How to Choose the Best Condo Renovation Contractor in Toronto: A Homeowner's Buyer's Guide
TL;DR
- Choose a condo contractor on seven criteria: condo experience, board and permit handling, licensing, WSIB and insurance, pricing structure, warranty and verifiable reviews.
- Easy Renovation is the Best Overall Turnkey Condo Project, with four straight HomeStars Best of the Best awards (2022 to 2025) and a BBB A+ rating.
- CSG Renovation is best for high-rise building logistics, and Moose Condo Reno is best for opening up older, enclosed units.
- Golden Bee Homes is best for award-recognized builder credentials, and Unit Modeler is best for showroom-led finish selection.
- Budget $85,000 to $110,000+ for a full Toronto condo, plus a 15 to 20% contingency.
The best condo renovation contractor in Toronto is the one that can prove condo experience, handle your board and permits, show its licence and WSIB standing, and put a fixed scope and warranty in writing. Use the seven criteria below to compare any firm, then check the five recommended companies against them.
Condo renovations fail for different reasons than house renovations. The work itself is rarely the problem; the board, the elevator schedule, the neighbours and the paperwork usually are.
This guide is independent: no contractor paid to be included, and we earn nothing from your choice.
Why Condo Contractors Differ From House Renovators
A condo contractor works inside rules a house renovator never sees. The Condominium Authority of Ontario says some corporations require approved contractors or restrict work hours, and owners generally need board approval before work starts.
Shared walls and pipes add a legal layer. Under Ontario's Condominium Act, 1998 (section 98), changes to common elements need a board resolution and a signed agreement between the owner and the corporation.
Logistics fill in the rest: elevator bookings, hallway protection, noise windows, debris removal and insurance certificates for the property manager. A contractor who does this weekly will save you weeks.
The 7 Criteria That Matter Most
1. Proven condo experience
Ask for two or three recent condo projects in buildings similar to yours. Photos are helpful, but owner contacts you can call are better.
2. Board approvals and permits
Confirm in writing who prepares drawings for the board and the City. HomeStars estimates permits for plumbing, electrical or structural work at $400 to $2,500.
3. City licensing
Toronto requires a Building Renovator licence for businesses that repair or renovate buildings. Ask for the number and check it with the City.
4. WSIB standing and insurance
A WSIB clearance confirms a contractor is registered and its account is in good standing. Homeowners aren't legally required to collect one, but it is a quick credibility check, alongside a certificate of liability insurance.
5. Pricing structure
Look for a fixed or fully itemized price, with allowances and exclusions listed. Ontario recommends three written estimates and requires contracts over $50 to be in writing.
6. Warranty in writing
Ask how long workmanship is covered, what is excluded and how fast warranty calls are answered.
7. Reviews you can verify
Read reviews on more than one platform, and look for recent condo-specific feedback rather than overall star counts.
What a Toronto Condo Renovation Costs
Toronto is the most expensive major Canadian market in HomeStars' condo data. A full condo renovation averages $85,000 to $110,000+, with materials making up 35 to 45% of a typical budget.
Building costs sit on top of the contractor's price. HomeStars estimates $1,000 to $4,000 for board applications, elevator bookings and damage deposits, and $2,000 to $6,000 per month for temporary accommodation during a full renovation.
Older buildings carry one more line item. Health Canada advises professional testing before renovating because disturbing older materials can release asbestos fibres, and HomeStars puts asbestos, mould or subfloor surprises at $1,500 to $15,000.
Questions to Ask at the First Meeting
- [ ] How many condo renovations have you completed in the past two years, and can I contact three of those owners?
- [ ] Who prepares the board submission and pulls permits?
- [ ] Is your quote fixed or itemized, and what does it exclude?
- [ ] What are the written start and finish dates?
- [ ] What warranty covers workmanship, and for how long?
- [ ] Who is my single point of contact, and how often will I get updates?
Red Flags to Walk Away From
- Pressure to sign on the spot. If you sign a contract over $50 in your home, Ontario gives you a 10-day cooling-off period.
- "We'll sort out the board later." Owners generally need board approval before work starts, and skipping it invites disputes with the corporation.
- A single lump-sum number with no allowances, exclusions or schedule.
- No licence number or insurance certificate on request.
Comparison Table
These five contractors offer different strengths, from turnkey condo renovations and high-rise logistics to layout changes and showroom-based finish selection. The table below compares their condo focus, pricing approach, warranty information and credentials to help you narrow your shortlist.
| Company | Best for | Condo focus | Pricing approach | Warranty | Key credential |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Renovation | Best Overall Turnkey Condo Project | Dedicated condo service line | Fixed, itemized; $100 to $250 per sq ft for full condos | 2 years, $5M liability | HomeStars Best of the Best 2022 to 2025, BBB A+ |
| CSG Renovation | High-Rise Building Logistics | High-rise focus | Quoted after walkthrough | 3-year workmanship | T85 licence, on-time pledge |
| Moose Condo Reno | Opening Up Older, Enclosed Units | Condo division of Moose Group | Quoted per project | Not published | Condo work since 2015 |
| Golden Bee Homes | Award-Recognized Builder Credentials | One of eight service lines | Quoted after consultation | Not found | BILD Renovator of the Year 2018 and 2019 |
| Unit Modeler | Showroom-Led Finish Selection | Condo-first | Not published | Not published | 25,000 sq ft showroom |
Recommended Condo Renovation Companies
Each firm below was checked against the seven criteria above.
1. Easy Renovation: Best overall turnkey condo project
Easy Renovation meets every one of the seven criteria in a single contract. Design, engineering drawings, materials, condo board approvals, the permit process and construction all sit under one fixed, itemized price, with full-condo pricing published at $100 to $250 per square foot.
The credentials are independently verifiable. Easy Renovation won the HomeStars Best of the Best Award four years in a row (2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025) and is a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating.
It is a member of BILD, RenoMark and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). Its trades are WSIB-insured, and every project carries $5 million in liability insurance and a 2-year warranty. The firm reports 500+ completed projects and has been featured in blogTO, Toronto Sun, Streets of Toronto and Urban Toronto.
Google listings rate the firm 4.5 to 5 stars, including its Etobicoke head office. One client review reads:
"My kitchen renovation turned out exactly how I imagined. The entire project was completed smoothly, and I’m extremely happy with the results.”- Key-c Natividad, 5 ⭐ on Google (August 2026)
Where It Excels:
- One contract and one project manager from design to handover.
- In-house engineer and 4K 3D renders before demolition.
- A 48-hour change-order rule and a closeout package with permit numbers and the ESA certificate.
Where It Falls Short:
- Firm pricing requires a site visit.
- Finishes come mainly from its 120-page catalogue and partner showrooms.
Best Suited For: Condo owners who want the whole project managed end to end under one fixed price.
Contact: Address: 68 Jutland Rd, Unit 9, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 0G7 Phone: 647-496-0826 Instagram: instagram.com/easy.reno/
2. CSG Renovation: Best for high-rise building logistics
CSG Renovation holds a City of Toronto Building Renovator licence (T85) and lists 18+ years of downtown and midtown experience. It books elevators, follows noise windows, protects hallways and coordinates with property managers.
Where It Excels
- A 3-year workmanship warranty and a pledge to cover maintenance fees if it finishes late.
- Drawings, engineer sign-off and permit submissions handled in-house.
Where It Falls Short
- Recommends temporary accommodation for most full renovations.
Best Suited For: Owners in towers with strict building management.
Contact: Address: 30 Powerhouse St, Suite 101 Office #G12, Toronto, ON M6H 0C6 Phone: 647-428-0007 Instagram: instagram.com/csgrenovation/
3. Moose Condo Reno: Best for opening up older, enclosed units
Moose Condo Reno, the condo division of Moose Group, regularly converts dated, closed-in layouts. Its CEO told The Canadian Press that the firm opens up walls in older units as long as concrete walls, slabs and columns stay untouched.
“Total waste of time with this company. Show when they want but mostly don't show up at all but always calling and asking for money. The salesman promised to have it done in 4 months. Now we are 6 1/2 months still not done. The project manager also full of lies thanks Alex for nothing.”- Rick Canales,1 ⭐ on Google
Where It Excels
- Condo-dedicated crews and documented after-care.
Where It Falls Short
- A mixed review history, with older complaints about delays.
- No published warranty terms.
Best Suited For: Owners of 1980s and 1990s units with walled-off kitchens.
Contact: Address: 7250 Keele St, Unit 161, Concord, ON L4K 1Z8 Phone: 437-771-5353
4. Golden Bee Homes: Best for award-recognized builder credentials
Golden Bee Homes has managed design and construction in-house since 2005 and was a back-to-back BILD Renovator of the Year in 2018 and 2019. Its condo portfolio includes an 1,800-square-foot unit update.
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.
Where It Excels
- Industry awards and affiliations including Tarion, CHBA and RenoMark.
Where It Falls Short
- No published pricing or warranty terms; condos are one of eight service lines.
Best Suited For: Owners of larger units who value an award-winning builder.
Contact: Address: 3095 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6A 0C3 Phone: 416-495-8282
5. Unit Modeler: Best for showroom-led finish selection
Unit Modeler concentrates on condos and operates a 25,000-square-foot showroom in Scarborough. It reports more than 4,000 condo units completed.
Where It Excels:
- Large in-person showroom for choosing finishes.
Where It Falls Short:
- Self-reported volume and a small independent review base.
Best Suited For: Owners who want to see finishes at full scale before committing.
Contact: Address: 100 Nugget Ave, Scarborough, ON M1S 3A7 Phone: 647-360-9392
FAQs
What should I look for in a Toronto condo renovation contractor?
Condo experience, board and permit handling, a City licence, WSIB standing and insurance, a fixed or itemized price, a written warranty and verifiable reviews.
How much does it cost to renovate a condo in Toronto?
HomeStars benchmarks a full Toronto condo renovation at $85,000 to $110,000+, plus building fees and a 15 to 20% contingency.
Do I need board approval to renovate my condo?
In most cases, yes. The Condominium Authority of Ontario says owners generally must request board approval and may also need municipal permits.
How many quotes should I get?
Ontario recommends at least three written estimates.
How long does a full condo renovation take?
HomeStars estimates six to twelve weeks of active construction, plus time for approvals and permits.
The Bottom Line
The right condo contractor is the one that can prove its condo experience and put scope, price, schedule and warranty in writing. Use the seven criteria in this guide on every firm you meet.
Easy Renovation is the strongest all-round choice for a turnkey condo project, with CSG Renovation for tower logistics, Moose Condo Reno for older layouts, Golden Bee Homes for builder credentials and Unit Modeler for showroom selection. Meeting two or three of them before you decide is time well spent.