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Renovation Contractor Scarborough

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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

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

  1. Free Site Visit (Day 1). We measure the space, assess existing conditions, and discuss scope options at no charge and no obligation.
  2. Written Fixed-Price Quote (within 5 business days). A line-itemed proposal — materials, labour, permits, contingency, timeline. No “TBD” categories.
  3. Design & Selections. Floor plans, finish selections, 3D renderings for premium projects. Our in-house interior designer guides material choices.
  4. 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.
  5. Build. Daily check-ins with your project manager. Single accountable point of contact throughout.
  6. 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.

Book a Free Site Visit →

Scarborough — Service-Specific Pages

Project-specific cost and process information for Scarborough homeowners (10 services):