Last Friday morning at The Buildings Show in Toronto, I had the privilege of sitting alongside Paul Newman of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) and Brendan Charters of Eurodale Design + Build for what became one of the most energizing and timely conversations of the entire event. Our panel focused on the evolving landscape of the renovation and residential construction industry — an industry that continues to grow in both significance and complexity across Ontario.
The Buildings Show has long been a cornerstone gathering for builders, designers, architects, and policymakers, and this year’s event underscored how quickly the expectations placed on renovators are changing. As the province grapples with an aging housing stock, intensification pressures, shifting demographics, and upcoming energy-efficiency mandates, renovators are no longer simply responding to homeowner requests — we are helping shape how Ontario homes will perform for the next generation.
Why the Panel Mattered Now
Recent CHBA and OHBA reporting shows that residential renovation contributes billions annually to Ontario’s economy and is outpacing new-home construction in many urban centres. Homeowners aren’t just updating finishes; they are reconfiguring aging homes to support multigenerational living, adding secondary suites to respond to affordability pressures, and preparing to age in place longer than ever before. At the same time, Canada’s transition toward Net Zero Ready building codes is placing new technical demands on every major renovation.
That combination — economic importance, aging buildings, and elevated technical expectations — makes the case for smarter, more structured renovator licensing stronger than ever.
Our Conversation: Raising the Bar Without Raising Barriers
During the panel, we explored what a practical, scalable, discipline-based licensing model for renovators could look like. The goal isn’t to burden small businesses — it’s to create a system that rewards competence, provides homeowners with clarity, and gives renovators access to a clear pathway for professional advancement.
We discussed a model that includes:
A foundational knowledge exam for all renovators.
Modular certifications in key disciplines such as interior renovations, structural work and additions, whole-home renovations, adaptive/aging-in-place renovations, and optional specializations like Net Zero.
A system designed to elevate the profession, improve consumer confidence, and reduce the volume of poor-quality or unsafe renovation work currently affecting Ontario homeowners.
The audience response was strong — industry professionals know that the stakes are high, and that raising standards will ultimately protect both reputable contractors and the homeowners who rely on them.
Building Science: The Rapid Shift We Must All Prepare For
Another core part of the discussion focused on how building science has rapidly evolved. We talked about:
Continuous insulation and airtightness strategies
Heat pump adoption and the electrification push
Moisture management in 100-year-old brick homes
The coming Net Zero Ready code cycles shaping the next decade
The realities of renovating Toronto’s tight, space-restricted lots
These aren’t abstract principles. They directly affect how we design, price, and execute renovations on the ground. Renovators must stay ahead of these changes — not only to meet code, but to deliver comfortable, durable, health-conscious homes that perform for decades.
The Human Side: Adaptive Homes and Aging in Place
We also touched on the growing need for homes that evolve with their occupants. As homeowners choose to stay longer in familiar neighbourhoods — particularly in Toronto, where connection to community is strong — the demand for adaptive design and aging-in-place renovations is accelerating.
This work goes well beyond grab bars or minor adjustments. It’s about rethinking the home holistically: circulation, accessibility, natural light, safety, durability, and long-term comfort.
What the Room Revealed
Standing in front of a room full of renovators, builders, designers, inspectors, manufacturers, and municipal representatives, it was clear that our industry is ready for change. The questions, discussions, and energy in the room made it obvious that the people doing the work every day understand what’s at stake — and they want to be part of shaping a system that works.
The session reinforced something I’ve always believed: renovators are on the front lines of improving Ontario’s housing stock, and the decisions we make now will influence the quality, safety, and performance of homes across the province for decades.
A Thank You and a Call to Action
I’m grateful to The Buildings Show, OHBA, BILD, and the Toronto building community for hosting such an important dialogue. It was an honour to contribute to a conversation that will help shape the next chapter of our industry.
We have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to push for higher standards, embrace advanced building science, and create a licensing framework that supports excellence while remaining accessible. If we get this right, everyone benefits: contractors, homeowners, and the future of our cities.
