How do I know if a renovation was done properly?

Proper renovations should have visible permits, meet current building codes, and show quality workmanship throughout. The key indicators include proper documentation, code compliance, and professional execution that will pass inspection.

Documentation and Permits
Start by checking if the work required permits and whether they were actually pulled. In Toronto, most electrical, plumbing, structural, and HVAC work requires permits from the City of Toronto Building Division. You can verify permits online at toronto.ca/building or call 416-397-5330. Electrical work should have ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) inspection certificates, while gas work requires TSSA certification. Missing permits are a major red flag - they indicate corners were cut and the work may not meet Ontario Building Code standards.

Code Compliance and Safety
Properly completed renovations meet current Ontario Building Code requirements, not just the standards from when your home was built. This means updated electrical with GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens, proper ventilation in bathrooms, adequate insulation values, and structural work that meets current load requirements. For older Toronto homes (pre-1960s), this often means significant upgrades to bring systems up to code. Check that smoke detectors are hardwired and interconnected, that stairways have proper railings and rise/run ratios, and that windows meet egress requirements in bedrooms.

Quality Workmanship Indicators
Look for professional finishing details: straight, level installations, proper caulking and trim work, consistent paint lines, and fixtures that are plumb and square. Electrical outlets should be properly aligned, plumbing should have no leaks or water damage signs, and flooring should be level with consistent gaps. Poor workmanship shows up in details - crooked tiles, uneven paint, gaps in trim, or fixtures that don't sit flush.

Toronto-Specific Considerations
In Toronto's older housing stock, proper renovations often reveal and address hidden issues like knob-and-tube wiring, cast iron plumbing, or structural settling. A quality renovation will have documentation showing these issues were properly remediated. For basement renovations, proper waterproofing and moisture barriers are essential given Toronto's clay soil and seasonal moisture issues. Secondary suite conversions must meet Toronto's specific zoning requirements under Municipal Code Chapter 150.67.

Professional Assessment
When in doubt, hire a qualified home inspector or the relevant trade professional for assessment. This is especially important for electrical, structural, or plumbing work where safety is paramount. A licensed electrician can verify electrical work meets ESA standards, while a structural engineer can assess load-bearing modifications. The cost of professional assessment ($300-800) is minimal compared to fixing improperly completed work.

Next Steps
Document any concerns with photos, gather all available permits and inspection records, and consult with licensed professionals for technical assessments. If you discover unpermitted work, contact the City of Toronto to discuss bringing it into compliance - this protects your insurance coverage and future sale value.