What began as a dream home transformation has turned into a costly and chaotic nightmare for one East York family, after a major home renovation, originally quoted at $250,000, spiraled into over $600,000 in damages, delays, and unfinished work, with their contractor now nowhere to be found.
“It’s the kind of thing you think only happens to other people,” said Leila R., a homeowner who wished to keep her full name private due to legal proceedings. “We were excited. This was supposed to be our forever home.”
The project, which began in early 2024, was intended to fully renovate a two-storey East York semi-detached: new roof, rear addition, kitchen overhaul, and structural retrofits. But shortly after demolition, things started going wrong.
“At first it was small delays, permits not submitted, workers showing up late,” she explained. “But then payments kept being requested up front, and materials never arrived.”
By spring 2025, the original contractor, who had provided glowing references and a flashy website, had walked off the site entirely, leaving a gutted home, exposed framing, and nearly half a million dollars already paid.
A private building inspector hired by the family later discovered:
- Framing deficiencies compromising structural safety
- Incomplete HVAC and electrical systems in violation of code
- Improper excavation near the foundation that caused water pooling
The family has since had to hire a new contractor, pursue civil litigation, and take out additional financing just to keep the home habitable.
“We’re living in our parents’ basement. My daughter starts high school in September and doesn’t even have her own room,” said Leila, visibly emotional. “All because we trusted the wrong person.”
This isn’t an isolated case. Toronto’s overheated housing market and booming demand for renovations have opened the door to dozens of similar horror stories, according to Consumers Council of Canada and Tarion.
“Homeowners are vulnerable when work starts without detailed contracts, schedules, and payment protections,” said Marvin Kim, a local construction lawyer. “Unfortunately, many don’t realize it until they’ve spent hundreds of thousands.”
City officials say complaints related to residential construction fraud and abandonment are on the rise, but enforcement is limited unless criminal intent can be proven.
As for Leila’s family, their case is now in legal limbo. The original contractor has gone silent, his business license expired and no forwarding address in sight.
“We just want our house back,” she said. “But more than that, we want others to know: do your research, get everything in writing, and never pay for work that hasn’t been done.”
