Home Renovation Costs in Toronto — 2026 Guide
Accurate budgeting is the foundation of a successful renovation. In 2026, Toronto renovation costs reflect stabilized material supply chains offset by continued wage pressure in the skilled trades — licensed plumbers and electricians currently command $100–$160 per hour. Lumber remains approximately 20% above 2023 levels. These factors make realistic planning more important than ever. Use the service hubs to go deeper: bathroom renovations, kitchen renovations, basement renovations, and condo renovations. Book a free consultation for a fixed-price quote on your scope.
Cost Ranges by Project Type
The table below summarizes typical all-in planning ranges for 2026. Your fixed-price quote reflects the exact scope you approve — materials, labour, permits, and project management — not a rough allowance.
| Project type | Typical 2026 range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom renovation | $15,000–$55,000+ | Standard refresh through luxury remodel — see the bathroom guide for tier detail |
| Kitchen renovation | $20,000–$100,000+ | Essential upgrades through custom builds — layout and appliances drive the spread |
| Basement renovation | $45,000–$150,000 ($45–$95/sq ft) | Depends on size, scope, and suite-level work — see the basement guide for per-sq-ft detail |
| Second-floor or rear additions | $280,000–$450,000+ | Size, structure, and finish level — scoped on consultation |
| Condo renovation | Scoped per unit | Same fixed-price approach; schedules align with your corporation |
| Whole-home renovation | $100,000–$600,000+ | Wide band by square footage, age of home, and structural scope |
| Main floor open-concept conversion | $40,000–$150,000+ | Structural and mechanical work often sets the pace and budget |
Every home is unique. These are starting ranges — your free consultation includes a detailed quote tailored to your specific project.
Deeper breakdowns: bathroom renovation guide, kitchen renovation essentials, and basement renovation guide. Custom home budgets are covered in our custom build cost guide.
For older Toronto homes, whole-home gut renovations often average $450–$550 per square foot once remediation (wiring, asbestos, structural updates) is included. Cosmetic work within the existing footprint typically falls in a lower per-square-foot band. Timeline varies by project type; your consultation includes a written schedule.
Where the Money Goes
Understanding how renovation budgets break down helps you evaluate quotes and spot red flags. For a typical mid-range kitchen, the general allocation is:
| Category | Share of budget |
|---|---|
| Cabinetry and millwork | ~30% |
| Installation labour | ~20% |
| Appliances and ventilation | ~15% |
| Countertops | ~10% |
| Flooring | ~10% |
| Electrical, plumbing, lighting, finishes | ~15% |
These proportions shift with project scope — a bathroom renovation allocates more to tile and waterproofing, while a basement finish directs more toward moisture mitigation and mechanical systems.
Get a Fixed-Price Quote for Your Project
We provide detailed, fixed-price quotes that cover the full agreed scope — so you know your real number before work begins.
Book a Free ConsultationContingency: Not Optional
A 10–20% contingency fund is standard practice in Toronto residential construction. This is not a luxury buffer — it protects against discoveries that are routine in older homes: foundation moisture, non-compliant framing from previous owners, outdated wiring behind walls, or hidden water damage. The vast majority of renovation projects encounter at least one unforeseen condition during demolition.
Budget your contingency on top of the quoted project cost, not included within it. If your contractor's quote includes contingency, ask for it to be itemized separately so you understand your true baseline cost.
Next Steps
Get two to three written quotes from licensed contractors and compare scope, not just price. The cheapest quote often excludes items that the more detailed quotes include — and those exclusions become change orders during construction.
Understanding financing options early in your planning helps you set a realistic budget ceiling. If your project involves structural changes or mechanical upgrades, familiarize yourself with the permit process to avoid delays.
Ready to Start Your Renovation?
We provide fixed-price quotes that cover the full agreed scope, so you know your real number before work begins. Book a free consultation to discuss your project.
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