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BRK Solutions - Montreal Construction

Urban construction specialists in Montreal

BRK Solutions masters Montreal's unique construction challenges: attached buildings, historic heritage, restricted access, strict regulations. Our expertise spans all boroughs for residential, multi-unit, and light commercial projects.

Structural engineering AND general contracting integrated. One team, from design to completion, to eliminate gray areas and deliver your urban projects on time and budget.

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15+
Years of combined experience
300+
Urban projects completed
19
Boroughs served
100%
Client satisfaction

Urban Construction Expertise in Montreal

Building in Montreal requires deep understanding of urban challenges, architectural heritage, and complex municipal regulations.

Attached Buildings and High Density

Montreal is built densely: side-by-side triplexes, shared walls, common foundations. Any structural intervention must consider impact on adjacent structures and respect neighbors' rights. Our expertise protects all stakeholders.

Heritage and History

Many Montreal neighborhoods have century-old buildings with period construction techniques. Stone foundations, solid wood framing, load-bearing masonry require specialized approach respecting architectural integrity.

Urban Logistics and Access

Narrow alleys, limited parking, dense traffic, immediate neighbors, strict noise regulations. Each urban project demands meticulous logistics planning and equipment adapted to restricted spaces.

Structural Challenges of Montreal Multi-Unit Buildings

Montreal's housing stock is dominated by duplexes, triplexes, and quadruplexes built between 1880 and 1950. These iconic buildings present structural characteristics requiring expertise and precautions during interventions.

Foundations are typically fieldstone (rubble) bonded with lime mortar. Unlike modern concrete, these foundations don't form a rigid monolith. They're vulnerable to differential settlement, mortar deterioration from freeze-thaw cycles, and water infiltration. Bearing capacity is often just sufficient for original loads - any story addition or use change requires evaluation and potentially reinforcement.

Exterior walls are generally load-bearing masonry (solid brick or stone) 12 to 18 inches thick. These walls directly support floor and roof loads, without interior wood framing like modern construction. Creating an opening in such a wall requires engineer-sized steel or reinforced concrete lintel, temporary support during work, and absolute respect for lateral loads.

Floors are typically wood: 2x8 or 2x10 joists spaced 16 inches, sometimes undersized by current standards. Spans are often long (12-15 feet), creating deflection and vibrations. Conversion to commercial space or addition of heavy equipment requires reinforcement by sister joists, additional beams, or support columns.

BRK Solutions systematically evaluates structural condition of these buildings before intervention. Our engineers identify weaknesses, calculate residual capacities, and design appropriate reinforcements. Our integrated approach allows immediate execution of recommended work, with no delay between engineering and construction. Your heritage building receives necessary structural modernization while preserving its architectural character.

Our Construction Services in Montreal

Structural Repairs - Urban and Heritage Buildings

Montreal buildings, particularly those built before 1950, develop structural problems with age: deteriorated stone foundations, cracked masonry walls, sagging floors, moisture-damaged beams. BRK Solutions offers complete structural repair expertise respectful of heritage.

  • Stone foundations: Hydraulic lime mortar repointing, deteriorated section replacement, interior reinforced concrete doubling if required, modern perimeter drainage. Techniques preserving historic masonry.
  • Load-bearing masonry walls: Crack repair by injection or repointing, anchor installation for bowed walls, carbon fiber or polymer reinforcement, degraded brick replacement respecting original bond pattern.
  • Wood structures: Replacement of damaged beams and joists (rot, insects), sister joist or steel plate reinforcement, connection and bearing repair. Engineered lumber or solid wood depending on heritage context.
  • Temporary support: Professional shoring during work on load-bearing elements, engineer calculations for temporary loads, continuous supervision for occupant and adjacent structure safety.

Our structural interventions respect architectural character while modernizing safety and compliance with current codes. Heritage engineering is our specialty.

Multi-Unit Building Modifications and Renovations (Duplex, Triplex)

Montreal duplex and triplex owners frequently seek to optimize their units: open-concept spaces, basement conversion to dwelling, bathroom addition, complete reconfiguration. These modifications often require structural interventions.

  • Load-bearing wall openings: Open-concept kitchen often requires load-bearing wall removal. Engineer calculations, steel beam installation (often IPE or HSS), support columns, discreet architectural integration. Municipal permit managed.
  • Basement conversion: Available height evaluation, excavation and lowering if necessary, foundation reinforcement, waterproofing, interior drainage, dwelling requirement compliance (fenestration, emergency exits). Montreal code expertise.
  • Bathroom additions: Wood floors typically require reinforcement for ceramic weight, bathtub, and hydrostatic loads. Additional joists, waterproof membranes, plumbing code compliance.
  • Occupant coordination: Phased work to minimize disruptions, continuous tenant communication, respect for rights and quiet hours, protection of inhabited spaces during renovations.

BRK Solutions manages the complexity of multi-unit renovations: engineering, permits, trade coordination, occupant respect. You maximize your building value without headaches.

Concrete Work in Dense Urban Environment

Pouring concrete in Montreal presents significant logistical challenges: narrow alley access, pumping over long distances, restricted delivery windows, coordination with traffic and parking. Our urban experience ensures trouble-free execution.

  • New foundations and additions: Manual excavation or mini-excavator per access, formwork adapted to restricted spaces, concrete pumping via alley or side passage, appropriate curing despite urban constraints.
  • Basement and garage slabs: Sectional pouring if limited access, quality manual finishing, planned control joints. Concrete delivery coordination with street and parking restrictions.
  • Exterior stairs: Montreal's iconic exterior stairs require periodic replacement. Cast-in-place or precast concrete per configuration, compliant railings, non-slip finish.
  • Municipal permits and inspections: Street occupancy permit acquisition if necessary, inspector coordination, noise and work hour regulation compliance. Complete administrative aspect management.

Logistics should never compromise quality. We deliver superior concrete even in the most constrained urban sites.

Additions and Story Additions in Urban Context

Expanding upward or rearward is common Montreal strategy where lots are limited and expensive. These projects require sophisticated structural engineering and expert urban site management.

  • Complete story addition: Existing foundation and wall bearing capacity evaluation, structural reinforcement if required, lightweight framing design (wood or steel), architectural integration. Respect borough maximum heights.
  • Rear extensions: Popular Montreal extension. New foundations (often helical piles in urban environment), framing connected to existing structure, integrated roofing, fenestration maximizing natural light.
  • Attached building considerations: Impact on adjacent buildings analyzed and managed, easement and minimum distance respect, neighboring structure protection during work, proactive communication with adjacent owners.
  • Permits and compliance: Architectural and structural plans compliant with borough requirements, submission and follow-up, modifications per planning comments, successful inspections. Complete process managed.

Expanding in Montreal is complex but offers excellent return on investment. Our integrated expertise transforms ambitious projects into successful achievements.

Structural Engineering and Evaluations for Montreal Buildings

Montreal buildings frequently require structural evaluations: real estate transactions, use conversions, insurance, or simply due diligence. Our engineers provide detailed professional reports.

  • Pre-purchase evaluations: Complete structural inspection before income property or heritage building acquisition. Hidden problem identification, repair cost estimation, informed negotiation.
  • Compliance reports: Structural condition documentation for insurance requirements, commercial transactions, or municipal records. Engineer seal and professional credibility.
  • Bearing capacity analysis: Determining if structure can support new loads: heavy commercial equipment, use change (residential to commercial), dense storage. Precise calculations and recommendations.
  • Permit plans and specifications: Sealed structural plan preparation for any project requiring Montreal permits. Quebec Construction Code and borough regulation compliance. First-time accepted submissions.

Structural engineering isn't just paperwork - it's the foundation of safe, durable construction. Our engineer seal guarantees professional quality.

Boroughs and Areas Served in Montreal

Professional service in all Montreal boroughs

Central and Plateau

  • Ville-Marie (Downtown)
  • Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
  • Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie
  • Outremont
  • Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
  • Le Sud-Ouest

East Montreal

  • Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
  • Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension
  • Ahuntsic-Cartierville
  • Montréal-Nord
  • Anjou
  • Saint-Léonard

West and Verdun

  • Verdun
  • LaSalle
  • Lachine
  • Saint-Laurent
  • Pierrefonds-Roxboro
  • Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève

All Montreal boroughs served. We know each neighborhood's particularities, specific regulations, and access challenges. Contact us for your project, regardless of your area.

Montreal Client Testimonials

What our Montreal clients say about our services

"Plateau triplex with century-old crumbling stone foundations. BRK did complete structural evaluation, recommended interior reinforced concrete doubling, and executed work impeccably despite difficult alley access. Foundations now solid for another 100 years."

Philippe Gagnon

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

"Load-bearing wall opening for open kitchen in our Rosemont duplex. BRK handled engineering, borough permit, steel beam installation, and finishing contractor coordination. Complex project made simple thanks to their integrated approach. Excellent communication start to finish."

Marie-Claude & Simon Lavoie

Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie

"Basement conversion to compliant rental unit. BRK managed all complexity: excavation for regulatory height, emergency windows, structural reinforcement, drainage. Permit obtained without issue. Tenant very happy and revenues significantly increased. Profitable investment."

André Côté

Villeray–Saint-Michel

"Rear extension on our Verdun house. Very tight site with alley-only access. BRK planned logistics perfectly: mini-excavator, coordinated deliveries, neighbor protection. Beautiful result and zero neighbor complaints. True urban professionals."

Jessica & Thomas Martin

Verdun

"Major renovation of our heritage quadruplex in Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. BRK coordinated work in 4 occupied units, minimizing tenant disruptions. Impeccable structural work, careful finishes, respect for period architecture. Building value considerably increased."

Robert Bellemare

Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

"Complete story addition on our Ahuntsic house. Ambitious project requiring foundation and existing wall reinforcement. BRK did engineer calculations, obtained permits, and completed work in 14 weeks. Constant supervision, impeccable quality. Highly recommend."

Nathalie & Pierre Dubois

Ahuntsic-Cartierville

Frequently Asked Questions - Montreal Construction

Answers to specific questions about urban construction in Montreal

Montreal construction presents unique constraints: limited access with narrow alleys and congested streets, immediate neighbor proximity requiring protection and coordination, strict municipal regulations on noise and work hours, complex site parking, attached buildings sharing walls and foundations. BRK Solutions masters these urban challenges with meticulous logistics planning, equipment adapted to restricted spaces, and proactive communication with neighborhood and city.
Yes, we have deep expertise in renovation and restoration of Montreal heritage buildings. These century-old structures (Plateau triplexes, Victorian houses, historic commercial buildings) require specialized approach: respectful structural assessment, reinforcement techniques preserving architectural integrity, materials and methods compatible with period construction, compliance with heritage preservation requirements. Our engineers design interventions that modernize structural safety while preserving historic character.
Multi-unit buildings represent a large portion of Montreal's housing stock. We understand specific issues: coordination with multiple owners or tenants, minimizing disruptions for occupants, sequential access to units, shared walls and structures requiring precautions. Our approach includes detailed phase planning, clear communication with all occupants, sectional work to maintain habitability, and strict adherence to work schedules. We have experience with undivided co-ownerships common in Montreal.
Montreal permit timelines vary considerably. Minor renovations: 2-4 weeks. Major projects with engineering: 8-12 weeks or more. Some boroughs like Plateau-Mont-Royal have strict requirements increasing timelines. The city aims for 120-day maximum in 2025. BRK Solutions prepares complete, compliant permit files from first submission, reducing back-and-forth. We manage all interactions with planners and inspectors, freeing your time and accelerating the process.
Yes, with expertise and appropriate precautions. Attached buildings often share foundation walls and load-bearing walls. Any structural intervention requires prior assessment of potential impact on adjacent structures, temporary support installation, monitoring of neighboring buildings during work, respect for easements and property rights. BRK Solutions systematically performs pre-work inspection of adjacent properties (with consent), communicates with neighbors, and rigorously supervises to prevent damage. Our urban experience allows us to safely intervene on attached buildings.
Yes, BRK Solutions serves all Montreal boroughs: Ville-Marie, Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Sud-Ouest, Verdun, LaSalle, and other areas. We know the specific particularities and regulations of each borough, predominant building types, and access challenges of each neighborhood.
Montreal has strict noise regulations: generally 7am-8pm weekdays, 8am-8pm Saturday, prohibited Sunday and holidays (varies by borough). We plan all noisy work within authorized timeframes, use modern quieter equipment when possible, inform neighbors in advance, and obtain special permits if off-hours work required. Our professional reputation rests on respecting regulations and residents. Zero noise complaints isn't accidental - it's our standard.
Costs vary by nature and complexity. Foundation repairs: $5,000-$50,000+ depending on extent. Load-bearing wall opening: $8,000-$20,000 including engineering, permits, beam, execution. Urban addition: $250-$400/sq ft depending on finishes. Concrete work: variable by access and volumes. Complete floor renovation (triplex): $75,000-$150,000. Urban projects often include access surcharges, protection, and logistics. BRK Solutions provides detailed, transparent quotes with no hidden fees.

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Whether for a heritage triplex, basement conversion, or urban addition, BRK Solutions masters Montreal construction challenges.

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