Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from Toronto homeowners.
Why does my basement smell worse in the winter?
Basement odors typically worsen in winter because your home becomes a sealed environment with reduced ventilation, trapp...
How much does deck staining cost in Toronto?
Deck staining in Toronto typically costs $2-4 per square foot for professional application, meaning a standard 200 sq ft...
What causes black stains around bathroom fixtures?
Black stains around bathroom fixtures are typically caused by mold, mildew, or mineral deposits from hard water, with mo...
How much does concrete sealing cost in Toronto?
Concrete sealing in Toronto typically costs $2-6 per square foot for most residential projects, with total costs ranging...
Why does my ceiling stain keep coming back?
Recurring ceiling stains indicate an ongoing moisture source that hasn't been properly addressed. Simply painting over t...
Why is my basement colder than the rest of the house?
Your basement is colder than the rest of the house primarily because heat naturally rises, and basements are partially o...
How much does boiler replacement cost in Toronto?
Boiler replacement in Toronto typically costs between $4,500-$12,000+ depending on the type of boiler, size of your home...
What does garden bed install typically cost in the Greater Toronto Area?
Garden bed installation in the Greater Toronto Area typically ranges from $8-15 per square foot for basic installations,...
How do I know if my bathroom fan is vented outside or into the attic?
The easiest way to determine if your bathroom fan vents outside is to go into your attic and trace the ductwork from the...
Why does my renovation timeline keep getting delayed?
Renovation delays are unfortunately common in Toronto, with most projects running 20-40% longer than initially planned d...
Can plumbing vents cause odors in the house?
Yes, plumbing vents can definitely cause odors in your house when they're not functioning properly. Plumbing vents are d...
How do suppliers handle damaged deliveries?
Most reputable suppliers in the Toronto area have established protocols for damaged deliveries, typically offering repla...
Why does my renovation budget always get blown?
Renovation budgets get blown because most homeowners underestimate the true scope of work and don't account for the hidd...
What happens if I change my mind during a renovation?
Changing your mind during a renovation is extremely common, but it can significantly impact your budget, timeline, and r...
Why does my renovation feel chaotic at times?
Renovations naturally feel chaotic because you're essentially deconstructing and rebuilding parts of your home while try...
Why does my furnace struggle during cold snaps?
Your furnace likely struggles during cold snaps because it's working much harder to maintain indoor temperature when out...
Why does my basement dehumidifier fill up so fast?
Your basement dehumidifier is likely filling up quickly due to high moisture levels from poor ventilation, water infiltr...
How do I fix cold spots in my house?
Cold spots in your home are typically caused by poor insulation, air leaks, or heating system imbalances, and can usuall...
Can contractors charge extra for unforeseen issues?
Yes, contractors can and typically do charge extra for unforeseen issues that arise during construction, but this should...
Why do contractors charge more for small jobs?
Contractors charge more per square foot or hour for small jobs because they have the same fixed costs and setup requirem...
What causes tile delays during renovations?
Tile delays are typically caused by substrate preparation issues, material availability problems, or scheduling conflict...
Why does my renovated room feel smaller?
A renovated room can feel smaller due to several design and construction factors, even when the actual square footage ha...
Why does my bathroom floor squeak after renovation?
A squeaky bathroom floor after renovation typically indicates loose subflooring, inadequate fastening, or movement betwe...
Why does my basement ceiling drip water sometimes?
Basement ceiling water drips are typically caused by condensation from temperature differences between your basement and...
Why do inspectors require photos before drywall?
Inspectors require photos before drywall installation to document critical building systems that will be permanently con...
What should I look for when hiring a carpet installer?
When hiring a carpet installer in Toronto, focus on proper licensing, detailed written estimates, and experience with yo...
Why do contractors charge for change orders?
Contractors charge for change orders because they represent additional work, materials, and time beyond the original con...
What is the best way to design a kitchen layout?
The best kitchen layout starts with understanding your cooking habits and the classic work triangle principle - position...
Can I sell a house with unpermitted renovations?
Yes, you can sell a house with unpermitted renovations in Toronto, but it will likely complicate the sale, reduce your s...
Why does my contractor handle permits instead of me?
Most contractors handle permits because they have the expertise, relationships, and legal responsibility to ensure the w...
Why does my home feel colder at night?
Your home feels colder at night primarily because outdoor temperatures drop significantly after sunset, and your heating...
What should homeowners know before starting any renovation?
Before starting any renovation, homeowners should secure proper permits, establish a realistic budget with 20% contingen...
How do I handle renovation stress as a homeowner?
Renovation stress is completely normal and manageable with the right preparation and mindset. Most Toronto homeowners un...
How do I know when a renovation is complete?
A renovation is complete when all work passes final inspections, you've received permits/certificates, completed a thoro...
How do I communicate better with my contractor?
Clear communication is the foundation of any successful renovation project, and establishing the right communication fra...
Why do homeowners underestimate renovation costs?
Homeowners consistently underestimate renovation costs because they focus on material prices and forget about labor, per...
How do I stay on budget during renovations?
Staying on budget during renovations requires careful planning, realistic expectations, and disciplined decision-making...
How do I avoid making costly renovation mistakes?
The key to avoiding costly renovation mistakes is thorough planning, getting proper permits, and hiring qualified profes...
How do I protect my belongings during renovations?
Protecting your belongings during renovations requires strategic planning and physical barriers to prevent dust, debris,...
How do I prioritize renovations in my home?
Start with safety and structural issues first, followed by systems that affect your daily life, then move to aesthetic i...
How do I manage living through renovations?
Living through renovations requires careful planning, realistic expectations, and strategic preparation to minimize disr...
How do I plan a renovation realistically?
Planning a renovation realistically starts with establishing a clear budget, timeline, and scope before you touch anythi...
How do I avoid renovation regret?
Renovation regret is preventable with proper planning, realistic budgeting, and clear communication with your contractor...
Why does every renovation uncover hidden problems?
Renovations uncover hidden problems because most homes conceal decades of wear, previous repairs, and building practices...
How do I check the permit history on my house?
You can check your Toronto property's permit history online through the City of Toronto's Application Information Centre...
Can unfinished permits cause legal issues later?
Yes, unfinished permits can create significant legal and financial problems for Toronto homeowners, potentially affectin...
How much should I budget for unexpected renovation costs?
Budget 15-25% of your total renovation cost for unexpected issues - this is the standard contingency that experienced To...
Can renovations increase insurance premiums?
Yes, renovations can increase your insurance premiums, but they can also sometimes decrease them or improve your coverag...
How do I verify permit closure?
To verify permit closure in Toronto, check the City's online portal at toronto.ca/building or call 416-397-5330 to confi...
How do I know if a contractor skipped permits?
If a contractor skipped permits, you'll typically discover this when you try to sell your home, apply for insurance clai...
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