Expert Home Renovations in Toronto And The GTA
Fixed-price renovations from a HCRA-licensed design-build team. Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, and whole-home transformations across Toronto and the GTA.
HCRA Licensed & Insured
What We Renovate in Toronto
Transform your living space with Toronto’s trusted design-build contractors. From modern kitchen remodels to full-scale home transformations, we bring your vision to life on time and on budget. With over 15 years of experience in the home industry, our team at Grand Design Build has provided home renovation solutions for countless clients in Toronto and the GTA. Every renovation is run by the same in-house team and held to the same fixed-price contract.
Full Home Renovations
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 Renovations
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.
Home Additions
Second-storey additions, rear additions, and side extensions designed to integrate with what’s already standing. Structural tie-ins to original framing, foundation underpinning where needed, and the engineering reports Toronto requires before a permit issues.
Design and Permits
We produce architectural drawings, structural design, and full permit packages in-house. Including the parts that stall most renovations; Committee of Adjustment applications, zoning variances, and the resubmissions Toronto’s permit process almost always requires.
Our Seamless 6-Step Home Renovation Process
Initial consultation and site visit
We meet at your home, 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.
Design and fixed-price proposal
We produce preliminary drawings, a detailed scope document, and a fixed-price proposal 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.
Permits and final drawings
Once you approve the proposal, we handle drawings, City of Toronto building permit applications, Committee of Adjustment filings if required, and any engineering reports. For straightforward renovations, this phase is 4–8 weeks. For additions and suites requiring a COA hearing, 12–20 weeks.
Construction (varies by scope)
Licensed trades, site supervisor on location daily, weekly progress reports, and scheduled homeowner check-ins. All change orders priced and approved in writing before work proceeds.
Final inspection and handover
City inspections signed off, our internal quality walkthrough, your final walkthrough with a deficiency list if applicable, and handover of all warranty documentation, appliance manuals, and as-built drawings.
Warranty
We provide all the warranties and cover any deficiencies. Structural work is covered by our 7-year guarantee, waterproofing has a 2-year guarantee and workmanship is covered for a year. Anything we built, we stand behind.
Our Home Renovation Projects
Why Fixed-Price Changes the Math on a Renovation
Most renovation contracts in Toronto are written on a cost-plus or open-allowance basis. The number on the original quote is rarely the number on the final invoice, and the difference; sometimes 15%, sometimes 40%; comes out of the homeowner’s pocket. The contract is structured so that every cost overrun is your problem to solve.
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
The Benefits of Professional Home Renovations in Toronto
Whether you’ve recently purchased a property or are looking to revitalize your long-time family home, a professional renovation offers significant advantages. At Grand Design Build, we specialize in transforming houses into high-value, functional spaces tailored to your lifestyle.
- Customized Functionality: Tailor your floor plan to match your unique needs, from open-concept living areas to dedicated home offices.
- Safety & Modernization: Bring your house back to life by updating outdated electrical, plumbing, and structural systems to eliminate health and safety concerns.
- Increased Property Value: Remodeling is a proven strategy to boost your home’s market value before a sale, ensuring a higher return on investment (ROI).
- Energy Efficiency: Modernize your insulation, windows, and appliances to reduce monthly utility costs and improve comfort.
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.
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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.