Luxury Custom Homes and Whole Home Renovations in Toronto

SevernWoods is a design-build contractor known for carefully planned renovations, luxury additions, and custom homes across Toronto’s most established neighbourhoods.

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More than 170
completed projects

Over two decades of
high-end residential work

Trusted by leading
residential architects

Six-time
BILD Award winner

Luxury Home Renovations and Custom Home Builders in Toronto

For more than two decades, SevernWoods Fine Homes has been the builder Toronto’s established neighbourhoods trust, with over 170 completed projects and six BILD Awards to show for it.

We plan and build whole-home renovations, home additions and luxury custom homes, along with heritage renovations for the century homes these streets are known for.

One design-build team carries the drawings, the permits and the construction, with the budget settled before work begins. See where we work and what your street could hold.

Services

Whole-Home Renovations

Transform older Toronto homes into modern, light-filled spaces while preserving character, proportion, and permanence.

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Services

Home Additions

Rear additions, third-storey additions, and structural transformations designed to feel inevitable, not appended.

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Services

Heritage and Character Home Renovations

A careful balance of conservation, modern systems, and high-performance detailing for Toronto’s most significant homes.

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Services

Custom Homes

Expertly executed architecture, sequencing, tolerances, and craft culminate in Toronto’s finest new residences.

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Services

Interior Reconfiguration and Layout Redesign

Rework circulation, stair placements, kitchens, and structure to improve how a home meets today’s needs.

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Services

Laneway and Garden Suites

Thoughtful secondary suites that respect servicing constraints, approvals, and neighbourhood context.

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A disciplined process that protects design intent

1 | Discovery & Alignment

Every exceptional home begins with clarity. We collaborate with you and your architect to understand your vision, priorities, and investment parameters. During this phase, we establish transparency, define expectations, and ensure every decision supports both design intent and long-term value.

2 | Refinement & Preparation

With drawings underway, we engage in detailed budgeting, value engineering, and pre-construction planning. We coordinate with consultants, review specifications, and prepare for permits—ensuring the design is not only beautiful but also buildable, efficient, and thoughtfully resolved.

3 | Precision Construction

Once approved, we execute with discipline. From scheduling and trade coordination to quality control and communication, every stage is managed with care. The result is a home delivered with integrity—true to the architectural vision and crafted to endure.

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Renovate, Add On, or Rebuild?

Comparing Options for a Toronto Home

For homeowners considering significant changes to their Toronto home, there is rarely a single right answer. The best approach depends on the house itself, the property, the neighbourhood, and what you hope to achieve. In some cases, a renovation makes the most sense. In others, an addition or even a complete rebuild may be worth considering. The comparison below highlights some of the factors that help shape that decision.

CONSIDERATION MAJOR RENOVATION ADDITION REBUILD
Existing Home Preserved? Yes, most of the structure remains Yes, existing home remains with new space added No, existing structure is removed
Typical Goal Modernize and improve existing spaces Increase square footage while keeping the home Create a completely new custom home
Heritage Compatibility Often the preferred approach for heritage homes Usually possible with rear additions Frequently restricted in heritage areas
Impact on Neighbours & Streetscape Low to moderate Moderate Highest level of change
Lot Line & Setback Challenges Existing conditions often remain intact Must comply with current regulations May lose grandfathered setbacks and buildable area
Energy Performance Potential Can improve substantially, but existing conditions remain New addition can meet modern standards Easiest path to high-performance construction
Construction Complexity High in older homes with structural upgrades High due to integration with existing home High, but often simpler from a construction sequencing standpoint
Typical Timeline Similar to a major rebuild in many older Toronto homes Varies based on scope and approvals Often comparable to a full-gut renovation
Budget Considerations Significant renovations can approach rebuild costs Depends on size and structural requirements Usually the highest total investment
Best Suited For Homeowners who value the existing home and neighbourhood character Families needing more space without relocating Homeowners seeking maximum design flexibility

No two properties are exactly alike. The age of the home, the characteristics of the lot, heritage considerations, budget, and long-term goals all play a role in determining the most appropriate approach.

WHY EARLY GUIDANCE MATTERS

One of the most common misconceptions is that a major renovation will cost substantially less than rebuilding. Once a project involves structural alterations, underpinning, additions, and extensive upgrades, the difference is often smaller than homeowners expect. At the same time, rebuilding may introduce its own challenges, particularly on older Toronto properties where heritage considerations, zoning restrictions, or existing setbacks can affect what is permitted. Understanding those realities early helps establish a clear direction before design work begins.

In The Press

Recognized For Craft.
Respected For Process.

Our work has been featured in leading design and architecture publications that recognize thoughtful craftsmanship, technical excellence, and timeless results. These features reflect a consistent commitment to well-resolved design, disciplined execution, and homes that perform as beautifully as they present.

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Trusted By the Industry

Selected work across Toronto

Where We Work

We complete luxury renovations, additions, and custom home transformations across central Toronto’s most established neighbourhoods, from Rosedale, Forest Hill, Moore Park, and Lawrence Park to the Beaches, Riverdale, the Annex, High Park, and Baby Point. Our work is concentrated in communities where older homes, mature lots, heritage considerations, and complex zoning conditions require careful planning, experienced construction management, and a respect for architectural character.

Built Across Toronto’s Finest Neighbourhoods

Client Reflections

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SevernWoods Fine Homes
4.8
Based on 15 reviews
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Martha Otton profile picture
Martha Otton
12 months ago
Just finished a kitchen update with SevernWoods and the results exceeded my expectations! The team was skilled, professional and a pleasure to work with.
Jenny Aaron profile picture
Jenny Aaron
12 months ago
I recently completed a full home renovation with SevernWoods, specifically working with Jonathan and his team, and the experience was fantastic from start to finish. The attention to detail and quality of workmanship were both exceptional. What really made working with SevernWoods a pleasure was the outstanding project management and communication throughout the process. Jonathan kept everything on schedule, provided regular updates and was proactive in solving any issues before they became real problems. It was a true pleasure working with such a reliable and professional team; I would definitely recommend them.
Parker s profile picture
Parker s
1 year ago
Severnwoods and Jonathan specifically with his stellar team of Ray and Dérion were an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. Jonathan was always responsive, detail-oriented, and quick to take action whenever something came up. His professionalism and organization made the entire building process smooth and stress-free. The result is a stunning home that everyone compliments — a true reflection of their dedication and craftsmanship
Greg Frank profile picture
Greg Frank
1 year ago
We had a fantastic experience with the SevernWoods team. From the moment we started planning our project with Tom to through the actual build working directly with Jonathan, Katherine and all their tradespeople. We never felt out of the loop and always had responses to our questions or concerns with lightning speed. The area I was most impressed with was post project support. Anytime we have had a question or a problem has come up, we are treated as though the project is still ongoing and Jonathan has been at out house same-day to resolve things. I highly recommend the team at SevernWoods
Jane Hess profile picture
Jane Hess
1 year ago
SevernWoods had done 3 renovations for us at our former Playter Estates house, and the team just completed a 4th, in our just-purchased condominium in Forest Hill. Jonathan, the project manager, and his extremely able lieutenant Ray, have done a spectacular job, using highly skilled trades, and giving their all to make our apartment chic and beautiful. We absolutely love living in it. Humor is always a good thing: Jonathan Kerr, a great guy and the hardest working, most organized PM, always announces himself by saying, "Ta DA," and opening his arms. Thank-you, SevernWoods! JH
JC Han profile picture
JC Han
1 year ago
We recently completed a near full-gut renovation with SevernWoods, and the experience exceeded every expectation. The project was finished in half the time other builders had estimated, yet the quality of the result is the best we’ve seen—even compared to many high-end homes we visited in person. Jonathan and his team were exceptional: fast and efficient yet deliberate, consistently responsive, transparent, and deeply experienced. They collaborate with trades who clearly take pride in their craft, delivering top-tier workmanship throughout. If you’re pursuing a high-end renovation and already have a clear vision of what you want, I doubt you’ll find a better partner than SevernWoods Fine Homes.

If you value precision, you will value our process

Tell us what you are planning, what you are protecting, and what you want to improve. We will respond with candour and a clear next step.

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