Kitchen renovation in a Scarborough home by Floor and Bath Design

Floor & Bath Design has been renovating Scarborough homes since 1989. We understand what makes this community different from anywhere else in the GTA: the diverse housing stock, the multi-generational households, the value-conscious approach to home improvement, and the practical priorities that drive every renovation decision. From post-war bungalows in Birch Cliff to split-levels in Agincourt, townhomes in Malvern, and family homes across the Scarborough Bluffs — we've worked on them all.

Our Ajax showroom is a straight shot east on the 401. One team handles everything from design through final walkthrough — no subcontractors, no surprises, and over three decades of working specifically with Scarborough's housing types.

Scarborough's Housing Stock

Scarborough's residential landscape is one of the most diverse in the GTA, and each neighbourhood brings specific renovation considerations:

  • Birch Cliff & Cliffcrest — Post-war bungalows built 1945–1960 with solid construction but compact layouts. Kitchen renovations focus on opening compartmentalized floor plans, maximizing storage in modest footprints, and updating infrastructure (electrical, plumbing) that's reached the end of its service life. These homes have excellent bones — renovation ROI is strong because the neighbourhood values keep climbing.
  • Agincourt & L'Amoreaux — Established split-levels and two-storeys from the 1970s–1990s. Multi-generational living is common here, driving demand for kitchens with multiple work zones, accessible bathroom features, and basement conversions that create comfortable in-law suites. Durable, low-maintenance materials are a priority for busy households.
  • Malvern & Morningside — Townhomes and semi-detached properties where space-maximizing renovations make the biggest difference. Custom cabinet configurations, peninsula additions for counter space, vertical storage, and multi-functional islands that serve as prep area, dining table, and homework station. Every square foot counts.
  • West Rouge & Highland Creek — Newer developments with relatively modern layouts but builder-grade finishes. Kitchen upgrades here focus on material improvements: quartz countertops replacing laminate, backsplash tile, upgraded hardware, and better lighting. Bathroom ensuites get walk-in showers and dual vanities.
  • Scarborough Village & Oakridge — Mixed-era homes where renovation needs range from targeted fixture updates to full infrastructure overhauls. The 1960s semi-detached homes common in these areas often need plumbing replacement, electrical panel upgrades, and proper ventilation installed during the renovation — not as afterthoughts.

Renovation Services in Scarborough

Kitchen Renovations

Scarborough kitchen projects demand practical creativity. We specialize in extracting maximum function from modest footprints — strategic wall removals, custom cabinets that use every inch, peninsulas that add counter space and storage, and vertical solutions that take advantage of ceiling height. For multi-generational households, we design kitchens with multiple work zones so several people can cook simultaneously. Budget-conscious options include pre-fab kitchen cabinets that deliver quality results at 30–40% less than fully custom, and targeted upgrades (countertops and cabinet doors) that transform appearances without a full gut. Learn how pre-fab kitchens balance cost and quality.

Bathroom Renovations

Scarborough's compact bathrooms benefit from smart design: tub-to-shower conversions that create visual space, wall-hung vanities that free up floor area, glass enclosures instead of curtains, and strategic lighting that makes small rooms feel larger. Behind the walls, we address the real issues — replacing deteriorated cast iron drains, installing proper ventilation, upgrading undersized electrical, and applying waterproofing systems. Aging-in-place features (curbless showers, grab bars, wider doors) are increasingly requested across all Scarborough neighbourhoods.

Basement Renovations & Income Suites

With Toronto housing costs driving demand for rental income, legal basement apartments are one of our most-requested Scarborough services. We build code-compliant secondary suites that meet Toronto Building requirements: separate entrances, fire-rated separations, proper egress windows, soundproofing, full kitchenettes, and bathrooms with proper drainage. A well-built Scarborough basement apartment generates meaningful rental income while increasing your property's appraised value. For families not looking for a rental, we build rec rooms, home offices, guest suites, and multi-purpose spaces.

Value-Focused Renovation

Scarborough homeowners are practical investors. They want maximum impact for every dollar spent. We respect that approach and help clients prioritize:

  • Phase your renovation — Kitchen this year, bathroom next year. We plan multi-phase projects so each stage stands on its own while maintaining a cohesive long-term vision.
  • Focus on high-impact areas — Kitchens and bathrooms deliver the strongest return at resale and the biggest improvement in daily living quality.
  • Address infrastructure alongside finishes — Replacing plumbing or electrical during a renovation costs a fraction of doing it separately. We identify what needs attention behind the walls and fold it into the project scope.
  • Consider pre-fab options — Our pre-fab kitchen cabinets offer genuine quality at 30–40% less than custom. The design flexibility may surprise you.
Multi-generational kitchen with multiple work zones — Scarborough

Working in Toronto's Permit System

Scarborough falls under the City of Toronto's building permit jurisdiction, which has different requirements and timelines than Durham Region municipalities. We've navigated Toronto Building's processes for over three decades and know the documentation requirements, inspection schedules, and approval timelines for Scarborough addresses. Standard residential renovation permits currently take 10–20 business days. Secondary suite permits involve additional steps — zoning review, fire separation plans, and more inspections — and we manage all of it.

Our showroom on Old Kingston Road in Ajax is a quick drive west on the 401. Visit Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM, to browse materials in person, or book a free in-home consultation and we'll come to your Scarborough home. Video consultations are available too.

Completed renovation detail — countertop and backsplash, Scarborough home

Start Your Scarborough Renovation

We've been renovating Scarborough homes since 1989 — from Birch Cliff bungalows to Agincourt family homes. Book a free in-home consultation.

Scarborough Renovation FAQs

What are the most cost-effective renovations for Scarborough homes?
Kitchen and bathroom updates deliver the strongest return, especially those that fix layout inefficiencies and replace dated fixtures without extensive structural changes. Cabinet refacing, countertop upgrades, and tub-to-shower conversions are high-impact, moderate-cost improvements. We specialize in finding the sweet spot between budget and impact for Scarborough homeowners.
How do you handle renovations in older Scarborough homes with infrastructure issues?
We start every project with a thorough assessment of plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and structural condition. This catches problems behind the walls before they become expensive surprises mid-renovation. In Scarborough's 1950s–1970s homes, we commonly replace aging cast iron drains, update undersized electrical panels, install proper bathroom ventilation, and reinforce subfloors — all integrated into the renovation scope and budget.
Can renovations be completed while we're living in our home?
Yes. Most Scarborough families can't relocate during renovations, and we plan accordingly. We use dust containment barriers, maintain clear access paths, clean up daily, and schedule utility interruptions (water, power) around your household routine. Kitchen renovations typically need 1–2 days without water access; we'll coordinate timing with you in advance.
Are permits required for renovations in Scarborough?
Scarborough, as part of the City of Toronto, requires permits for structural changes, electrical updates, plumbing modifications, and secondary suite creation. Toronto Building has specific requirements that differ from Durham Region municipalities. We handle all permitting and have extensive experience navigating Toronto's permit process for Scarborough projects.
Do you build legal basement apartments in Scarborough?
Yes — income suites are one of our most requested Scarborough services. We build code-compliant secondary suites with separate entrances, fire-rated separations, proper egress, full kitchenettes, bathrooms with appropriate drainage, and sound isolation between floors. We handle all Toronto permits and inspections. A well-built basement apartment in Scarborough can generate $1,500–$2,500/month in rental income.
How do you help maximize space in smaller Scarborough homes?
Custom storage solutions that use otherwise wasted space, multi-functional islands (prep, dining, homework), wall-hung vanities that free floor area, glass shower enclosures instead of curtains, strategic lighting that creates visual depth, and space-efficient fixtures that maintain function. We've been working with Scarborough's modest-footprint homes for 35 years — maximizing every square foot is what we do.