Explore detailed answers for custom homes, renovations, permits, additions, garden suites, commercial projects, and more.
This page is organized by service so homeowners and property owners can quickly find the questions most relevant to their project.
Start here for company-level questions about how we work, what kinds of projects we handle, and what clients can expect.
Route Homes works with clients in Toronto and across the GTA for custom homes, renovations, additions, permit-related planning, commercial projects, and outdoor construction.
We are a strong fit for projects that need planning, coordination, and quality execution rather than basic trade-only work. That includes custom builds, major renovations, additions, suites, and technically involved construction projects.
The best first step is to contact us for a consultation so we can review your goals, property, timeline, and priorities. From there, we can advise on feasibility, scope, and the most practical next steps.
Yes. If you already have plans, we can review the stage your project is in and determine how to support permit coordination, pricing, planning, or construction.
We focus on organized communication, clear project updates, and a structured process so clients understand what is happening before, during, and after construction.
Our process is built around planning, coordination, approvals, budgeting, and construction together. That helps reduce confusion, avoid unnecessary delays, and keep the project aligned from the start.
Our process starts with discovery, feasibility, and planning so the design, approvals, and budget are aligned early. From there, we coordinate the drawings, permit process, pricing, construction, and final delivery.
Yes. A custom home project normally requires permit approvals before construction begins. Depending on the property and scope, this can include zoning review, demolition approvals, and technical permit coordination.
Yes. We can review the lot conditions, project feasibility, and the early planning requirements before the full design and build process moves forward.
The main cost drivers are size, structural complexity, level of finish, mechanical systems, site conditions, and how complete the design decisions are before construction starts.
The timeline depends on the design process, permit approvals, site conditions, material lead times, and the overall complexity of the build. Projects with stronger front-end planning usually move more smoothly.
We handle full home renovations, major remodels, layout changes, and focused upgrades such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, and other large-scale interior improvements.
Some renovations do not require permits, but many do when structural work, plumbing changes, electrical upgrades, layout revisions, or additions are involved.
That depends on the scope. Smaller or more contained renovations may allow you to remain in the home, while major renovations involving multiple areas or mechanical disruption often make temporary relocation the better option.
We focus on scope clarity, realistic allowances, and organized planning before construction begins. That reduces mid-project surprises and leads to more accurate budgeting.
The schedule depends on demolition scope, permit requirements, trade coordination, layout changes, and finish selections. A clearly defined project generally moves faster and with fewer delays.
Not always. Many kitchens improve dramatically through better cabinetry, lighting, storage, surfaces, and finishing details even when the overall footprint stays the same.
Yes. We coordinate the major parts of a complete kitchen renovation so the layout, function, and finish quality work together as one design.
A permit may be required if the project includes structural work, plumbing changes, electrical upgrades, or changes that affect code compliance. Purely cosmetic work may not require the same approvals.
The best results usually come from thoughtful layout decisions, strong storage planning, durable finishes, good lighting, and details that improve everyday function rather than spending heavily in only one area.
A finished basement adds usable living space, while a legal basement apartment must meet the required building and safety standards for a second unit.
A separate entrance is often one of the most important features for a legal and functional second unit because it improves access, privacy, and code compliance.
Yes. When the project requires increased ceiling height or deeper structural work, we can help assess the feasibility, planning requirements, and construction approach.
A successful basement renovation is about more than finishes. It also requires careful attention to moisture protection, insulation, ventilation, lighting, and long-term durability.
Yes. A well-planned basement can improve both function and property value. If the goal is income potential, the project should be approached as a properly planned second-unit conversion rather than a cosmetic update only.
Yes. Small bathrooms benefit from smart storage, better lighting, well-chosen finishes, and a layout that uses every inch efficiently.
In many cases, yes. Layout changes are possible, but they can affect plumbing scope, waterproofing details, permit needs, and the overall project budget.
It is one of the most important parts of the project. A bathroom should perform properly behind the walls and under the finished surfaces, not just look good on completion day.
Homeowners usually see strong value from improved layout efficiency, durable finishes, quality tile work, upgraded showers, and lighting that makes the space feel brighter and more functional.
A home addition often makes sense when you like your current location but need more space, better function, or room for a growing family.
We work on rear extensions, second-floor additions, bump-outs, kitchen expansions, and other addition projects shaped around the property and the homeowner’s goals.
Yes. Most additions involve structural design, permit approvals, zoning review, and technical coordination before construction can begin.
That should always be the goal. A good addition feels integrated with the existing home in layout, massing, and finish quality instead of looking like an afterthought.
A garden suite is a detached secondary dwelling in the rear yard, while a laneway suite is generally associated with a property that has access to a public laneway.
Eligibility depends on lot conditions, access, setbacks, servicing, site constraints, and the specific requirements that apply to the property.
Yes. Many homeowners use a garden suite for rental income, multi-generational living, guest use, or flexible family space.
We help guide the project through feasibility, drawings, permit coordination, and construction so the process is more organized from the beginning.
We help coordinate the technical groundwork needed before construction, including zoning review, permit planning, drawing coordination, engineering support, and submission revisions when required.
Yes. Many clients come to us at the planning stage because they need help understanding what can be built, what drawings are required, and how to prepare a stronger submission.
Common issues include incomplete drawings, unresolved zoning questions, missing technical details, and project changes made after the submission process has already started.
That depends on the type of project and its complexity. Some jobs need structural engineering, some need design and drafting support, and larger projects can require broader professional coordination.
In some cases, yes, but the application still needs to meet all technical and code requirements. Many owners choose professional support to reduce mistakes and avoid unnecessary delays.
We work on office renovations, retail upgrades, tenant improvements, industrial updates, fit-outs, and other commercial construction projects that need organized planning and execution.
In some cases, yes. It depends on the type of business, the safety requirements, the scope of work, and whether phased construction is practical.
Many commercial projects do require permits, especially when the work affects layout, occupancy, building systems, or other code-related conditions.
Commercial timelines depend on scope clarity, permit readiness, trade coordination, procurement planning, and the conditions tied to the building or lease.
We work on landscaping, backyard transformations, outdoor living areas, hardscape elements, and pool-related projects designed to improve both function and appearance.
Yes. Planning the pool, grading, hardscaping, drainage, and surrounding outdoor design together usually leads to a stronger and more cohesive result.
Depending on the project and local requirements, permits or approvals may be needed for the pool itself, related structures, grading, or enclosure requirements.
Yes. A good outdoor design should balance visual impact, comfort, durability, and maintenance needs so the finished space works well long after construction is complete.
