The Ultimate 2025 Home Renovation Cost Guide
By Léa Plourde-Archer
Updated on December 5, 2025
After publishing several hundred blog posts about renovations, we have compiled all the pricing data into a useful document to keep on hand.
How much does it cost to redo your kitchen or bathroom? What is the average price for painting work? How much should you budget for renovating your flooring? In this guide, we answer all your questions to help you effectively plan and budget your renovation projects.
Get Your Project Started Today
Submit your details and receive three free quotes from trusted contractors.
How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a House in Canada?
Air Conditioning and Heating
Air Conditioning
Type of Renovation | Price |
Portable/Mobile air conditioner | $300 to $2,000 |
Window air conditioner | $150 to $840 |
Wall-mounted air conditioner | $1,000 to $6,000 |
Conditioner (split air conditioner) | $2,500 to $7,000 |
Central air conditioner (air-flow) | $3,000 to $9,000 |
Ceiling air conditioning system | $6,500 to $15,000 |
Ductless air conditioner | $1,500 to $7,000 |
Heat pump (prices in general) | $1,000 to $20,000 |
Source: The cost of air conditioners
Heating Systems
Type of Heating System | Price |
Natural gas heating system | $4,000 to $8,000 |
Geothermal system | $20,000 to $50,000 |
Electric furnace | $2,000 to $5,000 |
Propane heating | $4,000 to $7,500 |
Wall heating | $800 to $9,000 |
Forced air heating | $2,000 to $8,000 |
Hot water heating (hydronic) | $1,000 to $12,000 |
Heat pump (prices in general) | $1,000 to $20,000 |
Source: Heating System Cost Guide
Humidifers
Type of Humidifier | Price |
Central | $800 to $4,000 |
Cool mist | $45 to $200 |
Warm mist | $55 to $500 |
Ultrasound | $40 to $300 |
Source: How to Solve a Dry Air Problem
Kitchen
Kitchen Counters
Material | Price |
Slate | $100 to $400 per sq. ft. |
Granite | $50 to $190 per sq. ft. |
Marble | $45 to $250 per sq. ft. |
Quartz | $50 to $150 per sq. ft. |
Concrete | $70 to $250 per sq. ft. |
Stainless steel | $70 to $150 per sq. ft. |
Synthetic | $60 to $200 per sq. ft. |
Recycled material | $100 to $300 per sq. ft. |
Wood | $13 to $120 per sq. ft. |
Laminate | $6 to $30 per sq. ft. |
Tile | $30 to $100 per sq. ft. |
Dekton | $50 to $150 per sq. ft. |
Source: Price guide: kitchen countertops
Kitchen Sinks
Material | Price |
Stainless steel sink | $50 to $600 |
Ceramic sink | $180 to $350 |
Resin sink | $100 to $300 |
Stone sink | $150 to $800 |
Source: How to choose your kitchen sink
Cupboards and Drawers
Material | Price |
Melamine | $10 to $20 per foot |
Polymer (or thermoplastic) | $30 to $40 per foot |
Polyester | $30 to $40 per foot |
Acrylic | $70 to $80 per foot |
Lacquer | $80 to $100 per foot |
Wood | $100 to $120 per foot |
Handles | $5 to $50 per piece |
Source: Cost of Kitchen Cabinets - Price Tag on Custom Designs?
Kitchen Backsplashes
Material | Price |
Ceramic | $1 to $12 per sq. ft. |
Porcelain | $5 to $15 per sq. ft. |
Glass tiles | $15 to $50 per sq. ft. |
Glass panels | $45 to $150 per sq. ft. |
Marble tile | $36 to $100 per sq. ft. |
Slate tile | $50 to $150 per sq. ft. |
Adhesive tile | $12 to $22 per sq. ft. |
Source: Kitchen Backsplash Price Guide - How Much to Budget in 2025?
Electricity and Lighting
Renovation Type | Price |
Renovation of a 100A electrical system (panel that is already up to code) | $700 to $1,600 |
Renovation of a 100A electrical system (panel that is not up to code) | $1,000 to $1,500 |
Renovation of a 200A electrical system | $1,500 to $2,000 |
Installation of an auxiliary electrical system | $250 to $800 |
Installing a new electrical panel | $650 to $1,500 |
Installation of a 120V electrical circuit | $300 to $700 |
Installation of a 240V electrical circuit | $350 to $700 |
Add a standard electrical outlet (existing circuit) | $200 to $300 |
Add a standard electrical outlet (new circuit) | $250 to $350 |
Partial or complete rewiring | $5,000 or more |
System grounding | $100 to $500 |
Electrical plan for new construction or major renovation | $300 to $2,000 |
Source: Cost of electrical repairs
Bathroom
Bathubs
Type | Price |
Whirlpool bathtub | $1,000 to $8,000 |
Alcove bathtub | $200 to $5,000 |
Freestanding bathtub | $500 to $6,000 |
Enameled steel bathtub | $200 to $500 |
Acrylic bathtub | $300 to $6,000 |
Showers
Type | Price |
Single Shower Door | $200 to $1,000 |
Sliding Shower Door | $500 to $3,000 |
Shower Column | $100 to $3,000 |
One-Piece Shower | $600 to $3,000 |
Modular Shower | $750 to $1,200 |
Custom Shower | $2,000 to $15,000 |
Rectangular / Alcove Showers | $1,000 to $4,000 |
Round Corner Showers | $700 to $3,000 |
Square Showers | $800 to $4,000 |
Toilets
Type | Price |
One-piece toilets | $400 to $3,000 |
Two-piece toilets | $200 to $2,000 |
Chair height toilets / comfort height toilets | $200 to $3,000 |
Standard height toilets | $200 to $2,000 |
Elongated toilets | $200 to $3,000 |
Round toilets | $200 to $4,000 |
Single flush toilets | $100 to $3,000 |
Dual flush toilets | $400 to $9,000 |
Wall-mounted toilets | $500 to $2,000 |
Sinks
Type | Price |
Vitreous china | $200 to $1,000 |
Glass | $100 to $400 |
Copper | $200 to $800 |
Cast iron | $200 to $1,500 |
Ceramic | $100 to $400 |
Faucets
Type | Price |
1 handle | $50 to $800 |
2 handles | $100 to $1,500 |
Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers
Type | Price |
Standard vanity cabinet | $300 to $7,000 |
Prefabricated cabinet (medicine cabinet) | $100 to $2,500 |
Countertops
Type | Price |
Laminate countertop | $6 - $30 per sq.ft. |
Granite countertop | $50 - $190 per sq.ft. |
Marble countertop | $45 to $250 per sq.ft. |
Quartz countertop | $50 to $150 per sq.ft. |
Wood countertop | $13 to $120 per sq.ft. |
Tile countertop | $30 to $100 per sq.ft. |
Bathroom Flooring
Type | Price |
Vinyl tile flooring (materials) | $1 to $9 per sq.ft. |
Linoleum flooring (installation - rolls and tiles) | $0.60 to $1.50 per sq.ft. |
Ceramic flooring (installation) | $4 to $8 per sq.ft. |
Porcelain and slate tiles (installation) | $6 to $20 per sq.ft. |
Natural stone mosaic (materials) | $6 to $15 per sq.ft. |
Cork flooring (installation) | Approximately $2 per sq.ft. |
Wallcoverings
Type | Price |
Tile wall covering (materials only) | $5 to $10 per sq.ft. |
Natural stone wall | $12 to $20 per sq.ft. |
Decorative stone wall | $4 to $9 per sq.ft. |
Lighting
Type | Price |
Wall lights / wall sconces | $60 to $600 |
Ceiling lights | $20 to $700 |
Accessories and Decor
Type | Price |
Towel rack | $10 to $600 |
Mirror | $50 to $800 |
Bath mat | $10 to $200 |
Ventilation
Type | Price |
Bathroom fan | $30 to $500 |
Ventilation duct cleaning | $400 to $800 |
Insulation
Type | Price |
Rock wool | $1.40 to $5.90 per sq.ft. |
Expanded polystyrene | $2 to $4 per sq.ft. |
Cellulose | Approximately $1 per sq.ft. |
Source: Price Guide 2025: Bathroom Renovation Project
Mouldings
Type | Price |
Hardwood mouldings | $2 to $6 per foot |
Pine mouldings | $1 to $6 per foot |
Cedar mouldings | $9 to $12 per foot |
Exotic wood mouldings (e.g.. walnut) | $24 to $35 per foot |
Plaster mouldings | $5 to $15 per foot |
Plaster-covered foam | Approximately $7 per foot |
Polyurethane foam | Approximately $9 per foot |
MDF mouldings | $1 to $12 per foot |
Source: Crown Moulding: Everything You Need to Know
Basement
Type | Price |
Setting up an unfinished basement | Approximately $70 to $100 per sq. ft. |
Demolishing a finished basement | Minimum $3,000 |
Excavating the basement to increase the size of your house (with underpinning) | $50,000 to $150,000 |
Building a wine cellar | $5,000 to $20,000 |
Sources:
Ceilings
Renovation | Price |
Buying a suspended ceiling (excluding installation) | $2 to $10 per sq. ft. |
Source: How to Install a Drop Ceiling
Ventilation
Renovation | Price |
Installing a bathroom fan | $100 to $600 |
Source: What to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Fan
Plumbing
Project | Price |
Replacing pipes | $100 to $250 per foot |
Installing a water heater | $750 to $1,400 |
Replacing a toilet | $250 to $700 |
Replacing a sink | $200 to $600 |
Replacing a shower | $2,500 or more |
Replacing a bathub | $1,300 to $1,500 |
Renovating the plumbing of a complete bathroom | $5,000 or more |
Installing a kitchen sink | $250 to $700 |
Plumber rates in Quebec | $42 - $180 per hour |
Source: How much do plumbing renovations cost?
Others
Central Vacuum Cleaner
Item | Price |
Buying a central vacuum cleaner | $200 to $2,000 |
Source: All You Need to Know About Central Vacuum Systems
Walk-In Closet
Project | Price |
Setting up a walk-in closet | $500 to $3,000 |
Source: Planning for a master walk-in closet
Structures and Extensions
Home Addition / Extension
Types of Home Extension | Price |
Adding a floor | $175 to $400 per sq. ft. or $100,000 to $300,000 total |
Adding a storey above a garage | $100,000 to $200,000 |
Adding a grade-level room | $75,000 to $175,000 |
Cantilever home addition | $30,000 to $60,000 |
Lateral extension / Single-story conversion | $200 to $500 per sq.ft. |
Finishing a basement | $70 to $100 per sq. ft. |
Two-storey addition (first floor) | $360 to $480 per sq.ft. |
Two-storey addition (second floor) | $210 to $240 per sq. ft. |
Minimal budget | Approximately $75,000 |
Total price | $100,000 to $300,000 |
Sources:
Adding a Floor to a Home
Type of Floor Addition Project | Price |
Total price of the work | Between $175 and $400 per sq. ft. or $100,000 to $300,000 total |
Floor with bedrooms | Approximately $175 to $400 per sq. ft. |
Floor with a full apartment | Approximately $175 to $240 per sq. ft. |
Source: What you should know before adding a floor to your home
Deck and Balcony
Balconies
Materials | Price |
Natural wood | Between $75 and $85 per sq. ft. |
Pressure treated wood | Between $65 and $80 per sq. ft. |
Plastic and composite | Between $55 and $65 per sq. ft. |
Source: Balcony Price Guide
Decks
Materials | Price | Design & Installation Cost |
Redwood cedar | $4–$5 per sq. ft. | $40 to $60 per sq. ft. |
Pavers | $4–$12 per sq. ft. | $20 to $30 per sq. ft. |
Composite decking | $6–$12 per sq. ft. | $50 to $85 per sq. ft. |
Torrefied wood | $6–$12 per sq. ft. | $50 to $70 per sq. ft. |
Ipe wood | $10–$15 per sq. ft. | n/a |
Teak | $10–$15 per sq. ft. | n/a |
Fibreglass | $14–$55 per sq. ft. (+ $2.50 to $4 per sq. ft. for sanding) | n/a |
Pressure-treated wood | Roughly $25 per sq. ft. | Roughly $50 per sq. ft. |
Concrete | $45–$80 per sq. ft. (includes labour and reinforcement materials) | n/a |
Source: Deck and Patio Cost Guide
Garages and More
Garages
Elements | Price |
Single garage | $35,000 to $75,000 |
Double garage | $80,000 to $140,000 |
Steel garage door | $2,000 to $5,000 |
Aluminum garage door | $2,000 to $6,000 |
Wooden garage door | $6,000 to $12,000 |
Single door installation | $400 to $500 |
Double door installation | $250 to $300 |
Door opener motor | $350 to $500 |
Gazebos
Project Type | Price |
9 square foot wood gazebo | Between $2,000 and $12,000 |
Polycarbonate gazebo | Between $1,000 and $5,000 |
Custom made | Between $8,000 and $20,000 |
Basic gazebo, sold as a kit | Between $1,000 and $5,000 |
Source: Gazebos: prices and types
Sheds
Project Types | Price |
|---|---|
Average price of a shed (without electricity and without labour fees) | $2,000–$10,000 |
Price for metal walls and floors | $2,000–$6,000; $25–$30 per sq. ft. |
Price for wooden walls and floors | $3,000–$10,000; $40–$50 per sq. ft. |
Price for resin walls and floors | $3,000–$10,000; $45–$50 per sq. ft. |
Source: Price Guide: Sheds
Solarium
A solarium is considered a full-fledged room in the house, bathed in sunlight. Often heated and enclosed with glass, it allows residents to enjoy the sun while being sheltered from the outdoors.
Type of Sunrooms | Price |
Heated solarium | Between $20,000 and $55,000 |
Glass-framed solarium (heatless) | Between $30,000 and $75,000 |
Polymer solarium (heatless) | Between $15,000 and $37,500 |
Sun porch-like solarium | Between $25,000 and $75,000 |
Source: Everything About Transforming Your Patio into a Solarium
Veranda
A veranda is an extension of the home that is unheated, not insulated, and not lived in year-round. With glass walls and a roof, it provides a view of the outdoors and creates a new living space. In summer, it can be equipped with a mosquito screen.
Types of Porches | Price |
PVC porch / veranda | Approximately $500 to $1,000 per sq. metre |
Aluminum porch / veranda | Approximately $600$ to $1,200 per sq. metre |
Lower-end wooden porch / veranda | Approximately $500 to $900 per sq. metre |
High-end wooden porch / veranda | Approximately $800 to $1,500 per sq. metre |
Steel or wrought iron porch / veranda | Between $800$ to $1,500 per sq. metre |
Source: How much does it cost to build a porch
Glass Sunroom
A glass sunroom is a fully or partially glazed opening, made of metal or wood, that replaces the facade of a house. It brings natural light inside and visually enlarges the space.
Types of Glass Sunrooms | Price |
3-season sunroom | $10,000 to $40,000 |
Year-round sunroom | $20,000 to $65,000 |
Source : Everything to know about sunrooms
Exterior Renovations
Landscaping
Pool
Types of Pool Projects | Price |
Price of an above-ground pool | Between $2,000 and $13,000 |
Price of a semi-inground pool | Between $10,000 and $50,000 |
Price of an inground pool | $40,000 or more |
Annual maintenance of an inground pool | $1,100 or more (with chemicals and hydro) |
Source: Installing a pool and setting up your backyard
Fences
Types of Fences | Price |
Chain link fence (frost) | $12–$40 per foot |
Aluminum fence | $45–$150 per foot |
Wrought iron fence | $30–$70 per foot |
PVC fence | $55–$100 per foot |
Wooden fence | $20–$70 per foot |
Composite wood fence | $85-$155 per foot |
Sources:
Retaining Wall
Types of Retaining Walls | Price |
Building a retaining wall (materials only) | Between $20 and $50 per sq. ft. |
Building a retaining wall (labour) | Between $20 and $160 per sq. ft. |
Source: Steps and Cost to Build a Retaining Wall
Paving, Asphalt, and Paver Stones
Project Types | Price |
Price of a gravel driveway (without excavation) | Approximately $1 to $4 per sq. ft. |
Price of a asphalt driveway (without excavation) | Approximately $3 to $2$ per sq. ft. |
Price of concrete stone driveway (without excavation) | Approximately $7 to $20 per sq. ft. |
Price of paving stones driveway (without excavation) | Approximately $10 to $30 per sq. ft. |
Sources:
Sewers and Septic Tanks
Service Types | Price |
Soil testing | Approximately between $600 and $2,000 (depends upon the regions) |
Installation | Between $10,000$ and $45,000 (can go up to $60,000) |
Inspection | Between $400 and $500 |
Upkeep | Between $150 and $700 |
Municipal sewer connection | Between $2,500 and $9,000 |
Sources:
Foundations and French Drains
Type of Repairs | Price |
Building inspection | $400 to $800 |
Easily accessible crack repair / Small cracks | $300 minimum per crack |
Big crack repair | $5,000 maximum per crack |
Epoxy injection for crack repair | $300 to $1,000 per crack |
Hard-to-access crack repair | $30,000 to $50,000 |
Partial foundation stabilization by hydraulic piles | $18,000 to $20,000 |
Full foundation stabilization by hydraulic piles | $30,000 to $40,000 |
Source: Foundation Repair Project Cost - How Much to Budget in 2025?
French Drain
Project Types | Price |
Installing a French drain (with excavation) | Approximately $15,000$ to $25,000 |
Replacing a French drain and waterproofing foundations | Between $120 and $150 per foot |
Source: French Drain Cost
Underpinning a House
Project Types | Price |
Costs related to underpinning the corner of a house | Approximately $450 per foot |
Adding foundations and underpinning a house | Approximately $1,100 per foot |
Source: Taking on a House With Underpinning Work : What to Know
Waterproofing
Project | Price |
Waterproofing foundation walls | $90 to $150 per linear foot |
Source: Reasons, Methods and Products to Waterproof Your Foundation
Exterior Staircases
Items | Price |
Basic tools and materials for a small wrought iron staircase repair | $10 to $200 |
Individual spindle unit in iron | $10 to $35 |
Source: How to fix your wrought iron staircase
Elevators
Project | Price |
Minimum price for a residential elevator | $65,000 to $175,000 |
Source: How to Install a Residential Elevator for Persons with a Mobility Impairment
Exterior Masonry
Type of Masonry Project | Price |
Repairing a bulging wall | About $20 to $65 per sq. ft. |
Rebricking a wall | About $20 to $50 per sq. ft. |
Straightforward rebricking (house without obstructions, windows, or complex insulation systems) | About $25 to $50 per sq. ft. |
Redoing masonry joints | About $10 to $30 per sq. ft. |
Average hourly rate of a mason | $85 to $109 per hour |
Foundation parging | About $4 to $7.50 per sq. ft. |
Source: Masonry Cost Guide
Exterior Cladding
Cleaning Exterior Cladding
Project Types | Price |
Buying a gas-fueled pressure washer | Between $400 and $2,000 |
Buying an electric pressure-washer | Between $100 and $600 |
Renting a gas-fueled pressure washer | Approximately $100 to $200 per day |
Renting an electric pressure-washer | Approximately $30 to $50per day |
Source: How to use a pressure washer
Exterior Cladding Materials
Types of Exterior Sidings | Price |
Vinyl exterior siding | ≈ $2.50 per $11 per sq. ft. |
Fibre cement panels | ≈ $5 per $15 per sq. ft. |
CanExel exterior siding (installation included) | ≈ $5 per $15 per sq. ft. |
Aluminum exterior siding | ≈ $4.50 per $12 per sq. ft. |
Suretouch (product only) | ≈ $8 per $15 per sq. ft. |
Wood siding | ≈ $10 per $25 per sq. ft. |
Acrylic coating and rendering (installation included) | ≈ $10 per $15 per sq. ft. |
Brick cladding | ≈ $25 per $55 per sq. ft. |
Source: Exterior cladding: installation and material prices
Doors and Windows
Front Doors
Type of Front Doors | Price (without installation) |
Steel front door | Between $200 and $3,000 |
Aluminum front door | Between $1,200 and $3,000 |
PVC front door | Between $450 and $3,000 |
Fibreglass front door | Between $900 and $3,000 |
Wood front door | Between $300 and $5,000 |
Front door installation | Between $400 and $800 |
Source: Front Door Prices - How Much to Budget
Barns Doors
Barn Accessories | Price |
Barn door hardware (standard aluminum) | $100 to $200 |
Barn door hardware (stainless steel) | $100 to $350 |
Barn door hardware (brass) | $150 to $600 |
Barn door hardware (custom design) | $100 to $600 |
Standard lightweight door | $200 to $500 |
Custom doors with glass inserts | $400 to $800 |
Wood barn door | $200 to $1,200 |
Source: Barn door How to Install a Barn Door + Cost Guide
Installing a Window
Window Installations | Price |
Full-frame installation | Between $500 and $1,500 per window |
Retrofit window installation | Between $300 to $850 per window (glass only) |
Storm window installation | Between $120 and $250 per window (glass only) |
Source: Cost to Install Windows – How Much to Budget
Window Types
Types of Windows | Price |
Single-hung window | between $200 and $900 |
Double-hung window | between $400 and $1,100 |
Casement window | between $350 and $1,200 |
Awning window | between $400 and $1,000 |
Transom window | between $500 and $1,200 |
Stationary window | between $300 and $1,300 |
Bay window | between $1,550 and $4,050 |
Bow window | between $2,500 and $4,000 |
Arched window | between $350 and $1,500 |
Sliding windows | between $800 and $1,000 |
Source: 7 different window styles to consider for your home
Roofing
Material | Price |
Asphalt shingle roof | Approximately $6 to $12 per sq. ft. |
Aluminum roof | Approximately $13 to $30 per sq. ft. |
Prepainted galvanized steel roof | Approximately $13 and $30 per sq. ft. |
Copper / Zinc roof | Approximately $13 to $30 per sq. ft. |
Wooden shingle roof | Approximately $15 to $25 per sq. ft. (cedar) and approximately $10 to $25 per sq. ft. (larch) |
TPO or EPDM roof | Approximately $11 to $16 per sq. ft. |
Gravel roof | Approximately $9 to $20 per sq. ft. |
Multilayer asphalt membrane roof | Approximately $9 to $10 per sq. ft. |
Recycled tire roofing (including installation) | Approximately $12 to $40 per sq. ft. |
Green roof (with the cost of the roofing material) | Approximately $15 to $48 per sq. ft. |
Building permit for a roof terrace in Montreal | Approximately $160 |
Building a rooftop terrace | Between $15,000 and $40,000 |
Sources:
Soffits and Gutters
Types | Price |
Vinyl gutter installation (materials & labour) | $4 to $9 per foot |
Galvanized steel gutter installation (materials & labour) | $4 to $15 per foot |
Aluminum gutter installation (materials & labour) | $4 to $12 per foot |
Copper gutter installation (materials & labour) | $15 to $35 per foot |
PVC gutter installation (materials & labour) | $3 to $10 per foot |
Professional gutter maintenance | $100 to $350 |
Gutter guard installation | $1 to $4.50 per foot |
Installing soffits | Approximately $10 per foot |
Installing fascias | $12 to $25 per foot |
Source: Gutter installation cost guide
Cornices
Project | Price |
Renovating a cornice | $10,000 to $70,000 |
Source: How to repair a cornice moulding
Materials and Techniques
Insulation
Insulation Materials
Insulation Types | Price |
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) | $2–$4 per sq. ft. |
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) | $3–$6 per sq. ft. |
Closed-cell polyurethane spray foam | $3–$8 per sq. ft. |
Open-cell polyurethane foam | Approximately $3 per sq. ft. |
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) | $1.50–$8 per sq. ft. |
Ecobill MD/® (polystyrene microbeads) | $2–$4 per sq. ft. |
Soybean oil-based foam | $3–$6 per sq. ft. |
Rockwool | $1.40–$5.90 per sq. ft. |
Fibreglass | $0.90–$5.90 per sq. ft. |
Cellular glass | Approximately $4.20 per sq. ft. |
Cellulose | Approximately $1 per sq. ft. |
Hemp | $1–$4 per sq. ft. |
Straw bale | $5–$18 per sq. ft. |
Cotton | $1.50–$3.50 per sq. ft. |
Cork | Approximately $0.70 per sq. ft. |
Source: The cost of insulation
Other Insulation Projects
Insulation Projects | Price |
Insulating an attic and bringing up to code | Approximately $0.50 to $4 per sq. ft. |
A bag of cellulose insulation material covering about 15 square feet with a level of R-50 | $15 to $17 |
Source: Materials and techniques to insulate an attic
Soundproofing
Product or Material | Price |
Injecting cellulose in a new house | Approximately $1 to $3 per sq. ft. |
Injecting cellulose in a house that has already been built | Approximately $2 to $4 per sq. ft. |
Installing Rockwool | Approximately $1 to $3 per sq. ft. |
Installing acoustic panels | Approximately $20 to $35 per sq. ft. |
Acoustic membrane installed on the floors | Approximately $0.50 to $5 per sq. ft. |
Source: What Are the Best Acoustic Insulation Methods?
Paint
Paint Products or Jobs | Price |
Gallon of paint | $20 to $100 |
A salvaged gallon of paint | $20 to $30 |
200-square foot room (1 colour) | $200 to $500 |
200-square foot room (2 colours) | $340 to $800 |
200-square foot room needing repairs (1 colour) | $300 to $700 |
300-square foot room (1 colour) | $400 to $900 |
300-square foot room (2 colours) | $400 to $1,000 |
300-square foot room needing repairs (1 colour) | $400 to $900 |
Labour cost | $1 to $6 per sq. ft. |
Professional painter | $25 to $80 per hour |
Student house painter | $15 to $25 per hour |
Source: How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House?
Wallcovering Materials
Wallcoverings | Price |
Paint | Between $25 and $100 per gallon |
Wallpaper | Between $70 and $150 per roll + installation: $3 to $7 per sq. ft. |
Decorative panel | Between $20 and $200 per panel |
Wood and derivatives | Between $7 and $16 per sq. ft. |
Bricks and imitation bricks | Between $5 and $15 per sq. ft. |
Stone and imitation stone | Between $10 and $30 per sq. ft. |
Ceramic | Between $10 and $32 per sq. ft. |
Concrete | Between $14 and $15 per sq. ft. |
Sources:
Walls
Projects | Price |
Creating an opening in a load-bearing wall | $1,500 to $3,000 |
Removing a load-bearing wall | $2,000 to $8,000 |
Source: How to create an opening in a load-bearing wall
Floors
Sanding a Floor
Projects | Price |
Renting a machine and doing it yourself | $30 to $100 per day |
Giving the job to a professional | $3 to $6 per sq. ft. |
Source: Sanding Hardwood Floors
Types of Flooring Materials
Material | Material Cost | Installation Cost |
Hardwood | - Traditional wood: $2 to $17 per sq. ft. | - $2.50 to $7 per sq. ft. |
Flooring removal | N/A | $2 to $5 per sq. ft. |
Subflooring replacement | N/A | $0.50 to $6 per sq. ft. |
Flooring refinishing (sanding, varnishing, staining) | N/A | $1 to $7 per sq. ft. |
Engineered wood | $6 to $10 per sq. ft. | $3 to $11 per sq. ft. |
Bamboo | $4 to $14 per sq. ft. | $3.75 to $5.75 per sq. ft. |
Cork | $2.50 to $11 per sq. ft. | $2 to $10 per sq. ft. |
Laminate | $1 to $3 per sq. ft. | $1.50 to $7 per sq. ft. |
Ceramic tiles | $2 to $9 per sq. ft. | $4 to $32 per sq. ft. |
Porcelain tiles | $1 to $5 per sq. ft. | $6 to $20 per sq. ft. |
Natural stones | $6 to $15 per sq. ft. | $15 to $30 per sq. ft. |
Concrete | - $3.75 to $15 per sq. ft. (polished concrete- including installation) | n/a |
Vinyl | - Tiles: $1 to $9 per sq. ft. | $0.60 to $2 per sq. ft. |
Linoleum | - Rolls: $2.50 to $6 per sq. ft. | $0.60 to $1.50 per sq. ft. (rolls and tiles) |
Carpeting | - $3.50 to $6/sq. ft. | - $0.60/sq. ft. (glue-down carpet) |
Rubber | - $2.50 to $14.50/sq. ft. | - $8/sq. ft. |
Low-end floating floor | - $1.50 to $3/sq. ft. | - $1 to $4/sq. ft. |
Mid-range floating floor | - $2.50 to $5/sq. ft. | - $1 to $4/sq. ft. |
High-end floating floor | - $4.50 to $12/sq. ft. | - $1 to $4/sq. ft. |
Epoxy | - $3 to $12/sq. ft. (materials + installation) | n/a |
Sources:
Building Permits, Tests, and Other Authorizations
Type of permits or certificates | Prices |
|---|---|
Municipal sewer connection | $2,500 - $9,000 |
Plan made by an architectural technologist | $1 - $3/sq. ft |
Prince of a renovation / Construction license in Montreal | $9,80 per $1000, for a minimum cost of $164,20 for a strictly residential building |
Location certificate | Approx. $1,580 |
Salary - Construction cost estimator | $19 - $43/h |
Soil and water quality testing | $700 - $3,000 |
Source: Planning your budget for your self-build project
Project Size and Scenario Examples: How Costs Vary by Home Size and Condition
To better understand how renovation costs scale with different projects, consider these real-world scenarios using the pricing data from our guide. Renovating a 1,000 sq. ft. unfinished basement, for example, could range from $70,000 to $100,000, based on the estimated $70 to $100 per square foot for basement finishing.
If you’re updating an older home and need to replace the plumbing throughout, expect to budget approximately $50,000 to $250,000 for a full pipe replacement, as costs are estimated at $50 to $250 per linear foot.
For a more extensive project, such as adding a 300 sq. ft. lateral extension, you might spend between $60,000 and $150,000, with lateral extensions typically priced at $200 to $500 per square foot.
These examples show how the total budget can vary dramatically depending on the size of the area being renovated and the complexity of the work involved, helping you set realistic expectations for your own project.
Additional and Hidden Costs: What to Expect Beyond the Basics
When planning a home renovation, it’s easy to focus on the visible expenses—materials, labour, and major fixtures. However, there are additional and often hidden costs that can significantly impact your overall budget. Here are some of the most common extra expenses to keep in mind:
Permits and Inspections
Most structural, plumbing, or electrical renovations require permits from your local municipality. Permit fees can vary widely depending on the scope of work and your location, and skipping them can result in costly fines or delays. Inspections may also be required at various stages, with their own associated fees.
Design and Professional Fees
If your project involves an architect, designer, or engineer, expect to pay either a flat fee or a percentage of your total renovation cost. These professionals ensure your renovation is both functional and up to code, but their expertise comes at a cost.
Taxes
Don’t forget to include sales tax (such as GST/HST) on materials and services, which can add a significant amount to your final bill.
Unforeseen or Contingency Costs:No matter how well you plan, surprises like outdated wiring, water damage, or structural issues can arise once work begins. Experts recommend setting aside at least 10–15% of your renovation budget to cover these unexpected expenses.
Regional Price Variations
Renovation costs can differ significantly across Canada, depending on the region or city where your project takes place. For example, homeowners in provinces like British Columbia and Ontario often encounter higher renovation prices compared to those in Alberta or other areas, due to differences in local labour rates, material availability, and demand for skilled trades.
Even within a province, urban centres typically have higher costs than rural communities. Before finalizing your renovation budget, it’s important to research typical prices in your specific location and consult local professionals to get accurate, region-specific estimates. This will help you avoid surprises and ensure your budget reflects the realities of your area.
Other Potential Extras:
Temporary accommodations if your home becomes unlivable during renovations
Storage fees for furniture or belongings
Utility connection or disconnection charges
Additional insurance coverage during construction
By factoring in these additional and hidden costs from the outset, you can create a more accurate budget and avoid unpleasant surprises as your renovation progresses.
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
Editorial Team
•25 Jul 2025
Whether classic, modern, or farmhouse-inspired, your kitchen is still one of the most important parts of your home, and remodelling is a project on its own.
Editorial Team
•03 Jun 2025
Needless to say, the long-term durability of a house depends heavily on the lack of seepage, above all in the foundation. Excessive humidity can have devastating and damaging long-term effects, both on your home and your health. Moreover, mould and bacteria growth can end up being very costly.
Équipe éditoriale
•24 Sep 2024
Do you appreciate old houses and their unique charm? If you're about to buy one or renovate the one you're currently living in, here are some ideas to inspire you!
Karine Dutemple
•07 Nov 2023
Do you have lots of energy to spare and are thinking about buying a house to flip it? Take a look at these few examples of flips to find ideas for this large-scale project!
Editorial Team
•17 Apr 2024
In Quebec, summertime is short-lived. Since we want to enjoy it as much as possible, we rarely hesitate to make our backyards a full-on, outdoor living space. No matter the design or layout, a patio or deck remains the centrepiece. This versatile space can be used as a living room, a dining room, and a remote office. Six months out of the year, it’s a household fan favourite. Since it has an expiration date, your deck might have lost its charm or is no longer suitable in size or location.