What problems are common in older Toronto homes?

Outdated knob-and-tube or aluminium wiring, galvanised or lead water pipes, little or no wall insulation, uneven floors, and materials that may contain asbestos. All can be dealt with during a renovation.

Does asbestos have to be removed before renovating?

Materials that contain asbestos and will be disturbed by the work must be handled by qualified abatement contractors first. Testing before demolition tells us what is there.

Do you do older home 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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Older Home Renovation

Whole house · Toronto

Older Home Renovation in Toronto

Older houses have character worth keeping and systems that have reached the end of their life. Renovating one well means updating what is hidden while respecting what is seen. In Toronto, much of the housing is pre-war: narrow semis and detached brick houses with plaster walls, old wiring and shared party walls.

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Old bathroom during demolition, with the original tub and wall tile being removed — From our Cobblestone Drive renovation

Scope

What is included.

Assessment of structure, wiring and plumbing
Replacing knob-and-tube and aluminium wiring
Replacing galvanised and lead water lines
Insulating and air sealing old walls and attics
Structural repair of floors and foundations
Restoring or matching original trim and details

Cost

What it costs.

By quote

The cost of older home 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

Older Home 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.

Hazardous materials
Homes built before about 1990 may contain asbestos in plaster, insulation, flooring or duct wrap, and older paint may contain lead. Suspect materials are tested before demolition.
Old wiring and insurance
Knob-and-tube wiring is common in pre-1950 houses. Many insurers ask for it to be replaced, and a renovation is the practical time to do it.
Heritage
A designated heritage property, or one in a heritage conservation district, needs heritage approval for alterations covered by the designation.

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

Older Home Renovation in Toronto: the short answers.

How much does older home renovation cost in Toronto?: The cost of older home 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.
What problems are common in older Toronto homes?: Outdated knob-and-tube or aluminium wiring, galvanised or lead water pipes, little or no wall insulation, uneven floors, and materials that may contain asbestos. All can be dealt with during a renovation.
Does asbestos have to be removed before renovating?: Materials that contain asbestos and will be disturbed by the work must be handled by qualified abatement contractors first. Testing before demolition tells us what is there.
Do you do older home 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.