Renovations
New Car Options Are Like Custom Homes and Renos
A few days ago, I went to a car dealership. I’m not looking for a new car, but I was interested to see what the new 2013 models looked liked. One of the vehicles on the showroom floor was an entry level luxury sedan that started with a base price of $39,500. With various options…
+ Read MoreWhat Can You Renovate for $35,000?
The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), along with RenoMark, is holding a contest to celebrate the 35th anniversary of The Toronto Star’s ‘New In Homes’ section. For 35 weeks, BILD will be accepting entries, and will then award a $35,000 prize to one lucky winner. The money must be used for a new…
+ Read More5 Reasons For Change Orders
On home renovation and house addition projects we work on, we start the project with a clearly defined scope of work, and on larger projects, a set of architectural drawings. As the work on the project progresses, there may become a need or a desire to deviate from the original plans and scope of work. …
+ Read MoreThe King of Rock and Roll … and Plumbing
John Cigan is no ordinary plumber. You will know right away if the owner of Carl & Son Plumbing and Heating is on the job installing plumbing for one of Inspire Home’s renovated kitchens – because you’ll be able to hear him before you see him. This plumbing and heating specialist has made a “second…
+ Read MoreBuilding a Legal Basement Apartment
Homes with basement apartments are popular with many homeowners due to the income potential. However, creating a legal basement apartment isn’t as simple as finishing a basement for personal use. And just because a home already has a basement apartment, it doesn’t mean it is a legal basement apartment. By definition, a legal basement apartment…
+ Read MoreProject Spotlight: Adding A Bedroom
A while back, we were approached by a homeowner in Etobicoke to build an addition to their home. The existing house was a one-and-a-half storey home. A previous addition at the back had added a family room, so there was ample living space. But the home had only two bedrooms, and the homeowners were looking…
+ Read MoreThe Cedar Front Porch
Five years ago, we had the good fortune to be selected as the builder for a second storey house addition project in Alderwood, a neighbourhood in south-west Etobicoke/Toronto. The house addition was designed in a craftsman style, complete with a full width front porch. The project was not only blessed with great design, but a…
+ Read MoreProject Spotlight: New England … In the City
When first purchased by our clients, this 1960s bungalow had been neglected for many years and was in desperate need of attention. Prior to our clients owning the house, it had been a rental property, but the owners wanted to change that by making it their home. In addition to being in disrepair, at a…
+ Read MoreKitchen Cabinets: Reface or Replace?
Homeowners looking to update their kitchen often consider whether it is better to reface their kitchen cabinets, or replace them. Refacing cabinets involves replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Replacing cabinets involves the removal of the entire cabinet and installation of new kitchen cabinets and countertops. Reasons to Reface: 1. Improves the look of the…
+ Read MoreProject Spotlight: Church Steeple Repair
Most of our work involves major renovations, and building house additions to homes in Etobicoke and Toronto. We’re strong believers in sticking to what we do best, and we typically avoid projects where we do not have a high level of expertise. So when a request came to look at a church steeple in Caledon…
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