Home Renovation
Toronto Specialists

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to find temporary housing while my home is being renovated?

  Whether to secure temporary housing or remain in place depends on your tolerance level and the project scope. You can stay put if you do not mind exposure to dust, noise, or construction equipment. Remember, some renovations can be too loud and invasive. Our home renovation specialists can help you adjust as the renovation progresses. We will assess the situation and advise accordingly on when and whether to relocate, especially if the construction spans multiple rooms. You may have to move temporarily if the experts deem it appropriate.

• What should be included in the home renovation contract?

  Your contract should have details of the service provider, such as an address, contacts, and business name. There should be a comprehensive project scope, meaning an accurate description of every phase. The contract should also have the total cost of the renovation, payment terms, and the project timeline. The start and finish dates, labor, and material warranties should also be available. We can provide you with a sample renovation contract for Toronto specialists with all relevant details, including sub-contractors and their payment terms.

• Is it mandatory to hire a contractor for a home renovation in Toronto?

  No. No law mandates homeowners to hire contractors – you can handle home improvement projects as a DIY. However, working with the best renovation company in Toronto has several advantages, like experienced craftsmanship and cost-efficiency. Our professionals have the proper training, skills, and tools to address every issue according to the required standards. Handling complex or large-scale projects alone can result in the expenditure of funds and time without guaranteed success. You may fail to complete the job successfully after investing too many resources and energy. Please note that some improvement projects involving electrical or plumbing work require a licensed professional. Others, like roofing repairs, also involve higher risks that only experts can mitigate. A more stress-free approach would be to hire a qualified contractor.

• What is the best way to find a good home renovation contractor?

  Comparison is the best way to find a good contractor – research a few companies and list at least three. Compare their attributes, the duration they have been operational, and recent references. Check their standing on trustworthy rating sites like Better Business Bureau and Canadian Home Builders Association. You can also check reviews by previous customers, keeping an open mind to avoid bias. If possible, interview them to determine how they would handle your project. Request a no-obligation and accurate quote from us to initiate the process.

• What should I do once I have received quotes from home renovation contractors in Toronto?

  Meet the contractor one-on-one for a detailed discussion of the home renovation quote and overall project. That is the only way you will prevent misunderstandings and miscommunication. Ask all the questions you want and provide clarifications about your expectations and preferences – discuss the areas you consider important. For instance, you can ask about the timelines – when the project can start and end, the person responsible for acquiring renovation materials, and the payment structure. We will assign a project manager to guide you through the meeting and provide all the facts.

• How much does home renovation in Toronto cost?

  How much does it cost to renovate a home in Toronto? The exact amount you'll invest in home renovation costs will depend on factors such as: Your waiting period – The longer you wait to start the project, the higher the chances of the real estate market appreciating. Location – A property that is not easy to access is more expensive because getting the machines and supplies there is more challenging. Architectural complexity – Renovations on complex structures are mainly experimental, thus, more expensive. Square footage – Vertical size is as critical as the horizontal one. A house with a higher ceiling costs more to renovate. Feel free to contact us for your home renovation project.

• Why do home renovation contractors request a down payment?

  Down payment enhances the contractor's capability by enabling them to purchase the necessary supplies and secure laborers. It also shows your commitment to the contractual agreement. The amount should not be more than 10% of the total cost, but if you decide to pay more, hold 20% of the total amount until project completion. Beware of modern home renovation Toronto contractors that insist on cash transactions and higher down payments.

• How does holdback in Toronto work?

  The Construction Act mandates that contractors, residential property owners, and subcontractors keep 10% of a renovation's labor or materials costs. That requirement, known as a holdback, protects all parties involved in the project. It allows contractors to take legal action within 90 days or request a lien on a property within 60 days. It authorizes domestic property owners to hold on to the final payment until they confirm their satisfaction after evaluating the project – you verify that the renovation is complete and meets high standards. You also corroborate that there is no property lien related to the home renovation before making the last payment.