London, Ontario is full of character homes — from the century-old properties in Old North and Wortley Village to the mid-century bungalows spread across the city’s established neighbourhoods. That character is part of what makes London great, but it also means renovation projects here come with their own set of quirks.
Know Your Home’s Era Before You Plan
A 1920s character home in Old North and a 1960s bungalow in Byron are going to behave very differently once you open up a wall. Older London homes often have plaster walls, knob-and-tube wiring remnants, or original brick that’s worth preserving rather than covering up. Newer post-war homes tend to have more straightforward mechanical systems but may need updated insulation to meet today’s comfort standards.
Before any renovation, it’s worth having a builder walk through with you to flag what’s original, what’s already been touched, and what surprises might be hiding behind the drywall. This isn’t about scaring you off a project — it’s about budgeting realistically from day one.
Permits and the City of London
Renovation permits in London are typically required for structural changes, additions, new electrical or plumbing work, and anything that changes the footprint of your home. Kitchen refreshes and cosmetic updates usually don’t need one, but a kitchen renovation that moves plumbing or knocks out a wall usually does. A good builder handles this process for you, but it’s worth understanding upfront so your timeline accounts for it — permit review can add a few weeks depending on the scope.
Popular Renovation Projects We See in London
- Kitchen renovations that open sightlines into adjoining living spaces, especially in older homes with more closed-off floor plans
- Basement finishing, turning underused space into a family room, home office, or secondary suite
- Second-storey additions on bungalows where the lot doesn’t allow for a horizontal addition
- Whole-home updates on older character homes that preserve original details (trim, hardwood, brick) while modernizing kitchens, bathrooms, and mechanicals
Working With a Local Builder
Renovating isn’t just about the finished look — it’s about a builder who understands London’s housing stock, has relationships with local trades and suppliers, and can navigate the city’s permitting process without adding months to your timeline. If you’re just starting to think through a renovation, the best first step is a conversation about your space, your goals, and what’s realistic for your budget and timeline.
Thinking about a renovation in London? We’d love to talk through your project.