Scarborough Renovations for Split-Levels and Basement Suites

Split-level homes and how we work with them

A Scarborough backsplit or sidesplit puts the living areas on staggered floors joined by short runs of stairs. The layout gives good separation, but the kitchen is often boxed in and the lower levels can feel dark. Instead of fighting the half-levels, we tend to use them: opening the kitchen toward the living room where the framing allows, choosing lighter finishes for the lower level, and updating the short stair runs with new treads, railings and flooring that flows from one level to the next.

Because many of these houses have a side entrance close to grade, the lower level is often the natural place for a separate suite or an in-law space. Before anyone settles on that plan, we measure the headroom, check where the existing windows sit and look at how a second entrance could work, because those details decide what the space can legally become. Those measurements usually settle the question before any money is spent.

Basement apartments done by the book

Secondary suites are permitted across Toronto's residential zones, but creating one is not the same as finishing a rec room. A new or legalized suite needs permit drawings, usually from a qualified designer, a City of Toronto building permit and inspections as the work progresses. Ceiling height, exit routes, window sizes and fire separation between the units all have to meet the Ontario Building Code.

We do not prepare permit drawings, and we are not the electrician, plumber or HVAC contractor. Our part is the construction: framing built as the approved plans show, insulation, fire-rated drywall assemblies where the drawings call for them, the kitchen and bathroom build-out, flooring and paint. We work alongside you and the other trades so the work is open and ready to see at every inspection.

Room for more than one generation

Plenty of Scarborough households include grandparents, adult children or extended family. Sometimes that calls for a full suite. Just as often it is a main-floor bedroom with a bathroom that is easier to use, better sound separation between floors, or a lower level turned into a private sitting room and bedroom. We look at how everyone uses the house through the day and suggest changes that fit, from wider doorways to a low-threshold shower with large-format tile that is easy to keep clean.

Getting rental units ready between tenants

For landlords with houses near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus in Highland Creek, or rental units anywhere else in Scarborough, every week a unit sits empty costs rent. We keep turnovers focused:

• A walkthrough and an itemized list of repairs, with priorities marked
• Drywall patching and a full repaint in durable, washable finishes
• Flooring replacement where carpet or laminate is worn through
• Bathroom touch-ups such as regrouting, recaulking and new accessories
• A final clean so the unit is ready to show

Older houses in Cliffside and Birch Cliff, closer to the Bluffs, often need a little more: settled floors, tired window trim and patchwork from earlier repairs. Each of those items gets its own line in the estimate, and you choose what to handle now and what to leave for later.

Send us the address and what you have in mind, whether that is a finished suite or a quick refresh, and we will arrange a visit and a free, detailed estimate.