The majority of renovations do not go wrong because of bad contractors. They go wrong because there is no one to manage the overall project. The scheduling conflicts, the late deliveries, the failure of a contractor to pull a permit on time, etc., are not trade problems; they are coordination problems. And that is what we fix at Kandoo Construction.
We help homeowners across Toronto and the GTA manage their home renovations from start to finish. Our goal is to ensure that every contractor shows up on time, every delivery happens on schedule, and every permit is pulled well before the project starts. You will get a plan from day one and a point of contact until the last day.
We work on all types of major renovations. Whether you’re renovating one room or starting from the ground up, the process is the same: a plan, the right people, and no surprises.
Renovating a kitchen is a complex job that requires many skilled professionals because of: demo work, plumbing, electrical, tile work, cabinetry, countertop installation, and appliance installation. It is a complex project with many moving parts. Our project management ensures that each step is completed on time so that the electricians, plumbers, and carpenters are not waiting on each other or the job sitting half-finished for weeks.
Small space, high complexity. Waterproofing, plumbing rough-ins, tile work, fixtures – the order of operations is critical. We ensure each step is inspected and passed before moving on to the next one.
Toronto basements frequently require permits, egress windows, waterproofing evaluations, and fire separation analyses prior to the first nail being driven. We take care of everything before the project begins so there are no delays along the way.
When the project is a full house or multiple floors, then coordination is the main job. We create a master schedule, manage all the contractors on the site, and keep the budget tight with real-time cost control.
The custom build is a completely different level of project management. It includes site work, framing, mechanicals, insulation, drywall, and finishes. The Kandoo team will manage the entire build from the architects and engineers through the contractors.
Here is a step-by-step description of the process from the initial phone call through the final walkthrough.
We come to your house. We look at the space, understand what you want, and ask the questions that your contractor is probably not asking you: Timing is important. Do you have a flexible budget? How will you be living in the house while the work is going on? What does a successful project look like to you? No charge for this step.
We create a written scope of work and a budget for the project. Not a budget based on a guess or a guesstimate. A detailed budget that lines out exactly what each phase of the project will cost, including a cushion for the unexpected. There is almost always something unexpected when doing a renovation project.
If your project needs a permit, like most structural, plumbing, and electrical work does in Toronto, we take care of that too. We know what the city needs, how long it takes, and how to avoid unnecessary delays. We won’t start work on your project until we have all the necessary permits.
We arrange for all the necessary tradespeople to work on your project at the right time. We work with tradespeople who are fully insured and licensed. We schedule their work to ensure there’s no overlap, no downtime, and no tradespeople waiting for others to finish.
We’re on site for your project from start to finish, not just at the beginning and end. We check on the work at all stages to ensure it meets our high standards before moving on to the next stage. We catch any mistakes at a stage where it’s easy to correct them, not after they’re covered up with drywall.
You’ll hear from us throughout the project. Where things stand, what’s coming next, and if anything changes on cost or timing, you’ll know before it happens.
Before we close out, we walk you through all aspects of the completed renovation. If there’s a punch list, we take care of it. We don’t consider a project done until you do.
Generally, project management fees are structured in two ways – it contains a flat fee based on the project management scope. Or a percentage of the total renovation budget, usually between 10-15%.
For a single-room renovation in Toronto – a kitchen or bathroom, the cost of project management typically runs between $3,000 and $6,000, depending on complexity. Full home renovations and custom builds are scoped individually after the initial consultation. We give you a clear fee in writing before you commit to anything.
A general contractor is a builder. A project manager is a person who ensures everything is done properly, in time, and within budget.
What this really means is that a GC is in charge of the trades he or she hires. If there is a problem with one of those trades, or with one that he or she hasn’t hired, it is up to you to resolve it.
A project management company works for you, not for any trade or contractor. We do not build anything. We make sure that those who do build things do so in a proper fashion, in the proper order, and for a proper cost.
We are accountable to your outcome – not to any contractor, supplier or trader.
For simple, small projects, a good general contractor is probably sufficient. But for more complex projects, or those with more than one trade or a budget over $75,000, project management in Toronto is likely to save you money.
The problem with Toronto is that it’s not a single market. Every neighbourhood has its own type of homes, its own permit history, and its own renovation headaches. Here’s what that looks like in real life.
North York has a lot of variety. There are post-war bungalows, and newer homes all on the same street. There are also post-war homes with knob-and-tube wiring or outdated plumbing that comes as a surprise halfway through a renovation. We address that at the beginning of a project so it doesn’t become a problem later on.
The majority of the houses in Scarborough were built post-war and are generally smaller brick dwellings. The current trend is for homeowners to look at opening up their floor plans, finishing basements, and upgrading old kitchens that have not been touched in decades. In some instances, electrical panel upgrades must occur prior to any work being undertaken.
The homes in Etobicoke are mostly semis or bungalows, so space is a problem. That’s why many people are thinking about upgrading like – getting extensions at the back, or turning a basement into a flat. Something to remember with Etobicoke homes: permits for additions take a lot longer than expected, so it’s always a good idea to start that process as early as possible.
Homes and condos in the Annex and Downtown Toronto come with more restrictions than most. Heritage rules, condo board approvals, and city parking rules all need to be taken care of before the work begins. We plan for all of it upfront so nothing slows the project down once work begins.
Homes in Mississauga and Brampton are generally new and well-built, but the space is not always used in the best manner. Most renovations done here are focused on making the space more functional, such as completing the basement, opening up the main floor, or designing a custom master suite. Renovations done here are generally easier since there are not as many surprises with the structure.
Your home should be a reflection of you, and that is precisely what Kandoo is based on. We founded this company because of the stress that renovations cause when no one is actually managing the process. But at Kandoo, we are different. We keep everything organized, transparent, and accountable at all times. We are based in Toronto, working on projects all over the GTA, with a dedicated project lead working with you from start to finish.
We manage the project from start to finish. That means we will take care of the planning, scheduling, permits, contractors, on-site quality control, budgeting, and keeping you informed along the way. Our goal is to make the whole experience smooth and trouble-free. If something goes wrong, don’t worry; we’ll take care of it for you.
Not necessarily. If you’re talking about a simple renovation project, like painting, installing flooring, replacing fixtures, etc., you can definitely manage the project on your own. However, when the project requires the work of many different contractors, permits are required, and the budget is significant, a project manager can definitely save you a lot of headache and potential costly mistakes.
For a mid-range kitchen, you’re generally looking at a cost between $40,000 and $80,000. Of course, the final cost will depend on factors such as size and whether or not you’re making plumbing or structural changes. We’ll be able to give you a better idea of what it will cost once we see your space.
For a bathroom, you’re generally looking at 2 to 4 weeks. For a kitchen, it will take 4 to 8 weeks. If you’re doing a bigger renovation, such as a home renovation or an addition, it can take 3 to 6 months or more. We’ll be able to give you a better idea of how long a renovation will take once we see your space.
Yes, we will be taking care of all of your permit needs. We will be working directly with the City of Toronto to ensure that your renovation is in compliance with all of the current building codes. If you’re in the Mississauga or Brampton area, we’ll be working directly with those cities as well.
It’s quite common, especially in older homes. For example, there might be old wiring, hidden water damage, or plumbing problems that come up once we open up walls. We plan for this by including a contingency in our budget. We’ll discuss anything unexpected with you before moving forward. Nothing happens without your approval.
You’ll have a single point of contact with you, and they’ll keep you updated regularly, especially when work is active. If there are changes to cost, time, or scope, you’ll be aware of them before anyone else. You don’t have to worry about calling us for updates.
Yes, we can. If you already have a contractor you trust, we are happy to work with them. We’ll take care of all the scheduling, so you don’t have to use our network.
Yes. We are fully insured, and we comply with all the building regulations in Ontario. We also ensure that the contractors we work with are fully insured and have WSIB coverage.
We cover the Toronto area, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, the Annex, and Downtown. We also cover the GTA, including Mississauga and Brampton. If you are unsure, you can always contact us.
You don’t have to worry about getting permits, finding a contractor, or coordinating a bunch of different aspects of a project yourself. That is exactly what a project management company Toronto is for.
Call us today at 647-303-3011 or schedule a free consultation. We’ll come to your home, hear your vision, and tell you exactly what it takes to bring it to life.
