What Is the Cost to Renovate a House in Canada?

House Renovation Costs: Planning, Budgeting & Average Expenses

Renovating your home requires careful budgeting. Understanding the average costs per square foot helps you plan effectively and manage expenses throughout your project. This guide provides clear information on typical renovation costs to support your decisions.

In this Price Guide we will talk about:

1. Average Cost to Renovate a House
2. Detailed Breakdown of Home Renovation Cost
3. How Materials and Finishes Affect the Cost
4. Labour, Permits and Hidden Expenses
5. Connect with Vetted Contractors on HomeStars
6. FAQ: Common Questions Readers Ask

Average Cost to Renovate a House: Understanding the Basics

Knowing the cost to renovate a house is essential for homeowners planning improvements. On average, the cost to renovate a house per square foot ranges from $100 to $300 across Canada.

In high-demand regions such as Vancouver, costs can rise to $400 per square foot due to labour rates and material prices. Hiring a general contractor professional can help manage these costs effectively by ensuring efficient use of resources and quality workmanship.

For a deeper dive into managing your renovation budget, check out our general contractor cost guide which explains how professionals can help control expenses and ensure quality.

Detailed Breakdown of Home Renovation Cost by Project and Room

Renovations can include everything from cosmetic updates to structural changes, with prices influenced by complexity and materials.

Kitchen Renovation Costs: What to Expect

The kitchen is typically the most expensive room to renovate but can greatly increase a home's value. Costs range from $10,000 to $100,000, depending on size, design, materials and any plumbing or electrical upgrades.

For details specific to Toronto, see our kitchen renovation cost guide. A general contractor can help manage costs and deliver results that meet your needs.

Bathroom Renovation Cost Overview

Bathroom renovations usually range from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the upgrades and fixtures selected. Costs increase with plumbing changes or luxury features, while minor updates like new fixtures or paint are more budget-friendly.

For Toronto-specific pricing, see our bathroom renovation cost guide. Professional help is recommended for plumbing and electrical work to ensure safety and compliance.

Cost Estimates for Other Common Renovations

Other renovation tasks also contribute to the overall home renovation cost. Flooring replacements, painting, basement renovations and full gut renovations each carry their own price ranges. These can vary significantly depending on the materials and labour involved.

For example, to explore options and pricing on flooring, see our flooring cost guide. If your renovation includes painting, our painting services cost guide for Toronto offers useful insights.

For basement work, refer to our basement renovation cost guide for Toronto.

Renovation Task	Average Cost (CAD)
Whole-house renovation	$100 – $300 per sq ft
Full gut renovation	$200 – $500 per sq ft
Kitchen renovation	$10,000 – $100,000
Bathroom renovation	$10,000 – $30,000
Basement renovation	$20,000 – $50,000

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How Materials and Finishes Affect the Average Cost to Fully Renovate a House

Materials and finishes greatly impact both the cost and appearance of a home renovation. High-end options offer durability and a premium look but come at a higher price, while budget-friendly materials reduce upfront costs but may need replacing sooner.

Choosing the right materials helps balance style and budget and a general contractor can guide you toward the best fit for your project.

Material Type	Cost Range
Hardwood Flooring	$4 – $8 per sq ft
Laminate Flooring	$1 – $5 per sq ft
Granite Countertops	$40 – $100 per sq ft
Laminate Countertops	$10 – $30 per sq ft
Custom Cabinets	$500 – $1,200 per linear foot
Pre-fabricated Cabinets	$100 – $300 per linear foot

Thinking about the cost to renovate your house? Ensure you get the most accurate and detailed offers by acquiring multiple quotes from vetted general contractors near you today! Post your job on HomeStars now to find the right expert for your project.

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Labour, Permits and Hidden Expenses in Home Renovation Cost

Labour and permits are major factors in overall renovation costs, alongside materials and project scope. Labour rates vary by trade, region and complexity—electrical work, roofing and handyman services each have different pricing.

Learn more about Toronto pricing by checking out our electrical projects cost or our handyman cost guide for more details.

Permits are often required to meet safety standards and local regulations, with fees varying by municipality and project type. Securing them early helps avoid delays or fines. Unexpected costs can also arise, such as structural issues, temporary housing, debris disposal, or design changes. Planning ahead and hiring experienced general contractors can help reduce these risks.

Common permits include: Building permits for structural changes Electrical permits for wiring and lighting Plumbing permits for pipe installations or moves HVAC permits for system upgrades Zoning permits for changes affecting land use or classification

Save time, money and hassle by hiring a professional tradesperson for your home renovation - simply post your job on HomeStars to find a recommended general contractor near you and compare quotes. Act now and connect with the right expert for your project to ensure seamless, cost-effective results!

Renovate Your Home with Ease: Connect with Vetted Contractors on HomeStars Today

Ready to transform your space but unsure about the cost to renovate your house? With HomeStars, finding trustworthy and vetted general contractors is a breeze.

Get transparent quotes, compare prices and quickly connect with professionals near you all in one place. Don’t wait another moment—post your job now on HomeStars and start your renovation journey with ease!

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FAQ: Common Questions Readers Ask About House Renovation Costs

What are the main elements that contribute to the average cost to fully renovate a house?

Key factors include labour, materials, permit fees and unexpected expenses. Labour often makes up a large part of the budget, particularly when skilled professionals are needed. The type and quality of materials—such as flooring, countertops and fixtures—also affect overall cost. Structural changes and custom features add further complexity and expense.

What are some common challenges faced when managing the cost to renovate a house?

Unexpected structural issues like outdated wiring or plumbing can drive up costs. Fluctuating material prices or sourcing delays can also impact the budget. Managing contractor schedules may affect timelines and labour expenses and poor planning or lack of a clear vision often results in cost overruns.

What role do material choices play in determining the final cost to renovate a house?

Material selection has a major impact on total renovation cost. Premium options like granite or hardwood are more expensive than alternatives like laminate or vinyl, but they often last longer and add value. Balancing appearance, durability and budget is key to managing expenses effectively.