SERVING RONCESVALLESHome Renovation in Roncesvalles
Century homes rebuilt for the way your family lives now.
Roncesvalles homes carry a level of character that most Toronto neighbourhoods cannot replicate.
Century semis, narrow lots, original trim work, aging masonry, and layered renovations from different decades all make renovation work here highly specific to the neighbourhood itself. Behind many walls are older structural conditions, knob-and-tube wiring, cast-iron plumbing stacks, undersized framing, and layouts designed for a different era of family living.
At Waterfront Home Improvements, our design-build process is built for exactly that type of work.
For over 15 years, Chris Bennett and Julie Crochetière have led home renovation projects in Roncesvalles through one integrated process under one roof — coordinating design, engineering, permits, and construction together from the beginning.
Our work in Roncesvalles includes kitchens, additions, basement apartments, and structural interior reconfigurations designed to modernize how the home functions while preserving the character that makes the neighbourhood valuable in the first place.
CENTURY HOMESWorking with Roncesvalles Century Homes
Century homes require a different level of planning than newer construction.
Many Roncesvalles homes contain structural and mechanical conditions that only become visible once design work begins — aging foundations, uneven framing, old plumbing infrastructure, undersized electrical systems, and walls that carry more structural load than expected.
That is where a coordinated design-build process becomes valuable.
At Waterfront, design, engineering, permitting, and construction are planned together from the start, allowing structural realities to be addressed early rather than discovered mid-construction.
Many Roncesvalles renovations also involve:
load-bearing wall removal,
kitchen reconfiguration,
basement apartment conversion,
rear additions,
and full-home modernization while preserving the scale and character of the original home.
For related project types, explore:
Home Additions
Basement Apartments
Interior Reconfigurations
Our role is not to erase what makes these homes unique. It is to help them function better for modern family life.
PORTFOLIORecent Roncesvalles Projects
Recent Roncesvalles renovation projects completed by Waterfront include:
A century semi near Sorauren where the kitchen and dining room were opened into one connected family space with a flush structural beam
A rear addition near Roncesvalles Avenue expanding the kitchen and main-floor living area toward the backyard
A Howard Park basement apartment conversion designed for long-term rental income with upgraded ceiling height and enlarged egress windows
A full-home renovation on a narrow-lot century home integrating custom millwork, structural reconfiguration, and new flooring throughout
A kitchen renovation near High Park North combining warm oak cabinetry, slab stone, and improved circulation across the main floor
Each project moved through the same integrated process — design, engineering, permits, and construction coordinated by one accountable team.
Permits and Heritage Considerations
PERMITS
Many Roncesvalles projects require additional planning and permit coordination before construction begins.
Depending on scope and location, projects may involve:
City of Toronto building permits
Structural engineering review
Committee of Adjustment applications
Heritage review
and trade permits for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work.
Certain areas within Roncesvalles carry heritage considerations that affect exterior additions, massing changes, and streetscape visibility. Older homes may also require additional structural review during design due to aging framing and foundation conditions.
Our team coordinates permit-ready drawings, engineering, and municipal approvals internally as part of the broader design-build process.
The goal is to resolve structural and permitting questions early so construction can move efficiently once work begins on site.
WHEN IT FITSWhen Waterfront Is the Right Roncesvalles Team
We are best suited for homeowners planning full-scale renovations, additions, kitchen remodels, basement apartments, or structural interior transformations.
That includes:
Major kitchen renovations
Load-bearing wall removal
Rear additions
Full-home renovations for century properties
Homeowners who work best with Waterfront are typically looking for:
One accountable design-build team
A highly guided process
Realistic budgeting
Renovations that respect the original character of the home while improving how it functions day to day
We are not structured around smaller handyman-scale projects or cosmetic refreshes. Our process is intentionally collaborative because the strongest renovation projects are shaped carefully before construction begins.
Schedule a Roncesvalles Visit
Every project begins with understanding the home, the structure, and how the family wants to live within it long term.
Our team will walk the property, review structural and zoning considerations, discuss budget expectations, and outline the renovation path that best fits the house — whether that involves a kitchen renovation, basement apartment, addition, or interior reconfiguration.
Chris and Julie personally review every project and guide it through our integrated design-build process from first consultation through final walkthrough.