Renovation Contractor Scarborough: 2026 Cost & Process Guide
A renovation contractor in Scarborough in 2026 typically delivers kitchen renovations from $30,000 – $150,000+, bathroom renovations from $7,000 – $75,000+, basement projects from $30,000 – $300,000+, and home additions from $250 – $650 per square foot fully built. Scarborough renovations are governed by the City of Toronto (Scarborough community council) permit process (typical plan-review service standard: 10 business days) plus the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code. Scarborough’s mid-century housing stock (1960s – 80s detached and semi-detached) typically has adequate ceiling height for finished basements without underpinning — making basement projects faster and cheaper than in older Toronto neighbourhoods.
Why Country Renovations. Renovating across Toronto and the GTA — including Scarborough — since 2014. HCRA-registered, Tarion-enrolled for qualifying projects, WSIB-cleared, $5M general liability insured. Free written fixed-price quote in 5 business days. Book a free site visit →
Key Takeaways for Scarborough Homeowners
- Kitchen renovation in Scarborough: $30,000 – $150,000+ depending on scope (refresh through luxury custom).
- Bathroom renovation: $7,000 – $14,000 powder room, $18,000 – $35,000 full bath, $35,000 – $75,000+ primary ensuite.
- Basement renovation: $30,000 – $120,000 family use, $85,000 – $300,000+ legal apartment.
- Home addition: $250 – $500/sq ft single-storey, $300 – $650/sq ft second-storey, $500 – $1,200+/sq ft custom-home rebuilds.
- City of Toronto (Scarborough community council) plan review: 10 business days service standard for residential permits.
- Second suites: Scarborough is part of Toronto, subject to Toronto’s Multi-Tenant House and Second Suite Registry. Second suites are as-of-right in detached, semi, and townhouse dwellings.
Renovation Services We Provide in Scarborough
- Kitchen renovation — full pillar guide, all scope from refresh to luxury.
- Bathroom renovation — powder room, full bath, primary ensuite.
- Basement renovation — finished basements and legal apartment conversions.
- Home addition & custom build — single-storey, second-storey, knockdown-rebuild.
- Licensed electrical services — panel upgrades, EV chargers, pot lights, rewiring.
- Licensed plumbing services — repipes, basement rough-in, backwater valves.
- Heated driveway — electric and hydronic snow-melt systems.
- Interlock & landscaping — driveways, walkways, patios, retaining walls.
- Flooring & tiling — hardwood, engineered, LVP, tile, stone.
- Interior painting — pre- or post-renovation paint and wallpaper.
- Custom closets & interior design — built-ins, walk-in closets, butler’s pantries.
- Roofing & eavestroughs — asphalt, metal, cedar replacement.
- Custom railings — glass, iron, code-compliant interior & exterior.
Scarborough Renovation Cost Tiers (2026 CAD)
| Project | Refresh / Good | Mid-Range / Better | Premium / Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | $15,000 – $30,000 | $45,000 – $85,000 | $95,000 – $150,000+ |
| Bathroom (full) | $14,000 – $19,000 | $20,000 – $35,000 | $35,000 – $50,000+ |
| Primary ensuite | $30,000 – $42,000 | $42,000 – $60,000 | $60,000 – $90,000+ |
| Basement (family use) | $30,000 – $55,000 | $60,000 – $95,000 | $100,000 – $175,000 |
| Legal basement apartment | $85,000 – $130,000 | $150,000 – $200,000 | $250,000 – $300,000+ |
| Single-storey addition | $250/sq ft | $350/sq ft | $500/sq ft |
| Second-storey addition | $300/sq ft | $450/sq ft | $650/sq ft |
| Custom home build | $500/sq ft | $750/sq ft | $1,200+/sq ft |
Scarborough Permit & Code Reality
- Permit authority: City of Toronto (Scarborough community council) handles building, plumbing, and electrical permits for residential renovations in Scarborough.
- Plan review service standard: 10 business days for residential permits — sometimes faster, occasionally slower during peak periods.
- Permit triggered when: moving plumbing fixtures, altering load-bearing walls, modifying exterior openings, changing electrical service capacity, creating a new dwelling unit, or adding any structure.
- ESA notification: Required for all hardwired electrical work — filed by the Licensed Electrical Contractor before work begins.
- TSSA gas permit: Required for any work on gas-fired appliances (water heaters, ranges, dryers, fireplaces).
- Second suites: Scarborough is part of Toronto, subject to Toronto’s Multi-Tenant House and Second Suite Registry. Second suites are as-of-right in detached, semi, and townhouse dwellings.
We pull all permits on your behalf as part of every project — including drawings, structural engineering letter (where required), HVAC heat loss/heat gain calculations (CSA F280-12), and the AST or municipal portal submission.
Scarborough Neighbourhoods We Build In
Country Renovations works across Scarborough including Birchcliffe-Cliffside, The Bluffs, Agincourt, West Hill, Rouge, Cliffcrest, Guildwood, Wexford. Each neighbourhood has its own building stock, permit context, and design language — and we build differently for each:
Scarborough’s mid-century housing stock (1960s – 80s detached and semi-detached) typically has adequate ceiling height for finished basements without underpinning — making basement projects faster and cheaper than in older Toronto neighbourhoods.
The Country Renovations Scarborough Process
- Free Site Visit (Day 1). We measure the space, assess existing conditions, and discuss scope options at no charge and no obligation.
- Written Fixed-Price Quote (within 5 business days). A line-itemed proposal — materials, labour, permits, contingency, timeline. No “TBD” categories.
- Design & Selections. Floor plans, finish selections, 3D renderings for premium projects. Our in-house interior designer guides material choices.
- Permits & Engineering. City of Toronto (Scarborough community council) permit submission, structural engineering (if required), ESA filing for electrical, TSSA permit for gas work, Conservation Authority approval if applicable.
- Build. Daily check-ins with your project manager. Single accountable point of contact throughout.
- Final Inspection & Handover. Building inspection, ESA pass certificate, and a complete site clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a renovation cost in Scarborough in 2026?
Cost varies dramatically by project type: kitchen renovations $15,000 – $150,000+, bathrooms $7,000 – $90,000, basements $30,000 – $300,000, additions $250 – $1,200+ per square foot. The Cost Tiers table above gives the full breakdown.
Do I need a permit to renovate in Scarborough?
A permit is required when you move plumbing fixtures, alter load-bearing walls, modify exterior openings, change electrical service capacity, or create a new dwelling unit. Cosmetic refreshes (paint, like-for-like fixture swap, flooring) generally do not require a permit. City of Toronto (Scarborough community council) plan review takes 10 business days.
Are second-suite basement apartments legal in Scarborough?
Scarborough is part of Toronto, subject to Toronto’s Multi-Tenant House and Second Suite Registry. Second suites are as-of-right in detached, semi, and townhouse dwellings. Compliance with the Ontario Building Code (Part 9), Ontario Fire Code Section 9.8, and local zoning is mandatory regardless of municipality.
How do I verify my Scarborough renovation contractor is legitimate?
For new home builds and substantial additions, verify HCRA registration at hcraontario.ca/find-a-licensed-builder. For renovation-only projects, confirm WSIB clearance, $2M+ general liability insurance, and a written fixed-price contract before any deposit. Country Renovations publishes all four credentials before signing.
How long does a renovation take in Scarborough?
Kitchen renovations 6 – 24 weeks, bathrooms 4 – 22 weeks, basements 6 – 50 weeks (longer if underpinning required), additions 6 – 24 months, custom homes 12 – 36 months. Permit timelines and material lead times are the most variable phases.
Can I stay in my home during a Scarborough renovation?
For kitchen, bathroom, basement, and most addition work, yes — most homeowners stay in the home with temporary relocation of impacted spaces. For full-home gut renovations or knockdown-rebuilds, temporary relocation is required.
Get a Free Quote in Scarborough
Country Renovations has been renovating across Scarborough and the GTA since 2014. HCRA-registered. Tarion-enrolled for qualifying projects. WSIB-cleared. $5M insured. Book a free site visit and you’ll receive a written, fixed-price quote with credentials attached in 5 business days.
Scarborough — Service-Specific Pages
Project-specific cost and process information for Scarborough homeowners (10 services):
- Kitchen Renovation Scarborough
- Bathroom Renovation Scarborough
- Basement Renovation Scarborough
- Home Addition Scarborough
- Heated Driveway Scarborough
- Legal Basement Apartment Scarborough
- Interlock Driveway Scarborough
- EV Charger Installation Scarborough
- Custom Home Builder Scarborough
- Flooring Installation Scarborough
