Questions & Answers
Renovation FAQ
Straightforward answers to the questions GTA homeowners ask most about renovation cost, timelines, permits, planning and how working with RENAWO works.
Every home and every project is different, so the answers below are general guidance rather than a quote or a promise. They are meant to help you plan, ask better questions and know what to expect. If you do not see your question here, get in touch and we will be glad to help.
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General Renovation
General Renovation Questions
What types of renovations does RENAWO handle?
RENAWO focuses on residential renovations across the GTA and surrounding communities, including kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement finishing, interior remodeling, full home renovations and custom upgrades. You can see the full list on our renovation services page.
Do you work on houses, townhomes and condos?
We work primarily on detached and semi-detached houses and townhomes. Condo projects can be possible depending on the scope and the building’s rules, since condo corporations often set their own requirements for working hours, elevator use, noise and approvals. Tell us about your home when you request a quote and we will let you know whether it is a good fit.
Do you handle both design and construction?
Our approach is to guide a project from early planning through construction so that layout, materials and budget decisions stay connected. The level of design support depends on the project. Some homeowners arrive with finished drawings, while others need help shaping the plan first. We discuss this during the first consultation.
Can I live in my home during a renovation?
Often, yes, especially for a single-room project such as a bathroom or basement. For a kitchen, many families set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in the house. For a full home renovation, living elsewhere for part or all of the work can make the project safer, faster and less stressful. We talk through what is realistic for your household before work begins.
Cost
Renovation Cost Questions
How much does a renovation cost in the GTA?
There is no single number that applies to every home. Cost depends on the size of the space, the scope of work, the condition of the existing structure and systems, the materials and finishes you choose, and whether layouts, plumbing or electrical change. Our cost guides explain these factors in detail, and the Ontario home renovation cost guide is a good starting point.
Why do renovation quotes vary so much between contractors?
Quotes can differ because of what is included. One quote may cover demolition, disposal, permits, trades, materials and site protection, while another leaves some of those out or uses allowances that turn out to be low. When comparing quotes, check the scope line by line. Our guide on how to choose a renovation contractor covers what to look for.
Should I budget for a contingency?
Yes. Hidden conditions behind walls and under floors, such as older wiring, plumbing issues or moisture, are common in renovations, particularly in older homes. Many homeowners set aside a contingency of roughly 10 to 20 percent of the project budget. Our renovation budget planning guide explains how to build a realistic budget.
Is the price on a cost guide a quote?
No. Cost guides are general information to help you plan. An accurate price can only be prepared after we understand your home, your goals and the scope of work. To get a proposal for your project, request a quote.
Timeline
Timeline Questions
How long does a renovation take?
Timelines vary with the scope, the size of the space, permit requirements, material lead times and what is discovered once work begins. A single bathroom is usually much shorter than a kitchen, and a full home renovation is the longest. Our home renovation timeline guide walks through each phase.
What can delay a renovation?
Common causes include changes to the scope after work starts, long lead times on custom cabinetry, windows or special-order materials, waiting for permits or inspections, and unexpected conditions such as damaged framing or outdated wiring. Making key selections before construction begins is one of the best ways to keep a project on track.
When should I start planning?
Earlier than most people expect. Design, selections, pricing and any permit process all take time before construction can begin. If you have a target date in mind, such as finishing before a family event or a season, reach out well ahead so there is time to plan properly.
Does a permit add time to the schedule?
It can. If your project needs a building permit, the application and review happen before related work can start, and inspections take place at set stages during construction. Review times vary by municipality and by how complete the application is, which is why we factor permit needs into the schedule during planning rather than after.
Planning
Planning Questions
Where do I start when planning a renovation?
Start with your goals: what is not working in the space today and what you want it to do better. Then set a realistic budget range, gather inspiration and think about timing. Our guide on how to plan a home renovation lays out the steps, and you can request a quote when you are ready to talk about your project.
Do I need a permit for my renovation?
Depending on the scope of work, a permit may be required. Requirements are set by your municipality, so they depend on where you live and what you are changing. Structural changes, new plumbing or electrical work, and creating new living space commonly require a permit, while cosmetic updates often do not. We can review your project’s likely permit needs with you during planning. Read more in our renovation permits in Ontario guide, and confirm the requirements with your local municipality’s building department.
Do I need an architect or designer?
It depends on the project. Changes to structure, layout or the building envelope may need drawings from a qualified professional, and some permit applications require them. Smaller projects may not. We will help you understand what your project is likely to need during the consultation.
What should I prepare before my first consultation?
It helps to have photos of the space, a list of what you want to change, any inspiration images, a rough budget range and your preferred timing. Measurements or existing drawings are useful but not required.
Kitchen
Kitchen Renovation Questions
Can I change my kitchen layout?
Often, yes. Moving a sink, range or island, or opening a wall, is possible in many homes, but it can affect plumbing, venting, electrical and sometimes structure, which adds cost and may require a permit. We assess what is practical during planning. See our kitchen renovation page and kitchen planning guide.
What has the biggest effect on kitchen renovation cost?
Cabinetry, countertops, appliances and any layout changes tend to have the largest influence, along with the size of the kitchen and the condition of what is behind the walls. Our kitchen renovation cost guide breaks these factors down.
Should I open my kitchen to the living area?
An open layout can improve light, flow and connection, but it also changes how sound, cooking smells and storage work. If the wall is load-bearing, it will need an engineered solution. Our open concept renovation guide covers the trade-offs.
How do I make sure my new kitchen has enough storage?
Start by listing what you actually store today and what frustrates you about it. Deep drawers for pots, pull-outs for pantry items, taller upper cabinets and a well-planned island can add a lot of usable storage without making the room feel crowded. We look at how you cook and use the space when planning cabinetry.
Bathroom
Bathroom Renovation Questions
Can I replace my tub with a walk-in shower?
In many bathrooms, yes. Converting a tub to a shower involves drainage, waterproofing and tile work, and the right approach depends on your floor structure and plumbing. If the home has only one tub, some homeowners consider whether keeping one makes sense for their household. Learn more on our bathroom renovation page.
Why does waterproofing matter so much?
Water damage behind tile is one of the most expensive problems to fix later. A properly installed waterproofing system in showers and wet areas protects the structure underneath, which is why we treat it as a core part of the work rather than an extra.
What affects bathroom renovation cost?
The size of the room, whether fixtures move, the tile and fixture choices, ventilation, and any repairs needed once walls and floors are opened. Our bathroom renovation cost guide and bathroom planning guide explain more.
How long will I be without my bathroom?
That depends on the scope. A refresh that keeps fixtures in place moves faster than a full gut renovation with new plumbing locations, custom tile or a curbless shower. Waterproofing, tile and fixture lead times all play a role. If it is your only bathroom, let us know early so we can plan the sequence around your household.
Basement
Basement Renovation Questions
Is my basement suitable for finishing?
Most basements can be finished, but a few things should be checked first: signs of moisture or past water entry, ceiling height, the location of mechanical equipment, and window size if a bedroom is planned. Addressing moisture before finishing is essential. Visit our basement renovation page for more.
Can I add a bathroom or a separate unit in my basement?
A basement bathroom is a common addition, though it depends on drainage and plumbing access. A separate secondary suite may involve additional municipal requirements, for example around zoning, fire separation and exits, and these vary by municipality. We review what applies to your property during planning, and our basement planning guide covers the basics.
What drives basement renovation cost?
The size of the space, the number of rooms, whether a bathroom or kitchenette is included, moisture management, and any changes to windows, ceilings or mechanical systems. See the basement renovation cost guide for details.
How do you deal with moisture in a basement?
The first step is understanding where moisture is coming from, whether that is exterior drainage, foundation cracks, high humidity or plumbing. Finishing over an unresolved moisture problem can lead to mould and damaged materials. Once the source is addressed, the wall and floor assemblies are chosen to suit a below-grade space.
Full Home
Full Home Renovation Questions
What counts as a full home renovation?
A full home renovation usually involves several rooms or the entire interior at once, often including updated layouts, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, lighting and sometimes electrical, plumbing or HVAC upgrades. Our full home renovation page and full home renovation guide explain what is typically included.
Is it better to renovate all at once or in phases?
Renovating all at once can be more efficient because trades, permits and disruption are handled together. Phasing spreads out cost and disruption but can mean redoing some work later. The right choice depends on your budget, timeline and whether you can live in the home during the work.
How should I budget for a full home renovation?
Start with your priorities and a realistic range, then allow a contingency for conditions found during demolition, which are more likely in larger projects and older homes. Our full home renovation cost guide explains the main cost drivers.
Can older homes be fully renovated?
Many older GTA homes are excellent candidates for a full renovation. They can also hold surprises, such as outdated wiring, older plumbing, uneven framing or past renovations that were not done to current standards. Allowing time and budget for these possibilities, and investigating early, helps keep the project predictable.
Process
Process Questions
What does the RENAWO process look like?
It typically starts with a conversation about your goals, followed by a site visit, planning and design, a detailed proposal, selections, construction and a final walkthrough. Each project is a little different, and you can see the full sequence on our process page.
How do you communicate during a project?
We believe clear, regular communication is part of a good renovation. Before work begins, we agree on how updates will be shared and who your main point of contact is, so you know what is happening and what decisions are coming up.
What happens if something unexpected is found?
Hidden conditions are a normal part of renovation work. If something is uncovered that affects the scope, cost or schedule, we explain what was found, what the options are and how they affect the project before moving forward, so you can make an informed decision.
How do I get a quote?
Fill out the form on our get a quote page with a few details about your home and project. We will review the information and follow up to discuss next steps.
Service Areas
Service Area Questions
Which areas do you serve?
RENAWO serves homeowners across the GTA, including Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, York Region communities such as Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Newmarket and Aurora, as well as Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa. See the full list on our service areas page.
Do permit rules differ between cities?
Yes. Each municipality sets and administers its own building permit process, so requirements and timelines can differ between, for example, Toronto, Vaughan and Mississauga. We review what applies to your address during planning, and you can confirm details with your local building department.
My city is not listed. Can you still help?
Possibly. If your home is near one of the communities we serve, reach out through our quote form and tell us where the project is located. We will let you know whether we can take it on.
Do you charge more to work outside Toronto?
Pricing is based on the scope of each project rather than a fixed rate by city. Factors such as access, parking and distance can play a small role in planning, but the biggest drivers are always the work itself and the materials chosen. Explore our service areas or request a quote to discuss your project.
Still Have Questions?
Let’s Talk About Your Renovation
Share a few details about your home and what you want to change. We will follow up to talk through scope, budget and next steps.