5 Things to Check Before Turning Your Basement Renovation Into a Rental Suite

Legal basement rental suite renovation by Jacko Contracting in Toronto

Executive Summary: Homeowners converting a basement into a legal rental suite in Toronto must meet five City of Toronto and Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirements: 1,950mm (6’5″) minimum ceiling height, a separate entrance, egress windows sized to OBC minimums, two-hour fire separation between floors, and an approved building permit. A City of Toronto building permit […]

Kitchen Renovation Cost in Toronto (2026): What to Expect by Project Scope

Toronto kitchen renovation in progress by Jacko Contracting

In 2026, the cost of a kitchen renovation in Toronto ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 for a cosmetic refresh, $35,000 to $65,000 for a mid-range overhaul, $65,000 to $110,000 for a premium renovation, and $110,000 to $180,000+ for a full custom or structural remodel involving wall removal. Core cost drivers include custom cabinetry (35% of […]

What to Expect From Basement Finishing Services in Toronto

Basement

Transform Your Basement Into Liveable Space Finishing a basement is one of the easiest ways to add liveable space to a Toronto home without changing the footprint. A dark, unused area can turn into a cozy family room, a quiet office, a guest suite, or even a rental space. It can also give you far […]

2026 Home Remodeling Trends & Costs: What Toronto & GTA Homeowners Need to Know

Home renovation trends consultation with Jacko Contracting team reviewing blueprints in a modern kitchen.

The top home remodeling trends in Toronto for 2026 prioritize functional living space, energy-efficient retrofits, and high-ROI structural upgrades. With average full-home renovation costs in the GTA currently ranging from $150 to $250 per square foot, homeowners are moving away from purely cosmetic updates. Instead, the highest demand is for income-generating legal basement suites, zoned […]

Bathroom Remodel Cost in Toronto (2026): Pricing by Bathroom Type & Finish Level

Contractors from Jacko Contracting renovating a modern bathroom in a Toronto home

In 2026, the average bathroom remodel cost in Toronto ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 for a standard full bathroom, with powder room updates averaging $6,000 to $12,000 and luxury primary ensuites ranging from $25,000 to $50,000+. Primary cost drivers include skilled labor (40%–60% of total budget), drain or plumbing stack relocations (adding $2,000–$5,000), custom tiling […]

Top 10 Home Renovation Trends in Toronto & the GTA for 2026

The top home renovation trends in Toronto for 2026 focus on maximizing property ROI, energy efficiency, and functional living space. The most requested upgrades include constructing legal basement suites for rental income, installing energy-efficient retrofits like heat pumps, designing zoned open-concept kitchens, and pairing cosmetic remodels with structural foundation underpinning. For GTA homeowners, these strategic […]

10 Benefits of Hiring a General Contractor for Home Renovations in Toronto

home renovation contractor Toronto

Hiring a general contractor in Toronto ensures your home renovation is completed on time, within code, and to a high standard of quality. The top benefits of hiring a general contractor include centralized project management, strict budget control, guaranteed WSIB insurance protection, and the seamless handling of Toronto building permits. Instead of juggling plumbers, electricians, […]

Converting a Bungalow to a Duplex in the GTA Without Headaches

Duplex

Turn Your Toronto Bungalow Into Income-Ready Living Converting a bungalow to a duplex in the GTA is one of the smartest ways to unlock extra value from your property. You can create steady rental income, give family members their own private space, or make your home more attractive to future buyers. All of this can […]

Basement Renovation vs Basement Underpinning: Which Do You Need?

Contractor building custom shelving during a basement renovation in Toronto

Every basement has a story, and most start the same way: an unfinished space collecting dust, old furniture, and good intentions for years. At some point, every Toronto homeowner asks the same thing: can this space become something? The answer hinges on one detail most people never check first: how much room exists between the […]

Income Property Renovations in the GTA That Actually Attract Tenants

GTA Renovations

Renovations That Make GTA Tenants Say “Yes” Income property renovations in the GTA are not just about fresh paint. They are about getting your unit rented quickly, to the right tenant, at a strong market rate. With so many listings going live around July and August, renters can be picky. They compare finishes, layouts, photos, […]