With today’s housing market continuing to fluctuate, many homeowners are choosing to invest in renovations rather than go through the process of buying a new property. Renovating allows you to upgrade your living space, improve functionality, and add long-term value to your home, without the uncertainty and costs associated with moving.
When planning a renovation, it’s important to understand that overall costs can vary significantly depending on the scope of work and the materials selected. Choices between basic, mid-range, and high-end finishes will directly impact your budget. Below is a general cost guide for renovations in the GTA area to help you better plan and set realistic expectations for your project.
Home Renovation Cost Per Square Foot:
One of the most common ways to estimate renovation costs is by square footage. In the GTA area, full home renovations typically range between $50–$150 per square foot. The final cost depends on:
- Quality of materials
- Scope of work
- Structural changes
- Custom features and finishes
Estimated Full Home Renovation Costs:
- Full Home (Small to Mid-Size): $50,000–$150,000+
- Full Home (Larger or High-End): $100,000–$300,000+
- Main Floor (Small to Mid-Size): $30,000–$100,000+
- Main Floor (Larger or High-End): $50,000–$150,000+
Every project is unique, and costs can vary significantly based on your goals, design preferences, and property condition.
Typical Permit Type, Design/Drawing and Price Ranges:
- Interior Design/Rendering: $1,000–$2,000+ (main floor, full home, kitchen, washroom, etc.)
- Construction Drawing: $1,000–$2,500+ (main floor, full home, kitchen, washroom, etc.)
- Building Permit: $200–$500+ (additions, fire safety, structural changes, plumbing, etc.)
- Electrical Permit (ESA): $100–$200+ (rewiring, new installations, etc.)
- Plumbing Permit: $150–$250+ (new or modified plumbing systems)
Typical Renovation Price Ranges:
- Kitchen Renovation/Remodelling: $15,000–$45,000+
- Bathroom Renovation/Remodelling: $15,000–$30,000+ each unit
- Regular Renovation/Remodelling: $40–$100+ per sq ft
- Legal Basement Apartment (secondary dwelling unit): $100–$150+ per sq ft
- Adding Kitchen (basement): $15,000–45,000+
- Adding Bathroom (basement): $15,000–30,000+
- Adding Bedroom (basement): $5,000–$15,000+ each unit
- Below-grade/Separate Entrance: $10,000–$20,000+
- Underpinning: $25–$50,000+
- Plumbing: $3,000–15,000+
- Framing: $10–$30 per linear ft
- Drywall Installation (walls): $1.50–$3.50+ per sq ft
- Drywall Installation (ceiling): $1.50–$3.50+ per sq ft
- Taping & Mudding: $1–$2+ per sq ft
- Flooring (vinyl/laminate/hardwood): $3–$24+ per sq ft
- Tile Flooring (porcelain/ceramic): $7–$25+ per sq ft
- Carpet Installation: $5–$10+ per sq ft
- Insulation: $1.50–$5.50 per sq ft
- Baseboards & Trim: $5–$15+ per linear ft
- Painting: $2–$6+ per sq ft
- Door (interior/exterior): $1,000–$5,000+ each unit
- Windows: $500–$2,500+ each unit
- Electrical (per fixture): $75–$300+
- Electrical (hourly): $100–$150+
- Electrical panel upgrade: $2,500–$5,000+
- HVAC (extend/upgrade/modification): $5,000–25,000+
- Water-heater/Water-treatment: $1,000–$5,000+
- Stair Refinishing: $75–$150+ per step
- New Stairs: $500–$5,000+
- Glass Railings: $100–$600+ per linear ft
- Deck: $30–75+ per sq ft
- Fencing (chain-link/wood/vinyl/composite): $25–$150+ per linear ft
- Landscaping: $2,500–$25,000+
- Exterior (siding/cladding/brick/stucco): $5–$50+ per sq ft
- Roofing (shingles): $3–15+ per sq ft
For a more accurate estimate tailored to your project, we recommend scheduling a consultation.