A useful first review does not require finished drawings or a long specification. Start with the property type, the areas you want to change, what is not working now and when you hope to begin.
Start with one practical scope
- Kitchen, bathroom, basement or multi-room priorities
- Layout changes, storage needs and must-keep elements
- Flooring, lighting, trim, paint and finish direction
- Approximate timing, occupancy and access constraints
- Known electrical, plumbing, HVAC or permit questions
Bungalows and older houses
Many Scarborough renovations begin with an existing layout that no longer fits the household. Before opening rooms or moving services, the project should account for structure, previous alterations, electrical capacity, plumbing locations and conditions that may only become visible during inspection or demolition.
Basements need an existing-condition review
A basement plan should consider ceiling height, stairs, windows, moisture history, mechanical equipment, laundry, storage and the intended use of the space. A finished family area and a proposed secondary suite do not have the same planning or approval requirements.
Condo and townhome coordination
Property-management rules, work hours, elevator bookings, deliveries, floor protection and permitted materials can affect both price and sequence. Confirming those items before ordering finishes helps avoid delays and re-selection.
Check permit questions before setting the schedule
Structural work, additions, changes of use and some building-system alterations may require permits or supporting documents. Requirements depend on the property and exact scope, so Toronto Building should confirm them for the specific project.
Official starting point: City of Toronto: When Do I Need a Building Permit?
Prepare a quote that can be compared
Ask each contractor to respond to the same scope and identify materials, allowances, exclusions, regulated trades, waste removal, protection, permits where applicable and the process for approving changes.
Questions homeowners ask first
What Scarborough projects are a practical fit?
Nivo prioritizes complete kitchens, main-floor changes, substantial basements and multi-room or whole-home renovations. Small repairs and single-trade service calls are usually not a fit for coordinated project management.
Can you review a basement renovation or proposed suite?
Yes, but the intended use matters. Ceiling height, exits, windows, moisture, mechanical equipment and municipal requirements should be reviewed before assuming that a family basement and a secondary suite have the same scope.
Do I need plans or photos to contact Nivo?
No. Name, phone and email are enough. A short description, neighbourhood and any available photos or drawings are optional, but they help the PM understand the existing home before the call.