Major home renovations in Toronto · Toronto & the GTA
Major home renovation contractor in Toronto
Whole house renovations that make your home work better for you.
One team from your first plans to warranty support.
Your agreed scope, allowances and exclusions clearly set out.
Designed for your family, your property and your lifestyle.
See progress, schedules and updates in your client portal.
View our HCRA record. Insurance details on request.
Renovations, additions and custom homes across Toronto.
Major home renovations in Toronto
Stay on your street and change how your home works
Plan your layout, structure, services and finishes together, including the basement and the exterior when the plan calls for it. Our renovation design services cover full house renovations in Toronto, shaped around your existing home.
Whether you are planning a Toronto bungalow renovation or a larger house renovation, start with the space you need. If your plans need more room, explore home additions alongside the renovation.
Why us
One plan for the whole renovation
- 01Layout and structural needs are considered together.
- 02Kitchens and bathrooms are planned within the wider renovation.
- 03Permit requirements are reviewed as the design develops.
- 04A project coordinator keeps questions and updates organised.
- 05Scope, exclusions and living arrangements are discussed before construction.
- 06Review the proposed schedule and site access before construction.
What we offer
Major renovations that change how your whole house works
Plan layout, structure, services and finishes together, including the basement and the exterior when the plan calls for it.
Whole house renovation
Rework the house around your daily life. The scope may include new layouts, structural changes, services and finishes, including the basement and the exterior when the plan calls for it. The amount retained or rebuilt depends on the assessed project.
Comparison
What a coordinated renovation needs to cover
Review these planning topics together when defining your renovation.
| Planning topic | What to review | How it shapes the plan |
|---|---|---|
| Layout and structure | Walls, beams, floors and services | Room changes and structural work are considered together |
| Scope and cost | Inclusions, exclusions and proposed changes | The proposal defines the work and how changes are handled |
| Approvals | Drawings, applications, fees and inspections | Approval steps are included in project planning |
| Communication | Questions, selections and progress updates | A project coordinator keeps decisions organised |
| Living arrangements | Safe living space, access and essential services | The construction sequence accounts for disruption and any temporary move |
| Credentials and cover | Documents relevant to the proposed work | Current evidence is reviewed before construction |
| Closeout | Outstanding items and project documents | Handover includes a clear record of remaining work |
Our process
Six steps take your renovation from the first visit to handover
Every full house renovation follows the same six steps, from the first visit to handover.
- Step 01Discuss how you want to live
Start with what works, what does not and the changes that matter most to your household.
- Step 02Review the existing house
Assess the layout, structure and relevant site conditions before developing the renovation approach.
- Step 03Develop the design and scope
Coordinate the rooms, structural approach, services and finishes. Review inclusions, exclusions and responsibilities before construction.
- Step 04Prepare the approval work
Coordinate the drawings and applications required within the agreed scope, including a Committee of Adjustment application where needed. Allow for review comments and further information. The proposal identifies how City fees, Committee fees and survey costs are handled.
- Step 05Manage the construction
Sequence the work and trades around the project plan. Keep decisions and changes documented, with updates through the project coordinator.
- Step 06Review and hand over
Walk through the finished work, record outstanding items and agree the follow-up. Confirm the applicable closeout and warranty documents.
The work
Our projects
Cliffcrest A ground up custom home in Cliffcrest, where the 1950s bungalows on the Bluffs are steadily being replaced. Grey stone and limestone across the front, gabled dormers, and the garage set below the entrance so the main floor sits up off the street.
Douglas Avenue A three storey infill on a narrow lot, eleven metres from established grade to the top of the parapet. Buff veneer brick under a black clad set back top floor.
De Vere Gardens Fifteen feet of bathroom, planned as three zones: a glass shower just over five feet square, a 6'-7" freestanding tub set under the window, and the water closet behind its own door.
Don Mills A rear addition on a Don Mills home. Painted brick, full height windows across the back, and an elevated deck sitting over a paved terrace.
Blackthorn A two storey garden suite clad in black vertical seam metal, with sliding doors opening onto a paved path and a cedar fence run alongside it.
Haig Avenue Two custom homes built side by side on one street, one in pale brick and one in dark, with black window frames carried across both.
Glengarry Red brick over a limestone base, steep gables, and a limestone surround to the entrance with a black bay window set beside it.
Homeowner reviews
What homeowners say
Grand Design Build did a rear addition, second storey, and all our bathrooms on a house in the Beaches. March to September 2025. We were told end of September and moved back in the second week, so a bit ahead of schedule. Fixed price contract, and the final cost was exactly the contract number. That mattered a lot to us. We decided to change few items for bathrooms and kitchen halfway and there were no issues with the change orders, and the pricing was really fair even though a fixed contract was signed. There were no pushback. The office project coordinators and the site supervisor were really helpful the entire way through. They also kept the site tidy for six months straight and our neighbours never once complained. Respectful crew. Recommend them.
Allen and his team were a dream to work with. Truly an amazing experience and an incredible condo full renovation. The work was top notch and Allen was excellent to work with, respecting our ideas and desires and making our renovation dream a reality.
I had a really good experience working with Grand Design Build on my home renovation and rear addition project. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with throughout the process. They took the time to understand our needs, offered helpful suggestions along the way, and also provided complimentary interior design support, which was a great added value. They were responsive and attentive to questions as they came up, and the project stayed on track from start to finish. I would recommend Grand Design Build to anyone looking for a reliable custom build and design company in Toronto.
Grand Design Build did a great job on our renovation. Their team was organized, kept us informed through each step, and also delivered quality work. They were reliable with timelines and very clear about costs and materials. Overall, we had a very smooth experience with them. Highly recommended!
Areas we serve
Major home renovations across Toronto
- Bayview Village
- Bloor West Village
- Cliffcrest
- Danforth
- Forest Hill
- Leaside
- Ledbury Park
- North York
- Rosedale
- The Beaches
- Willowdale
Explore our existing neighbourhood pages for relevant service information. A Toronto bungalow renovation, semi-detached home renovation and larger house renovation each need a plan based on the building and its constraints.
Can't find your neighbourhood?
We build across Toronto and the GTA. These are the ones we work in most, not the only ones we work in.
More of what we do
Other services.
Design & Permits
Typically 1 to 8 monthsFrom first sketch to your building permit, we handle every step.
Home Additions
Typically Schedule set in the contract before you signSecond storey, rear and side home additions in Toronto, with design, permits and construction planned around your home and the space you need.
Laneway & Garden Suites
Typically Schedule set in the contract before you signGarden suites and laneway houses behind your home in Toronto, a secondary dwelling designed around your life and thoughtfully planned before construction begins.
Custom Homes
Typically Schedule set in the contract before you signTear down and rebuild in Toronto: design, permits and construction, thoughtfully planned around your life before work begins.
Project Management
Project management led with precision and transparency: one point of contact from the first idea to the final inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Questions homeowners ask before they call
Bring your questions to the consultation. We will walk through the details with you.
What counts as a major renovation?
A major renovation makes substantial changes to how the house works. It may involve layout, structural, service and finish changes, including the basement and the exterior when the plan calls for it. The scope is defined around the assessed house and your goals.
How much does a major home renovation cost in Toronto?
Cost depends on the size and condition of the house, structural changes, services, access and finishes. A feasibility study helps establish the scope and decisions needed before a detailed proposal. Contact Grand Design Build to discuss the study, its scope and the next steps.
How long does a major home renovation take?
The schedule depends on design, approvals and the construction scope. A whole house renovation needs a plan for access, services and living arrangements. Review the proposed schedule before signing, including any Committee of Adjustment process.
Can you open walls on the main and second floors?
Wall openings need to be assessed against the structure and proposed layout. The design must account for how loads are supported and how the opening affects services and finishes. Feasibility and approvals are reviewed before construction.
How do you add ceiling or floor height in a renovation?
Options depend on the existing structure and the work proposed. Roof changes, altered floor levels or basement work can have different structural and approval requirements. We review the house before recommending an approach.
Can I live in my home during a major renovation in Toronto?
It depends on the scope and whether safe living space and essential services can be maintained. A full house renovation may require temporary relocation for part or all of the construction. Discuss this during planning rather than assume occupation will be practical.
Do I need a permit for a major renovation in Toronto?
A building permit is required for structural or material alterations, including changes such as adding or removing walls. Some simpler work is exempt. The proposed renovation determines the permits and other approvals needed, which should be established before construction.
Does Grand Design Build handle the permit for my renovation?
We coordinate the permit work included in the agreed scope. Your proposal identifies drawings, applications, inspection responsibilities and how City permit fees, Committee of Adjustment fees, consultant fees and survey costs are handled.
Start here
Plan a home that works for you
Tell us what you want to change and what you want to keep. We can discuss the next step towards assessing your house and planning the renovation.
- Discuss your goals and the existing property.
- Review the proposed scope and next steps.
- Confirm the study scope and any fees before proceeding.
Contact us (416) 920-6066