Toronto homeowners face a unique renovation landscape: a century-old housing stock, strict permit requirements, condo board rules downtown, and some of the highest contractor demand in Canada. Finding a contractor you can actually trust — one who is licensed, insured, and shows up — is the hardest part of any project.
SimplifyReno connects you with verified, insured contractors working across every corner of Toronto. Submit your project through our free app, get an instant AI-powered cost estimate, and receive itemized quotes from vetted pros — no cold-calling, no guesswork.
Much of Toronto's core was built between 1900 and 1960 — Victorian and Edwardian semis in Cabbagetown and Riverdale, wartime bungalows in East York, and post-war homes across the inner suburbs. These homes often hide knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, and undersized panels behind their walls, so experienced contractors and honest contingency budgets matter more here than almost anywhere else.
Downtown, condo renovations bring their own rules: board approvals, acoustic underlay requirements for flooring, insurance minimums for trades, and restricted work hours. Our contractors know the difference between renovating a King West condo and gutting a Leslieville semi.
Leslieville · Riverdale · The Beaches · East York · Cabbagetown · The Annex · High Park · Roncesvalles · Danforth Village · Bloor West Village
You need a building permit for structural changes (like removing a load-bearing wall), adding or moving plumbing, most electrical work beyond simple replacements, basement apartments, and additions. Cosmetic work — painting, flooring, cabinet swaps — generally does not require a permit. The City of Toronto reviews most residential permit applications within 10 to 15 business days.
A Budget-Smart kitchen refresh in Toronto — quality workmanship with cost-conscious materials, not the cheapest possible job — typically runs $18,000–$28,000. A mid-range full renovation runs $35,000–$70,000, and a high-end custom kitchen $75,000–$140,000+. Labour rates in Toronto average $55–$95 per hour, which is above the national average.
The fastest way is to fill out our free Quick Intake Form directly on the SimplifyReno website — it takes about two minutes and gives you an instant AI-powered cost estimate for your Toronto project, with no phone calls or site visits required. For the full experience — comparing itemized quotes from verified contractors side by side, secure in-app messaging, milestone tracking, and your own project Vault — download the free SimplifyReno app on iOS or Android.
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Usually, yes. A legal second suite in Toronto typically costs $65,000–$130,000 to build and can rent for $1,600–$2,700 per month depending on the neighbourhood — one of the strongest returns of any renovation project in the city.
North York · Scarborough · Etobicoke · Mississauga · Brampton · Vaughan · Richmond Hill · Markham · Oakville