Hawk PD

The Most Commonly Asked Questions About Custom Renovations in the GTA — Answered by Hawk PD

Renovating your home isn’t just about changing the way it looks—it’s about changing the way it works for you. Whether you're dreaming of an open-concept kitchen, adding a second-storey addition, or reconfiguring your entire home layout, the custom renovation journey can be complex—especially in the Greater Toronto Area.

At Hawk Property Developments (Hawk PD), we’ve completed countless custom renovations across Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, and beyond. We’ve also answered every question you can imagine—some more than others.

So, let’s dive into the most frequently asked questions about custom renovations in the GTA, with straight answers from a team that lives and breathes this every day.

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1. How much does a custom renovation cost in the GTA?

Short answer: It depends on the scope—but expect anywhere from $100 to $300+ per square foot.

Major interior overhauls, structural changes, luxury finishes, and multi-phase renovations push costs to the higher end. Things like plumbing relocations, permits, and age of the home also factor in.

💡 Hawk PD Tip: We provide full scope breakdowns so you're not hit with surprises mid-project. Transparent pricing is one of our core principles.

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2. Do I need a permit for my renovation?

Usually, yes.

In the GTA, you'll likely need permits for:

Structural changes
Layout reconfigurations
Additions or extensions
Basement underpinnings
New plumbing or electrical layouts

Permits are handled at the municipal level (e.g. City of Toronto, City of Mississauga), and each city has its own timelines and submission requirements.

🗂️ The good news: Hawk PD takes care of it all. We handle the drawings, submissions, and communication with city inspectors so you don’t have to.

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3. How long does a custom renovation take?

Typical timelines:

Kitchen or bathroom reno: 2–3 months
Full interior renovation: 4–6 months
Additions or structural work: 6–12 months
Split or multi-phase renovations: Up to 18 months

⚠️ Timelines can shift based on permit approvals, material lead times, weather, and the complexity of the design.

⏱️ Hawk PD Insight: We provide a realistic project schedule from the start, with milestone updates and contingency plans.

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4. Can I live in my home during the renovation?

Sometimes.

For surface-level or room-specific renovations, it might be possible. But for major structural work, full gut jobs, or multi-floor projects, we typically recommend moving out temporarily.

🏠 Why? It’s safer, faster, and less stressful for everyone—especially if the HVAC, electrical, or plumbing systems are being updated.

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5. Will a renovation increase my home’s value?

Absolutely—if done right. Renovations with strong ROI include:

Kitchen remodels
Basement finishing or underpinning
Second-storey additions
Bathroom upgrades
Exterior enhancements (new façade, entryway, or windows)

📈 A custom renovation in the GTA can easily add hundreds of thousands in resale value, especially with tight inventory in high-demand neighbourhoods.

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6. Do I need to hire an architect before starting my renovation?

Not necessarily. At Hawk PD, we collaborate with architects and engineers depending on the project’s scope. If you don’t have one, we’ll bring in a partner we trust.

💼 Whether it’s a design-build process or a collaboration with your existing architect, we tailor the approach to your project.

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7. What kind of renovations does Hawk PD specialize in?

We don’t do cosmetic flips or quick patches. We specialize in high-quality, tailored renovations that transform the way homes function and feel.

🔨 Our focus includes:

Full interior remodels
Second-storey additions
Custom kitchens & bathrooms
Basement underpinning and finishing
Exterior facelifts
Multi-phase and split renovations
Architectural upgrades and extensions

Our work is about enhancing both form and function—not just updating paint colours.

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8. What makes custom renovations in the GTA more complex than in other regions?

Here’s why renovating in the GTA takes skill and strategy:

Strict zoning and permit requirements
Heritage property regulations (especially in Toronto)
Tight lot lines and urban infill challenges
Older homes with outdated electrical/plumbing systems
Noise and disruption bylaws
High expectations from luxury buyers

⚙️ Hawk PD Advantage: Our team has deep experience navigating city regulations, working around logistical constraints, and delivering results without excuses.

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9. Do custom renovations qualify for any rebates or incentives?

They can! For example:

Energy-efficient upgrades may qualify for federal or provincial rebates
Basement conversions into legal rental units can qualify for multiresidential zoning grants in some cities
Accessibility modifications sometimes fall under government funding programs

💬 We stay up-to-date on available programs and always let clients know when they’re eligible.

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10. How do I get started with Hawk PD?

Here’s how it works:

Consultation
We discuss your goals, timeline, and project scope.
Site Visit
We assess the current condition of your home and discuss design options.
Design & Permitting
We bring in architects (if needed) and begin developing plans and submitting permits.
Build Phase
Construction begins—managed daily by our team with regular updates.
Completion & Walkthrough
We hand off your newly transformed space with full documentation and support.

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Ready to Renovate Smarter?

A renovation can either be a never-ending headache—or one of the most rewarding decisions you make. The difference lies in who you trust to lead the process.

At Hawk PD, we don’t just deliver beautiful renovations—we make the experience feel effortless.

Let’s take your vision and build something better.

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