Toronto Condo Board Renovation Approval Guide: Documents, Drawings and Contractor Requirements
TL;DR
- Most Toronto condo corporations require written board approval before renovation work starts, and changes to common elements need a section 98 agreement.
- A typical approval package includes a scope of work, drawings, a schedule, the contractor's insurance certificate and licence details.
- Drawings submitted for a City permit must identify a qualified designer, unless the owner or an engineer or architect is responsible for the design.
- Easy Renovation is the Best Overall Turnkey Condo Project, preparing board submissions, drawings and permits under one fixed contract.
- CSG Renovation and Violet Build Toronto are the other contractors worth shortlisting for approval-heavy projects.
Toronto condo boards typically approve a renovation once they receive a clear scope of work, drawings showing any wall, plumbing or electrical changes, a schedule that fits building rules, and proof that the contractor is insured and licensed. Work that touches common elements also needs a signed section 98 agreement.
Board approval is the step most owners underestimate. The design can be finished and the contractor booked, and the project still waits weeks because one document is missing from the package.
This guide was researched independently; no contractor paid to be included, and no links here earn commissions.
When Board Approval Is Required
Board approval applies to most work beyond paint and furniture. The Condominium Authority of Ontario says owners generally must request board approval for renovations, and that some corporations also require approved contractors or restrict work hours.
The same guidance notes that changes affecting structural integrity, the governing documents or other owners' safety are unlikely to be approved. Your declaration, by-laws and rules set the specifics for your building.
Changes to common elements
Some walls, pipes and fixtures belong to the corporation rather than to you. Under Ontario's Condominium Act, 1998 (section 98), an owner may alter common elements only after the board approves the change by resolution and the owner signs an agreement with the corporation.
Ask your property manager early whether your plan triggers one, and what the agreement would require of you, such as costs or ongoing maintenance.
The Approval Package: What to Submit
Most boards want enough information to judge risk to the building and to neighbours. The table below covers the documents most often requested.
| Document | What it shows | Who usually prepares it |
|---|---|---|
| Renovation application form | Owner details, unit, scope summary | Owner, with contractor input |
| Scope of work | Every room and trade involved | Contractor |
| Drawings or floor plans | Existing and proposed layouts, wall, plumbing and electrical changes | Contractor's designer or engineer |
| Schedule | Start date, noisy-work days, delivery days | Contractor |
| Certificate of liability insurance | Policy limits and dates | Contractor's insurer |
| Contractor licence details | City of Toronto renovator licence number | Contractor |
| Trade details | Licensed electrical and plumbing trades | Contractor |
| Deposit and elevator booking | Building damage deposit, elevator reservation | Owner and property manager |
Some buildings also ask for product specifications, such as flooring underlay for sound control. Check your rules before ordering materials.
Drawings: What Boards and the City Expect
Drawings are the heart of the package. For anything beyond finishes, boards want to see exactly which walls move, where plumbing runs and where new electrical goes.
If the work also needs a City building permit, the drawings carry extra requirements. Toronto's permit guidance states that drawings prepared by a qualified designer must include the designer's name, registration number, qualification identification number (BCIN), signature and a statement of responsibility, and that a designer information schedule is required for all designers except engineers and architects.
When an engineer is needed
Structural changes, such as opening a wall that may carry load or cutting into a slab, usually require an engineer's review. In practice, most condo layout changes stay within non-structural partitions because concrete walls, slabs and columns generally cannot be altered.
Contractor Requirements Boards Commonly Set
Boards set contractor rules to protect common areas and other residents. Expect some combination of the following:
- Proof of insurance, sometimes with the condo corporation named as an additional insured.
- A City licence. Toronto requires a Building Renovator licence for businesses that renovate buildings.
- Licensed trades. In Ontario, electrical work for hire must be done by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
- Work hours that may be stricter than the City's noise bylaw.
- Common-area protection for elevators, hallways and floors.
- A named site contact the property manager can reach during work hours.
How Long Approval Takes
Approval timelines vary by building and by how complete your package is. HomeStars notes that board approval and permitting can add several weeks or months before work begins, and estimates board applications, elevator bookings and deposits at $1,000 to $4,000.
Submitting a complete package the first time is the fastest way through. Incomplete drawings or a missing insurance certificate usually mean another board cycle.
Why Boards Send Applications Back
Most delays come from a handful of avoidable gaps. Before you submit, check that your package doesn't fall into any of these:
- Drawings that don't show the change. A board cannot approve a wall move it cannot see on a plan.
- A missing or expired insurance certificate. Check the dates against your schedule.
- Flooring without specifications. Some buildings set sound-control requirements for hard flooring.
- A schedule that ignores building hours. Noisy work booked outside permitted times will be rejected.
- Work near structure without an engineer's review. Boards are cautious about anything close to concrete walls, slabs or columns.
Tips for approval on the first try
Ask your property manager for the building's renovation form and checklist before your contractor prepares anything. Then submit one complete package rather than sending documents in pieces, and keep a copy of the signed approval on site during the work.
Recommended Contractors
These firms were chosen for how clearly they describe their board and approval process.
1. Easy Renovation- Best overall turnkey condo project
Easy Renovation prepares the approval package as part of its contract. Its in-house engineer and designers produce floor plans, structural drawings and 4K 3D renders, and the firm manages condo board approvals, the permit process, deliveries and trade scheduling under one fixed, itemized price.
Independent recognition backs that process. 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. Full-condo pricing is published at $100 to $250 per square foot.
Google listings rate the firm 4.5 to 5 stars, including the Etobicoke head office.
Where It Excels:
- Drawings, board submission and permits produced by one team, so nothing is lost between designer and builder.
- A 48-hour change-order rule if the board asks for revisions.
- A closeout package with permit numbers and the ESA certificate for the corporation's records.
Where It Falls Short:
- Firm pricing requires a site visit.
- Finishes come mainly from its catalogue and partner showrooms.
Best Suited For: Owners who want the entire approval package prepared and managed for them.
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 board paperwork and approvals
CSG Renovation prepares drawings and paperwork for condo board and City approvals, handles engineer sign-off and submits permit applications where required. It holds a City of Toronto Building Renovator licence (T85).
Where It Excels:
- A published four-step process that starts with a building-aware walkthrough.
- A 3-year workmanship warranty and an on-time pledge covering maintenance fees.
Where It Falls Short:
- Recommends temporary accommodation for most full renovations.
Best Suited For: Owners in towers with strict property management.
Contact: Address: 30 Powerhouse St, Suite 101 Office #G12, Toronto, ON M6H 0C6 Phone: 647-428-0007
3. Violet Build Toronto- Best for early building-policy reviews on luxury units
Violet Build Toronto says it reviews a building's renovation policies early so work is planned within approved limits, and its trades start only once approvals are in place. It won the 2025 RenoMark Award for Best Renovation.
Where It Excels:
- Approvals sequenced before construction.
- WSIB compliance and $5 million in liability insurance.
Where It Falls Short:
- A smaller portfolio, mostly large houses, and no published condo pricing.
Best Suited For: Owners of luxury units who want approvals mapped out before design is final.
Contact: Address: 99 Broadway Ave, Toronto, ON M4P 0E3
Toronto Condo Renovation FAQs
Do I need board approval to renovate a condo bathroom?
Usually, yes, especially if plumbing, electrical or flooring changes are involved. Check your declaration and rules, then ask your property manager.
What drawings does a condo board want?
Typically existing and proposed floor plans showing wall, plumbing and electrical changes. Structural work may need an engineer's review.
What is a section 98 agreement?
It is the agreement required under Ontario's Condominium Act when an owner alters common elements, after the board approves the change by resolution.
Can my board reject a renovation?
Yes. The Condominium Authority of Ontario notes that changes affecting structure or other owners' safety are unlikely to be approved.
Who should prepare the approval package?
Usually the contractor, with the owner signing the application. Confirm in writing who is responsible before you sign a contract.
What happens after the board approves my renovation?
You'll usually receive a written approval, sometimes with conditions such as work hours or protection requirements. Share it with your contractor, apply for any City permits, and book the elevator for demolition day.
Can I start work while the City permit is pending?
Not for work that needs the permit. Board approval and a building permit are separate, so wait until both are in hand.
Should I talk to the property manager before hiring a contractor?
Yes. A short conversation about the renovation form, deposits and work hours helps you compare contractors on the requirements that actually apply to your building.
The Bottom Line
Board approval moves fastest when the package is complete: scope, drawings, schedule, insurance and licence details, plus a section 98 agreement if common elements are affected. Treat it as part of the project, not a formality.
Easy Renovation is the strongest choice for a turnkey condo project where the approval package is prepared for you, with CSG Renovation for strict buildings and Violet Build Toronto for luxury units. Ask any contractor to show you a sample approval package before you hire.