The Gerrard Street East project was a multi-component structural renovation, completed during the challenging COVID years. Despite the added workflow constraints, the project was highly rewarding, especially thanks to a client who worked as a project manager for a large construction company and shared our problem-solving mindset. Their collaborative approach aligned perfectly with our technical execution style.
Project Overview
Before beginning, we evaluated the home together to determine not only what the client wanted, but what the structure could safely support. This collaborative assessment allowed us to choose a course of action that went beyond the initial intent, ensuring long-term stability and a layout optimized for the renovation.
The main-floor scope included major structural steel work, exterior wall modifications, new openings, and full interior reframing.
- Scope of Work, Main Floor
1. Engineering, Permits & Inspections
- Prepared full structural drawings
- Obtained the City of Toronto building permit
- Provided a Certificate of Liability Insurance
- Assisted the client with all City inspections
2. Structural Steel & Openings
- Installed a 20-ft structural steel beam to open the space between the kitchen and dining room
- Cut the exterior double-brick wall to create a 14-ft patio door opening
- Installed a structural steel beam for the new opening
- Coordinated with the door supplier and returned after installation to complete the brickwork around the new frame
3. Window & Door Reconfiguration
- Relocated, resized, or carved five new window openings
- Installed T-shaped lintels on all new window openings
- Closed old window openings with brickwork matched to the existing color, size, and pattern
- Resized the entrance door and installed a T-shaped lintel
4. Stairs & Floor Structure
- Supplied and installed new stairs to the second floor and basement
- Closed an existing stair opening, installed new floor joists, and rebuilt the floor structure
- Framed the entire main-floor layout
Project Outcome
The main-floor structural transformation created a fully open, reconfigured, and structurally optimized layout, ready for modern renovation. The combination of steel work, exterior wall modifications, and precise brick matching resulted in a seamless integration of new and existing elements.
This project stands as a strong example of how collaboration, engineering precision, and thoughtful planning can reshape a home from the inside out.
If you’re planning a highly technical structural renovation, need engineered load-bearing wall removal, or require a contractor capable of executing complex multi-floor structural systems, our team is ready to help. Reach out to explore engineered, code-compliant structural solutions that make your home safer, stronger, and built to the highest technical standard.
- What Our Client Said
- Jeanie and Philip
- Gerrard St E, Toronto
If you need any type of structural work done, choose Aldo Structural Contracting. I highly recommend them. Alex provides expert advice and recommendations. Alex took the time to walk us through the project, step by step, and answered all of our questions. He and his team are courteous, professional and do amazing work. Even other trades people who saw Aldo Structural’ s work commented on the high quality of the workmanship. I honestly can’t say enough good things about Aldo Structural. If you need quality structural work done, choose Aldo Structural.
