TORONTO HOME BUILDING AND RENOVATION BLOG — BVM Contracting

General Contractors

Toronto Housing Roadmap Creates Unprecedented Property Opportunities

Toronto Housing Roadmap Creates Unprecedented Property Opportunities

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.

The True Cost of Hiring the Wrong Renovation Contractor

The True Cost of Hiring the Wrong Renovation Contractor

We received an email from a past connection that received a budget from us for their substantial renovation project, but ended up going with a “cheaper” contractor. Towards the end of the projects, things went so bad (and they regretted the decision so much) that they were compelled to email us about it. Learn more about their story, and how you can avoid “renovation regret” with your own project.

Garden Suite Cost Calculator

Garden Suite Cost Calculator

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.

Your Guide to Obtaining Building Permits in Toronto

Your Guide to Obtaining Building Permits in Toronto

Learn more about the process of obtaining building permits in Toronto and how a General Contractor should get involved during the process.

Forget Underpinning: Use the Floor Replacement Method

Forget Underpinning: Use the Floor Replacement Method

We've spent years helping Toronto families transform their cramped basement spaces. Through this experience, we've refined an alternative approach that typically saves our clients between $30,000-$40,000 while achieving the same ceiling height goals. Learn more here!

How to Prevent Home Addition Cost Overruns

How to Prevent Home Addition Cost Overruns

Learn more about the four critical assessments that all property owners looking to complete a home addition should know about to prevent any unnecessary cost overruns during their home addition project in Toronto and beyond.

Understanding Ontario Regulation 462/24: Additional Residential Units in Toronto

Understanding Ontario Regulation 462/24: Additional Residential Units in Toronto

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.

Overcoming Fire Hydrant Constraints for ADU's in Toronto

Overcoming Fire Hydrant Constraints for ADU's in Toronto

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!

Unexpected Home Building Costs in Toronto

Unexpected Home Building Costs in Toronto

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...

How to Navigate Toronto's Interactive Zoning Map

How to Navigate Toronto's Interactive Zoning Map

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.

Attached Secondary Suites Versus a Garden or Laneway Suite

Attached Secondary Suites Versus a Garden or Laneway Suite

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.

Custom Homes vs New Builds: Insights for Toronto Homeowners

Custom Homes vs New Builds: Insights for Toronto Homeowners

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.

Discover Canada's New Housing Design Catalog

Discover Canada's New Housing Design Catalog

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!

Understanding the Stratification Process For Residential Properties in Toronto

Understanding the Stratification Process For Residential Properties in Toronto

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.

All About The Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program

All About The Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program

Learn about the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program offering up to $80,000 in low-interest loans to homeowners to build secondary suites and increase density. Discover how to affordably build a garden suite or laneway suite and expand affordable housing in Canada.

Rooming Houses Allowed in the Greater Toronto Area

Rooming Houses Allowed in the Greater Toronto Area

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.

Step-by-Step Planning Guide For Home Building Projects in Toronto

Step-by-Step Planning Guide For Home Building Projects in Toronto

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.

Required Electrical Upgrades For New Homes in Ontario

Required Electrical Upgrades For New Homes in Ontario

Learn more about the key electrical requirements for new home builds in Ontario.