Where does an older house lose the most heat?

Typically through air leaks, the attic, uninsulated walls and the basement, and through old windows. An energy assessment measures it for your house.

Is it worth insulating walls during a renovation?

Yes. Once the walls are open the added cost is small compared with opening them later for that purpose.

Do you do energy-efficient renovation projects in Toronto?

Yes. We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.

Who issues the permit for this work in Toronto?

Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.

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Energy-Efficient Renovation

Whole house · Toronto

Energy-Efficient Renovation in Toronto

The cheapest time to make a house warmer and cheaper to run is while the walls are open for another reason. We build the efficiency work into the renovation. In Toronto, much of the housing is pre-war: narrow semis and detached brick houses with plaster walls, old wiring and shared party walls.

Call (647) 718-3913 Book a consultation

Exterior wall stripped to the studs during renovation, with insulation exposed — From our Cobblestone Drive renovation

Scope

What is included.

Air sealing of walls, attics and rim joists
Wall, attic and basement insulation
High-performance windows and doors
Heat pumps and efficient heating and cooling
Heat-recovery ventilation
Coordination with energy advisors for assessments

Cost

What it costs.

By quote

The cost of energy-efficient renovation depends on the size and condition of the house and the finishes chosen, so we price it after a site visit. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 for a quote.

Local knowledge

Energy-Efficient Renovation in Toronto.

Homes like these
Houses of this age usually need wiring, plumbing and insulation replaced along with the finishes, so one full renovation is often more economical than working room by room.
Housing
In Toronto, much of the housing is pre-war: narrow semis and detached brick houses with plaster walls, old wiring and shared party walls.
Permits
Building permits in Toronto are issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings, submit the application and book the inspections.
Areas we cover
We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park.
Suites and multiplexes
Toronto permits laneway suites, garden suites and, on most residential lots, up to four units in a house. That makes basement apartments and rear additions more feasible here than in many suburbs.
Tight lots
Narrow lots and shared walls mean additions and underpinning often need a minor variance or a neighbour's cooperation, so the approvals take planning.

Before you start

What to know.

Air sealing first
Stopping drafts usually does more for comfort than adding thickness of insulation, and it has to be done before the walls are closed.
Ventilation
A tighter house needs planned fresh air. A heat-recovery ventilator brings it in without throwing away the heat.
Rebates
Government and utility rebate programs change often and usually require an energy assessment before work starts. Check the current programs before you begin.

How we work

One team for every stage.

AssessWe survey the house as it stands.
Design and permitsDrawings and approvals before work starts.
Strip-outWhat is worn out comes off.
RebuildStructure, wiring, plumbing and walls.
FinishesCabinetry, tile, floors and paint.
HandoverWalkthrough and documents.

Questions

Energy-Efficient Renovation in Toronto: the short answers.

How much does energy-efficient renovation cost in Toronto?: The cost of energy-efficient renovation depends on the size and condition of the house and the finishes chosen, so we price it after a site visit. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 for a quote.
Where does an older house lose the most heat?: Typically through air leaks, the attic, uninsulated walls and the basement, and through old windows. An energy assessment measures it for your house.
Is it worth insulating walls during a renovation?: Yes. Once the walls are open the added cost is small compared with opening them later for that purpose.
Do you do energy-efficient renovation projects in Toronto?: Yes. We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.
Who issues the permit for this work in Toronto?: Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.