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In 2026, the illusion of a low-cost fixer-upper is colliding with the reality of persistent material inflation and stricter insurance requirements. For major renovation projects, experts now generally recommend a 25% contingency fund—up from the traditional 10%. The most critical hidden costs include structural stabilization ($20,000 to $45,000) and full electrical rewiring ($18,000 to $32,000), which has become a non-negotiable requirement for many Canadian insurers when dealing with older properties.

A mature home often needs that extra bit of TLC to get it back up to speed—especially heading into summer, when warm, dry weather makes it easier to tackle everything from paint and caulking to ventilation and exterior woodwork. The key is planning early so you can keep your home functional without sacrificing its mature charms, like antique fixtures and trimmings.

Summer is one of the busiest times of year for home renovations, so planning ahead (and booking early) can make all the difference. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or tackling a full remodel, getting organized now helps you stay on schedule, avoid last-minute stress, and lock in the contractor you want before calendars fill up.