Renovating an Older Home in the Toronto Danforth Area: A Look Inside Our Milverton Project

Why Danforth-Area Renovations Demand Extra Planning, Skill, and Experience

Older Toronto homes, especially in neighbourhoods like the Danforth, come with character — but also with surprises behind the walls and under the floors. Our recent kitchen renovation on Milverton Boulevard is a perfect example of how thoughtful planning, experience, and detailed construction methods lead to a beautiful, functional result even when the home presents hidden challenges.

Below, we share the story of this project, what we uncovered along the way, and how we solved each issue with the right mix of craftsmanship and design.

1. Floor Levelling & Structural Repairs

What Happened

• The floor joists had sagged over decades.
• Previous renovations had cut or altered joists, further weakening the structure.
• The entire subfloor was uneven, affecting cabinetry layout and appliance installation.

What We Did

• Reinforced and sistered the existing joists in the middle of the floor.
• Installed new blocking.
• Re-leveled the entire surface for cabinetry and flooring install.

This step is essential in older homes. Without correcting the structure first, the kitchen finishes will never sit properly and long-term performance suffers. Minimal dips are OK, but when they are significant it creates all sorts of problems.

2. Asbestos in the Wall We Removed

During demolition, we uncovered asbestos-containing material behind one of the walls.

Our Process

• Immediate stop-work in the affected zone.
• Brought in a licensed abatement team.
• Performed a full removal following legal protocols and air safety standards.
• Cleared the site for safe continuation of work.

Asbestos is extremely common in older homes. Proper handling protects homeowners, trades, and ensures compliance with Ontario regulations.

3. HVAC Ducts in Unusual Places

Another surprise was a large HVAC run located in the middle of the main area, impacting both the kitchen and adjacent spaces.

Our Creative Solution

• Built a concealed wall feature to keep the ductwork hidden without disrupting the flow of the room.
• Coordinated cabinetry and wall depth so the duct blended into the architecture rather than becoming a visual obstruction.
• Integrated mechanical pathways into cabinetry wherever possible — a technique we use often in tight older homes.

4. Hidden Plumbing Stacks Inside Kitchen Cabinetry

We also encountered plumbing stacks in locations that made cabinetry layout difficult.

Our Approach

• Reworked layouts so stacks could be concealed inside tall pantry sections or wall cabinets.
• Adjusted the design to maintain symmetry while still maintaining access for future servicing if needed.

This is a signature challenge in Danforth and East York homes — and one we routinely plan for in the design stage.

5. Ceiling and Bathroom Joist Problems

Once the ceiling was removed, we found that a previous renovation had cut, notched, and weakened the bathroom floor joists above — a major structural concern.

Our Fix

• Installed new joists and supports.
• Corrected deflection and movement issues.
• Strengthened the ceiling structure to safely support the upper bathroom.

This type of “surprise” is more common than homeowners realize. Older renovations often didn’t follow today’s standards.

6. No Insulation or Proper Wall Framing

Behind the existing walls there was no insulation, and the original framing was inconsistent and inadequate.

Our Solution

• Rebuilt the interior wall using steel stud framing.
• Added proper blocking for cabinetry support.
• Applied spray foam insulation for strength, energy efficiency, and sound control.

This not only improves comfort but creates a solid base for modern cabinets, tiles, and finishes.

The Finished Kitchen: Simple, Modern, and Highly Functional

Despite the challenges behind the scenes, the finished kitchen is clean, bright, and timeless:

Highlights

• Two-tone cabinetry providing contrast and warmth
• Quartz countertops and full-height backsplash
• Tiled flooring for continuity throughout the kitchen space
• A streamlined layout for improved function and flow
• Upgraded lighting and electrical layout
• Thoughtful use of space to conceal ducts and plumbing

Final Thoughts

Renovating older homes in the Danforth, East York, and wider Toronto area requires:

• Experience with structural repairs
• Comfort handling unexpected issues
• Strong design-build coordination
• Clear communication with clients
• A methodical, step-by-step approach

The Milverton project demonstrates how the right team can transform an aging structure into a beautiful and functional modern kitchen — even when the home throws some surprises at you.