Expert Home Renovations in Toronto And The GTA
We handle the entire process for your home renovation from drawings and materials to construction and interior design. Get your kitchen, bathroom, basement, or full home renovation with luxury home renovation contractors in Toronto and the GTA.
HCRA Licensed & Insured
Our Home Renovation Projects in Toronto and The GTA
Why Homeowners Choose Grand Design Build
Choosing a home renovation contractor in Toronto means trusting someone with your home and your budget. Here’s why homeowners across the GTA choose Grand Design Build.
- Fixed-price contracts The proposal you sign is the invoice you pay. Every line item priced before we break ground.
- HCRA-licensed Licensed by Ontario’s Home Construction Regulatory Authority. Mandatory for builds and additions, carried on every renovation too.
- 7-year structural guarantee: Structural work backed for seven years. Waterproofing for two. Workmanship for one.
- One in-house team: Same project manager, site supervisor, and trades from first walk-through to final inspection. No handoffs.
- Permits handled in-house: Drawings, City of Toronto applications, Committee of Adjustment filings, and engineering reports, all done by the in-house team.
- 15+ years across the GTA: Operating since 2011 with 250+ completed projects in Toronto and the GTA.
What a Fixed-Price Contract Means at Grand Design Build
Most home renovation contractors in Toronto offer cost-plus pricing, and the number on the quote rarely matches the number on the final invoice. We work differently.
At Grand Design Build, we use a Fixed-Price Guarantee for our defined scope. We do the work of estimating, sourcing, and pricing every line item before we ever break ground. If a sub-trade raises their price mid-project, that’s our problem. If a task takes longer than expected, that’s our problem. The contract you sign is the invoice you pay.
- A cost breakdown for the entire project provided and discussed before signing
- Change orders quoted and approved in writing before any changes are made
- You do not pay anything more than you agreed to
What We Renovate in Toronto
Grand Design Build has completed renovations across Toronto and the GTA; from full gut renovations in Forest Hill and Lawrence Park to kitchen and bathroom work in Leslieville, Leaside, Bayview Village, and North York. Every project, regardless of neighbourhood or scope, runs through the same in-house team.
Here are some of the renovations that our team covers, based on your needs.
Full Home Renovation
We take on everything involved: structural changes, new electrical and plumbing, full mechanical upgrades, and the interior finishes that make the house feel genuinely new. Every full renovation is delivered under one fixed-price contract with a single project manager running point.
Modern Kitchen Renovations
We gut and redesign kitchens: custom cabinetry, new electrical and plumbing, island installation, and appliance integration. Including the parts most builders won’t quote upfront; gas line relocation, load calculations for waterfall islands, and the plumbing rework century-old Toronto homes need.
Luxury Bathroom Renovation
Full bathroom renovations including waterproofing, tile work, custom vanities, and fixture installation. We handle everything from powder rooms to spa-style master ensuites with steam showers and heated floors.
Basement Finishing
Underpinning, lowering, finishing, and legal second-suite conversions; all in line with City of Toronto bylaws and Ontario Building Code.
Transform it into an office, living space or separate unit.
Structural Upgrades
Load-bearing wall removal, beam and post installation, foundation reinforcement, and underpinning in line with all the necessary permits and inspections.
Interior Refacing
Non-structural upgrades: flooring replacement, trim and millwork, painting, lighting, and fixture replacement. Fastest-turnaround category of work, often completed in 3-6 weeks. No permits typically required.
Our Home Renovation Process
A luxury renovation in Toronto doesn’t have to mean a moving budget. For fifteen years, Grand Design Build has delivered full-home rebuilds, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements at the premium level, every project priced upfront, run by the same in-house team, and backed by a 7-year structural guarantee.
What that means in the finished home: open-concept layouts that work for how a family actually lives, custom millwork, integrated lighting, and kitchens and bathrooms built around the way the household uses them. The work behind the walls is held to the same standard as the finishes.
Complimentary Consultation
Set up a meeting at one of our design centre or on site within one business day. We will walk through your goals, take measurements, and review existing conditions. For larger projects we'll bring our designer and a structural estimator. This is free and carries no obligation.
Proposal & Scope
We produce a preliminary proposal, a detailed scope document, and a fixed-price structure broken down by line item. You know exactly what's included, what isn't, and what each component costs before you commit. Review it, ask questions, request changes, we'll rescope as needed.
Drawings & Permits
Our in-house architects and designers create your custom blueprints. We manage the entire City of Toronto application process, including architectural drawings, structural engineering, and navigating any required zoning variances.
Build & Inspections
We start building your dream home based on the approved designs and contract. Our team and municipal authorities conduct thorough inspections at every milestone to ensure full compliance with the Ontario Building Code and project specifications.
Handover & Warranty
The moment your vision becomes a reality. We conduct a final walkthrough to ensure your total satisfaction and seamlessly transition the new home into your possession, all backed by our 7-Year Structural Guarantee.
What Clients Say About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a home renovation cost in Toronto?
In 2026, a full house renovation in Toronto typically costs between $150 and $450 per square foot, depending on the age of the home and the quality of finishes. For a standard 1,500 sq. ft. detached home, homeowners should budget between $200,000 and $600,000+.
The cost is generally broken down into three tiers:
- Basic/Cosmetic ($150–$200/sq. ft.): Best for updates like painting, new flooring, and mid-range kitchen/bath refreshes without moving walls.
- Mid-Range ($200–$350/sq. ft.): Includes layout changes, custom cabinetry, upgraded electrical/plumbing, and high-quality materials (quartz, hardwood).
- High-End/Full Gut ($350–$500+/sq. ft.): Involves structural alterations, luxury finishes, smart home integration, and modern energy-efficiency upgrades (Tier 3 standards).
Local Tip: Don’t forget to factor in the 13% HST, City of Toronto permit fees (which can range from $2,000 to $10,000+ for major work), and a 15% contingency fund for the “hidden surprises” common in older Toronto properties.
What are the most common renovation mistakes?
These are some of the most common mistakes customers make when renovating their homes. Avoid these frequent pitfalls to keep your project on track and under budget:
- Skipping the Contingency Fund: Unexpected issues like mold or faulty wiring often hide behind walls. Always set aside an extra 10–20% of your budget for surprises.
- Hiring Solely on Price: The lowest bid often reflects a lack of insurance, subpar materials, or hidden fees. Value quality and reputation over the bottom line.
- Changing Your Mind Mid-Project: “Scope creep” is a timeline killer. Finalize your fixtures and floor plans before the first hammer swings to avoid expensive change orders.
- Over-Improving for the Area: If you plan to sell, ensure your upgrades match the neighborhood’s price point. Don’t put a mansion-grade kitchen in a starter home.
- Neglecting Lighting and Outlets: Homeowners often forget functional needs. Plan your electrical layout early so you aren’t stuck with extension cords in your new space.
- DIY-ing the Technical Stuff: While painting is a great DIY task, leave structural work, plumbing, and electrical to licensed pros to ensure your home stays up to code.
Which renovations add the most value to a home?
In the Toronto market, the highest Return on Investment (ROI) comes from projects that increase functional square footage or improve energy efficiency. Key renovations include:
- Legal Basement Suites: Adding a rental suite or secondary dwelling unit is the top value-adder due to Toronto’s high housing demand.
- Kitchen Refreshes: Minor to mid-range updates (new counters, cabinet refacing, and energy-efficient appliances) typically outperform major luxury guts.
- Bathroom Upgrades: Modernizing fixtures or adding a second bathroom to a single-bath home significantly boosts resale appeal.
- Energy Efficiency: Upgrading to heat pumps, triple-pane windows, and high-performance insulation is increasingly attractive to buyers facing rising utility costs.
- Curb Appeal: A new front door, professional landscaping, or updated siding offers a high impact for a relatively low investment.
Do I need a permit for my home renovation in Toronto?
Most structural changes, plumbing relocations, electrical work, and additions require a permit from the City of Toronto. Cosmetic-only work like flooring, painting, or like-for-like cabinet replacement usually does not. We assess permit requirements during design, prepare the application package, and handle the entire submission and inspection process on your behalf.
Pro Tip: Always check with your local building department first. Unpermitted work can complicate future home sales and may lead to fines.
How long does a home renovation take?
The timeline for a Toronto renovation depends on the scope of work and the City’s permit approval speed. On average, you should budget for the following timeframes:
- Cosmetic Refresh (1–2 Months): Best for surface-level updates like painting, new flooring, and lighting.
- Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel (3–5 Months): Includes design, ordering custom cabinetry (8–12 week lead times), and construction.
- Basement Finishing (4–6 Months): Standard finishing is relatively quick, but adding a legal secondary suite or underpinning can extend this significantly.
- Full House Gut / Major Addition (9–15+ Months): These large-scale projects require extensive architectural drawings and structural permits.
The “Toronto Factor”: Budget 3–6 months before construction for design and City of Toronto approvals. If your project requires a Committee of Adjustment hearing for zoning variances, add an additional 3–5 months to your pre-construction phase.
How should I prepare for a renovation while living in the house?
Living through a renovation is a test of patience. Depending on what parts of the house you are renovating, we recommend:
- Setting up a “Mini-Kitchen”: Move your microwave and coffee maker to a clean room.
- Decluttering: Move all furniture and breakables out of the work zone.
- Dust Protection: Ensure your contractor uses plastic sheeting and HEPA filters.
Will I need to move out during the renovation?
It depends on scope. Single-room renovations are usually liveable, with proper dust separation and protected access. Whole-home renovations, second-storey additions, and projects that take out the kitchen or only bathroom typically require homeowners to relocate for some or all of construction. We tell you which category your project falls into during the design phase, so you can plan.
Are you HCRA licensed?
Yes. The Home Construction Regulatory Authority licenses Ontario builders and requires ongoing compliance with financial, insurance, and business conduct standards. HCRA licensing is mandatory for additions and new builds and optional for straight renovations; we carry it regardless because it reflects how we operate. Our license is verifiable on the Ontario Builder Directory.
More on Home Renovation in Toronto
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Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Whether you’re building a custom home, adding space with an addition, transforming your space through a renovation, or maximizing your property with a laneway suite, you deserve a builder you can trust to get it right.
At Grand Design Build, we’ve spent over 15 years earning that trust. Through meticulous planning, honest pricing, and efficient construction, we deliver exceptional results without the stress, surprises, or budget creep that too often come with the territory. Every project, no matter the size, is backed by our guarantee, because we don’t just build homes. We stand behind them.