Construction & Renovation Services in Midtown Toronto

Basement underpinning in Midtown Toronto typically costs $150-$250 per linear foot of foundation wall, with a total project cost of $80,000-$150,000 for a typical semi-detached or detached home. The process involves lowering the existing foundation in carefully sequenced sections to achieve a minimum 7-foot finished ceiling height. Engineering design, building permits, and structural inspections are required. The work takes 4-8 weeks for excavation and structural work, followed by waterproofing, insulation, and finishing. Underpinning is especially common in Edwardian homes where original basements have 5.5-6.5 foot clearance.

Second-storey additions are possible in Midtown Toronto but require careful navigation of zoning requirements and neighbourhood context. Under Toronto's zoning bylaw, additions must comply with height limits, angular planes, setbacks, and lot coverage maximums. Many Edwardian semi-detached and detached homes are legally non-conforming, meaning a Committee of Adjustment minor variance may be needed. The existing foundation must be assessed by a structural engineer to confirm it can support additional loads. Heritage-listed properties require additional approvals. Budget $300-$500 per square foot for a second-storey addition, including structural reinforcement.

Properties near Moore Park Ravine fall within the TRCA (Toronto Region Conservation Authority) regulated area, which extends from the top-of-bank plus a 10-metre setback. Any development, including additions, grading, or tree removal within this zone requires a TRCA permit in addition to City of Toronto building permits. TRCA review focuses on slope stability, erosion control, and natural heritage protection. Geotechnical assessments are typically required. The permitting process can add 4-12 weeks to your project timeline. Even properties outside the regulated area should consider drainage patterns and the long-term stability of ravine slopes.

For most properties in Deer Park and Summerhill, renovation is strongly recommended over demolition and rebuild. These Edwardian and inter-war homes have excellent bone structure with solid brick construction, dimensional lumber framing, and often irreplaceable period details. A comprehensive renovation preserving the character elements while modernizing systems, kitchens, and bathrooms typically costs $200,000-$500,000 and adds significant resale value. Demolition and new construction faces additional challenges including heritage listing reviews (60-day notice period), potential Section 34 designation by City Council, and the difficulty of matching neighbourhood character with new construction.

Yes, most condo renovations at Yonge-Eglinton that involve plumbing, electrical, structural, or HVAC work require City of Toronto building permits. The 2026 minimum permit fee is $214.79, with interior work at $4.93 per square metre. You also need condominium corporation approval, which typically requires submitting plans, proof of contractor insurance ($2M-$5M liability common), and compliance with the building's renovation rules. Noise restrictions, service elevator booking, and material transport protocols vary by building. ESA electrical permits are required separately for all electrical work.

Midtown Toronto's radon risk is moderate. Across the City of Toronto, approximately 16.2% of homes tested exceed Health Canada's guideline of 200 Bq/m3. Homes with basements, especially those with older stone foundations that may have cracks or gaps, are at higher risk. The geological variation near the former Iroquois Shoreline means radon levels can vary significantly between nearby properties. Health Canada recommends testing all homes below the third floor with a long-term test kit (minimum 91 days) during the heating season. If levels exceed 200 Bq/m3, sub-slab depressurization mitigation systems cost $2,500-$4,500 and are highly effective.