Home Renovation Costs in Toronto 2026: Complete Pricing Guide

# Home Renovation Costs in Toronto 2026: Complete Pricing Guide

One of the first questions every Toronto homeowner asks when considering a renovation is: how much is this going to cost? The answer depends on dozens of variables, from the scope of your project to the age of your home and the neighbourhood you live in. This comprehensive pricing guide breaks down what you can expect to pay for the most common home renovations in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area in 2026.

## General Cost Per Square Foot in Toronto

Before diving into specific projects, it helps to understand the general range of renovation costs per square foot in the Toronto market:

| Renovation Type | Cost Per Square Foot |

|----------------|---------------------|

| Basic cosmetic refresh | $50-$100 |

| Mid-range renovation | $100-$250 |

| High-end renovation | $250-$500+ |

| Addition (above grade) | $300-$500+ |

| Basement finishing | $50-$120 |

| Basement underpinning | $100-$200+ |

These are broad ranges, and actual costs vary significantly based on material selections, structural complexity, and site conditions. Toronto tends to sit at the higher end of the Canadian renovation market due to elevated labour costs, strict building code requirements, and the logistical challenges of working in a dense urban environment.

## Kitchen Renovation Costs

The kitchen is consistently the most popular and most expensive room to renovate. In Toronto, kitchen renovation costs fall into three general tiers:

### Budget Kitchen Renovation: $25,000 - $40,000

A budget kitchen renovation focuses on refreshing the look without major layout changes:

- Refacing or replacing cabinet doors (keeping existing boxes)

- New laminate or quartz countertops

- Updated backsplash

- New sink and faucet

- Updated lighting fixtures

- Fresh paint

- New flooring (vinyl plank or ceramic tile)

- Keeping existing appliance locations

### Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation: $40,000 - $75,000

A mid-range renovation involves more significant changes while working within the existing footprint:

- New custom or semi-custom cabinetry

- Quartz or granite countertops

- Tile backsplash with designer selections

- New stainless steel appliance package

- Upgraded plumbing fixtures

- Pot lights and under-cabinet lighting

- Hardwood or engineered hardwood flooring

- Minor layout adjustments (moving an island, adding a pantry)

- Permit fees and design costs

### High-End Kitchen Renovation: $75,000 - $150,000+

A high-end kitchen renovation is a complete transformation:

- Fully custom cabinetry with premium finishes

- Natural stone or premium quartz countertops

- Custom tile or natural stone backsplash

- Professional-grade appliances (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele)

- Structural changes (removing walls, opening to dining/living areas)

- Custom lighting design

- Heated floors

- Premium hardwood flooring

- Wine storage, butler's pantry, or additional features

- Full architectural and engineering design

## Bathroom Renovation Costs

Bathrooms are the second most common renovation project, and costs vary widely based on the size and scope:

### Powder Room: $8,000 - $15,000

- New vanity, sink, and faucet

- New toilet

- Updated lighting and mirror

- Tile flooring

- Fresh paint or wallpaper

- Minor plumbing updates

### Main Bathroom: $15,000 - $35,000

- New tub or tub/shower combo

- Tile surround (floor to ceiling)

- New vanity with countertop

- Updated toilet

- New plumbing fixtures

- Exhaust fan upgrade

- Pot lights and vanity lighting

- Heated floor (optional)

- Accessibility features if needed

### Primary Ensuite: $35,000 - $60,000+

- Walk-in shower with glass enclosure

- Freestanding soaking tub

- Double vanity with stone countertop

- Large-format porcelain or natural stone tile

- Custom glass shower door

- Heated floors

- Premium fixtures (Kohler, Grohe, Brizo)

- Custom lighting design

- Possible layout reconfiguration

## Basement Finishing Costs

Finishing a basement is one of the most cost-effective ways to add living space in Toronto, where home prices make every square foot valuable:

| Basement Project | Cost Range |

|-----------------|------------|

| Basic finishing (open concept, drywall, flooring, lighting) | $30,000-$45,000 |

| Mid-range finishing (bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, separate rooms) | $45,000-$75,000 |

| Legal secondary suite conversion | $80,000-$150,000+ |

| Underpinning (lowering the floor) | $50,000-$100,000+ |

| Waterproofing (exterior) | $15,000-$30,000 |

Basement costs are heavily influenced by ceiling height. Many older Toronto homes — particularly in neighbourhoods like High Park, the Junction, East York, and Scarborough — have basements with ceiling heights below the minimum 1.95 metres required for habitable rooms under the Ontario Building Code. Underpinning to lower the floor adds significant cost but dramatically increases the usability and value of the space.

## Home Addition Costs

Adding square footage to your Toronto home is the most expensive renovation option, but often the most impactful:

| Addition Type | Cost Per Square Foot | Typical Total |

|--------------|---------------------|---------------|

| Single-storey rear addition | $300-$450 | $90,000-$225,000 |

| Second-storey addition | $350-$500+ | $150,000-$400,000+ |

| Bump-out (small extension) | $250-$400 | $40,000-$100,000 |

| Garage conversion | $150-$300 | $30,000-$75,000 |

| Sunroom/four-season room | $200-$350 | $50,000-$120,000 |

Additions in Toronto frequently require Committee of Adjustment approvals for minor variances, which can add $10,000-$20,000 in fees and months to the timeline. Properties in established neighbourhoods with mature trees may also trigger tree protection requirements and additional City fees.

## Factors That Affect Renovation Costs in Toronto

### Age of Your Home

Toronto's housing stock spans over 150 years, and the age of your home significantly impacts renovation costs:

- **Pre-1950s homes** (common in Cabbagetown, The Annex, Roncesvalles, Riverdale) — expect surprises like knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, asbestos insulation, and non-standard framing that adds complexity and cost

- **1950s-1970s homes** (common in North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough) — may have aluminum wiring, outdated electrical panels, and older plumbing that should be updated during renovation

- **1980s-2000s homes** (common in the 905 suburbs) — generally fewer hidden issues but may have dated layouts and lower-quality materials

- **2000s and newer** — typically easier to renovate with modern systems in place

### Access and Parking

Toronto's urban density creates unique logistical challenges:

- **Narrow lots** in older neighbourhoods limit equipment access and material staging

- **No laneway access** means materials must come through the front, sometimes through the house

- **Street parking permits** for dumpsters and construction vehicles cost $300-$500+ per month from the City

- **Multi-storey homes on narrow lots** may require scaffolding and crane rentals

- **Condo renovations** involve booking freight elevators, paying building fees, and working within restricted hours

### Material Choices

Material costs can vary dramatically:

| Material Category | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Premium |

|------------------|---------------|-----------|---------|

| Countertops | Laminate ($30-$60/sq ft installed) | Quartz ($70-$120/sq ft) | Natural stone ($100-$200+/sq ft) |

| Cabinetry | Stock ($150-$300/linear ft) | Semi-custom ($400-$800/linear ft) | Custom ($800-$1,500+/linear ft) |

| Flooring | Vinyl plank ($6-$10/sq ft) | Engineered hardwood ($12-$18/sq ft) | Solid hardwood ($15-$25+/sq ft) |

| Tile | Ceramic ($5-$10/sq ft) | Porcelain ($10-$20/sq ft) | Natural stone ($20-$50+/sq ft) |

### Permit Complexity

Simple permits add modest costs, but complex projects involving structural changes, zoning variances, or heritage approvals can add tens of thousands of dollars in professional fees, City application fees, and extended timelines.

## Toronto-Specific Cost Factors

Several cost factors are unique to or amplified in the Toronto market:

- **Parking permits for dumpsters and trailers** — the City of Toronto charges for temporary use of road space, and in some neighbourhoods these permits are difficult to obtain

- **Narrow lot access** — many Toronto homes, especially semi-detached and row houses in the old city, have extremely limited side access, requiring materials to be carried through the house

- **Heritage districts** — renovations in heritage conservation districts (HCDs) require additional approvals and may restrict material and design choices

- **Ravine protection** — homes near Toronto's ravine system face additional requirements from Urban Forestry and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)

- **Asbestos abatement** — extremely common in pre-1980s Toronto homes, professional abatement can cost $3,000-$15,000+ depending on the extent

- **Labour market pressures** — the GTA's construction boom, driven by both residential and commercial development, has created sustained demand for skilled trades, keeping labour costs elevated

## Hidden Costs Homeowners Forget

Even experienced renovators often underestimate the full cost of a project. Here are costs that frequently catch Toronto homeowners off guard:

- **Permit fees** — $500-$3,000+ depending on project scope

- **Design and engineering fees** — $2,000-$15,000+ for drawings, structural engineering, and energy compliance

- **Temporary housing** — if your renovation makes the home uninhabitable, temporary accommodation in Toronto can cost $3,000-$6,000+ per month

- **Eating out during a kitchen renovation** — families typically spend $500-$1,500+ per month on takeout and restaurant meals while their kitchen is out of commission

- **Storage** — renting a storage unit for furniture and belongings during renovation, $200-$500+ per month

- **Landscaping repair** — heavy equipment and material staging can damage lawns, gardens, and driveways

- **Post-renovation cleaning** — professional post-construction cleaning costs $500-$2,000

- **Window coverings** — new windows and reconfigured spaces often need new blinds, curtains, or shutters

- **Moving and reconnecting appliances** — gas line disconnection and reconnection, appliance delivery fees

- **Utility cost increases** — running power tools, temporary heating, and water use during construction

## How to Budget for Your Renovation

### Set a Realistic Budget

Start by researching the typical cost range for your project type and scope. Get at least three detailed quotes from reputable Toronto contractors to establish a baseline. Be honest with yourself about your priorities — if your budget is $50,000, plan a $50,000 renovation, not a $75,000 renovation that you hope to negotiate down.

### Include a Contingency

Every renovation budget should include a contingency fund of **15-20% of the total project cost**. For older Toronto homes, consider pushing this to 20-25%. Contingencies cover:

- Unexpected structural issues discovered during demolition

- Code compliance upgrades required by inspectors

- Material price increases between quoting and purchasing

- Design changes and additions during construction

- Weather delays and scheduling conflicts

### Payment Schedules and Milestones

A well-structured payment schedule protects both the homeowner and the contractor. A typical Toronto renovation payment schedule looks like this:

| Milestone | Payment |

|-----------|---------|

| Contract signing / deposit | 10% |

| Demolition and rough-in complete | 20% |

| Framing and structural inspections passed | 20% |

| Mechanical rough-in complete (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) | 15% |

| Drywall, taping, and priming complete | 15% |

| Substantial completion | 15% |

| Final inspection and deficiency walkthrough | 5% (holdback) |

Under Ontario's Construction Act, a **holdback of at least 10%** is standard for larger projects, and for contracts over a certain threshold, a statutory holdback is legally required. This protects against construction liens and ensures subcontractors and suppliers are paid.

## Getting the Best Value

To maximize your renovation investment in Toronto:

- **Plan thoroughly before starting** — changes during construction are the single biggest source of cost overruns

- **Invest in quality where it matters** — structural systems, waterproofing, plumbing, and electrical are not places to cut corners

- **Save on cosmetics** — you can always upgrade finishes later, but redoing structural or mechanical work is extremely expensive

- **Time your renovation strategically** — late fall and winter are generally slower periods for contractors, and you may get better pricing and availability

- **Bundle projects** — if you need both a kitchen and bathroom renovation, doing them simultaneously saves on mobilization, demolition, and general conditions costs

- **Get everything in writing** — detailed contracts with fixed prices, clear allowances, and defined change order processes prevent disputes and surprise costs

## Final Thoughts

Renovating in Toronto is a significant financial undertaking, but it is also one of the best investments you can make in a market where home values continue to be among the highest in Canada. Understanding the true costs, planning for contingencies, and working with experienced local contractors will help you achieve the renovation you want without the financial surprises that derail so many projects.

Whether you are updating a century home in the Beaches, finishing a basement in Mississauga, or adding a second storey in North York, the key to a successful renovation is informed planning and realistic budgeting. Take the time to get multiple quotes, understand what is included (and what is not), and build a budget that reflects the full scope of your project.