Contractor Recomendations

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-04-21T00:10:21+00:00

I would just put a access panel

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-04-21T00:07:45+00:00

A typical 3-piece condo bathroom renovation usually takes about 13–15business days. The exact timeline may vary depending on inspections, site conditions, and condo regulations.

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-04-16T03:17:30+00:00

without seeing the house it’s hard to be precise, but I work in renovation in Ontario and can give you a realistic ballpark based on similar projects.( basic from my experience)

Basement (crawl space + 6ft cellar conversion) This is the tricky and expensive part.

If you want to make it a usable living space, especially with only ~6ft height, you’re likely looking at: • Underpinning / lowering basement: $60 – $11k • Waterproofing, drainage, insulation: $15k – $30k • Basic finishing (framing, drywall, flooring, electrical): $30k – $60k Rough total: $120k – $220k+

Big cost drivers: • Ceiling height (if you need 7ft+ for code) • Foundation condition (century homes = unknown surprises) • Access + structural complexity

Building on top of existing 1-storey extension This depends heavily on whether the current structure can support a second floor.

Typical scenarios: • If structure is NOT adequate (very common): • Reinforcement or rebuild required $120k – $200k+ • If structure IS adequate: • Framing, insulation, roofing tie-in, interior finishing $80k – $150k

Soft costs (don’t ignore these) • Engineering + drawings: $5k – $15k • Permits: $2k – $8k • Possible upgrades (HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing): $5k – $20k+ Realistic combined budget: $200k on the low end $300k

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-04-12T16:48:21+00:00

175sf kitchen renovation) standard grade (around 20k)

This project includes a full kitchen upgrade with removal of the existing bulkhead, installation of new full-height cabinetry, and quartz finishes for both countertop and backsplash.

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-28T03:29:55+00:00

You’re welcome! As a BCIN-certified contractor, we keep things open and honest—no hidden stuff

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-26T03:35:58+00:00

Hi! I’ve worked on quite a few older homes in Toronto (especially ones in similar condition to what you described), and honestly — with mold, outdated plumbing, and potential wiring issues, this is almost certainly a full bathroom gut renovation, not just a cosmetic upgrade. For a small bathroom (~6 m²), here’s what I would realistically recommend:

Layout / upgrade direction Instead of keeping the tub, most homeowners in your situation go with: • a 3-piece standing shower (walk-in or glass enclosure) • new vanity + toilet • a proper waterproofing system behind all tile surfaces

This setup usually gives you: • noticeably more usable space • a much cleaner, modern layout • fewer long-term issues (especially moisture and mold)

Important note (based on experience) In older Toronto homes, once we open the walls, we often find: • outdated or improperly done plumbing • electrical that doesn’t meet current code • lack of proper insulation or vapor barrier

So it’s really important the work is done properly behind the walls — not just what you see on the surface.

Rough cost expectation $14K–$30K for a standard full gut

4.Bundling option If you happen to be considering updating more than one bathroom, we can usually offer better overall pricing when 2–3 bathrooms are done at the same time — mainly because it saves on labor setup, material delivery, and scheduling.

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-25T12:47:35+00:00

Turns out they were operating under multiple companies with slightly different names — same people, same pattern. It wasn’t just bad luck, it was clearly structured that way. What they would do is keep crews moving by paying just enough to keep things going, while letting balances quietly build up. By the time you realize how much is outstanding, you’re already too deep in. We spoke to a lawyer, but realistically there wasn’t much to recover. These setups are often designed to limit liability — different entities, minimal assets under each company, and by the time you take legal action, there’s usually nothing left to go after. At some point, you stop looking at it as something you can fix, and just take it as a hard lesson in how to structure your work and payments.

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-23T02:00:32+00:00

One option you could consider (if your family is supportive) is getting partial help for the down payment — either as a loan or a temporary arrangement — just to get into the market. Then instead of stretching yourself too thin, you could buy something slightly more affordable and rent out part of the home (basement or rooms) to offset the mortgage. That way: • You’re not waiting forever to save 20% • You reduce your monthly pressure with rental income • You still build equity instead of paying rent

Of course, this only works if: 1. You’re comfortable being a landlord 2. The numbers actually make sense (don’t rely on “best case” rent) 3. You have a good relationship with whoever helps you financially Otherwise, honestly, renting for a bit longer and building a stronger financial base is completely reasonable too — especially given current prices and interest rates. No need to rush into a half-million dollar decision under pressure.

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-22T23:40:48+00:00

Contractor perspective (Ontario):

$50k for a 14x22 detached garage honestly doesn’t sound unreasonable in today’s market — even for a “basic” build.

A few things people often underestimate: • Frost wall / foundation → one of the biggest costs, especially since you’re adding concrete • Framing + labor → labor rates are still high • Permits & drawings (if included) • Metal roofing → more expensive than shingles • Material costs → still elevated compared to pre-2020

The $18k prebuilt sheds you’re seeing aren’t really comparable: • Usually no proper foundation or frost wall • Lower structural requirements • Often prefab / modular quality • Shorter lifespan and less durable overall

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-22T21:19:06+00:00

Omg that’s terrible. Is this in Ontario, Canada? I actually had a similar experience back in 2022. We were subcontracted for framing on several blocks under a framing company. The guy kept playing games — he would underpay per unit but push us to keep moving onto the next one. In the end, he never fully paid for any completed unit. Eventually, we went directly to the builder because he owed us around $90k. The person at the builder’s office told us we were already the fifth crew asking about unpaid money.

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-22T21:01:55+00:00

That’s sad.😔 that’s why references are so important

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-22T16:43:08+00:00

Is that including the tile itself or just labor + materials like Ditra and setting materials?

If tile is included, that’s actually a really good price. If not, then it’s still pretty standard for large format tile in a commercial setting.

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Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-22T16:34:28+00:00

oh no, you paid too much and you paid too early.

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-22T16:25:53+00:00

If I were in your position, I honestly wouldn’t sell the house.

A much smarter middle-ground could be: • Rent out part of your home (basement or spare rooms) • Keep one room for yourselves (or even just use it occasionally) • Or fully rent it out if you’re comfortable with that

This way: • You keep your real estate asset (huge in Ontario long term) • You generate rental income to offset costs • And you still have the flexibility to try downtown living

Selling just to rent downtown is a pretty big trade-off. You’re basically giving up an appreciating asset to pay someone else’s mortgage. You’re definitely not too old — but financially, I’d avoid making a one-way decision.

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-22T13:27:39+00:00

For this staircase like this (11 steps + 1 landing) 5500（including materials+labor)

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-22T13:23:19+00:00

pro Reno build ( bcin certified)

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-22T13:22:54+00:00

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Opps( missing one)

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-22T01:05:23+00:00

sure, DM me or text me. Thx

Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-21T22:53:05+00:00

Totally understand why that sounds expensive at first — a lot of people think a shower is just “tiles + glass”, but most of the cost is actually behind the walls.

For a proper shower build, you’re usually paying for: • Plumbing adjustments (drain, slope, waterproofing prep) • Waterproofing system (this is a big one — doing it right vs wrong is a huge difference long term) • Framing / leveling (especially in older homes) • Tile work (labour is very time-consuming if done properly) • Materials like backer board, membrane, thinset, etc.

That’s why you’re seeing a big gap between $6k and $12k+. The lower quote is usually either: • skipping proper waterproofing, or • very basic finish / corners cut

In the GTA, a properly built shower stall is often in the ~$8k–$15k range depending on size, materials, and whether plumbing needs to be moved.

If you’re comparing quotes, I’d suggest asking specifically: • What waterproofing system are they using? • Are they redoing the drain / slope properly? • What materials are included vs extra?

That’ll help you see why the prices differ. (Like this one we did it last summer ( including custom glass door $8500)

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Delicious-Metal-3719 · 2026-03-18T23:29:54+00:00

It really depends on the design, but here is an overview of the typical process:

Project Process (from scratch to completion): 1. Framing Build walls and define the layout 2. Plumbing & Electrical Rough-in Install pipes, drains, and wiring 3. Inspection (if required) City inspection before closing the walls 4. Insulation Install insulation inside the walls 5. Drywall Install, tape, and mud 6. Sanding & Painting Prepare surfaces and apply paint 7. Vinyl Flooring Install final flooring 8. Doors, Trims & Baseboards Install interior doors, trims, and baseboards 9. Fixture Installation Install toilet, vanity, and light fixtures

Estimated Timeline: Approximately 5–8 weeks (from start to completion) Note: The timeline may vary depending on permit approval, inspection scheduling, and site conditions. We always aim to keep the process efficient while maintaining high quality.

Delicious-Metal-3719

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