The Ultimate 2025 Home Renovation Cost Guide
By Léa Plourde-Archer
Updated on October 23, 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.
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How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a House in Canada? See Our Pricing Guide:
Air Conditioning and Heating
Air Conditioning
Type of renovation | Average price |
|---|---|
Portable/Mobile air conditioner | $300 - $2,000 |
Window air conditioner | $150 - $840 |
Wall-mounted air conditioner | $1,000 - $6,000 |
Conditioner (split air conditioner) | $2,500 - $7,000 |
Central air conditioner (air-flow) | $3,000 - $9,000 |
Ceiling air conditioning system | $6,500 - $15,000 |
Ductless air conditioner | $1,500 - $7,000 |
Heat pump (prices in general) | $1,000 - $20,000 |
Source: The cost of air conditioners
Heating Systems
Type of heating system | Average price |
|---|---|
Natural gas heating system | $4,000 - $8,000 |
Geothermal system | $20,000 - $50,000 |
Electric furnace | $2,000 - $5,000 |
Propane heating | $4,000 - $7,500 |
Wall heating | $800 - $9,000 |
Forced air heating | $2,000 - $8,000 |
Hot water heating (hydronic) | $1,000 - $12,000 |
Heat pump (prices in general) | $1,000 - $20,000 |
Source: Heating System Cost Guide
Humidifers
Type of humidifier | Average price |
|---|---|
Central | $800 - $4,000 |
Cool mist | $45 - $200 |
Warm mist | $55 - $500 |
Ultrasound | $40 - $300 |
Source: How to Solve a Dry Air Problem
Kitchen
Kitchen Counters
Type of project or material | Average price (per square foot) |
|---|---|
Slate | $100 - $400 |
Granite | $50 - $190 |
Marble | $45 - $250 |
Quartz | $50 - $150 |
Concrete | $70 - $250 |
Stainless steel | $70 - $150 |
Synthetic | $60 - $200 |
Recycled material | $100 - $300 |
Wood | $13 - $120 |
Laminate | $6 - $30 |
Tile | $30 - $100 |
Dekton | $50 - $150 |
Source: Price guide: kitchen countertops
Kitchen Sinks
Type of sink or accessory | Average price |
|---|---|
Stainless steel sink | $50 - $600 |
Ceramic sink | $180 - $350 |
Resin sink | $100 - $300 |
Stone sink | $150 - $800 |
Source: How to choose your kitchen sink
Cupboards and Drawers
Type of element | Average price |
|---|---|
Melamine | $10 - $20/linear foot |
Polymer (or thermoplastic) | $30 - $40/linear foot |
Polyester | $30 - $40/linear foot |
Acrylic | $70 - $80/linear foot |
Lacquer | $80 - $100/linear foot |
Wood | $100 - $120/linear foot |
Handles | $5 - $50/per piece |
Source: Cost of Kitchen Cabinets - Price Tag on Custom Designs?
Kitchen Backsplashes
Type of backsplash | Average Price |
|---|---|
Ceramic | $1 - $12/sq. ft. |
Porcelain | $5 - $15/sq. ft. |
Glass Tiles | $15 - $50/sq. ft. |
Glass Panels | $45 - $150/sq. ft. |
Marble Tile | $36 - $100/sq. ft. |
Slate Tile | $50 - $150/sq. ft. |
Adhesive Tile | $12 - $22/sq. ft. |
Source: Kitchen Backsplash Price Guide - How Much to Budget in 2025?
Electricity and Lighting
Type of electricity or lighting renovation | Average price |
|---|---|
Renovation of a 100A electrical system (panel that is already up to code) | $700 - $1,600 |
Renovation of a 100A electrical system (panel that is not up to code) | $1,000 - $1,500 |
Renovation of a 200A electrical system | $1,500 - $2,000 |
Installation of an auxiliary electrical system | $250 - $800 |
Installing a new electrical panel | $650 - $1,500 |
Installation of a 120V electrical circuit | $300 - $700 |
Installation of a 240V electrical circuit | $350 - $700 |
Add a standard electrical outlet (existing circuit) | $200 - $300 |
Add a standard electrical outlet (new circuit) | $250 - $350 |
Partial or complete rewiring | $5,000 + |
System grounding | $100 - $500 |
Electrical plan for new construction or major renovation | $300 - $2,000 |
Source: Cost of electrical repairs
Bathroom
Bathubs
Type | Price |
|---|---|
Whirlpool bathtub | $1,000 - $8,000 |
Alcove bathtub | $200 - $5,000 |
Freestanding bathtub | $500 - $6,000 |
Enameled steel bathtub | $200 - $500 |
Acrylic bathtub | $300 - $6,000 |
Showers
Type | Price |
|---|---|
Single Shower Door | $200 - $1,000 |
Sliding Shower Door | $500 - $3,000 |
Shower Column | $100 - $3,000 |
One-Piece Shower | $600 - $3,000 |
Modular Shower | $750 - $1,200 |
Custom Shower | $2,000 - $15,000 |
Rectangular / Alcove Showers | $1,000 - $4,000 |
Round Corner Showers | $700 - $3,000 |
Square Showers | $800 - $4,000 |
Toilets
Type | Price |
|---|---|
One-Piece Toilets | $400 - $3,000 |
Two-Piece Toilets | $200 - $2,000 |
Chair Height Toilets / Comfort Height Toilets | $200 - $3,000 |
Standard Height Toilets | $200 - $2,000 |
Elongated Toilets | $200 - $3,000 |
Round Toilets | $200 - $4,000 |
Single Flush Toilets | $100 - $3,000 |
Dual Flush Toilets | $400 - $9,000 |
Wall-Mounted Toilets | $500 - $2,000 |
Sinks
Type | Price |
|---|---|
Vitreous china | $200 - $1,000 |
Glass | $100 - $400 |
Copper | $200 - $800 |
Cast iron | $200 - $1,500 |
Ceramic | $100 - $400 |
Faucets
Type | Price |
|---|---|
1 handle | $50 - $800 |
2 handles | $100 - $1500 |
Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers
Type | Price |
|---|---|
Standard vanity cabinet | $300 - $7,000 |
Prefabricated cabinet (medicine cabinet) | $100 - $2,500 |
Countertops
Type | Price |
|---|---|
Laminate countertop | $6 - $30/sq.ft |
Granite countertop | $50 - $190/sq.ft |
Marble countertop | $45 - $250/sq.ft |
Quartz countertop | $50 - $150/sq.ft |
Wood countertop | $13 - $120/sq.ft |
Tile countertop | $30 - $100/sq.ft |
Bathroom Flooring
Type | Price |
|---|---|
Vinyl tile flooring (materials) | $1 - $9/sq.ft |
Linoleum flooring (installation - rolls and tiles) | $0.60 - $1.50/sq.ft |
Ceramic flooring (installation) | $4 - $8/sq.ft |
Porcelain and slate tiles (installation) | $6 - $20/sq.ft |
Natural stone mosaic (materials) | $6 - $15/sq.ft |
Cork flooring (installation) | approx. $2/sq.ft |
Wallcoverings
Type | Price |
|---|---|
Tile wall covering (materials only) | $5 - $10/sq.ft |
Natural stone wall | $12 - $20/sq.ft |
Decorative stone wall | $4 - $9/sq.ft |
Lighting
Type | Price |
|---|---|
Wall lights / Wall sconce | $60 - $600 |
Ceiling lights | $20 - $700 |
Accessories and Decor
Type | Price |
|---|---|
Towel rack | $10 - $600 |
Mirror | $50 - $800 |
Bath mat | $10 - $200 |
Ventilation
Type | Price |
|---|---|
Bathroom fan | $30 - $500 |
Ventilation duct cleaning | $400 - $800 |
Insulation
Type | Price |
|---|---|
Rock wool | $1.40 - $5.90/sq.ft |
Expanded polystyrene | $2 - $4/sq.ft |
Cellulose | approx. $1/sq.ft |
Source: Price Guide 2025: Bathroom Renovation Project
Mouldings
Type | Price |
|---|---|
Hardwood mouldings | $2 - $6/linear foot |
Pine mouldings | $1 - $6/linear foot |
Cedar mouldings | $9 - $12/linear foot |
Exotic wood mouldings (e.g.. walnut) | $24 - $35/linear foot |
Plaster mouldings | $5 - $15/linear foot |
Plaster-covered foam | approx. $7/linear foot |
Polyurethane foam | approx. $9/linear foot |
MDF mouldings | $1 - $12/ linear foot |
Source: Crown Moulding: Everything You Need to Know
Basement
Type of basement renovation project | Average price |
|---|---|
Setting up an unfinished basement | Approximately $70 to $100/square foot |
Demolishing a finished basement | Min. $3,000 |
Excavating the basement to increase the size of your house (with underpinning) | $50,000 - $150,000 |
Building a wine cellar | $5,000 - $20,000 |
Sources:
Ceilings
Buying a suspended ceiling (excluding installation): Between $2 and $10 per square foot
Source: How to Install a Drop Ceiling
Ventilation
Installing a bathroom fan: Between $100 and $600
Source: What to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Fan
Plumbing
Plumbing project | Average cost |
|---|---|
Replacing pipes | $100 - $250/linear foot |
Installing a water heater | $750 - $1,400 |
Replacing a toilet | $250 - $700 |
Replacing a sink | $200 - $600 |
Replacing a shower | $2,500 + |
Replacing a bathub | $1,300 - $1,500 |
Renovating the plumbing of a complete bathroom | $5,000 + |
Installing a kitchen sink | $250 - $700 |
Plumber rates in Quebec | $42 - $180/h. |
Source: How much do plumbing renovations cost?
Others
Central Vacuum Cleaner
Buying a central vacuum cleaner: Between $200 and $2,000
Source: All You Need to Know About Central Vacuum Systems
Walk-In Closet
Setting up a walk-in closet: Between $500 and $3,000
Source: Planning for a master walk-in closet
Structures and Extensions
Home Addition / Extension
Types of home extension | Prices |
|---|---|
Adding a floor | $175 - $400/sq.ft / $100,000 - $300,000 |
Adding a storey above a garage | $100,000 - $200,000 |
Adding a grade-level room | $75,000 - $175,000 |
Cantilever home addition | $30,000 - $60,000 |
Lateral extension / Single-story conversion | $200 - $500/sq.ft |
Finishing a basement | $70 - $100/sq.ft |
Two-storey addition (first floor) | $360 - $480/sq.ft |
Two-storey addition (second floor) | $210 - $240/sq.ft |
Minimal budget | Approx. $75,000 |
Total price | $100,000 - $300,000 |
Sources:
Adding a Floor to a Home
Type of floor addition project | Average price |
|---|---|
Total price of the work | Between $175 and $400/square foot or $100,000 to $300,000 |
Floor with bedrooms | Approximately $175 to $400/square foot |
Floor with a full apartment | Approximately $175 to $240/square foot |
Source: What you should know before adding a floor to your home
Deck and Balcony
Balconies
Balcony materials and elements | Average price |
|---|---|
Natural wood | Between $75 and $85/square foot |
Pressure treated wood | Between $65 and $80/square foot |
Plastic and composite | Between $55 and $65/square foot |
Source: Balcony Price Guide
Decks
Material | Average Cost | Design & Installation Cost |
Redwood cedar | $4–$5 per square foot | $40–$60 per square foot |
Pavers | $4–$12 per square foot | $20–$30 per square foot |
Composite decking | $6–$12 per square foot | $50–$85 per square foot |
Torrefied wood | $6–$12 per square foot | $50–$70 per square foot |
Ipe wood | $10–$15 per square foot | n/a |
Teak | $10–$15 per square foot | n/a |
Fibreglass | $14–$55 per square foot (+ $2.50 to $4/sq.ft for sanding) | n/a |
Pressure-treated wood | Roughly $25 per square foot | Roughly $50 per square foot |
Concrete | $45–$80 per square foot (includes labour and reinforcement materials) | n/a |
Source: Deck and Patio Cost Guide
Garages and More
Garages
Elements | Prices |
|---|---|
Single garage | $35,000 - $75,000 |
Double garage | $80,000 - $140,000 |
Steel garage door | $2,000 - $5,000 |
Aluminum garage door | $2,000 - $6,000 |
Wooden garage door | $6,000 - $12,000 |
Single door installation | $400 - $500 |
Double door installation | $250 - $300 |
Door opener motor | $350 - $500 |
Gazebos
Type of project or gazebo material | Average 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
Type of project or shed material | Average 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/sq. ft. |
Price for wooden walls and floors | $3,000–$10,000; $40–$50/sq. ft. |
Price for resin walls and floors | $3,000–$10,000; $45–$50/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 sunroom | Average 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.
Type of porch | Average price |
|---|---|
PVC porch / Veranda | Approximately $500 to $1,000/ square meter |
Aluminum porch / Veranda | Approximately $600$ to $1,200/square meter |
Lower-end wooden porch / Veranda | Approximately $500 to $900/square meter |
High-end wooden porch / Veranda | Approximately $800 to $1,500/square meter |
Steel or wrought iron porch / Veranda | Between $800$ to $1,500/square meter |
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 sunrooms | Average price |
|---|---|
3-season sunroom | $10,000 - $40,000 |
Year-round sunroom | $20,000 - $65,000 |
Source : Everything to know about sunrooms
Exterior Renovations
Landscaping
Pool
Type of project or pool | Average 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 + |
Annual maintenance of an inground pool | $1,100 + (with chemicals and hydro) |
Source: Installing a pool and setting up your backyard
Fences
Type of Fence | Average Cost (Per Linear Foot) |
Chain link fence (frost) | $12–$40 |
Aluminum fence | $45–$150 |
Wrought iron fence | $30–$70 |
PVC fence | $55–$100 |
Wooden fence | $20–$70 |
Composite wood fence | $85-$155 |
Sources:
Retaining Wall
Type of retaining wall project | Average price |
|---|---|
Building a retaining wall (materials only) | Between $20 and $50/square foot |
Building a retaining wall (labour) | Between $20 and $160/square foot |
Source: Steps and Cost to Build a Retaining Wall
Paving, Asphalt, and Paver Stones
Type of paving, asphalting or paver stone project | Average price |
|---|---|
Price of a gravel driveway (without excavation) | Approximately $1 to $4/square foot |
Price of a asphalt driveway (without excavation) | Approximately $3 to $2$/square foot |
Price of concrete stone driveway (without excavation) | Approximately $7 to $20/square foot |
Price of paving stones driveway (without excavation) | Approximately $10 to $30/square foot |
Sources:
Sewers and Septic Tanks
Type of service | 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 Repair | Price Point |
Building inspection | $400–$800 |
Easily accessible crack repair / Small cracks | $300 min./crack |
Big crack repair | $5,000 max./crack |
Epoxy injection for crack repair | $300 – $1,000/crack |
Hard-to-access crack repair | $30,000 - $50,000 |
Partial foundation stabilization by hydraulic piles | $18,000 - $20,000 |
Full foundation stabilization by hydraulic piles | $30,000 - $40,000 |
Source: Foundation Repair Project Cost - How Much to Budget in 2025?
French Drain
Type of French drain project | Average 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 linear foot |
Source: French Drain Cost
Underpinning a House
Types of underpinning projects | Average price |
|---|---|
Costs related to underpinning the corner of a house | Approximately $450 per linear foot |
Adding foundations and underpinning a house | Approximately $1,100 per linear foot |
Source: Taking on a House With Underpinning Work : What to Know
Waterproofing
Waterproofing foundation walls: between $90 and $150/linear foot
Source: Reasons, Methods and Products to Waterproof Your Foundation
Exterior Staircases
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
Minimum price for a residential elevator: between $65,000 and $175,000
Source: How to Install a Residential Elevator for Persons with a Mobility Impairment
Exterior Masonry
Type of Masonry Project | Average Price |
|---|---|
Repairing a bulging wall | About $20 to $65/sq. ft. |
Rebricking a wall | About $20 to $50/sq. ft. |
Straightforward rebricking (house without obstructions, windows, or complex insulation systems) | About $25 to $50/sq. ft. |
Redoing masonry joints | About $10 to $30/sq. ft. |
Average hourly rate of a mason | $85 to $109 per hour |
Foundation parging | About $4 to $7.50/sq. ft. |
Source: Masonry Cost Guide
Exterior Cladding
Cleaning Exterior Cladding
Type of cleaning for exterior cladding | Average 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/day |
Renting an electric pressure-washer | Approximately $30 to $50/day |
Source: How to use a pressure washer
Exterior Cladding Materials
Type of Exterior Siding | Average Cost |
Vinyl exterior siding | ≈ $2.50–$11/sq. ft |
Fibre cement panels | ≈ $5–$15/sq. ft |
CanExel exterior siding (installation included) | ≈ $5–$15/sq. ft |
Aluminum exterior siding | ≈ $4.50–$12/sq. ft |
Suretouch (product only) | ≈ $8–$15/sq. ft |
Wood siding | ≈ $10–$25/sq. ft |
Acrylic coating and rendering (installation included) | ≈ $10–$15/sq. ft |
Brick cladding | ≈ $25–$55/sq. ft |
Source: Exterior cladding: installation and material prices
Doors and Windows
Front Doors
Type of front door | Price range (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
Type of barn door or accessory | Average 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
Type of Window Installation | Average 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
Type of window | Average 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
Type of roofing material or project | Average price |
|---|---|
Asphalt shingle roof | Approximately $6 to $12/square foot |
Aluminum roof | Approximately $13 to $30/square foot |
Prepainted galvanized steel roof | Approximately $13 and $30/square foot |
Copper / Zinc roof | Approximately $13 to $30/square foot |
Wooden shingle roof | Approximately $15 to $25/square foot (cedar) and approximately $10 to $25/square foot (larch) |
TPO or EPDM roof | Approximately $11 to $16/square foot |
Gravel roof | Approximately $9 to $20/square foot |
Multilayer asphalt membrane roof | Approximately $9 to $10/square foot |
Recycled tire roofing (including installation) | Approximately $12 to $40/square foot |
Green roof (with the cost of the roofing material) | Approximately $15 to $48/square foot |
Building permit for a roof terrace in Montreal | Approx. $160 |
Building a rooftop terrace | Between $15,000 and $40,000 |
Sources:
Soffits and Gutters
Types | Average Cost |
Vinyl gutter installation (materials & labour) | $4–$9 per linear foot |
Galvanized steel gutter installation (materials & labour) | $4–$15 per linear foot |
Aluminum gutter installation (materials & labour) | $4–$12 per linear foot |
Copper gutter installation (materials & labour) | $15–$35 per linear foot |
PVC gutter installation (materials & labour) | $3-$10 per linear foot |
Professional gutter maintenance | $100–$350 |
Gutter guard installation | $1-$4.50 per linear foot |
Installing soffits | approx. $10 per linear foot |
Installing fascias | $12 to $25 per linear foot |
Source: Gutter installation cost guide
Cornices
Renovating a cornice can easily cost between $10 000 and $70 000
Source: How to repair a cornice moulding
Materials and Techniques
Insulation
Insulation Materials
Insulation Type | Price Per Sq. Ft./Rooms |
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) | $2–$4 |
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) | $3–$6 |
Closed-cell polyurethane spray foam | $3–$8 |
Open-cell polyurethane foam | approx. $3 |
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) | $1.50–$8 |
Ecobill MD/® (polystyrene microbeads) | $2–$4 |
Soybean oil-based foam | $3–$6 |
Rockwool | $1.40–$5.90 |
Fibreglass | $0.90–$5.90 |
Cellular glass | approx. $4.20 |
Cellulose | approx. $1 |
Hemp | $1–$4 |
Straw bale | $5–$18 |
Cotton | $1.50–$3.50 |
Cork | approx. $0.70 |
Source: The cost of insulation
Other Insulation Projects
Type of insulation project | Average price |
|---|---|
Insulating an attic and bringing up to code | Approximately $0.50 to $4/square foot |
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
Type of soundproofing product or material | Average price |
|---|---|
Injecting cellulose in a new house | Approximately $1 to $3/square foot |
Injecting cellulose in a house that has already been built | Approximately $2 to $4/square foot |
Installing Rockwool | Approximately $1 to $3/square foot |
Installing acoustic panels | Approximately $20 to $35/square foot |
Acoustic membrane installed on the floors | Approximately $0.50 to $5/square foot |
Source: What Are the Best Acoustic Insulation Methods?
Paint
Paint Products or Jobs | Average Cost |
Gallon of paint | $20–$100 |
A salvaged gallon of paint | $20–$30 |
200-square foot room (1 colour) | $200–$500 |
200-square foot room (2 colours) | $340–$800 |
200-square foot room needing repairs (1 colour) | $300–$700 |
300-square foot room (1 colour) | $400–$900 |
300-square foot room (2 colours) | $400–$1,000 |
300-square foot room needing repairs (1 colour) | $400–$900 |
Labour cost | $1–$6/sq. ft. |
Professional painter | $25–$80/hr |
Student house painter | $15–$25/hr |
Find a home painting contractor near you
Source: How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House?
Wallcovering Materials
Wallcoverings | Prices |
|---|---|
Paint | Between $25 and $100/gallon |
Wallpaper | Between $70 and $150/roll + installation : $3 - $7/ sq.ft |
Decorative panel | Between $20 and $200/panel |
Wood and derivatives | Between $7 and $16/sq. ft |
Bricks and imitation bricks | Between $5 and $15/sq. ft |
Stone and imitation stone | Between $10 and $30/sq. ft |
Ceramic | Between $10 and $32/sq. ft |
Concrete | Between $14 and $15/sq. ft |
Sources:
Walls
Creating an opening in a load-bearing wall: approximately $1,500 to $3,000
Removing a load-bearing wall: approximately $2,000 to $8,000
Source: How to create an opening in a load-bearing wall
Floors
Sanding a Floor
Renting a machine and doing it yourself: approximately $30 to $100/day
Giving the job to a professional: approximately $3 to $6/square foot
Source: Sanding Hardwood Floors
Types of Flooring Materials
Material | Material Cost | Installation Cost |
Hardwood | - Traditional wood: $2 to $17/sq. ft. | - $2.50 to $7/sq. ft. |
Flooring removal | N/A | - $2 to $5/sq. ft. |
Subflooring replacement | N/A | - $0.50 to $6/sq. ft. |
Flooring refinishing (sanding, varnishing, staining) | N/A | - $1 to $7/sq. ft. |
Engineered wood | - $6 to $10/sq. ft. | - $3 to $11/sq. ft. |
Bamboo | - $4 to $14/sq. ft. | - $3.75 to $5.75/sq. ft. |
Cork | - $2.50 to $11/sq. ft. | - $2 to $10/sq. ft. |
Laminate | - $1 to $3/sq. ft. | - $1.50 to $7/sq. ft. |
Ceramic tiles | - $2 to $9/sq. ft. | - $4 to $32/sq. ft. |
Porcelain tiles | - $1 to $5/sq. ft. | - $6 to $20/sq. ft. |
Natural stones | - $6 to $15/sq. ft. | - $15 to $30/sq. ft. |
Concrete | - $3.75 to $15/sq. ft. (polished concrete- including installation) | n/a |
Vinyl | - Tiles: $1 to $9/sq. ft. | - $0.60 to $2/sq. ft. |
Linoleum | - Rolls: $2.50 to $6/sq. ft. | - $0.60 to $1.50/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.
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