# Top **URL:** https://home.renovation.reviews/top.md?page=75 [Latest](https://home.renovation.reviews/latest.md) · [Categories](https://home.renovation.reviews/categories.md) · [Tags](https://home.renovation.reviews/tags.md) **Page:** 76 --- ## [GTA Lumber Prices Are Climbing This Spring — What to Lock In Before Summer 2026](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/gta-lumber-prices-are-climbing-this-spring-what-to-lock-in-before-summer-2026/46395)
**Author:** [@BuildersLTD](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/BuildersLTD)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 2:58am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/gta-lumber-prices-are-climbing-this-spring-what-to-lock-in-before-summer-2026/46395 "2026-04-26T02:58:04Z")
Every spring, homeowners ask me the same thing: “Is now a good time to start the project, or should we wait and see?” I’ve been in renovation work in the Toronto area for over 50 years. My honest answer this spring: don… --- ## [High Park Area Renovation 2026: Full Victorian Restoration](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/high-park-area-renovation-2026-full-victorian-restoration/46388)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 8:32pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/high-park-area-renovation-2026-full-victorian-restoration/46388 "2026-04-25T20:32:26Z")
Sharing our full restoration project on a 1912 Victorian semi in the High Park / Roncesvalles area. 3.5 years from purchase to finished home. Long post but there’s a lot to cover. The house at purchase: 3-storey, 2,20… --- ## [What GTA Real Estate Agents Say Renovations Actually Worth in 2026](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/what-gta-real-estate-agents-say-renovations-actually-worth-in-2026/46381)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/what-gta-real-estate-agents-say-renovations-actually-worth-in-2026/46381 "2026-04-25T20:21:22Z")
I asked four GTA real estate agents the same question: which renovations actually add dollar-for-dollar value in the current market? The answers were consistent enough to be useful. Note: This is not scientific data — i… --- ## [Stucco Problems in Toronto: When EIFS Goes Wrong](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/stucco-problems-in-toronto-when-eifs-goes-wrong/46375)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/stucco-problems-in-toronto-when-eifs-goes-wrong/46375 "2026-04-25T20:15:17Z")
Toronto has thousands of homes with exterior stucco applied in the 1990s and 2000s — and a significant number of them have moisture problems behind that stucco that the homeowners don’t know about yet. Traditional Stucc… --- ## [The Cost of Getting Renovation Wrong: Three Toronto Horror Stories](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/the-cost-of-getting-renovation-wrong-three-toronto-horror-stories/46374)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/the-cost-of-getting-renovation-wrong-three-toronto-horror-stories/46374 "2026-04-25T20:15:14Z")
These aren’t my stories — they’re composite summaries of situations I’ve heard about through the home.renovation.reviews community and my own network. Shared with lessons intact. Story 1: The Unlicensed Electrician A c… --- ## [Completing Our Lawrence Park Addition: 14 Months Start to Finish](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/completing-our-lawrence-park-addition-14-months-start-to-finish/46373)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/completing-our-lawrence-park-addition-14-months-start-to-finish/46373 "2026-04-25T20:15:10Z")
We added a rear addition and second storey dormer to our 1935 Lawrence Park detached. 14 months from first meeting with architect to moving back in. Sharing the complete timeline because it took us much longer than we ex… --- ## [Basement Underpinning in Toronto: Gaining Ceiling Height the Hard Way](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/basement-underpinning-in-toronto-gaining-ceiling-height-the-hard-way/46366)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 8:02pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/basement-underpinning-in-toronto-gaining-ceiling-height-the-hard-way/46366 "2026-04-25T20:02:30Z")
Basement underpinning is one of the most disruptive and expensive basement renovations — and in Toronto’s older housing stock with 6-foot ceiling heights, increasingly necessary for livable secondary suites. What Is Und… --- ## [My Experience with an Interior French Drain in Toronto](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/my-experience-with-an-interior-french-drain-in-toronto/46355)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 7:46pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/my-experience-with-an-interior-french-drain-in-toronto/46355 "2026-04-25T19:46:46Z")
After two years of seasonal water in my East York basement, we finally committed to an interior French drain system. Here’s an honest account of the experience. The problem: Water seeping through the base of the found… --- ## [Investment Property Renovation Strategy — How I Think About Scarborough Bungalows](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/investment-property-renovation-strategy-how-i-think-about-scarborough-bungalows/46344)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 7:28pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/investment-property-renovation-strategy-how-i-think-about-scarborough-bungalows/46344 "2026-04-25T19:28:02Z")
Have been renovating Scarborough bungalows for investment for several years. Sharing my renovation strategy since the approach differs significantly from an owner-occupied project. My target: Post-war Scarborough bungal… --- ## [Toronto Renovation Trend Watch: What I'm Seeing Across the City](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/toronto-renovation-trend-watch-what-im-seeing-across-the-city/46340)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 7:23pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/toronto-renovation-trend-watch-what-im-seeing-across-the-city/46340 "2026-04-25T19:23:54Z")
I work in interior design and do a lot of renovation work across the GTA. Sharing what I’m observing in 2026 since I think it might be useful for people planning projects. What’s genuinely popular right now: Kitchen: W… --- ## [Phasing Your Renovation in 2026: Is It the Smarter Move?](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/phasing-your-renovation-in-2026-is-it-the-smarter-move/46840)
**Author:** [@BuildersLTD](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/BuildersLTD)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 5:59pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/phasing-your-renovation-in-2026-is-it-the-smarter-move/46840 "2026-04-26T17:59:22Z")
Something has shifted in the conversations I’m having with GTA homeowners lately. A year ago, people would call us wanting to do everything at once - kitchen, bathrooms, basement, the works. Now? More and more, the quest… --- ## [Converted our double-car garage in North York to a legal secondary suite: full permit process and costs](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/converted-our-double-car-garage-in-north-york-to-a-legal-secondary-suite-full-permit-process-and-costs/46805)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 5:22pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/converted-our-double-car-garage-in-north-york-to-a-legal-secondary-suite-full-permit-process-and-costs/46805 "2026-04-26T17:22:37Z")
After 18 months of planning, we finally completed our garage conversion. North York detached, 2001 build, 480 sqft double-car attached garage. The goal was a legal secondary suite we could rent. Zoning hurdle: City of T… --- ## [Installed radiant heat under our kitchen tile in Burlington — Schluter Ditra-Heat, real cost and experience](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/installed-radiant-heat-under-our-kitchen-tile-in-burlington-schluter-ditra-heat-real-cost-and-experience/46782)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 4:57pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/installed-radiant-heat-under-our-kitchen-tile-in-burlington-schluter-ditra-heat-real-cost-and-experience/46782 "2026-04-26T16:57:39Z")
We added Schluter Ditra-Heat electric radiant heating under our new kitchen tile during a full kitchen renovation in Burlington. Sharing the installation experience and 14-month operating data. Why we added radiant: Bu… --- ## [Converted our detached garage to a garden suite in Scarborough — full permit story and cost](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/converted-our-detached-garage-to-a-garden-suite-in-scarborough-full-permit-story-and-cost/46773)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 4:48pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/converted-our-detached-garage-to-a-garden-suite-in-scarborough-full-permit-story-and-cost/46773 "2026-04-26T16:48:59Z")
We converted our detached 2-car garage in Scarborough into a legal garden suite (accessory dwelling unit). 18 months from first permit inquiry to tenants moving in. Sharing the full story. Background: 1,500 sq ft lot, … --- ## [Retaining Wall Cost & Material Guide for Ontario 2026](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/retaining-wall-cost-material-guide-for-ontario-2026/46696)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 3:36pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/retaining-wall-cost-material-guide-for-ontario-2026/46696 "2026-04-26T15:36:10Z")
Just finished a major retaining wall project on our sloped Oakville lot. Posting the full breakdown for anyone researching this. Our Project 45 linear feet of wall, approximately 4 feet high at the highest point Unilo… --- ## [Chimney Repair & Tuckpointing in Ontario - Signs of Failure and What It Costs](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/chimney-repair-tuckpointing-in-ontario-signs-of-failure-and-what-it-costs/46694)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 3:36pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/chimney-repair-tuckpointing-in-ontario-signs-of-failure-and-what-it-costs/46694 "2026-04-26T15:36:01Z")
Had my chimney repointed last fall and wanted to share what I learned about the process and pricing for GTA homeowners. Why Chimneys Fail in Ontario Freeze-thaw cycling is brutal on mortar. Water gets into hairline cra… --- ## [Ontario Attic Conversion to Loft or Living Space 2026: OBC Guide](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/ontario-attic-conversion-to-loft-or-living-space-2026-obc-guide/46657)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 2:51pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/ontario-attic-conversion-to-loft-or-living-space-2026-obc-guide/46657 "2026-04-26T14:51:35Z")
Converting Your Ontario Attic to Living Space in 2026 An attic conversion can add 15-30% more usable floor area to an Ontario home without expanding the footprint. But it’s one of the most complex residential projects in… --- ## [GTA Home Gym Conversion 2026: Basement, Garage, and Spare Room Builds](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/gta-home-gym-conversion-2026-basement-garage-and-spare-room-builds/46654)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 2:51pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/gta-home-gym-conversion-2026-basement-garage-and-spare-room-builds/46654 "2026-04-26T14:51:22Z")
Building a Home Gym in the Greater Toronto Area The GTA home gym trend accelerated post-2020 and shows no signs of slowing in 2026. Whether you’re converting a basement, garage, or spare room, a dedicated fitness space i… --- ## [Ontario Renovation 2026: Smart Home Tech Integration During Construction](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/ontario-renovation-2026-smart-home-tech-integration-during-construction/46630)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 2:28pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/ontario-renovation-2026-smart-home-tech-integration-during-construction/46630 "2026-04-26T14:28:24Z")
Smart home technology integration during a renovation is dramatically cheaper than retrofitting later. This thread covers 2026 options and costs. Network Infrastructure Running CAT6 ethernet throughout a home during re… --- ## [Home Addition Planning 2026: Second Storey, Rear Addition, Garden Suite in Ontario](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/home-addition-planning-2026-second-storey-rear-addition-garden-suite-in-ontario/46591)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 2:01pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/home-addition-planning-2026-second-storey-rear-addition-garden-suite-in-ontario/46591 "2026-04-26T14:01:17Z")
Home additions are the most complex and highest-value residential projects. This thread covers second storey additions, rear extensions, and garden suites in Ontario for 2026. Second Storey Additions Adding a full seco… --- ## [Corktown and Downtown East Toronto Renovation 2026](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/corktown-and-downtown-east-toronto-renovation-2026/46494)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 12:59pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/corktown-and-downtown-east-toronto-renovation-2026/46494 "2026-04-26T12:59:33Z")
Corktown, the St. Lawrence area, and the broader downtown east corridor represent some of Toronto’s most historically significant and architecturally interesting renovation opportunities. Corktown’s Victorian row houses… --- ## [Renovation Community 2026: How home.renovation.reviews Serves Canadian Homeowners](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/renovation-community-2026-how-home-renovation-reviews-serves-canadian-homeowners/46488)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 12:52pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/renovation-community-2026-how-home-renovation-reviews-serves-canadian-homeowners/46488 "2026-04-26T12:52:27Z")
The Canadian home renovation market generates billions of dollars of annual investment — and yet, until recently, there was no dedicated online community serving Canadian homeowners specifically. home.renovation.reviews … --- ## [Ontario Home Insulation Upgrade Guide 2026: ROI, Code, and Rebates](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/ontario-home-insulation-upgrade-guide-2026-roi-code-and-rebates/46481)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 12:48pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/ontario-home-insulation-upgrade-guide-2026-roi-code-and-rebates/46481 "2026-04-26T12:48:29Z")
Insulation upgrades are among the highest-ROI investments available to Ontario homeowners. Here’s why — and how to prioritize them. Why 2026 is the right time: Rising energy costs make insulation ROI better than ever. … --- ## [LF Builders Project Portfolio: 50 Years of GTA Transformation](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/lf-builders-project-portfolio-50-years-of-gta-transformation/46428)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 12:01pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/lf-builders-project-portfolio-50-years-of-gta-transformation/46428 "2026-04-26T12:01:11Z")
When you hire a contractor for your renovation, you’re hiring their entire history of decisions, relationships, and craftsmanship. At LF Builders, that history spans 50 years and more than 30,000 completed projects acros… --- ## [Basement Egress Windows in Ontario: Code, Costs, and DIY vs Pro](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/basement-egress-windows-in-ontario-code-costs-and-diy-vs-pro/46415)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 11:42am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/basement-egress-windows-in-ontario-code-costs-and-diy-vs-pro/46415 "2026-04-26T11:42:33Z")
Egress windows are one of the most impactful basement improvements you can make. They bring in natural light, provide emergency exit, and are required by Ontario Building Code for legal sleeping rooms in basements. Onta… --- ## [Finished Our Scarborough East Bathroom for $22,000: Full Breakdown](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/finished-our-scarborough-east-bathroom-for-22-000-full-breakdown/46361)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 7:55pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/finished-our-scarborough-east-bathroom-for-22-000-full-breakdown/46361 "2026-04-25T19:55:43Z")
Just wrapped our main bathroom renovation in Scarborough (Wexford area, semi-detached 1960s). Sharing the full breakdown because the cost threads here helped us budget correctly. What we had: Original 1964 3-piece bath… --- ## [Brampton Semi-Detached Renovation: Adding Value in Peel Region](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/brampton-semi-detached-renovation-adding-value-in-peel-region/46353)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 7:46pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/brampton-semi-detached-renovation-adding-value-in-peel-region/46353 "2026-04-25T19:46:39Z")
We recently finished a full main-floor renovation on our 1990s semi-detached in Brampton’s Bramalea neighbourhood and wanted to share what we learned. The project scope: Opened the kitchen to the dining area (removed … --- ## [Renovation Insurance Question — Did Anyone Void Their Coverage?](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/renovation-insurance-question-did-anyone-void-their-coverage/46339)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 7:23pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/renovation-insurance-question-did-anyone-void-their-coverage/46339 "2026-04-25T19:23:51Z")
Have a stressful situation and hoping someone here has experience with this. We’re about 6 weeks into a major kitchen + main floor renovation. The contractor is good, work is going well, permits are in place. BUT we jus… --- ## [Need Advice: Adding a Home Office to Our Scarborough Bungalow](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/need-advice-adding-a-home-office-to-our-scarborough-bungalow/46334)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 7:18pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/need-advice-adding-a-home-office-to-our-scarborough-bungalow/46334 "2026-04-25T19:18:25Z")
Looking for input on a home office conversion project at our 1962 Scarborough bungalow. My wife and I both work hybrid and are fighting over the third bedroom. What we’re considering: Option A: Convert the attached sin… --- ## [Toronto Bathroom Costs 2026: Real Numbers from Real Renovations](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/toronto-bathroom-costs-2026-real-numbers-from-real-renovations/46322)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 6:35pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/toronto-bathroom-costs-2026-real-numbers-from-real-renovations/46322 "2026-04-25T18:35:02Z")
After years of renovation threads, here are the honest cost ranges the community has collected for Toronto bathroom projects in 2026. What You Actually Pay Cosmetic refresh only (no tile, new fixtures, paint): $4,000–$1… [Previous page](https://home.renovation.reviews/top.md?page=74&per_page=50)