The Renovation and Home Building Blog
Learn about designing, building, and renovating your home here from an experienced General Contractor and Home Builder in Toronto, along with industry updates and news to keep you up-to-date and informed.
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Recent Blog Articles
A Toronto lot needing new water, sanitary and storm connections carries $35,322 in published City fees before anyone digs on your property. What actually drives the number, why you cannot shop it, and the timing that catches people out.
One contract pays your builder to plan properly, the other does not. A fixed-price Toronto builder on change orders, allowances, and who carries the risk.
Two BVM projects, nearly the same cost per square foot, wildly different builds. What actually drives the number, the real ranges we publish, and what to ask builders instead.
Ontario’s enhanced HST rebate is capped at $1.85M of finished value, land included, so most Toronto custom homes miss it entirely. Here is who actually qualifies and the March 2027 deadline that decides it.
Custom homes in Scarborough run $1.25-1.75M for 2,500-4,000 sq ft. A Bluffs-based builder on lots, ravine rules, and the budget lines that surprise.
Thinking about building a custom home in Toronto? BVM Contracting breaks down real 2026 costs — from $1.2M to $2M+ — and what actually drives the number up or down.
Toronto homeowners vent about bad builders on Reddit every week. Here's what to ask, what to watch for, and how BVM's pre-construction process protects your investment.
BVM Contracting sometimes tells Toronto families to move instead of build. Here’s why that honesty — not a sales pitch — has built our reputation over decades.
Toronto families are building multi-generational homes to avoid costly retirement facilities. Here's what actually works — design, zoning, costs, and real project examples.
Toronto building permit timelines aren't just about the City. It's 6–10 months of planning before you submit. Here's what no one tells you upfront.
Your Toronto renovation triggered a variance. Now what? BVM explains the Committee of Adjustment process, costs, timelines, and how to actually get approved.
Priced out of Toronto housing? A garden suite on your parents' property could change everything. BVM breaks down real costs, permits, and what families get wrong.
95% of custom home budget blowouts in Toronto trace back to planning failures. BVM Contracting breaks down the real mistakes—and how to avoid every one of them.
Wondering what a home builder really does? BVM Contracting breaks down trade coordination, pre-construction planning, and how the right builder protects your project.
Toronto families who live through major renovations with kids almost always regret it. Here's the honest truth from BVM Contracting — and what to do instead.
Three quotes, three very different numbers — but which is real? Learn how Toronto contractors low-ball and what BVM Contracting does differently to protect your budget.
Toronto architects design beautiful homes. But most have no idea what it'll cost to build them. Here's how to close the gap before it costs you thousands.
Toronto families adding space for a new baby have more options than they think. Here’s what BVM Contracting builds, what it costs, and why you need to start now.
Lost a bidding war in Toronto? Before you bid again, do the math on staying. BVM Contracting breaks down the real cost of building up vs. buying up and what most homeowners miss.
Your Toronto bungalow has more potential than you think. Real costs, zoning rules, and ROI facts from BVM Contracting — Toronto's home addition specialists.
Before any contract or payment, BVM walks Toronto homeowners through 3 free steps — zoning review, discovery, and a real budget. Here's how it works.
Planning a second storey addition in Toronto? Get the real month-by-month timeline — from permits to move-in — straight from a contractor who builds them.
Toronto families are comparing renovation costs to listing prices — and missing $100K+ in moving costs they’ll never get back. Here’s how the real math works.
Toronto tree protection rules can cost homeowners $100K+ in fines. Learn TPZ requirements, permit steps, and how to plan your custom home build around protected trees.
Learn how provisional sums and contract allowances trap Toronto homeowners into budget overruns — and how BVM Contracting prevents it through full procurement before signing.
Helical piers vs. slab vs. traditional footings for Toronto ADUs — real costs, site conditions, and what most homeowners get completely wrong about ADU foundations.
Building near a Toronto ravine? Learn how TRCA regulations affect your home build, real permit costs ($560–$2,840), timelines, and what most homeowners don’t know.
The Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program sounds like free money. Toronto homeowners, here's what actually happens when you dig past the marketing — from a contractor who's seen it firsthand.
Most Toronto multi-unit projects fail at soundproofing. We break down OBC requirements, real costs, and the #1 mistake multi-unit development projects make when considering soundproofing.
Project Case Studies
Brenda and Sean owned a Scarborough bungalow they didn't want to leave — so BVM engineered out $15,000 in steel, confirmed the footings could carry a full second storey, and planned the addition around the home they already loved.
See how BVM Contracting completed a full multi-trade renovation and rear extension project in Toronto during COVID — electrical, HVAC, kitchen, bathrooms, deck — and earned a client for life. Real results, real stories.
See how BVM Contracting transformed a Scarborough bungalow into a 4-level forever home — second storey addition, underpinning, custom kitchen. Real results, real clients.
Julianne and Junior LeBlanc came to BVM Contracting with a vision: tear down what was there and build the custom home they'd always wanted. We delivered a ~4,000 sq ft, $1.5M custom build in Port Union — the easternmost community in Scarborough along the Lake Ontario shoreline — on time, on budget — during one of the most turbulent material supply periods in recent memory.
See how BVM Contracting built a seamless home addition to a side-split home in the Scarborough Bluffs neighbourhood of Cliffcrest). Complete with a mansard roof, vaulted ceilings, and no trace it was ever added on, this home is easily the most asked about project we've ever completed. Not because of its grandeur, but because of its cohesiveness and timelessness.
BVM Contracting revived a dormant 2022 home addition permit, managed Enbridge gas relocation and is currently delivering a 700 sq ft home addition in East York Toronto. ~$680K–$700K all-in. Real families, real stories.
See how BVM Contracting delivered a beautiful full interior renovation in Scarborough — open-concept main floor, custom kitchen, herringbone floors, all-new windows & doors. Real results. Real Clients.
BVM Contracting reconfigured a second floor in The Beach, East Toronto to add a third bedroom — no addition required. See how smart pre-construction planning made it happen.
See how BVM Contracting guided a meticulous Scarborough family through 2+ years of pre-construction planning for their ~5,100 sq ft forever home in Cliffside, a beautiful Scarborough Bluffs neighbourhood. Real process, real results.
How BVM Contracting transformed a Guildwood bungalow into a 4-level home — two-level side extension, full interior renovation, vaulted ceilings, ~$850K. Permit closed 2025.
See how BVM Contracting transformed an East York bungalow into a stunning 3+1 bed, 2.5 bath two-storey home in 6 months — on time, on budget, and featured in the Toronto Star.
Before breaking ground on one of our Rosedale home additions, our client invested $40,000-$60,000 + HST and 14 months on design and planning on our advice to confirm their home addition was feasible and within their budget. The result: certainty about costs, timeline, and feasibility even before the client committed to an architect.
From evaluating their existing bungalow to finding, purchasing, and extending a home in Birch Cliff, learn more about how one of our growing families utilized our services to buy and build a new home in Scarborough!
Learn how we helped an East York family navigate high interest rates and their home addition project through our pre-construction planning services!
New Construction and Custom Home Building Articles
A Toronto lot needing new water, sanitary and storm connections carries $35,322 in published City fees before anyone digs on your property. What actually drives the number, why you cannot shop it, and the timing that catches people out.
Two BVM projects, nearly the same cost per square foot, wildly different builds. What actually drives the number, the real ranges we publish, and what to ask builders instead.
Ontario’s enhanced HST rebate is capped at $1.85M of finished value, land included, so most Toronto custom homes miss it entirely. Here is who actually qualifies and the March 2027 deadline that decides it.
Custom homes in Scarborough run $1.25-1.75M for 2,500-4,000 sq ft. A Bluffs-based builder on lots, ravine rules, and the budget lines that surprise.
Thinking about building a custom home in Toronto? BVM Contracting breaks down real 2026 costs — from $1.2M to $2M+ — and what actually drives the number up or down.
95% of custom home budget blowouts in Toronto trace back to planning failures. BVM Contracting breaks down the real mistakes—and how to avoid every one of them.
Most Toronto multi-unit projects fail at soundproofing. We break down OBC requirements, real costs, and the #1 mistake multi-unit development projects make when considering soundproofing.
Most homeowners evaluate home builders by their best work. Smart homeowners ask about warranty failures and projects that required our warranty to be honoured. Here's how BVM Contracting handles warranty — and what it reveals.
Toronto families are skipping the move and adding space instead. Here's how BVM Contracting helps growing families find more room — and keep their neighbourhood.
Learn more about what you need to consider before installing a cold-climate heat pump into your home in Toronto (or anywhere in Canada for that matter).
Explore and learn more about the Government of Canada's new catalogue which includes 50 pre-approved designs for garden suites, laneway suites, new homes, and multi-unit buildings. Save time, cut costs, and streamline your building project. Learn more with BVM Contracting!
In our experience, over ninety percent of homeowners who get construction pricing after securing permits either abandon their project or chase the lowest bidder. We see this pattern a lot. Beautiful architectural plans meet construction reality. The gap between expectation and cost becomes a chasm. The problem isn't the homeowner's budget. It's the process.
BVM Contracting discusses the key features of a home builder that allows them to get home addition, new home construction, and interior renovation projects completed in the most efficient manner. You are going to be surprised to learn that some of the methods involve…
Is there a difference between a Custom Home Builder and a General Contractor in Toronto? The answer varies depending on who you ask, but we are here to give you the real answer. Learn more here!
A definitive guide on what your best option is between moving or building on your existing property in Toronto. We aim to provide a more technical set of concepts that every home owner should review before making their final decision.
Have you ever wondered why accessory dwelling units like garden suites and laneway suites cost so much? Here’s why!
With the relaxation of zoning bylaws in Toronto for multi-unit development, there is now a way to build a new home or home addition in Toronto without going to Committee of Adjustment, learn how here!
The perfect home build doesn’t exist, but what does exist are home builders that work towards perfection with every project completed. Learn more about how we approach challenges with all of our home building projects and why builders who can rise above the challenges faced with every project are the ones you should be working with.
Toronto just split itself in half over increased housing density, and we are not surprised. Here is everything you need to know about the 6ixplex approvals in 9 wards across Toronto!
Most contractors run from industry horror stories. We're asking you to share yours. We are looking to create a comprehensive guide on how to properly evaluate General Contractors and Home Builders to avoid a poor experience.
Forget buying a condo in Toronto. There is an alternative! Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) in the form of Garden Suites and Laneway Suites are way more economical and we give you some real facts to make you think twice before purchasing a condo.
Learn more about the process of stratification in Toronto and why it is usually reserved for large multi-unit development projects. We go over a case study of a project that completed a stratification of a residentially-zoned low-rise project in East York.
Toronto is changing the rules of property development forever. The city's ambitious plan to create 285,000 new homes by 2031 isn't just another policy announcement. It's a complete reimagining of what's possible for property owners across the city.
Expanding your home with an addition is a costly, yet necessary endeavor for a lot of Toronto home owners who have growing families or space needs. However, one crucial consideration often overlooked is how a home addition will affect your home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. While it may seem convenient to extend your existing HVAC ductwork to cover heating and cooling needs for the new space, adding a second and dedicated HVAC system for the addition can offer numerous benefits. In this article, we'll outline why adding a second HVAC system to your home addition project might become a huge benefit to your newly-constructed home in Toronto (and beyond).
There are so many variables and costs when it comes to building or renovating a home in Toronto, but here is a list of a few that are commonly unaccounted for that...
Learn how to use the Toronto Zoning By-law Map and discover how BVM Contracting’s free zoning analysis can help you unlock your property’s development potential.
Discover the key differences between custom homes and new builds in Toronto. Learn about customization options, the design process, and expert tips for creating your dream home.
Embarking on the journey to build your dream home is an exciting but sometimes daunting process if you are unsure of how and where to start. As Toronto’s leader in quality home renovations and home building, we've taken the time to outline a step-by-step guide to help you feel prepared to navigate this journey smoothly.
Home Addition Education and Information
Toronto families adding space for a new baby have more options than they think. Here’s what BVM Contracting builds, what it costs, and why you need to start now.
Lost a bidding war in Toronto? Before you bid again, do the math on staying. BVM Contracting breaks down the real cost of building up vs. buying up and what most homeowners miss.
Your Toronto bungalow has more potential than you think. Real costs, zoning rules, and ROI facts from BVM Contracting — Toronto's home addition specialists.
Before any contract or payment, BVM walks Toronto homeowners through 3 free steps — zoning review, discovery, and a real budget. Here's how it works.
Planning a second storey addition in Toronto? Get the real month-by-month timeline — from permits to move-in — straight from a contractor who builds them.
Toronto families are comparing renovation costs to listing prices — and missing $100K+ in moving costs they’ll never get back. Here’s how the real math works.
Most homeowners evaluate home builders by their best work. Smart homeowners ask about warranty failures and projects that required our warranty to be honoured. Here's how BVM Contracting handles warranty — and what it reveals.
Toronto families are skipping the move and adding space instead. Here's how BVM Contracting helps growing families find more room — and keep their neighbourhood.
Learn more about what you need to consider before installing a cold-climate heat pump into your home in Toronto (or anywhere in Canada for that matter).
Are you researching and planning for a home addition in East York? Check out our guide that discusses some of the finer details of completing a home addition in East York so you feel confident going into the planning and design process for your project.
Are you looking to add more space to your home in Rosedale? Save yourself some stress and read our guide, you can thank us later!
Are you planning a home addition in The Scarborough Bluffs? We have created a comprehensive guide to inform you about what to expect for planning your home addition in Birch Cliff, Cliffside, Cliffcrest, or Guildwood.
What started out as an innocent site meeting to make sure that they were keeping their chosen General Contractor honest lead to working with BVM Contracting after Alex and Katherine learned more about our honest and transparent building approach. Learn more about their project and how we helped them build the home addition of their dreams in East York!
Learn more about what a realistic timeline is for completing a home addition in Toronto and beyond, along with some additional considerations for why certain projects might take longer than others.
Learn everything you need to know about getting a building permit for a home addition in Toronto with our comprehensive guide!
Learn more about our new home addition cost calculator, when and how to use it, and what your next steps should be to finalizing your home addition project budget in Toronto and beyond!
Learn how to properly evaluate home addition contractors near you, instead of relying on ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, or any other search engine
Learn more about the differences between virtual consultations and on-site visits for evaluating a potential home addition project in Toronto and beyond.
Learn about the key topics and considerations for properly evaluating home addition contractors in Toronto and beyond. This guide isn’t just useful for Toronto homeowners but can be used by anyone looking to complete a home addition or major renovation.
Learn more about the key considerations between interior and exterior waterproofing to ensure you are choosing the right system for your home addition or interior renovation project.
Learn more about the key considerations between building up and building out for home addition projects in Toronto and beyond.
Learn more about how to access historical building records for your home, when to access them, and the value of having the information for future projects on the property.
In our experience, over ninety percent of homeowners who get construction pricing after securing permits either abandon their project or chase the lowest bidder. We see this pattern a lot. Beautiful architectural plans meet construction reality. The gap between expectation and cost becomes a chasm. The problem isn't the homeowner's budget. It's the process.
BVM Contracting breaks down the process of designing a second floor layout that allows you to maximize the floor space while keeping the existing walls on the main floor as-is.
Is there a difference between a Custom Home Builder and a General Contractor in Toronto? The answer varies depending on who you ask, but we are here to give you the real answer. Learn more here!
A definitive guide on what your best option is between moving or building on your existing property in Toronto. We aim to provide a more technical set of concepts that every home owner should review before making their final decision.
With the relaxation of zoning bylaws in Toronto for multi-unit development, there is now a way to build a new home or home addition in Toronto without going to Committee of Adjustment, learn how here!
When you are planning to add additional levels to an existing home it is important to follow the right steps in order to prevent yourself from wasting money on a project that might be too costly for you to complete. Turning unknowns into knowns is an important step in making sure that there are as few items that pop up during your home addition project as possible. BVM Contracting has compiled a list of three very important items that you can complete for around $3000 that can give you absolute certainty that your existing home is well-suited for a second or third storey addition in Toronto.
The perfect home build doesn’t exist, but what does exist are home builders that work towards perfection with every project completed. Learn more about how we approach challenges with all of our home building projects and why builders who can rise above the challenges faced with every project are the ones you should be working with.
Most contractors run from industry horror stories. We're asking you to share yours. We are looking to create a comprehensive guide on how to properly evaluate General Contractors and Home Builders to avoid a poor experience.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Articles
Toronto families are building multi-generational homes to avoid costly retirement facilities. Here's what actually works — design, zoning, costs, and real project examples.
Priced out of Toronto housing? A garden suite on your parents' property could change everything. BVM breaks down real costs, permits, and what families get wrong.
Helical piers vs. slab vs. traditional footings for Toronto ADUs — real costs, site conditions, and what most homeowners get completely wrong about ADU foundations.
Toronto families are skipping the move and adding space instead. Here's how BVM Contracting helps growing families find more room — and keep their neighbourhood.
Learn more about what you need to consider before installing a cold-climate heat pump into your home in Toronto (or anywhere in Canada for that matter).
Looking to understand how much your garden suite or laneway suite will cost you? Try out our cost calculator today to get more clarity into what to expect for your garden suite construction project in Toronto.
Explore and learn more about the Government of Canada's new catalogue which includes 50 pre-approved designs for garden suites, laneway suites, new homes, and multi-unit buildings. Save time, cut costs, and streamline your building project. Learn more with BVM Contracting!
Learn more about a real world example of sprinkler and fire safety costs in an accessory dwelling unit!
Learn about the key utility-upgrade considerations you will want to know about before planning your garden suite in Toronto.
Learn more about how to create an affordable Garden Suite Design in Toronto!
Learn more about how to access historical building records for your home, when to access them, and the value of having the information for future projects on the property.
Learn more about the pre-approved ADU designs that Toronto has, what they solve for, and what the key considerations are before deciding if they are right for your property!
In our experience, over ninety percent of homeowners who get construction pricing after securing permits either abandon their project or chase the lowest bidder. We see this pattern a lot. Beautiful architectural plans meet construction reality. The gap between expectation and cost becomes a chasm. The problem isn't the homeowner's budget. It's the process.
A correction to our article from a couple of weeks ago. The project at Indian Grove included a severance and semi-detached Accessory Dwelling Unit with 1 unit on each side (not 2 units on each side as previously thought). In this article, we have shifted focus and created a thought-provoking piece that centers around why multi-unit ADU’s should be allowed in Toronto and beyond.
Learn about the failure of the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program, which was planning to offer up to $80,000 in low-interest loans to homeowners to build secondary suites and increase density but was unfortunately held up by politics and likely not to happen.
Have you ever wondered why accessory dwelling units like garden suites and laneway suites cost so much? Here’s why!
The perfect home build doesn’t exist, but what does exist are home builders that work towards perfection with every project completed. Learn more about how we approach challenges with all of our home building projects and why builders who can rise above the challenges faced with every project are the ones you should be working with.
Forget buying a condo in Toronto. There is an alternative! Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) in the form of Garden Suites and Laneway Suites are way more economical and we give you some real facts to make you think twice before purchasing a condo.
Learn more about the process of stratification in Toronto and why it is usually reserved for large multi-unit development projects. We go over a case study of a project that completed a stratification of a residentially-zoned low-rise project in East York.
Learn about the methods and considerations to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your property without overspending.
Toronto – like many cities around the world - is seeing a growing trend in housing that caters to the needs of multi-generational families. One such innovative solution is the construction of garden suites, providing families with the space and flexibility to live together while maintaining their independence. At BVM Contracting, we are proud to showcase a recent garden suite construction project that beautifully exemplifies this trend and how we worked with our client to find the right solution to support the dynamics of their multigenerational household.
Discover how Ontario Regulation 462/24 simplifies building Garden Suites and Laneway Suites in Toronto. Learn about reduced setbacks, removed angular planes, and how BVM Contracting can help with your project.
Toronto's urban landscape is evolving. Garden suites and laneway suites offer a promising solution to housing challenges, but a hidden obstacle often stands in the way: fire hydrants! In this article we discuss the solutions to overcome your property’s proximity to a fire hydrant, including one that one of our pre-construction client used!
There are so many variables and costs when it comes to building or renovating a home in Toronto, but here is a list of a few that are commonly unaccounted for that...
Learn how to use the Toronto Zoning By-law Map and discover how BVM Contracting’s free zoning analysis can help you unlock your property’s development potential.
Discover when a secondary suite via rear extension or addition is better than building a garden or laneway suite in Toronto. Learn about zoning, fire code, and cost considerations.
Embarking on the journey to build your dream home is an exciting but sometimes daunting process if you are unsure of how and where to start. As Toronto’s leader in quality home renovations and home building, we've taken the time to outline a step-by-step guide to help you feel prepared to navigate this journey smoothly.
Think you are ready to complete a home build? Take our assessment to see if you are correct!
BVM Contracting has put together a guide to help homeowners and investors understand garden suites and provide a preliminary guide on how to evaluate properties in Toronto for Garden Suite potential. Of course this guide will be updated as further updates are made by the City of Toronto.
Learn how the More Homes Built Faster Act will affect construction and density in Toronto
Cost calculators and Free Resources
Looking to understand how much your garden suite or laneway suite will cost you? Try out our cost calculator today to get more clarity into what to expect for your garden suite construction project in Toronto.
Looking to understand how much a new home build will cost you? Look no further and use our cost calculator.
Looking to convert your home into two separate apartments? Learn about the key considerations involved in getting the conversion completed properly.
Learn how to use the Toronto Zoning By-law Map and discover how BVM Contracting’s free zoning analysis can help you unlock your property’s development potential.
Embarking on the journey to build your dream home is an exciting but sometimes daunting process if you are unsure of how and where to start. As Toronto’s leader in quality home renovations and home building, we've taken the time to outline a step-by-step guide to help you feel prepared to navigate this journey smoothly.
Think you are ready to complete a home build? Take our assessment to see if you are correct!
Home Building and Renovation Education
One contract pays your builder to plan properly, the other does not. A fixed-price Toronto builder on change orders, allowances, and who carries the risk.
Toronto homeowners vent about bad builders on Reddit every week. Here's what to ask, what to watch for, and how BVM's pre-construction process protects your investment.
BVM Contracting sometimes tells Toronto families to move instead of build. Here’s why that honesty — not a sales pitch — has built our reputation over decades.
Toronto building permit timelines aren't just about the City. It's 6–10 months of planning before you submit. Here's what no one tells you upfront.
Your Toronto renovation triggered a variance. Now what? BVM explains the Committee of Adjustment process, costs, timelines, and how to actually get approved.
Wondering what a home builder really does? BVM Contracting breaks down trade coordination, pre-construction planning, and how the right builder protects your project.
Toronto families who live through major renovations with kids almost always regret it. Here's the honest truth from BVM Contracting — and what to do instead.
Three quotes, three very different numbers — but which is real? Learn how Toronto contractors low-ball and what BVM Contracting does differently to protect your budget.
Toronto architects design beautiful homes. But most have no idea what it'll cost to build them. Here's how to close the gap before it costs you thousands.
Toronto tree protection rules can cost homeowners $100K+ in fines. Learn TPZ requirements, permit steps, and how to plan your custom home build around protected trees.
Learn how provisional sums and contract allowances trap Toronto homeowners into budget overruns — and how BVM Contracting prevents it through full procurement before signing.
Building near a Toronto ravine? Learn how TRCA regulations affect your home build, real permit costs ($560–$2,840), timelines, and what most homeowners don’t know.
The Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program sounds like free money. Toronto homeowners, here's what actually happens when you dig past the marketing — from a contractor who's seen it firsthand.
Most Toronto multi-unit projects fail at soundproofing. We break down OBC requirements, real costs, and the #1 mistake multi-unit development projects make when considering soundproofing.
Toronto homeowners who've renovated before know exactly what to look for. Here's why experienced renovators choose BVM Contracting for their second project.
Online research is a starting point, not a build plan. BVM Contracting explains why Toronto homeowners who over-research often pay more and wait longer.
A low estimate rarely means a low final cost. Here's what Toronto homeowners should actually evaluate when comparing builders — before signing anything.
Most homeowners evaluate home builders by their best work. Smart homeowners ask about warranty failures and projects that required our warranty to be honoured. Here's how BVM Contracting handles warranty — and what it reveals.
Most Toronto homeowners wait until their drawings are done before shopping for a builder. That's backwards. The earlier you bring a builder into your project, the lower your risk, the better your budget accuracy — and the more likely your project actually gets built on time and on budget.
Learn more about what you need to consider before installing a cold-climate heat pump into your home in Toronto (or anywhere in Canada for that matter).
Learn more about the key considerations for aging in place in Toronto and beyond, and how proper planning can help ensure you are able to age-in-place stress-free.
Learn more about the problems and patterns with current residential design and permitting services, and a better way to navigate the residential design process.
Learn more about why building more homes is not the best way for Toronto to achieve more housing; conversions are.
Learn more about the benefits of accurate and high-quality as-built measuring and our process with The Buildable Design Co. to help deliver design-ready design files for your next renovation or home addition project.
While most GTA homes sit on the market for 65-103 days, Birch Cliff and Riverdale homes sell in 14-19 days. These Toronto East End neighborhoods show sustained demand with homes selling above asking price, driven by single-family home buyers seeking value near downtown.
Learn more about the key considerations between interior and exterior waterproofing to ensure you are choosing the right system for your home addition or interior renovation project.
Learn about the step-by-step guide to properly renovating your home.
Construction estimates fall into three categories, each with wildly different accuracy rates. Learn more about why bottom-up estimation is the crown standard, and is the reason why it is the only one we utilize at BVM Contracting.
Eight homeowners are now suing Mike Holmes-backed AGM Renovations for $1.3 million in damages. One family's $150,000 loan got maxed out with only 30% of their project completed before AGM announced it was permanently closing.
Multi-Unit Development Education and Articles
Most Toronto multi-unit projects fail at soundproofing. We break down OBC requirements, real costs, and the #1 mistake multi-unit development projects make when considering soundproofing.
Learn more about why building more homes is not the best way for Toronto to achieve more housing; conversions are.
Explore and learn more about the Government of Canada's new catalogue which includes 50 pre-approved designs for garden suites, laneway suites, new homes, and multi-unit buildings. Save time, cut costs, and streamline your building project. Learn more with BVM Contracting!
Learn more about how to access historical building records for your home, when to access them, and the value of having the information for future projects on the property.
Learn more about how BVM Contracting supports home buyers and realtors through the home buying process and the key considerations for realtors and home buyers to ensure you are setting yourself up for success with any prospective property improvement or construction projects.
Learn more about the pre-approved ADU designs that Toronto has, what they solve for, and what the key considerations are before deciding if they are right for your property!
In our experience, over ninety percent of homeowners who get construction pricing after securing permits either abandon their project or chase the lowest bidder. We see this pattern a lot. Beautiful architectural plans meet construction reality. The gap between expectation and cost becomes a chasm. The problem isn't the homeowner's budget. It's the process.
A correction to our article from a couple of weeks ago. The project at Indian Grove included a severance and semi-detached Accessory Dwelling Unit with 1 unit on each side (not 2 units on each side as previously thought). In this article, we have shifted focus and created a thought-provoking piece that centers around why multi-unit ADU’s should be allowed in Toronto and beyond.
Learn about the failure of the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program, which was planning to offer up to $80,000 in low-interest loans to homeowners to build secondary suites and increase density but was unfortunately held up by politics and likely not to happen.
Learn why you should be evaluating homes that have retrofit potential over properties that are in need of a tear down for multiplex development projects in Toronto.
Here is everything you need to know about Toronto’s new Renoviction By-law, which is now in effect across all of Toronto.
Have you ever wondered why accessory dwelling units like garden suites and laneway suites cost so much? Here’s why!
Learn more about Toronto’s recent decision to remove the development charges for residential developments up to 6 units.
The perfect home build doesn’t exist, but what does exist are home builders that work towards perfection with every project completed. Learn more about how we approach challenges with all of our home building projects and why builders who can rise above the challenges faced with every project are the ones you should be working with.
Toronto just split itself in half over increased housing density, and we are not surprised. Here is everything you need to know about the 6ixplex approvals in 9 wards across Toronto!
REMAX just came out with 7 emerging neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area, and 5 of them happen to be on the East End of Toronto! Learn more about these neighbourhoods and why they are ripe for development and investment.
Forget buying a condo in Toronto. There is an alternative! Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) in the form of Garden Suites and Laneway Suites are way more economical and we give you some real facts to make you think twice before purchasing a condo.
Learn more about the process of stratification in Toronto and why it is usually reserved for large multi-unit development projects. We go over a case study of a project that completed a stratification of a residentially-zoned low-rise project in East York.
Toronto is changing the rules of property development forever. The city's ambitious plan to create 285,000 new homes by 2031 isn't just another policy announcement. It's a complete reimagining of what's possible for property owners across the city.
Discover how Ontario Regulation 462/24 simplifies building Garden Suites and Laneway Suites in Toronto. Learn about reduced setbacks, removed angular planes, and how BVM Contracting can help with your project.
Toronto's urban landscape is evolving. Garden suites and laneway suites offer a promising solution to housing challenges, but a hidden obstacle often stands in the way: fire hydrants! In this article we discuss the solutions to overcome your property’s proximity to a fire hydrant, including one that one of our pre-construction client used!
There are so many variables and costs when it comes to building or renovating a home in Toronto, but here is a list of a few that are commonly unaccounted for that...
Learn how to use the Toronto Zoning By-law Map and discover how BVM Contracting’s free zoning analysis can help you unlock your property’s development potential.
Discover when a secondary suite via rear extension or addition is better than building a garden or laneway suite in Toronto. Learn about zoning, fire code, and cost considerations.
Learn more about the new update to the Rooming (multi-unit) Housing by-law in Toronto, and what they mean for you as a Torontonian.
Learn more about the Major Streets Bylaw and how it is poised to accelerate densification across Toronto.
Learn how to turn your single family home into a legal duplex, triplex, or fourplex in Toronto!
BVM Contracting specializes in multi-unit residential building (MURB) renovations and can help real estate investors maximize their investment by updating, renovating, remodeling, and re-configuring their multi-unit apartments in Toronto.
Follow us as we do a complete renovation that includes a Legal Basement Apartment & Main Floor Remodel……
This article is meant to give anyone trying to buy a home that is in need of renovation the tools to evaluate the property before overspending on the home and being put into a position where the cost of the renovations were way higher than what was expected. BVM will be able to help get you realistic numbers quickly and efficiently so you can make the best buying decision possible!
Looking to understand how much a new home build will cost you? Look no further and use our cost calculator.