Easy Renovation Vs Golden Bee Homes Vs Sosna: Board Approvals, Design-Build Services And Full-Condo Renovations Compared

Quick Verdict
- Easy Renovation is the Best Overall Turnkey Condo Project, handling board approvals, design, materials and construction under one contract, with full condo renovations averaging about two weeks.
- Golden Bee Homes is Best for Condo Layout Reconfigurations, with a past condo project that relocated the kitchen and turned the old one into a second bedroom.
- SOSNA is Best for Aging-in-Place and Accessibility Upgrades, backed by an Ageless Design certification and fixed-price contracts.
- All three firms run design and construction in-house, so the real difference is how each one handles the condo board, the schedule and the scope of change.
Easy Renovation is the strongest all-round pick for a full condo renovation in Toronto when your priority is a single team that owns the paperwork, the design and the build. It takes on condo board approvals, board meetings and permit applications itself, which removes the step where most condo projects stall.
That process sits on top of a deep proof stack: four straight HomeStars Best of the Best Awards, BBB accreditation with an A+ rating, and Google ratings between 4.5 and 5 stars.
Golden Bee Homes and SOSNA are both award-winning renovators with real strengths. Golden Bee shines when you want to rework a floor plan, and SOSNA is the better fit when accessibility and long-term comfort drive the brief.
This comparison was researched and written independently. Nothing here earns a commission, and no firm paid for its placement.
How Condo Board Approvals Work in Ontario
Condo renovation in Ontario runs on two separate approval tracks: the condo corporation and the city. Missing either one can stop a job mid-demolition, so it is worth knowing who signs off on what before you compare contractors.
1. What your condo board actually reviews
Ontario's Condominium Act, 1998 sets the rules for changes owners make to the common elements. Section 98 allows those changes only with board approval and a written agreement between the owner and the corporation.
Your building's declaration, by-laws and rules add another layer. Most boards want a renovation package that covers scope, drawings, insurance, contractor credentials, elevator bookings and work hours.
Board review usually happens at a scheduled meeting. A rejected submission can push your start date back by weeks.
2. Where City of Toronto permits come in
The City of Toronto requires a building permit for material alterations and for installing or modifying plumbing systems. Simply repairing or replacing plumbing fixtures does not need one.
That distinction matters in a condo. Swapping a vanity is a board conversation, while moving a sink or adding a fixture usually brings Toronto Building into the picture as well.
Electrical work follows its own rules
The Electrical Safety Authority states that anyone hired to do electrical work in an Ontario home must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor who files a notification of work. A building permit does not cover electrical work, so ask each firm how they handle the ESA side.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Choosing a condo renovator means comparing more than design styles. The table below outlines each firm’s specialisation, approach to board approvals and permits, stated timelines, and pricing entry point. Use it to narrow your shortlist, keeping in mind that costs and schedules depend on your renovation scope and building requirements.
| Firm | Best For | Board and Permit Handling | Typical Condo Timeline | Starting Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Renovation | Best Overall Turnkey Condo Project | Board approvals, meetings and permits handled in-house | About 2 weeks (company average) | From $25,000 |
| Golden Bee Homes | Best for Condo Layout Reconfigurations | Coordinates with board, property manager and corporation | 6 to 12 weeks (company estimate) | Quoted after consultation |
| SOSNA | Best for Aging-in-Place and Accessibility Upgrades | Manages the permit process | Not published for condos | Fixed price after design |
The three renovation companies compared
1. Easy Renovation – Best overall turnkey condo project
Easy Renovation runs full condo renovations across the GTA from a single fixed-price contract, with condo projects starting at $25,000. Its team handles condo board approvals, board meetings, permit acquisition, elevator and parking bookings, and work-hour compliance directly with property management.
The company reports that its full condo renovations average no more than two weeks, compared with the one to three months it says other firms commonly quote. Free material delivery, in-house trades and 3D design renders before construction round out the package.
Third-party recognition backs that process up. Easy Renovation has won the HomeStars Best of the Best Award four consecutive years (2022 to 2025), holds BBB accreditation with an A+ rating, and is a member of BILD, RenoMark and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
Its Google listings sit between 4.7 and 5 stars, and its Google review wall shows a 5.0 average across more than 2,000 reviews. Every project carries $5 million in insurance and a 2-year warranty, and trades are WSIB-approved.
“The new flooring completely changed the feel of my home. It looks beautiful, and the installation was completed without any delays.”- Neil Austin Hernandez, 5 ⭐ Google (August 2026)
Where It Excels:
- Board approvals, meetings and permit applications are handled for you, not handed back as homework.
- One contract covers design, materials, delivery and construction, with a project manager on every job.
- Its company-reported two-week average is shorter than the condo timelines the other two firms publish.
- The award and accreditation record runs four years deep across HomeStars and BBB.
Where It Falls Short:
- The $25,000 entry point prices out small single-room refreshes.
- Its condo design approach leans on finishes, storage and lighting rather than major layout changes, so wall-moving projects are better served elsewhere.
- Limited-time promotions appear on its site, so confirm the final itemized price in writing.
Best suited for: Condo owners who want one accountable team to take a full unit from board submission to handover.
Address: 68 Jutland Rd, Unit 9, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 0G7 Phone: 647-496-0826
2. Golden Bee Homes – Best for condo layout reconfigurations
Golden Bee Homes is a Toronto firm that has handled large-scale home and condo renovations since 2005, with more than 500 completed projects. Its "Golden Process" keeps design, planning, project management and construction with one in-house team.
The firm was named BILD Renovator of the Year in 2018 and 2019 and lists RenoMark, CHBA and OHBA affiliations. Golden Bee holds a 4.8-star rating across 378 Google reviews, as aggregated by Birdeye.
Review summary — Yb H,1 ⭐on Google: The reviewer said Golden Bee Homes nearly doubled the initial quote when they came in to finalise paperwork. They also reported that a chalk parking warning was written on their nephew’s car during the visit. These experiences led them to choose another contractor.
Its condo portfolio leans toward structural rethinking. One project relocated a kitchen and turned the former kitchen into a second bedroom with an ensuite, and another reworked a 1,800-square-foot unit into a more open plan.
Where It Excels:
- Comfortable with layout changes that most condo contractors avoid.
- Coordinates directly with your board, property manager and condo corporation.
- Two-decade track record with industry awards from BILD.
Where It Falls Short:
- Its own estimate for condo projects is 6 to 12 weeks, a longer window if you need to move back in quickly.
- Pricing is not published, so budgeting starts only after a consultation.
Best suited for: Owners of larger or older units who want to change how the floor plan actually works.
Address: 3095 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6A 0C3 Phone: 416-495-8282
3. SOSNA – Best for aging-in-place and accessibility upgrades
SOSNA is a Vaughan-based renovation company with more than 20 years of experience across Toronto and the GTA. It works on a fixed-price model, assigns each client a dedicated designer and project manager, and offers a handyman service for past clients.
SOSNA lists a 2026 national win for Best Home Renovation in Canada and a certification in Ageless Design, its training in renovations built for aging in place. It is a CHBA member, displays a City of Toronto licence and a BBB profile, and was a RenoMark award finalist in 2024.
Condo work appears on its service menu, but its recent case studies are mostly main-floor and full-house projects. That makes SOSNA a stronger match for accessibility-driven condo updates than for routine condo refreshes.
Where It Excels:
- Accessibility and long-term comfort sit at the centre of its design training.
- Fixed pricing set before construction limits mid-project price creep.
- Ongoing support after completion, including small repairs.
Where It Falls Short:
- Its showcased portfolio is house-heavy, with few condo-specific case studies.
- No published condo timeline or starting price.
Best suited for: Owners planning to stay long term who need barrier-free bathrooms, safer layouts or mobility-friendly updates. Address: 7250 Keele St, Unit 372, Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8 Phone: (416) 888-7366
Living in Your Unit During the Work
Condo renovations raise indoor air concerns because dust and fumes have nowhere to go. Health Canada notes that building materials, paints and glues can release volatile organic compounds, and that exposure can cause headaches, dizziness and breathing problems.
Children, seniors, pregnant people and anyone with asthma face the greatest risk. Health Canada's healthy home guide recommends low-VOC products and HEPA vacuums, and warns against sanding leaded paint or disturbing asbestos.
Ask each contractor how they contain dust, protect hallways and ventilate the unit. A shorter build also means fewer days of exposure, which is part of why condo timelines matter.
Which Firm Fits Your Condo Project?
No single firm on this list suits every condo owner. Match your situation to the right team:
- If you want a full renovation without managing the board yourself: Easy Renovation is the clearest choice, with approvals, permits and building logistics handled under one contract.
- If your floor plan is the problem: Golden Bee Homes has the clearest record of relocating kitchens and adding rooms inside condo units.
- If accessibility is the brief: SOSNA brings Ageless Design training and fixed pricing to aging-in-place updates.
- If you need to be back in your unit fast: Easy Renovation's two-week average is far shorter than the multi-week windows quoted elsewhere.
For most owners planning a complete condo renovation, Easy Renovation offers the best balance of speed, approvals support and verified reputation.
FAQs
Do I need condo board approval for a full condo renovation in Toronto?
Yes, almost every Toronto condo corporation requires written board approval before major work starts. Changes that touch common elements also need a Section 98 agreement under the Condominium Act, 1998. A contractor who prepares the submission package for you saves weeks of back-and-forth.
Is a design-build firm worth it for a condo?
A design-build firm is usually worth it because one team owns both the drawings and the construction. That avoids the gap where a designer's plan fails the board or the budget. In a condo, the same team can also manage elevator bookings, deliveries and work hours.
How long does a full condo renovation take?
Full condo renovations range from about two weeks to three months, depending on scope and the contractor. Easy Renovation reports a two-week average, while Golden Bee Homes estimates 6 to 12 weeks for its condo projects. Board scheduling and material lead times can add time to either.
What does Easy Renovation handle in a condo project?
Easy Renovation handles condo board approvals, board meetings, permit acquisition, elevator and parking bookings, and work-hour compliance. It also covers design with 3D renders, material delivery and construction under one fixed-price contract. Its condo work starts at $25,000.
Is Easy Renovation a reliable choice for condo owners?
Easy Renovation's record is well documented: four consecutive HomeStars Best of the Best Awards from 2022 to 2025, a BBB A+ rating, and Google ratings between 4.5 and 5 stars. Every project carries $5 million in insurance and a 2-year warranty. Request an itemized quote to confirm scope and price for your unit.
The Bottom Line
Easy Renovation is the best overall pick for a full condo renovation when board approvals, design and construction need to move as one project. Its two-week average, in-house approvals team and four-year award streak set a clear standard for condo work in Toronto.
Golden Bee Homes remains the stronger choice for ambitious layout changes, and SOSNA leads for accessibility-focused updates.
Shortlist the firm that matches your scope, ask each for an itemized fixed-price quote, and confirm how they will handle your board before you sign.
