Breathing New Life into Old Structures: How We Lead the Way in Building Restoration

At Imperio Construction, we believe every building has a story. And for aging homes and commercial spaces throughout the Greater Toronto Area, we see restoration not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to preserve history, strengthen communities, and deliver modern, safe, and livable environments.

While many people associate the word "restoration" with post-disaster recovery, our focus is on structural and systems rehabilitation for buildings that have simply aged out of safety, style, and code compliance. Whether it’s a century-old home with beautiful bones or a neglected mixed-use building on the verge of collapse, we specialize in restoring them to their full potential.

Why Building Restoration Matters

Ontario is home to thousands of older structures, especially in historic neighborhoods across Toronto, Hamilton, and Oakville. Many of these buildings were built with outdated materials and no longer meet today’s building codes or energy efficiency standards. At the same time, demolishing and rebuilding is often unnecessary, expensive, and wasteful.

Restoration is a smarter path. It preserves architectural character, reduces environmental impact, and is often more cost-effective than new construction when you factor in zoning, permits, and material availability. More importantly, it allows homeowners and property investors to transform these aging structures into vibrant, modern, and safe spaces without erasing their original charm.

Common Building Types We Restore

Imperio Construction has worked on a wide variety of restoration projects, including:

• Single-family century homes with stone or brick exteriors, where the structure has settled and the original electrical or plumbing systems are long outdated.

• Semi-detached homes in older Toronto neighborhoods where shared walls and tight spaces make restoration particularly challenging.

• Historic row houses that have shifted or sagged over time due to inadequate foundations or water damage.

• Mixed-use commercial-residential buildings in older urban cores that require both structural rehabilitation and interior modernization.

• Old duplexes or triplexes being converted into legal second units or upgraded rental housing.

• Heritage properties where aesthetics must be preserved while bringing the entire envelope up to modern standards.

Each building has its own character, materials, and challenges, but our approach remains consistent: respect the structure’s history, restore its strength, and reimagine it for modern living.

Case Study: Saving a Collapsing Brick Structure

Earlier this year, our team was brought in to assess a two-story brick commercial building in north of Toronto.

The original structure is over a century old. The foundation has crumbled, several of the load-bearing brick walls were cracking and bulging outward, and the interior framing had suffered extensive water damage and rotting. In multiple places, wooden joists had rotted away completely, leaving floors dangerously unsupported. The building owner was aware the building would require significant restoration to ever be usable again, but with a detailed project plan all parties agreed that it was wroth saving the building through restoration.

Our approach:

1. Shoring and Stabilization: We began by installing custom-engineered shoring systems to temporarily support the weight of the upper floors while we addressed the foundation and walls.

2. Selective Demolition: Only the unsalvageable portions were carefully removed. We preserved as much of the original masonry as possible.

3. Foundation Reconstruction: The old rubble foundation is being excavated and replaced with a new poured concrete foundation engineered to support the building for decades to come.

4. Structural Rebuilding: New LVL beams and joists replaced the rotted wood. New framed walls were tied back into the preserved brick.

5. Energy Efficiency: All exterior walls were reinsulated, and high-performance windows and doors were added without compromising the historic look.

When finished, the result will be a completely revitalized structure that retains its original character but now stands safe, solid, and up to code.

Systems We Commonly Restore or Replace

Older buildings often have more than just structural challenges. At Imperio, we assess and restore all major systems, ensuring full compliance and long-term safety:

• Electrical Systems

  • Replacing knob-and-tube wiring

  • Upgrading panels and breaker systems

  • Adding GFCI protection and modern outlets

• Plumbing Systems

  • Removing galvanized or lead pipes

  • Replacing cast iron stacks

  • Installing modern PEX or copper plumbing

• Heating & Cooling (HVAC)

  • Removing old furnaces, boilers, and radiators

  • Installing ductwork where none existed

  • Adding energy-efficient heat pumps or furnaces

• Insulation & Energy Performance

  • Removing vermiculite and other hazardous materials

  • Adding spray foam or batt insulation in walls and attics

  • Installing airtight windows and doors

• Building Envelope

  • Repointing or reinforcing brick and stone

  • Repairing or replacing rotted framing

  • Installing new sheathing, vapor barriers, and siding

• Floor & Roof Systems

  • Leveling sagging floors

  • Reinforcing or rebuilding roof trusses and joists

Every system we restore is handled in-house by our licensed professionals, led by a Professional Engineer. This means we don’t just build to code—we build with confidence.

Why Homeowners and Investors Choose Imperio

At Imperio Construction, we understand the stress that can come with tackling a major restoration. That’s why we’ve built a process designed to bring confidence and clarity from day one:

• Expertise: With over 25 years of engineering and construction experience, we bring a level of technical skill most contractors can’t match.

• Design Support: We provide 3D renderings and architectural support to help clients visualize the end result.

• Transparent Pricing: Our estimates are detailed and accurate, and we stick to budget.

• Project Management: Our team handles permits, inspections, timelines, and trades so clients can focus on their vision.

• Trust and Reviews: We hold a five-star rating on Google and maintain strong relationships with repeat clients across the GTA.

We’re not just builders. We’re guides, partners, and problem-solvers.

Ready to Restore? Let’s Talk.

If you own an older home or investment property in Toronto, Oakville, Hamilton, or the surrounding area, and you know it needs more than just a coat of paint—we’re here to help.

Contact Imperio Construction for a free consultation and discover how we can transform your aging structure into a safe, beautiful, and valuable space you can be proud of.

Your dream space, restored with confidence.