The Yorkshire Project

We had a client approach us with an offer for us to buy his property, except there was a catch...

The catch: it is not currently liveable (interior was pulled back to the studs, no insulation, plumbing or wiring). It is also on a lot that is so small, it is legal non-conforming. The foundation is in need of structural repair, and to top it all off, the property is adjacent to the GO Train tracks. So, this is not an opportunity for everyone.

Luckily, we had just the right client, who is a carpenter by trade, who doesn't currently own a home, and who could use his unique skillset to see this one through. So, a partnership was born.

The lot has been purchased (for essentially the value of the land) and we've been hard at work coming up with a new building plan that can be approved by the City of Guelph, despite our current 'non conforming' issues. Let me tell you, this process has been time consuming and expensive. We've had two engineers in to assess various aspects of the home, and have had to work with MetroLinx (due to proximity to train tracks), the Heritage Committee, the City planning office, and Committee of Adjustments. This all takes time, and time costs money.

The hope is to break ground in 2024 with a fully rebuilt home (plus a little extra). We're counting on our planning consultant, Odete, to bring this one home and deliver us an approved building plan.

Until then, we're letting the pro's do their thing.