utilities, insulation, and soundproofing to ensure the units were functional, comfortable, and up to code.
- Finishing Touches:
- Designed and installed modern finishes in each unit, creating bright, welcoming spaces for future occupants.
Results
The completed triplexes on Balsam Avenue are a testament to thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship. Each side of the duplex now features three high-quality, flood-protected units with modern layouts and finishes. The project overcame the challenges of a high water table and tight construction requirements, delivering outstanding results. The property owners were delighted with the transformation, praising the efficient use of space and the long-term value added to their homes.
Our Clients' Experiences Say It All
At Woodsmith Construction, we believe our clients’ experiences highlight our commitment to exceptional customer service. Explore what real homeowners say about partnering with us to achieve their home renovation goals.
The Woodsmith team did a phenomenal job of rebuilding our house to match our dream on-time and within our budget. Chris (the owner) was always accessible, open to ideas and patient with questions. This made all the difference for us. He understands that a job of this scale is something that an owner will likely only do once, and he offered great advice and put all our fears at ease. We constantly knew exactly how we were tracking to our budget (to the dollar) and our job site was clean and orderly at all times (which our neighbours very much appreciated). We were nervous about our year-long adventure in renos (we've all heard horror stories), but Chris helped us spread out decisions over time and provided clear options for any challenges his team encountered, making that year a surprisingly pleasant one. All of the work was top-quality and has garnered unsolicited positive comments from anyone who sees our home (including other contractors working in our neighbourhood). I have no problem recommending Woodsmith; you will be in very good hands.
Dave Duncan
We were very pleased with the results of our renovation project completed by Chris and his team at Woodsmith Construction. As well as a great end-product, Chris provided excellent customer communication services throughout the whole process that were greatly appreciated! We would have no hesitation in recommending Woodsmith Construction and in fact have already booked them for a second project.
Lynn
We had a great experience working with Chris at Woodsmith Construction. He is honest, transparent, realistic, easy to get in touch with and makes himself available to his clients whenever they need him. I would gladly recommend Woodsmith Construction to anyone doing a renovation as Chris made a complicated process a positive experience.
Matthew Bernstein
We worked with Chris Smith and Woodsmith Construction Inc. on the design for a garage addition, and the experience was fantastic. The project included adding attic trusses to create a new walk-in closet and laundry room that seamlessly connected to our existing main bedroom. Chris’s goal was to make the addition feel like it had always been part of the home, and he absolutely nailed it.From the start, Chris took the time to understand what we needed and came up with a design that not only maximized the functionality of the space but also kept the style consistent with the rest of the house. He paid close attention to every detail, from the layout to the finishes, ensuring everything worked perfectly with our main bedroom.The design makes such smart use of the space, and it feels like a natural extension of the home rather than an afterthought. Chris was great to work with—responsive, creative, and incredibly knowledgeable. He even provided advice on how to approach the construction phase, which made us feel confident moving forward.If you’re looking for someone to bring your vision to life with a thoughtful and practical design, we highly recommend Chris Smith and Woodsmith Construction. The design he created for us has truly enhanced our home. Our construction is well under way and we are already seeing the great design come to life!
Steve F
Woodsmith Construction completed a project for us in a timely and professional manner. The quality of their workmanship is superb. Communication between them and us was informative, courteous and collaborative. We would highly recommend them.
Rick Wilson
Woodsmith Construction Inc. recently completed a full-home renovation on our place, including underpinning and adding a third floor. We couldn't be happier with the results and the level of service that we received from Chris and his entire team. Chris is an absolute professional who is extremely knowledgable, dedicated to his craft and was exceptionally responsive at all points in the project to all of our questions and concerns. For us, this timely communication provided a level of comfort and assurance - I cannot imagine doing a project of this scale without it! During the project, the worksite was kept so clean - our neighbours consistently commented on how great and respectful the team was. We were able to complete a huge project with very little tension and to me, that speaks volumes about the manner in which the project was carried out. In terms of the results, we are thrilled. The workmanship, detail and solid construction of our home are all that we hoped for. This workmanship and level of service continued through the final stages of the project, when we were completing the finishing touches. Chris ensured that every small detail was arranged for and completed. Obviously, we highly recommend Woodsmith Construction and are grateful to Chris and his team for the amazing work, professionalism and service they provided.
Natalie Zawadowsky
