Renovation of the Month 
January 2009
Same Space, New Face
Click to view Gallery »
Not that the original 1951 home wasn’t nice, however the builder had a grander vision of a taking an average three bedroom house and recreating a 4100 square feet masterpiece. As a renovation of this caliber would cost just as much as a complete rebuild, the entire house was completely torn down, the basement dug out and hauled away to make room for a new construction that was completely customized for a prosperous Toronto family.
The original house wasn’t big enough to accommodate a family with many children. Rooms were too small, with little closet space and there was only one bathroom, and it was upstairs! The kitchen was so cramped, it wasn’t even eat-in.
In order to update and modernize this old house and build a five bedroom and baths home with a special Passover kitchen, study, family room, dining room, and spacious kitchen, the work and costs entailed would be about the same as a new build. The advantage of building from scratch was that the house could be fitted with an energy efficient heating and cooling system, new plumbing, and improved wiring. It was also be made exactly to the desired specifications of the owner and builder. The modernized house was both beautiful and functioned well its upgraded systems.
From the torn down remnants of the old house, dirt and rubble, a brand new structure was risen – bigger and better – perfect for the lively patter of young feet.
About the Builder
Gold Ribbon is a design/build construction and project management company specializing in custom homes and additions/renovations. We offer you the best possible experience, from your initial purchase, through the building process, to your ultimate happiness with your beautiful new home. We focus our wealth of expertise on making every house that Gold Ribbon builds, a special home you’ll be proud to own for years to come. We pride ourselves in great customer service and a personalized touch.
Renovator:
Date Completed:
May 2006
Services Performed:
- entire tear down of whole house and basement
- excavation and hauling
- complete new construction of house and basement
- basement insulation and waterproofing
- installation of high efficiency heating & cooling system
- brand new plumbing system
Budget:
$600,000
Interested in sharing some photos of your own home? It’ll be easiest part of your renovation! Add photos, or take a look at other homeowners' projects - click here to access PhotoShare.
Renovation Archive 
The Home Renovation Guide’s Renovations of the Month provide you with before and after pictures of complete home makeovers.
Chic Santuary
Bringing serenity or style to one of the most important rooms in the home is no small task. TO Design CO not only rejuvenated, but increased the level of comfort, functionality, and decor of the master and main baths in this near-century old Edwardian house.
Retro Refashioned
A 50's sensibility is modernized with a clean-lined contemporary look - making a young couple's dream kitchen wishes come true.
A Touch of Glamour
Using timeless materials and colours, this casual yet glamorous space is the achievement of improving the aesthetics and work flow of the old kitchen as well as creating a flexible social hub for the family.
Ask the Expert 
replacing fluorescent light
I would like to take down a fluorescent light and replace it with a normal light, hanging light. The problem is in the fluorescent fitting -- it is a junction box, not round oblong. Should I fit a ceiling rose or junction box? There are two cables wired in junction/box, one cable in to light l.n.earth. Read the answer »
Latest Hot Products 
Balcony window
Opened sashes create a balcony in the loft. Read the details »





