How Much Does a Home Renovation Cost in Canada 2026?

Key Insights for Home Renovation Costs

• Average whole-home renovation costs run $100,000 to $300,000, with per-square-foot rates ranging from $100 to $400 depending on scope, finish level, and whether mechanical upgrades are included.
• Most whole-home projects involve structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work on top of cosmetic finishes. Bundling trades under a general contractor typically costs 10% to 20% of the total budget in management fees, but reduces coordination risk significantly.
• Kitchens and bathrooms consistently deliver the highest cost per square foot of any room in the home, often running $45 to $140 per square foot once cabinetry, tiling, fixtures, and plumbing are factored in together.

In this guide, we’ll talk about:

1. Average Home Renovation Costs in Canada
2. Whole Home Renovation Costs: What to Expect
3. Home Renovation Costs: A Breakdown
4. What Affects the Cost of a Home Renovation?
5. Kitchen Renovation Costs
6. Bathroom Renovation Costs
7. Basement Renovation Costs
8. How to Hire a Renovation Pro Through HomeStars
9. Your Questions About Home Renovation Costs Answered

Average Home Renovation Costs in Canada

Home renovation costs in Canada vary widely depending on the scope of work, the city and the province. A cosmetic update covering paint, flooring, and fixtures costs considerably less than a structural overhaul. Labour is typically the largest cost component, which is charged by the hour or as a percentage of the total project, followed by materials.

Here are a few home renovation projects and associated average costs:

Project type	Average cost (CAD)
Cosmetic refresh (paint, flooring, fixtures)	$10,000 – $30,000
Kitchen renovation	$15,000 – $60,000
Bathroom renovation	$8,000 – $25,000
Basement finishing	$25,000 – $75,000
Main floor renovation	$20,000 – $50,000
Full whole-home renovation	$100,000 – $300,000+

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Whole Home Renovation Costs: What to Expect

A whole-home renovation in Canada typically costs between $100,000 and $300,000, with high-end custom projects running significantly higher. These projects usually involve structural work, full mechanical upgrades, and new finishes throughout.

Costs at this scale are generally calculated per square foot. Budget $100 to $200 per square foot for a standard renovation, or $200 to $400 per square foot for high-end finishes.

What is typically included:

• Structural repairs or modifications
• Electrical panel upgrade and rewiring
• Plumbing rerouting
• HVAC replacement
• Insulation and drywall
• Flooring, tiling, and painting
• Kitchen and bathroom overhauls

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Home Renovation Costs: A Breakdown

There are several key cost components to a home renovation budget, and understanding each one separately makes it easier to see where costs can flex and where they can't.

Labour costs

Labour is usually the largest single cost, typically representing 30% to 50% of the total budget. General contractors, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians each bill separately, usually at $80 to $150 per hour depending on the trade and region.

Price of materials

Material costs vary significantly by finish level. Standard finishes, such as mid-range flooring, stock cabinetry, basic fixtures, keep costs closer to the lower end of the range. Premium materials such as hardwood floors, custom millwork, stone countertops, and designer fixtures can easily double the material budget. For a whole-home renovation, materials typically account for 30% to 40% of total spend.

Required permits and inspections

Structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work all require building permits in Canada. Permit fees vary by municipality but commonly run $500 to $3,000 for a full renovation. Permits can also add weeks to a project schedule, particularly in larger cities.

General contractor fees

A general contractor coordinates all trades, manages scheduling, and takes responsibility for the project. Their fee is typically 10% to 20% of the total project cost. On a $200,000 renovation, that is $20,000 to $40,000 on top of trade and material costs - but it reduces the risk of scheduling gaps, cost overruns, and quality issues across trades.

What Affects the Cost of a Home Renovation?

Several factors push renovation costs up or down:

• Location: labour costs are higher in major urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary
• Project scope: cosmetic changes cost less than structural or mechanical work
• Material quality: mid-range materials typically offer the best cost-to-value ratio
• Permits: depending on the work you’re having done and local regulations, permits can add a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to your budget
• Timing: contractors often charge more during peak season in spring and summer
• Age of the home: older properties frequently uncover hidden issues once walls are opened, such as outdated wiring or galvanized plumbing

Here are a few per-square-foot price ranges for renovation work in some of Canada’s major cities:

City	Average Cost per sq. ft.
Toronto	$150 – $250
Vancouver	$160 – $210
Calgary	$80 – $200
Ottawa	$120 – $180
Edmonton	$100 – $160

Getting multiple quotes from pros gives you the clearest picture of what your specific project will cost.

Kitchen Renovation Costs

A kitchen renovation is one of the most popular and highest-return projects in Canada. A basic update covering new cabinets, countertops, and appliances typically costs $15,000 to $30,000. A mid-range renovation with custom cabinetry, stone countertops, and professional installation runs $30,000 to $60,000. High-end kitchens with premium finishes and layout changes can exceed $80,000.

Key cost factors:

• Cabinet quality: $3,000 to $30,000+ depending on whether you go stock, semi-custom, or custom
• Countertop material: $20 to $155 per sq ft installed, varying by material (laminate, quartz, granite, or butcher block)
• Appliance grade: $8,000 to $40,000 for a full package, standard to professional grade
• Layout changes: $1,000 to $3,000 per relocation for plumbing or gas, plus electrical upgrades if required

For a full breakdown, see our guide to kitchen costs.

Bathroom Renovation Costs

Bathroom renovation costs depend on the size of the space and the extent of the work. A standard bathroom refresh covering a new vanity, toilet, and tiling costs around $8,000 to $15,000. A full primary ensuite with a custom shower, heated floors, and new fixtures typically runs $15,000 to $25,000 or more.

Key cost factors:

• Plumbing relocation: adds $1,500 to $5,000 or more
• Tile work: approximately $8 to $30 per square foot, including labour and materials: higher-end materials push costs towards the upper end
• Fixtures: from $1,500 to $8,000 for a full set, depending on whether standard vs. designer brands are chosen
• Ventilation and waterproofing requirements: around $1,750 to $4,200 depending on square footage, existing ductwork and whether special features like LED lighting or smart controls are added

See our bathroom remodel cost guide for a detailed breakdown.

Basement Renovation Costs

Finishing an unfinished basement in Canada costs $25,000 to $75,000 for a full conversion to liveable space. A basic finished basement with drywall, flooring, and lighting runs $25,000 to $40,000. Adding a bathroom adds $5,000 to $15,000 to the total.

Key cost factors:

• Existing conditions: moisture levels, insulation, ceiling height
• Egress windows: required for legal bedrooms, typically $2,500 to $5,000 each
• Secondary suite requirements: separate entrance, kitchen, and dedicated plumbing
• Permit costs: vary by municipality

For more detail, see our basement renovation cost guide.

How to Hire a Renovation Pro Through HomeStars

HomeStars makes it straightforward to find the right pro for your home renovation. Post your project details, receive responses from available general contractors in your area, and read verified customer reviews before deciding who to contact. You can browse past project photos and compare profiles so you have a clear sense of who you're hiring before any commitment. Once you connect, collect quotes directly from the pros you want to hear from and hire at your own pace.

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Your Questions About Home Renovation Costs Answered

Do I need permits for a home renovation in Canada?

Most structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work requires a building permit in Canada. Requirements vary by municipality, but any work affecting load-bearing walls, the electrical panel, or the main plumbing system generally requires a permit and inspection. Cosmetic work such as painting, replacing flooring, or swapping out fixtures typically does not. HomeStars can connect you with general contractors near you who will be able to advise on what kinds of work require permits.

How long does a home renovation take in Canada?

Timelines vary by project type. A bathroom renovation typically takes two to four weeks. A kitchen renovation takes four to eight weeks on average. A full whole-home renovation can take six months to over a year, depending on scope, permit approvals, and contractor availability. Structural issues discovered mid-project can extend timelines further.

What is a realistic contingency budget for a home renovation?

Setting aside 10% to 15% of your total renovation budget as a contingency is standard practice in Canada. Older homes in particular tend to reveal unexpected issues once walls are opened, including moisture damage, asbestos, or outdated mechanical systems. Having a contingency in place avoids delays and prevents cost overruns from stalling a project mid-way through.

Are there different costs for house vs. apartment renovation?

Yes. There is a lot of overlap with house renovations, but there are several considerations that are unique to renovations in apartments or condos. HomeStars can connect you with condo and apartment specialists near you to understand the differences.

Which renovation projects tend to deliver the best return on investment?

Kitchens and bathrooms consistently rank at the top. Kitchen renovations typically return 75 to 100 per cent of their cost, and bathroom renovations ranked in the top three for ROI across 17 Canadian housing markets. But the scale of the project matters. A full gut renovation rarely returns as much as a targeted update: minor kitchen updates average around 96 per cent ROI, while a major kitchen remodel can drop to around 38 per cent. Replacing surfaces, fixtures, and hardware tends to outperform structural changes when resale value is the goal.

What should I prioritize if I'm renovating a rental property?

Industry experts still recommend focusing on kitchens and bathrooms while shifting towards updates that renters actually need rather than high-end finishes. Vinyl plank and tile are practical flooring materials for rentals because they hold up under daily use and can be repaired or replaced without major expense. Energy-efficient lighting, low-flow fixtures, and programmable thermostats are also worth considering, as they reduce maintenance calls and are increasingly valued by tenants conscious of utility costs. The general principle: spend on durability and function, not finishes.