Oriel Renovations

08/12/2026

In 1973, Seán Slowey founded Oriel Renovations and built it one referral at a time—on quality work, great service, and a fair bit of Irish charm.

More than 50 years later, we're still doing it the same way: family-run, focused on Toronto's older homes, and earning most of our work the way Seán did—neighbours telling neighbours.

We wrote up the seven reasons homeowners choose us as their trusted Toronto general contractor, from five decades of older-home expertise to fixed-cost pricing and daily updates you can see from your phone 👉

Why do Toronto homeowners trust Oriel Renovations with their home renovations? Seven reasons, from 50+ years of older-home expertise to fixed-cost pricing.

08/05/2026

The best question you can ask a contractor isn't about price. It's "what happens when something goes wrong?"

A slick answer should worry you. A specific one should reassure you.

We answered the 9 hardest questions to ask a Toronto contractor—honestly 👉

Here are the hard questions every Toronto homeowner should ask a general contractor or renovation company before hiring them, answered honestly.

07/31/2026

Toronto was built on its older homes. The Victorians of Cabbagetown. The Edwardians of the Annex and High Park. The century semis of Roncesvalles and Leslieville.

These houses give our neighbourhoods their character—and renovating one is nothing like renovating a new build.

Since 1973, older homes haven't been a sideline for us. They're what we do. We strengthen what's already stood the test of time, preserve the details worth keeping, and quietly bring everything behind the walls into the present.

If your home has plaster walls, knob-and-tube in the attic, or a layout that made perfect sense in 1910, we built our company for you.

See how we approach century and heritage home renovations 👉

Toronto's older-home renovation specialists since 1973. We renovate century homes, bring your dream home to life while keeping the character you love.

07/27/2026

"Can we just stay in the house while you renovate?"

It's one of the first questions almost every homeowner asks us—and it's a good one. Moving out is expensive and disruptive. Staying put, when it's possible, saves money and stress.

The honest answer: sometimes. It depends on the scope.

You can usually stay for a contained project—a single bathroom, a basement finish, a kitchen reno with a backup cooking setup. You'll generally want to move out for whole-home renovations, full-floor gut jobs, or anything that takes out your only kitchen or bathroom.

We broke down exactly how to decide—when staying works, when to move out, and how to make either one bearable 👉

Wondering if you can stay in your home during a Toronto renovation? We break down when it works, when to move out, and how to decide.

06/26/2026

Not all upgrades are flashy—but some make a huge difference in everyday comfort.

At our Beresford project in Bloor West Village, we replaced the original cast iron radiators with modern Stelrad units. The new system is slimmer, more efficient, and gives homeowners something the old setup couldn’t: room-by-room temperature control.

That means better comfort, improved efficiency, and a heating system designed for modern living—all while keeping the home warm through Toronto winters.

06/02/2026

Owning a century home in Toronto comes with character, history, and a unique set of challenges.

From outdated wiring and structural considerations to permits and design decisions, renovating an older home is not a typical project. It requires the right planning, the right team, and a clear understanding of what is behind the walls.
If you are thinking about renovating an older home or century property in Toronto, this guide will walk you through what to expect and how to prepare with confidence.

Read the full guide here:

Guide to older and century home renovations in Toronto. Learn about costs, challenges, permits, and how to plan your renovation.

05/05/2026

Every Toronto home has a story. The right renovation helps you write the next chapter.

From the historic homes in The Annex to the family-focused spaces in Bloor West Village and the character-filled streets of Riverdale, no two renovations are ever the same. That is why local experience matters.

At Oriel Renovations, we bring a deep understanding of Toronto homes and how to transform them with thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and a process built around you.

Explore the neighborhoods we serve and see how we approach renovations across the city:

Explore Oriel Renovations’ service area across the fine neighbourhoods of Toronto.

05/01/2026

Starting a home renovation comes with a lot of questions.

How much will it cost?
How long will it take?
Do you need permits in Toronto?
What is the process really like?

We have put together a comprehensive FAQ to help you understand what to expect and how to plan with confidence. Whether you are just starting to explore ideas or getting ready to move forward, this is a great place to begin.

Explore our renovation FAQ and get clarity before your project begins:

See the most common questions we get about renovating in Toronto and their answers!

04/25/2026

Luxury meets function in this Roncesvalles renovation.

Our team completely transformed this home into two stunning independent rental units, and every detail was designed to impress.

Think warm wood cabinetry paired with clean white tile backsplashes. Bold blue tile bathrooms. Built-in shelving framing a beautiful fireplace. Rich exposed brick and moody dark walls. Oversized windows flooding each space with natural light.
Behind the beauty, this home was fully rebuilt with modern systems - separate HVAC, upgraded electrical, new Marvin fiberglass windows throughout, and full code-compliant fire and sound separation between units.

Design by Keeley McCleary. Built by Oriel Renovations.

📍 Roncesvalles, Toronto

🔗 See the full gallery: https://orielrenovations.com/roncesvalles-toronto-luxury-muilti-unit-renovation

04/22/2026

Every detail in your home should feel intentional.

Custom millwork is where craftsmanship meets function. From built-in shelving and tailored cabinetry to statement mantels and fully integrated storage, these are the elements that transform a space from standard to truly one of a kind. Designed specifically for your home, custom millwork maximizes every inch while reflecting your personal style and how you live every day.

If you are planning a renovation in Toronto and want a home that feels thoughtfully designed from wall to wall, explore what is possible with custom millwork.

Learn more here:

From cabinetry to built-in shelves and furniture to fireplace mantels, we provide expert custom millwork services for the older homes of Toronto.