--- title: "Kinswater Construction Inc. — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/kinswater-construction-inc-pfvwus-pf~125993888 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~125993888.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Kinswater Construction Inc." category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/976317b502d2fd62_4312-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "Toronto, Ontario M4C 3V6, Canada" latitude: 43.6906 longitude: -79.3126 phone: "(416) 500-4988" website: http://www.kinswater.net rating: 5 review_count: 14 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 54 last_updated: 2026-09-21 --- # Kinswater Construction Inc. Original Houzz profile: [Kinswater Construction Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/kinswater-construction-inc-pfvwus-pf~125993888) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Toronto, ON - **Serves:** Toronto - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2025), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Kinswater is a boutique renovation company operating in Metro Toronto. Our focus is on quality design and quality building. We have the team that can guarantee that your project is built with lasting value with the best building practices in the business. We are committed to ensuring that every team member is an integral part of the process. We start by listening to the customer’s desires in all aspects of their build. We are committed to respecting your budget and will search diligently for efficiencies to save you money. Quality Design Quality Building Practices Quality Materials Integrity in Client Relationships Integrity in Employee Safety and Safe Building Sites Integrity in Following all Building Rules and Regulations to ensure positive site inspections Commitment to communication between all team members Commitment to completing all projects on time and on budget ### Services Provided - General Contracting - Home Additions - Project Management ### Areas Served - Toronto ### Typical Job Cost CAD 350,000 - CAD 2,000,000 Please visit our website FAQ page to learn more about typical project costs. www.kinswater,net ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Kinswater Construction Inc. | | Address | Toronto, Ontario M4C 3V6, Canada | | Phone | (416) 500-4988 | | Website | http://www.kinswater.net | | License Number | Metro Licence No. T85-4308736 | | Followers on Houzz | 54 | ## Offers (DEMO) OFFERS _(DEMO) DISCLAIMER_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Kinswater Construction Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/kinswater-construction-inc-pfvwus-pf~125993888) - **Website:** http://www.kinswater.net - **Phone:** (416) 500-4988 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - BILD Renovation & Custom Home Award Winner - Best Innovative Renovation - March 2019 - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2025), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 14 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Greg Power, Aug. 2024** > Phil Barton and his team at Kinswater were exceptional partners over the 1+ year we worked together on a major renovation of our home. Phil was a valuable advisor throughout the planning stages getting us to the right decisions. The project was completed on time and on budget with next to no drama apparent to us as homeowners because Phil managed all the trades and suppliers brilliantly -- adjusting the schedule where need to bring everything together behind the scenes. A major gut job of an 80 year old home is always a source of many surprises and unexpected problems to solve. Phil helped us anticipate what may come and always had great solves in the moment to keep the work moving and often make it better. Where he and the team at Kinswater saw an opportunity to elevate the plan and add new benefits -- central air being just one -- Phil presented the options and found ways to make them work within the project scope. We always felt in control, consulted and valued as clients. One of the standout memories we have of the project is that is was always as very happy workplace -- ALWAYS -- Phil, Nick and Graydon were fun to be around, enjoyed each others company and really loved their craft. It shows throughout the beautiful renewed home we now live in. Would only work with Kinswater for any project like this in the future and proud to recommend the team to any friend. Exceptional. **★★★★★ — suse423, May 2024** > We can honestly say our experience with Kinswater Construction for our major 1 year home renovation was wonderful. We absolutely loved working with them, and we absolutely love our renovated home. Throughout the process, there was always excellent communication regarding timing and budget considerations. As well, our on-site project manager was excellent at listening to our ideas and choices throughout the process and he made sure the results met our expectations in design and finish. > > We would hire them again in a heartbeat and we feel lucky to have had such a positive experience with our renovation with amazing results. **★★★★★ — Rachel Low, Feb. 2024** > We recently worked with Kinswater on our kitchen renovation - which involved gutting the entire kitchen and dining area. From demolition to the skilled treatment of material like natural quartzite shelves and countertops, they were masters of their trades - carefully integrating modern custom cabinetry and appliances while maintaining the mouldings and architectural details of a Victorian house. Every element from painting to heating was executed beautifully. > Kinswater's expertise in carpentry allowed for a special project of cutting down our 14 foot over varnished Douglas fir dining room table and refinishing it with a soft wax finish that turned it into a centrepiece. We loved the results of the renovation and most important, we enjoyed the experience. Philip Barton and his team were great to work with, and he brought the project in on budget as well! **★★★★★ — Peter and Kathleen, Oct. 2023** > Kinswater Construction Inc. was recommended by our architectural firm as a general contractor with the experience, expertise, trade contacts, and demeanor to be a good fit for us. Philip Barton and team proved to be that in spades! From pre-build to finish, they handled the renovation of our three-story 1910 semi-detached home, stripping it back to the studs, reframing, and rebuilding it from outside in. > > Before we signed on with Kinswater, Philip took the time to help us understand the scope of what we wanted to achieve, patiently answering our questions about process, budgeting, and construction options as we contemplated a project bigger than anything we’d ever undertaken. He was up front about the challenges of renovating an old semi, and throughout the build, we appreciated his team’s communication of progress and collaborative problem-solving to find solutions that worked for us. Thanks to their approach and careful planning/budgeting, we encountered few surprises along the way. > > Kinswater expertly reframed our upper two floors, rebuilt and fortified the shared wall with our neighbour to minimize sound and air flow, and completely replaced the basement’s concrete slab. The team oversaw custom design features that included interior stonework and tiling, millwork, metalwork (interior and exterior), stainless steel countertops, a polished concrete floor in the basement, and hardwood flooring elsewhere. We had trust in Philip and his team to handle all logistics, procurement, and tradespeople despite the challenges of managing the entire project during the COVID-19 pandemic. > > Philip, Graydon, Nick, Brian, and Tony all had a hand in turning our house into the beautiful home it is today. They are true professionals who work incredibly hard and showed us, our home, and our neighbours great respect throughout the 14-month long renovation. **★★★★★ — Amanda Young, May 2021** > Kinswater Construction is superb. I can't say enough about how wonderful the entire team was to work with from the beginning to end. Our renovation involved taking the main floor down to the studs, removing walls and installing 3 large supporting I beams, enlarging the stairwell and installing a new set of stair from the first to third floor. New kitchen, new bathroom, new flooring, custom mouldings, new windows and doors. The worksite was at all times well organized and clean, the project moved forward with very few delays and the building was completed on budget. Philip Barton is very knowledgable and highly professional, he is an extremely good communicator so any issues raised were dealt with swiftly and efficiently. His entire team are well informed, professional and highly skilled. Every inch of the house was exactly as we had hoped and beautifully finished. All the small finishing details we identified when we moved back in were completed within a few weeks. Kinswater continues to support us with the house and we engaged them again to build our deck. > We highly recommend Kinswater Construction. **★★★★★ — Neil Rae, Feb. 2020** > Worldclass! Trust and transparency are critical and so difficult to find when looking for a contractor and Kinswater exceeded our expectations. As we looked to do a complete tear down and rebuild of our home it was a significant investment and had heard all the horror stories, but from the first time we sat down with Phil and his team we knew they were the right partner. They guided us through budget, discovery, design and build with a level of professionalism that blew us away. I would strongly recommend them and will use them for any and all project related to our home. Feel free to contact us and come see their exceptional work. Neil **★★★★★ — Jennifer and David Williams, Feb. 2020** > We spent months researching contractors to do our home renovation. We met with several contractors and finally had a shortlist of 3 that we were seriously considering. We finally decided on Kinswater Construction for a few reasons: First, the team led by Phil were professional, articulate, and had a good sense of design. Second, their quote was accurate and extremely transparent and detailed. Third, we viewed several of their projects, and talked to several of their clients, and their "workmanship" was top quality. Other contractors quotes were less expensive, but with Kinswater, you get what you pay for. The project ended up being completed on time, and on budget as well. Yes - who ever hears of that? As we began the reno, we were so impressed with Phil and Graydon's team. They were such good guys, always working hard, and always had smiles on their faces. They listened to our needs, and offered creative ideas as the project went along. They had an "eye" for what would work and what would not, from small thing such as cabinetry hardware to larger things such as paint colors and flooring. The detail of their workmanship was top notch, and they went above and beyond in every aspect of this renovation. We would highly recommend Kinswater Construction to anyone looking for a seamless renovation. All of their tradespeople were excellent from the painter, plumber, cabinetry/kitchen guy, and tile and bathroom team. Even after the renovation, when required help or had a question, they were very responsive in helping out. **★★★★★ — Joyce Janczyn, Jan. 2020** > When we decided to renovate our home, we chose Kinswater based on a strong recommendation by friends. The project involved gutting and rebuilding most of the house and adding a 2-storey extension. We couldn't be happier with the results. Quality, professionalism and reliability are very important to us and Philip and his team did not disappoint. We had a detailed budget and schedule from the start, all changes were discussed and managed openly, and the work – including by subcontractors – was high calibre. Even our neighbours commented on how professional and considerate they were. We do not hesitate to recommend them and have on several occasions. **★★★★★ — Mark Sakamoto, July 2019** > To call Kinswater professional is an understatement. They were impeccable. Philip provided a clear sightline at all times with respect to progress, timing and budget. The team was absolutely awesome. They were clean, respectful, on time and extremely polite and accommodating. Their work was exacting. > > We would happily work with Kinswater again. **★★★★★ — Paul Martin, Oct. 2016** > We employed Kinswater to undertake a complete renovation of our 100 year old Toronto home. It was a daunting project as we were unsure what we would find once we took it down to the studs but Kinswater made this process understandable and manageable at every step of the way. The company is a mid sized boutique firm that prides itself on transparency, professionalism and attention to detail. They did not disappoint in any of these categories. Many of the key workers are trained in fine carpentry, ensuring that finishes are finely executed. The sub contractors are all reliable and courteous. In our case, we hoped to retain a sense of an old farm house with very modern interiors and amenities. Kinswater always listened carefully to and executed our wishes, offering helpful advice as to our options on design, structure, and finishes. Two aspects stand out from our experience. First, the ongoing updating of budget items, scope, and add-ons meant that there were no financial surprises. We collaborated on establishing a detailed budget and schedule and then Kinswater stuck to it, with each progress payment invoice accompanied by a line-by-line update of actual progress versus the budget and schedule. Second, this company is filled with professional, trustworthy and down to earth people. The interactions were always respectful, knowledgeable and friendly, which made the experience a joy. We highly recommend Kinswater to everyone we can. **★★★★★ — Luke Bearss, Oct. 2016** > We were extremely pleased with the service provided by Phil Barton and his team at Kinswater. > We live in a 3-storey semi-detached Victorian home. When we moved in we had the first two floors gutted and completely redone (Jan-May). We subsequently had our third floor completely refinished (Dec-Feb). > We went with Kinswater on the recommendation of our real estate agent. We shopped around and their quote was a little higher than some of the competitors, but we were extremely impressed with professionalism and organization of Kinswater, so we decided to go with them, and in retrospect we are so glad we did! > Not only did they do excellent work and ensure quality craftsmanship from all of their subcontractors, but a few things stood out as particularly exceptional: > 1\. Communication - before and during our renos, Phil and the team were always readily available and responsive. Voice and email messages were always returned promptly, and there was always someone onsite and available to talk to for updates and progress reports. > 2\. Timing – Phil set out very clear and reasonable timelines and always ensured that progress was being made. Kinswater does NOT disappear for weeks at a time leaving you wondering if and when they might return to restart your project. > 3\. Reasonable Budget (and stuck to it!) – Kinswater set out a clear and logical budget, and gave us regular transparent and detailed updates so that we could track how and where our money was being spent. Our projects were both on (or under) budget!! > 4\. Stress free. In the years since our renovation we have met many friends and acquaintances who have undergone similar projects with different contractors. Their recollections are rife with stories of absentee contractors, poor craftsmanship, skyrocketing costs and general frustration with the process. With Kinswater we did not have to deal with any of that. Phil, Graydon and Darren were a pleasure to work with, and we thoroughly enjoyed every step of the planning and project process. > We have (and would) highly recommended Kinswater to anyone we encounter that is considering a renovation of any size. **★★★★★ — Michael Fekete, Sept. 2016** > Kinswater provides exceptional value. Philip, Graydon and team are excellent, knowledgeable craftsmen who deliver the highest quality work-product. They are transparent about costs and provide realistic budgets. We have had them perform both large and small jobs, always with great results. ## Selected projects - [Ken's House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ken-s-house-pj-vj~7428721) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 11 - Description: The clients of this home had purchased a previously renovated and topped Leaside bungalow. Their request was to breathe new life into their dated house in the neighbourhood they love. Working with designer Laura Gellatly, we set out to create a space that reflected the clients’ dream of a light, bright, and welcoming modern family home. Layout was an ongoing challenge for us with the dark front of the house cut off from the exterior backyard green space due to a wall dividing the main floor in h… - [Tree House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tree-house-pj-vj~7303753) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: This project involved taking the existing semi-detached home down to the ground floor level. Floor heights were adjusted to net more headroom in the basement. Additionally the new 2nd floor design vaulted the ceiling to over twelve feet. All new mechanical systems, windows and custom interior finishes. Windows in the front sloped roof and a clearstory window facing the backyard give you a feeling of being up in the trees of this Leslieville home. - [Century House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/century-house-pj-vj~6633191) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: This major renovation involved removing most of the main floor load bearing walls within this three storey century old home. Design elements required the creation of a new stairwell shaft, updated mechanical systems, new kitchen, living quarters, washrooms and the installation of an iconic Focus wood burning fireplace. - [Downtown House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/downtown-house-pj-vj~5658848) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: This project consisted of converting a sub-divided century old home back to a single family dwelling. The design included a sunken foyer and dining room within the new open concept main floor plan. Beyond the structural components of the project, the design of the home was to honor the clients ancestral heritage. A special family heirloom anchors the new foyer which was designed to be reminiscent of a Japanese garden. Toronto, Canada - [Yorkville Modern House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yorkville-modern-house-pj-vj~2050662) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 14 - Description: Working as the Project Manager with Architecture and Design firm Taylor Hannah Architect, we transformed a 100 year-old semi-detected mixed-use Yorkville building into a 6,500 square foot private residence. - [Oriole House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oriole-house-pj-vj~2050624) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - Description: This project is a perfect example of our integrated design process which demanded a collaborative effort from all involved parties including the client, architect, designer and subcontractors. Together we planned to overcome many design challenges prior to construction. The construction scope included a new kitchen and bathrooms, home office, recreation room, large windows for more natural light, a side entry mudroom, all new mechanical, plumbing and electrical services, waterproofing of the exi… - [Topped House 1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/topped-house-1-pj-vj~2050648) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: This project not only involved adding a second storey to an existing bungalow, but also extending the existing basement and main floor footprint into the backyard. The upper level has two box bay windows, one of which cantilevers out over the drive below. - [Topped House 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/topped-house-2-pj-vj~2050671) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 10 - Description: A former two-bedroom bungalow was successfully “topped” to create a four bedroom, three and a half bathroom, contemporary home. While the original footprint of the bungalow was retained, the final result was on open plan structure that yielded more than twice the square footage of the former building. Custom sized stone from Wiarton, Ontario was used and the box bay windows were clad with custom profiled clear cedar. The remainder of the front façade and elevations were clad with James Hardi cem… - [Moore Park House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moore-park-house-pj-vj~2050679) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: Working with the client’s team, an architect and a designer, we collaborated to plan for the build prior to the client ever living in the house as purchased. The construction scope included modifications to the existing structure while maintaining some original structural elements, updated windows, a new kitchen and bathrooms, a large open concept living area, new mechanical systems, plumbing and electrical as well as a new side entry. Some existing details of the home including paneled dining r… - [Row House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/row-house-pj-vj~640386) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 26 - Description: We were hired to execute the reinvention of the three upper levels over two phases to better serve the lifestyle of their young family. Phase 1 featured the installation of three steel beams to transform the main floor previously cluttered with partitions into an open, linear great room. Meanwhile, the second level was also reconfigured to create an office and children’s’ rooms. Connected by a series of new wooden stairs with sleek glass guards, phase 2 was dedicated to the third level loft-styl… - [Farm House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farm-house-pj-vj~516465) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 23 - Description: An addition, which blends seamlessly with the exterior, was built with the latest innovative technology to create both an energy efficient and open concept interior. - [Green House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-house-pj-vj~420663) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 12 - Description: This sustainable home represents the new standard in energy efficient housing. - [Kinswater Kitchen Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kinswater-kitchen-spaces-pj-vj~171493) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Midtown Classic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midtown-classic-pj-vj~6049347) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 [See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/kinswater-construction-inc-pfvwus-pf~125993888) ## Ideabooks - [Best of the Week: 35 Cheerfully Colour-Blocked Kitchens »](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/123737071/list/best-of-the-week-35-cheerfully-colour-blocked-kitchens) — 2 ideas - [Interior details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77740424/list/interior-details) — 8 ideas - [Outdoors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74597714/list/outdoors) — 1 idea [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/philipbarton) ## Community Q&A **Q: I love this green splashback. Where can I find this design?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am looking for a design for a glass kitchen splashback for my new kitchen (I live in Hants, UK) and love this green geometric design. Please let me know if you have any suggestions where I can access this design so that I can share it with a glass splashback producer. Thank you. A: The backsplash tile was supplied by Surfaces & Co. here in Toronto. We laid the random pattern out on site and numbered each individual tile for the installers. **Q: Will an Ikea kitchen reduce home value?** *(in Design Dilemma)* My house was gutted and renovated 3 years ago, and we decided to put in Ikea cabinets in the kitchen due to cost. Will that reduce the resale value? Should I upgrade to custom cabinets? I'm in a very hot Toronto market where most listings are going over asking with multiple offers, so I am trying to get top $ for my home. Thanks! A: A number of years ago Ikea switched to Blum hardware (used by custom shops). This was a game changer. We have customized Ikea kitchens and installed them in some of our projects. You have nothing to be concerned about. **Q: what's the cabinet s wood please** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Walnut **Q: where do you buy chalk board that large?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: We applied chalk board paint to the walls of the powder room. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-21.*