Scarborough is largely 1950s and 60s bungalows and back-splits, and it is one of our most frequent Toronto service areas. These houses were built well. They are also seventy years old, and it shows in the floors.
What we find
Uneven floors, almost always. Seven decades of settlement means self-levelling compound is part of nearly every Scarborough floor we quote. On a 300 square foot main floor that can add $900 to $1,800 — real money, and not optional if you want large format tile.
Board subfloors under the plywood. Many of these homes have original plank subfloors with plywood added later. That layered construction moves differently and needs an uncoupling membrane without exception.
Solid joists, generous spacing. The good news. Old-growth lumber and closer joist spacing than modern code means deflection is less often a problem than the age would suggest.
Small original bathrooms. Typically 5×7. Worth thinking about layout while the walls are open.
Basements are the big Scarborough job
Most of these bungalows have full basements, and finishing them is the most common project we are asked about in Agincourt, West Hill and Birch Cliff. Below grade needs porcelain, a moisture-tested slab and crack isolation. Full detail in our basement renovation guide and our piece on choosing materials.
Neighbourhoods we work in
Agincourt, Guildwood, West Hill, Malvern, Birch Cliff, Cliffside and Highland Creek.
Realistic expectations
A Scarborough bungalow floor will cost more per square foot than the same floor in a 2010 Whitby build, and the difference is entirely preparation. That preparation is what makes the tile last. We would rather explain that at the quote stage than surprise you with it in week two.
Get a free estimate
Ultra Renovations Inc has been installing tile across Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa and the wider GTA for over ten years. We are a registered Ontario corporation, fully insured, and rated 5.0 on Google.
Call (647) 648-8985 or request a free estimate and we will come out, measure properly, look at your subfloor, and give you a written quote for your Scarborough home at no cost.