Full Home Renovations • Toronto & GTA

Complete Home Renovations

Transform your home through a carefully planned renovation based on your vision, your architect’s drawings or a coordinated design developed for the project. Empire Homes & Renovations manages demolition, framing, construction and interior finishing with Ontario permit and inspection requirements in mind.

Customer or Architect Plans
Permit-Aware Construction
Complete Project Coordination
Toronto & GTA Service

One Home. One Coordinated Renovation.

A Complete Renovation Built Around Your Design

A full home renovation brings many construction stages together. Existing finishes may need to be removed, layouts may change, structural work may be introduced, and new electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinetry and trim must all be coordinated in the correct sequence.

We can work from plans supplied by the homeowner, architect, engineer or qualified designer. Where plans are not yet complete, the project can begin with a scope review so the appropriate design and permit professionals can be identified before construction.

Construction follows the approved project scope and permit documents. Structural or material changes that affect approved plans should be reviewed before they are built.

Three Ways to Begin

Your Vision, Your Architect or a Coordinated Design

Every renovation begins differently. We adapt the construction process to the level of design information already available.

01

Customer-Directed Renovation

You provide your goals, inspiration, preferred layout and finish selections. The project scope is reviewed to determine which drawings, permits and professional design services are required before work begins.

02

Architect or Designer Plans

We build from approved architectural, engineering or qualified-designer documents and coordinate construction details, material selections and site conditions with the project team.

03

Collaborative Design-Build

The homeowner, contractor and required design professionals collaborate from the early planning stage so budget, structure, mechanical systems and finish details can be considered together.

Ontario Requirements

Permits, Drawings & Code-Conscious Renovation Planning

Building permits are required for many major renovations and structural changes. Applications are reviewed by the local municipality for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, zoning requirements and other applicable law.

01

Permit Review

The proposed scope should be reviewed before construction to determine whether building, plumbing, drainage or HVAC permits are required.

02

Scaled Drawings

Permit submissions commonly require fully dimensioned drawings showing the existing and proposed construction, room layouts and relevant building details.

03

Qualified Design

Depending on the scope, drawings may need to be prepared or reviewed by an architect, professional engineer or qualified designer.

04

Structural Alterations

Changes to load-bearing walls, beams, posts, floor systems, foundations or roof framing require appropriate design and approval.

05

Mechanical Coordination

Plumbing, drainage, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical work must be coordinated with the approved renovation design and applicable trade requirements.

06

Required Inspections

Where permits apply, required inspections must be arranged at the correct stages before regulated work is concealed by insulation, drywall or finishes.

07

Fire & Life Safety

The renovation may involve fire separations, smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, exiting, guards, handrails and other life-safety requirements.

08

Energy & Building Envelope

Exterior-wall, roof, window and insulation work may affect air barriers, vapour control, insulation levels, moisture protection and energy performance.

09

Older Building Materials

Materials that may contain asbestos or other designated substances should be assessed before renovation work disturbs or removes them.

This page provides general project information and is not a code review, engineering opinion or permit determination. Requirements vary by municipality, property and scope. The local building authority and approved permit documents govern the project.

Complete Renovation Scope

One Coordinated Plan for the Entire Home

Services are selected according to the approved project scope and can be coordinated across multiple rooms and construction stages.

Interior Demolition

Selective removal of existing finishes, cabinetry, flooring, drywall and approved partitions.

Structural Framing

New walls, openings, headers, beams, posts, blocking and framing based on approved documents.

Open-Concept Layouts

Coordinated structural and interior work for approved wall removals and new living arrangements.

Kitchen Renovations

Layout preparation, cabinetry coordination, counters, backsplashes, flooring, lighting and finishes.

Bathroom Renovations

Plumbing coordination, waterproofing preparation, tile, vanities, fixtures and finish carpentry.

Basement Renovations

Framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, washrooms, recreation areas and compliant egress planning.

Electrical Coordination

Lighting layouts, receptacles, panels and renovation wiring coordinated with licensed electrical work.

Plumbing & HVAC

New fixture locations, drains, water lines, ventilation and heating/cooling changes coordinated with trades.

Insulation & Drywall

Wall and ceiling assemblies prepared for insulation, air/vapour control and finished drywall.

Flooring

Subfloor preparation and installation coordination for hardwood, engineered wood, tile, vinyl or laminate.

Trim & Millwork

Interior doors, baseboards, casing, feature walls, shelving and custom finish details.

Painting & Completion

Final surface preparation, painting, hardware, deficiencies and project completion review.

Why Choose Empire

Construction That Respects the Design Intent

A successful full-home renovation depends on communication between the homeowner, designer, trades and construction team. We focus on sequencing, documentation and clear decisions so the finished home reflects the approved design.

Plan-Based Construction

Build from the approved scope and current drawings.

Customer Collaboration

Keep homeowners informed about selections and decisions.

Architect Coordination

Refer design questions and revisions to the appropriate professional.

Trade Sequencing

Coordinate framing, mechanical systems and finishes.

Site Protection

Plan access, dust control and protection for areas that remain.

Quality Checks

Review work before each area is concealed or finished.

Our Renovation Process

From Initial Ideas to Final Completion

The exact order may vary, but every major renovation benefits from clear stages, documented decisions and coordinated inspections.

01

Consultation

Review the home, priorities, budget range, plans and intended renovation scope.

02

Design Review

Confirm whether customer drawings, architectural plans or additional design work are required.

03

Scope & Pricing

Define included work, allowances, exclusions, responsibilities and construction assumptions.

04

Permits & Approvals

Complete the required application, design and municipal review process before regulated work begins.

05

Site Preparation

Plan access, protection, temporary services, storage and demolition sequencing.

06

Construction

Complete demolition, framing, rough-ins, insulation, drywall and finishes in sequence.

07

Inspections

Arrange required reviews before structural, mechanical or building assemblies are concealed.

08

Final Review

Complete deficiencies, final details, cleanup and the homeowner project walkthrough.

Selections & Responsibilities

Clear Decisions Keep a Major Renovation Moving

Selections and design approvals should be made early enough to support ordering, trade coordination and the construction schedule.

Common Customer Selections

  • Cabinet style and finish
  • Countertop material
  • Flooring
  • Tile and grout
  • Plumbing fixtures
  • Interior doors
  • Trim profiles
  • Paint colours
  • Lighting fixtures
  • Hardware and accessories

Design & Construction Coordination

  • Existing-condition review
  • Architectural drawings
  • Structural details
  • Permit documents
  • Mechanical layouts
  • Trade rough-in locations
  • Shop drawings
  • Approved change orders
  • Inspection scheduling
  • Final deficiency review

Frequently Asked Questions

Full Home Renovation FAQ

Can you work from my architect’s plans?

Yes. We can review the issued drawings and approved project scope, coordinate construction questions and refer design revisions to the architect, engineer or qualified designer responsible for the documents.

Can I provide my own renovation design?

You can provide your goals, sketches, inspiration and finish preferences. Before construction, the scope must be reviewed to determine whether permit drawings, engineering or qualified design services are required.

Does a full home renovation require a building permit?

Many major renovations require permits, especially when structural walls, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, additions, new openings, fire separations or changes of use are involved. Requirements must be confirmed with the local municipality.

Who is responsible for the architectural and engineering design?

The responsibility must be clearly stated in the project agreement. Design documents may be supplied by the homeowner or completed by the appropriate architect, engineer or qualified designer engaged for the project.

Can the layout change after the permit is issued?

Changes may be possible, but revisions affecting approved plans, structural design, mechanical systems or code compliance should be reviewed and authorized before being built. Municipal revision procedures may also apply.

Are inspections required?

Where permits apply, the permit holder must arrange the required inspections at the correct construction stages. Regulated work should remain visible until the required inspection is completed.

What happens if asbestos is suspected?

Materials that may contain asbestos should be assessed before they are disturbed. Work involving asbestos-containing materials must follow Ontario requirements and may require qualified hazardous-material professionals.

Can homeowners stay in the house during renovation?

That depends on the size of the renovation, access, dust, utility shutdowns, available washrooms and safety conditions. Major full-home renovations may require temporary relocation.

How long does a full home renovation take?

The schedule depends on design readiness, permits, structural work, product lead times, inspections, change orders and the size of the home. A realistic project schedule is developed after the scope and drawings are reviewed.

How do I request an estimate?

Use the Free Estimate page or call (647) 888-6506. Include the property location, photos, drawings if available and a summary of the renovation you are planning.

Service Area

Serving Toronto and the GTA

Full-home renovation services are available in Toronto and surrounding Greater Toronto Area communities. Project availability depends on location, scope and schedule.

Toronto
Mississauga
Brampton
Vaughan
Markham
Richmond Hill
Oakville
Burlington
Milton
Pickering
Ajax
Whitby

Plan Your Complete Renovation

Ready to Transform Your Entire Home?

Tell us about your property, your design ideas and any architectural drawings you already have. We will review the project and help identify the next construction step.

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