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Outdated knob-and-tube or aluminium wiring, galvanised or lead water pipes, little or no wall insulation, uneven floors, and materials that may contain asbestos.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 North York?

Yes. We work throughout North York, including Willowdale, Bayview Village, Don Mills, York Mills, Bedford Park and Bathurst Manor. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.

Who issues the permit for this work in North York?

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

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Older Home Renovation

Whole house · North York

Older Home Renovation in North York

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 North York, post-war bungalows and side-splits on wide lots sit beside large new custom homes.

Call (647) 718-3913 Book a consultation

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 North York.

Homes like these
Post-war houses are structurally simple and solid, which makes them good candidates for new layouts, though original wiring, windows and insulation are usually due.
Housing
In North York, post-war bungalows and side-splits on wide lots sit beside large new custom homes.
Permits
Building permits in North York are issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building, North York district). We prepare the drawings, submit the application and book the inspections.
Areas we cover
We work throughout North York, including Willowdale, Bayview Village, Don Mills, York Mills, Bedford Park and Bathurst Manor.
Bungalows with potential
North York's wide lots suit second-storey additions and full rebuilds, and many original bungalows are renovated or replaced each year.
Part of Toronto
North York follows Toronto's zoning and permit process, including the rules for garden suites and additional units.

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 North York: the short answers.

How much does older home renovation cost in North York?: 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 North York?: Yes. We work throughout North York, including Willowdale, Bayview Village, Don Mills, York Mills, Bedford Park and Bathurst Manor. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.
Who issues the permit for this work in North York?: Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building, North York district). We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.