Unveiling the Trends and Behaviors That Will Shape Quebec's Renovation Industry in 2026

Reno Quotes announces the results of its annual index, an essential benchmark for understanding the evolution of the Quebec renovation market and anticipating the dynamics that will mark the coming year.

Montreal, December 12, 2025 – Supported by a survey of over 1,300 users and field data from its network of 17,500 certified contractors, Reno Quotes unveils an essential reading of the market: renovation in Quebec continues to show remarkable resilience, supported by consistently active construction, a moving real estate market, and a growing desire among Quebecers to invest in their well-being at home.

With 155,000 projects completed in 2025 - for a total of 889,000 since its creation - the platform is publishing its annual report for the fourth consecutive year, a reference analysis for understanding the real forces and challenges at play.

And the 2026 outlook is already capturing attention: sustained residential demand, more favorable credit conditions, and better contractor availability. All indicators point towards a particularly opportune year for renovations, from modest projects to major transformations.

A rich portrait of trends, key figures, and strong signals – designed to provide an overview of the industry and offer a privileged glimpse into what awaits the market next year.

"Despite the fears, the market once again demonstrated its resilience. The industry had a turbulent start to the year, marked by the uncertainty linked to Trump's arrival in January and the historic snowstorm in February. Despite the fears, the market once again demonstrated its resilience, finally ending the year in positive territory. With interest rates back in a neutral range, a still-solid job market, and a rebound in demand for architects and interior designers, the future looks promising."

A Resilient Economy

Despite the impact of inflation and American tariffs, the majority of homeowners who responded to the survey stated that they maintained their project, even if it meant reducing its scope. Throughout the year, very few chose to cancel.

Total Number of Projects Submitted on the Platform and Their Value

This stability in the annual growth rate is partly explained by the financing method: the most used method remains personal savings, far ahead of bank loans, which reduces the direct impact of short-term fluctuations in the key interest rate.

A Direct Correlation Between Real Estate and the Renovation Market

"The price of real estate often dictates the pace of the hammers: the harder it is to buy, the more strategic renovation becomes. When prices jump by 9% for a single-family home, every well-thought-out renovation restores value to what you own, often better than a risky purchase."

The Quebec real estate market remains a significant driver of renovation projects. The necessity of work related to buying or selling a property – whether it is to increase resale value or adapt a new home – remains a major trigger in the decision-making process.

Although the drop in the key interest rate observed in October 2025 did not have an immediate impact, it is anticipated to gradually stimulate major renovations as financial conditions ease in 2026.

Three Trends to Watch in Consumer Behavior

The annual survey and analysis of real costs reveal three major trends among Quebec homeowners:

1. Personal Savings Remains the Primary Source of Financing

• More than 54% of renovations are financed primarily by personal savings, regardless of the project amount.

• More modest projects (less than $10,000) are almost exclusively self-financed, while projects over $50,000 often combine savings with mortgage refinancing or a personal loan.

• Financial aid from relatives and government programs play a marginal role, except for completing certain major projects.

2. Actual Costs Often Exceed Expectations

• More than 40% of homeowners underestimate the cost of a kitchen or bathroom renovation, even for basic projects. The majority of bathroom renovations exceed $10,000.

• For major works such as roofing, foundations, or additions, more than 25% of homeowners underestimate the costs, often exceeding $8,000 for a roof and potentially reaching several hundred thousand dollars for an extension or an added floor.

3. Planning Is Increasingly Structured According to the Project Scope

• Kitchen / Bathroom: from $7,000 (minor update) to $45,000+ (high-end/luxury).

• Roofing: from $8,000 for standard asphalt shingles to $30,000+ for a metal roof or modern membrane.

• Additions / Foundations: from $50,000 to $500,000+.

• With approximate costs of $150/square foot for a garage structure up to $450/square foot for an added floor, including finishing.

In short, Quebec homeowners mostly finance their renovations with their savings, while frequently underestimating the actual costs, particularly for kitchens, bathrooms, and major works. This combination – financial autonomy, project complexity, and the search for fairer estimates – reinforces the importance of rigorous planning that allows for better anticipation of challenges and secures household investment.

In the Contractors' Shoes

Analysis:

• The total number of projects continues to grow rapidly.

• The annual volume remains dynamic.

• The contractor network is regularly expanding, increasing competition.

• The average project value is decreasing but tending to stabilize.

Proportions of Projects on the Platform's Overall Activity by Value

The 2025 data shows net growth in activity compared to the previous year:

• +155,000 projects completed in 2025;

• +2,500 new certified contractors;

• A slightly lower average contract value (-7.8%), reflecting a cautious but active market, notably with a 13% increase in short-term work (1 month or less), which usually generates lower costs.

Increased Competition: A Wide Choice of Contractors for Clients

"Planning well means saving money. Many clients underestimate the real costs of a project, especially when relying on prices from 10-15 years ago. By taking the time to plan each step together, we avoid surprises and maintain control over the budget. Our role is to support the client in this planning, not just to build, but to build trust and avoid misunderstandings."

The Competition Index (number of contractors actively seeking per project) reveals an interesting dynamic:

• Early 2025: Decrease in competition.

• Late 2025: Marked increase – contractors are becoming more available.

With the fourth quarter of 2025 marked by an increase in the number of active contractors and a slowdown in project volume, competition has clearly intensified. This dynamic is expected to continue into early 2026, creating a market where contractors are particularly motivated to secure new mandates. For homeowners, this translates into:

• Faster execution times,

• Expanded availability slots,

• A better ability to compare and negotiate bids,

• A better value-for-money ratio than in recent years.