Hidden costs derail the budget. Structural surprises, asbestos, permit fees, and HST add 10 to 20% that weren't in the original quote. Permits create delays nobody planned for, with Toronto's approval process running 20 to 30+ days. And when design, permits, and construction aren't managed by one team, you become the project manager: coordinating between separate contractors while living in a construction zone. The renovation that was supposed to give you your home back becomes the thing that takes it away.
We handle every step of your renovation. Design, permits, budgeting, licensed trades, and inspections. You work directly with Sandra and Johanna from the first consultation through the final walk-through, which keeps the experience calm and predictable from start to finish.
A full gut renovation often touches your kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation, and basement renovation at once. We coordinate them as a single project rather than three separate trades. Same drawings, same schedule, same point of contact. We also approach built-ins (like a TV wall design) the same way we approach the rest of the build: drawn before they're ordered, sized to the room, finished as architecture.
We trained as architects with 10 years of construction experience across three countries. We're a licensed and fully insured Toronto Building Renovator, we bring our own licensed electrician and plumber, and we coordinate HVAC specialists and structural engineers when the scope requires them. Before construction begins, we model major decisions in 3D so you see how your space will look and function, before the first wall comes down. The same eye we bring to our interior design work across Toronto.
This is the question almost every homeowner asks first, and it deserves a real answer, not a vague "it depends."
A full gut renovation in Toronto typically costs $200 to $400+ per square foot, all-in. That includes design fees, permits, materials, labour, and HST. For a 1,500 sq ft home, you're generally looking at a $300,000 to $600,000+ range depending on scope and finishes.
→ Read our full Toronto gut renovation cost guide, including a breakdown by scope, what's typically included vs. excluded in contractor quotes, and how to build a realistic budget before you talk to anyone.
1
We design around how your household moves through the day. Not around a template, not around what photographs well. The plan works because it was drawn for your home, your routines, and your budget.
2
You make decisions with Sandra and Johanna. We handle the trades, the timeline, the permits, and what goes wrong. No phone tag, no surprises that someone else has to solve.
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We build contingency into every budget, model major decisions in 3D, and plan permits before they bottleneck the schedule. The project stays on track because we plan for what gut renovations actually reveal.
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Sandra and Johanna come to your home, measure the space, and develop the full scope of work. Floor plans, 3D model, material selections, construction drawings, and permit applications submitted. If the project needs a structural engineer, we coordinate that in this phase.
2
While permits are reviewed (typically 20 to 30+ days in Toronto), we finalize trade quotes, order materials with confirmed lead times, and schedule the rough-in work. Our licensed electrician and plumber are scheduled. HVAC specialists coordinated.
3
Demolition, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, drywall, finishes, cabinetry install, and inspections. We manage the daily site, coordinate inspections, and keep you updated. Final walk-through before you move in.
Complete construction drawings that meet Toronto building code requirements. Submitted and coordinated with the city on your behalf. No back-and-forth chasing the permit office.
Walk through your renovated home before construction starts. You see exactly how spaces flow, where natural light falls, and how everything fits together. No flat floor plans, no guessing.
We bring our own licensed electrician and plumber on every project. HVAC specialists, structural engineers, framers, tilers, and finishers coordinated by us. You never deal with separate contractors.
Estimates with all costs accounted for: design, permits, materials, labour, contingency, and HST. No vague allowances, no surprise costs once construction starts.
Help choosing finishes, fixtures, and materials that balance your budget, timeline, and how you actually use your spaces. Not just what looks good in photos. Samples brought to your home.
On-site supervision, inspection coordination, regular updates. We hand you problems with options before making changes. Final walk-through and 30-day follow-up after move-in.
Habitual Homes works on residential renovations across Toronto and the inner GTA. If you're in any of these neighbourhoods, we likely know the building stock and the permit office.
Not in this list? Contact us → We cover most of the GTA.
Yes. Habitual Homes is a licensed and fully insured Toronto Building Renovator. We graduated as architects in Venezuela and have over 10 years of construction experience across three countries. All construction work is completed with licensed and insured trades, and we coordinate permits, inspections, and code compliance for every project.
Typically $200 to $400+ per square foot. For a 1,500 sq ft home, expect $300,000 to $600,000+ including design, permits, construction, and finishes. Budget an additional 10 to 20% for contingencies.
12 to 18 months total: 2 to 4 months for design, 1 to 2 months for permits, 8 to 12 months for construction. Larger scopes and structural changes can extend timelines.
In most cases, yes. Full gut renovations involve extensive demolition, no plumbing or HVAC for weeks, and daily construction. Temporary housing costs $1,500 to $5,000+ per month in Toronto.
Everything: space planning, architectural drawings, permit applications and coordination, material selection, licensed trade coordination (our own electrician and plumber, plus HVAC and structural engineering as needed), project management, and final walk-through.
When we uncover surprises (structural issues, outdated wiring, asbestos), we assess with our licensed trades, present options with costs and timeline impacts, and get your approval before proceeding. This is why we build contingency funds into every budget.
Most gut renovations require building permits (structural, framing, insulation), electrical permits, and plumbing permits. Possibly HVAC, gas, or zoning variances depending on scope. We handle all permits. Fees typically range $2,000 to $10,000+.
It depends on your goals and your home's structure. Many Toronto homes have load-bearing walls that require engineered beams to remove. During design, we explore options that maximize your space within your budget. Sometimes that means keeping walls and improving flow through better door placement and sightlines.
We provide detailed estimates after the initial design consultation, once we understand your scope. Our estimates cover everything: design, permits, materials, labour, contingency, and HST. No surprise costs once construction starts.
We help you answer that question. We offer pre-purchase feasibility reviews and design consultations to assess whether your existing home can support your goals. We walk you through the trade-offs honestly, even if it means recommending a custom home build instead of a renovation.
Let's start with a quick chat about your space, your style, and your goals. Free 15-minute consultation. We'll tell you honestly whether our approach fits your project.
Full Gut Renovation Toronto
Full Gut Renovation Toronto
Full Gut Renovation Toronto
Full Gut Renovation Toronto
