Price Guide

How Much Does a Home Renovation Cost in Toronto?

Home renovation costs in Toronto typically range from $100 to $400 per square foot, influenced by factors such as project size, materials, and location.

Here's a breakdown of estimated costs for common renovation projects:

Kitchen Renovation: $15,000 – $60,000+
Bathroom Renovation: $10,000 – $35,000+
Basement Finishing: $35 – $90 per square foot
Whole Home Renovation: $100 – $400 per square foot
Cosmetic Upgrades: $60 – $100 per square foot
Mid-Range Remodels: $100 – $200 per square foot
High-End Renovations: $200 – $400+ per square foot

These estimates include labor, materials, permits, and design. High-end renovations in upscale neighborhoods may exceed these ranges due to premium material and contractor costs.

Key Factors Influencing Cost of Renovating a House

These are the five most important factors that can impact the cost of renovating a house in Toronto.

Larger, more complex renovations like altering a load-bearing wall or other major structural changes will lead to higher expenses. Minor, cosmetic upgrades on the other hand like painting are much smaller financial investments.

By understanding the size and scope of your home renovation project – whether basic, mid-range, or major – you can budget out your total expected costs. Let’s look at the three types of home renovations in more detail.

Basic renovations - often focus on cosmetic changes and minor structural adjustments.
Mid-range renovations - include updated bathrooms, kitchens, basements, flooring, and partial layout changes.
Major renovations - encompass custom cabinetry, premium appliances, luxury finishes, and significant structural changes.

Materials are a main component of any renovation project, and the quality and type of finishes can greatly influence your overall expenses. The options for materials and finishes range from:

Basic materials – keep costs lower but may not have the same longevity. For example, standard fixtures or laminate countertops.
Mid-range materials – balance affordability with quality. For example, ceramic tiles or granite countertops.
High-end finishes – are often chosen for luxury renovations. For example, custom cabinetry or marble countertops.
Your overall renovation costs can rise quickly depending on your

selections. Common choices for renovations in Toronto include:

Custom cabinetry – basic designs start at $500 per linear foot and custom cabinetry can easily exceed $1,200 for high-end options.
Flooring options – Between $5 and $10 is the average cost per square foot in
Toronto. Luxury vinyl flooring is sought after for its durability.
Lighting and fixtures – typically cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000 depending on complexity, style, and brand.

The complexity of your home renovation project and the level of expertise required, particularly for specialized tasks like plumbing or electrical work, can significantly affect labour costs.

Despite being one of the priciest elements to budget for, skilled labour is essential for quality renovations. In Toronto, skilled tradesmen currently charge an average of $60 to $100 per hour. You can expect the price of labour to take up around 40-50% of the total cost for a large renovation project. Labour costs can fluctuate however because they are influenced by demand and project complexity.

The cost of obtaining building permits will add to the overall expense of your home renovations. It is necessary to obtain building permits in Toronto for most structural changes, plumbing or electrical work, and on occasion, for minor renovations. Around $1,000 is where basic permit fees start, and they can increase for complex projects involving major structural changes or extensive electrical systems. You may also see higher permit costs for older homes due to stricter safety assessments.

Acquiring permits ensures compliance with safety codes and city standards, minimizes potential legal complications in the future, and improved safety and durability help boost the resale value of your home.

Building permits – typically cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 depending on the project’s scale. Building permits are required for basement renovations, structural changes, or home additions.
Electrical permits - cost on average between $200 to $500. Electrical permits are required for rewiring or new installations.
Plumbing permits - expected costs range from $300 to $700. Plumbing permits are required when modifying or adding plumbing fixtures.

If you require further assistance to oversee the complete permitting process for your next custom home or home renovation project, our team can help.

Full Home Renovation

A full home renovation can take anywhere from three months to a year to complete. In Toronto, the cost of a whole-house renovation depends on several factors, including gutting the existing structure, materials, labour, permits, home additions, floor plan changes, and detailed finishing work.

Full Home Renovation Costs

Project	Min. Average	High Average
Full Home Renovation (2,000 sq.ft.) * includes 700 sq.ft. basement	$450,000	$550,000+

Main Floor Renovation

A main floor renovation in Toronto can involve significant changes to the structure and layout of your home. Depending on your goals and vision, this may include adding separate entrances, creating distinct living spaces, expanding kitchens, or adding bathrooms. Additional features such as custom millwork, built-in wall units, and electrical upgrades can also contribute to higher costs.

Main Floor Renovation Costs

Project	Min. Average	High Average
Main Floor Renovation (850 sq.ft.)	$190,000	$240,000+
Installing Gas Fireplace & Decorative Surround	$12,000	$30,000+
Replace ground to 2nd floor stairs and guardrails	$12,000	$28,000+
Electrical and/or Smart Home AV Electronics	$4,000	$29,000+
Custom Millwork/Wall Unit	$6,000	$40,000+

Home Addition

Transform your home into a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle. Whether you want to add bedrooms, lofts, in-law suites, craft areas, kitchens, bathrooms, a gym, or even a theater room, Centerpiece Design makes it possible. Customize every detail to create a home that’s truly your own.

Home Addition Costs

Project	Min. Average	High Average
One Storey Addition	$350,000	$420,000+
Two Storey Addition	$780,000	$850,000+
Third Floor Addition (400 sq.ft.)	$360,000	$400,000+

Basement Renovation

Centerpiece Design is renowned for transforming unfinished or vacant basements into fully functional living spaces, complete with separate entrances, additional rooms, fireplaces, and generous storage. We tackle challenges that inexperienced renovators often miss, including basement humidity, water infiltration, and foundation cracks, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and durable result.

Basement Renovation Costs

Project	Min. Average	High Average
Basement Renovation (800 sq.ft.)	$250,000+	$300,000+
Basement Underpinning on slab (additional to renovation costs)	$75,000	$85,000+

Kitchen Renovation

Renovating a kitchen in Toronto can vary widely in cost, influenced by factors like size, materials, design complexity, and whether structural changes are involved. Here's a breakdown to help you estimate your renovation budget:

Kitchen Renovation Costs

Project	Min. Average	High Average
L-Shape Custom Kitchen with Island (200 sq.ft)	$45,000	$75,000+
New Appliances	$6,000	$55,000+
Wall Removal	$10,000	$15,000+

Bathroom Renovation

Renovating a bathroom in Toronto involves various factors that influence the overall cost, including the size of the bathroom, the type of renovation, and the materials chosen. Here's a comprehensive breakdown to help you understand the potential expenses:

Bathroom Renovation Costs

Project	Min. Average	High Average
Powder Room (50 sq.ft.)	$8,500	$14,500+
3-Piece Basement Bathroom	$24,000	$29,500+
3-Piece Shared Bathroom	$27,000	$34,000+
4-Piece Master Ensuite	$35,000	$46,000+

Home Restoration/Rebuild Projects

Our rebuilding services specialize in restoring older, non-functional homes to their original beauty. We handle comprehensive renovations, including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, providing personalized, step-by-step guidance from initial planning to project completion. Please note that additional costs may apply in Toronto for foundation work, demolition, or structural adjustments.

Home Restoration/Rebuild Costs

Project	Min. Average	High Average
Rebuild Projects (2,900 sq.ft.)	$1,200,000	$1,600,000+

Complete Condo Renovation

We specialize in complete condo renovations, maximizing both space and flow to suit your lifestyle. Condo renovations can be complex due to building limitations and condo board regulations, but the Centerpiece Design team excels at transforming small or outdated layouts into functional, stylish spaces tailored to your vision.

Condo Renovation Costs

Project	Min. Average	High Average
Complete Condo Renovation (1000 sq.ft.)	$165,000	$240,000+

FAQ about Home renovation cost in Toronto

Our Centerpiece Design team can help you calculate your home renovation costs based on the project’s size, your budget, and your home’s resale value. We maintain records of all financial transactions from start to finish. After our initial consultation, we will provide you with a detailed renovation cost breakdown and actively collaborate with you to stay within your budget and support you in making well-informed choices.