Question 1

Do you handle City of Toronto permits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Permit applications, drawings, engineering and inspection scheduling are included in our project management. You receive the closed-permit documentation at project completion.

Question 2

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

We carry $5M commercial general liability, full WSIB coverage and hold City of Toronto trade licences. Certificates are provided with every contract and to condo property managers on request.

Question 3

How long does a typical renovation take?

Accepted Answer

Bathrooms run 3–5 weeks, kitchens 10–14 weeks, basements 12–16 weeks, and full home renovations 6–9 months. Your contract includes a dated schedule, not a vague estimate.

Question 4

How is pricing structured?

Accepted Answer

Fixed-price contracts based on finalized drawings and a written allowance schedule. Any change is documented in a signed change order before work proceeds — no end-of-project surprises.

Question 5

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

We work with third-party home-improvement lenders and can structure milestone-based payment schedules that align with your HELOC or renovation mortgage draws.

Question 6

What warranty do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Two-year workmanship warranty on all labour, plus full manufacturer warranties on materials and fixtures. Waterproofing systems carry extended coverage.

Question 7

Which renovations need a City of Toronto building permit?

Accepted Answer

Structural changes, new or relocated plumbing, basement underpinning, additions, second suites, decks over 24 inches and most window enlargements. Cosmetic work — paint, flooring, cabinet swaps — generally does not.

Question 8

How long does an Etobicoke permit take?

Accepted Answer

A straightforward interior alteration permit typically takes 6–12 weeks. Additions run 3–4 months, and anything requiring a minor variance at the Committee of Adjustment adds roughly 3–5 months.

Question 9

What if my house is in a heritage conservation district?

Accepted Answer

Parts of Long Branch, The Kingsway and the Markland Wood have heritage designations affecting exterior work. We identify this during the feasibility stage and prepare heritage permit applications where required.

Question 10

Do condos need permits too?

Accepted Answer

Yes for plumbing, electrical and any wall removal — plus your condo board's own approval package, insurance certificates and elevator bookings. We prepare all of it.

Question 11

When should I book to start in the spring?

Accepted Answer

Design, selections and permits take 2–4 months, so a spring start means contacting us in the fall. Winter interior work is a good option and often has better trade availability.

Question 12

Can you work through a Toronto winter?

Accepted Answer

Interior work continues year-round. Exterior work — additions, foundations, masonry — is scheduled around temperature limits for concrete and mortar, which we build into your dated schedule.

Question 13

What causes renovation delays?

Accepted Answer

Three things, in order: late client selections, permit review cycles and hidden conditions in old houses. We front-load selections and carry a documented contingency for the third.

Question 14

How do payment schedules work?

Accepted Answer

A deposit at contract signing, then milestone payments tied to completed stages — never for work that hasn't happened. The final payment is due after your deficiency walkthrough.

Question 15

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

We work with third-party home-improvement lenders and can align milestone draws with a HELOC or renovation mortgage. We'll structure the schedule around your lender's requirements.

Question 16

What is a contingency and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

For century homes we recommend setting aside 10–15% beyond the contract price. Behind 1910 plaster there is occasionally rotted framing or abandoned plumbing that no one can quote sight unseen.

Question 17

What does your warranty cover?

Accepted Answer

Two years on all workmanship from the date of substantial completion, plus full manufacturer warranties on materials, fixtures and appliances. Waterproofing systems carry extended coverage.

Question 18

Who do I call if something goes wrong after completion?

Accepted Answer

Your project manager directly — the same person who ran the job. Warranty service calls are scheduled within five business days.

Question 19

Is new living space covered by Tarion?

Accepted Answer

Additions that create a new dwelling unit, such as a legal second suite, fall under Tarion registration requirements. We're registered and enroll qualifying projects.

Renovation questions, answered

General

Permits & approvals

Timelines & scheduling

Pricing & financing

Warranty & aftercare

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