Accessibility
Home Renovations

Yes, in most cases, you do. Both the City of Toronto and the City of Mississauga require a building permit for wheelchair ramps that are permanent, attached to the home, or exceed 600 mm (about 2 feet) in height. This ensures the ramp meets safety standards for slope (maximum 1:12), handrails, landings, and slip resistance under the Ontario Building Code.

Temporary or freestanding ramps under 600 mm may be exempt, but if you’re installing a code-compliant, long-term solution, as part of an aging-in-place or accessibility renovation, it will almost always need approval. At Rich Home Inc., we handle the full permit application, including drawings and coordination with municipal reviewers, so you don’t have to navigate city hall alone.

Depending on scope, permits, and product lead times, the majority of accessibility bathroom renovations in the GTHA take four to seven weeks from demolition to final inspection. It usually takes a month or so to complete a basic conversion (tub to walk-in shower, grab bars, non-slip flooring). More extensive improvements, such as widening the doorway or moving plumbing to make room for a roll-under vanity, could take closer to six to seven weeks, particularly in older Hamilton or Toronto homes where structural alterations are required.

We create realistic timelines up front, avoid hurried work, and avoid making ambiguous promises because we incorporate planning and skilled trades into every project. Additionally, in order to minimize disruption, we will give priority to sequencing if you are coordinating with a care plan or medical transition.

While we don’t submit applications on your behalf, we absolutely support you through the process. We provide detailed renovation quotes and scope documentation that meet the requirements for accessibility programs like the Ontario Renovates Program (income-based, available in many GTHA municipalities) and the March of Dimes Home Modifications Program.

If you’re a veteran, we also align our plans with Veterans Affairs Canada’s Veterans Independence Program (VIP), which covers eligible accessibility upgrades.

During your consultation, we’ll outline which parts of your project may qualify, and ensure your quote includes the line-item detail these programs require.

This is an excellent question, and standards and scope will determine the answer.

Aging-in-place improvements are practical, often phased upgrades that help you stay safe in your home when your mobility changes. Think about converting a main-floor bedroom, adding grab bars to the shower, or building a ramp over the front steps. These bungalows, which are tailored to your current needs and budget, are common in Burlington, Oakville, and Toronto.

A complete barrier-free design closely complies with Ontario Building Code Section 3.8. Wheelchair turning radius, zero-threshold entry, 36-inch doorways, reinforced walls for grab bars in the future, and accessible kitchen designs are all included. For permanent mobility devices or new construction, this level is usually necessary.

We help GTHA homeowners decide which path fits their life, not just their home.