Costs & Pricing
Questions about renovation costs, pricing, estimates, and budgeting in Toronto
How much does deck staining cost in Toronto?
Deck staining in Toronto typically costs $2-4 per square foot for professional application, meaning a standard 200 sq ft deck runs $400-800, while lar...
How much does concrete sealing cost in Toronto?
Concrete sealing in Toronto typically costs $2-6 per square foot for most residential projects, with total costs ranging from $300-1,500 depending on...
How much does boiler replacement cost in Toronto?
Boiler replacement in Toronto typically costs between $4,500-$12,000+ depending on the type of boiler, size of your home, and complexity of installati...
What does garden bed install typically cost in the Greater Toronto Area?
Garden bed installation in the Greater Toronto Area typically ranges from $8-15 per square foot for basic installations, with more elaborate designs r...
Why does my renovation budget always get blown?
Renovation budgets get blown because most homeowners underestimate the true scope of work and don't account for the hidden issues that Toronto's older...
Can contractors charge extra for unforeseen issues?
Yes, contractors can and typically do charge extra for unforeseen issues that arise during construction, but this should be handled transparently thro...
Why do contractors charge more for small jobs?
Contractors charge more per square foot or hour for small jobs because they have the same fixed costs and setup requirements regardless of project siz...
Why do contractors charge for change orders?
Contractors charge for change orders because they represent additional work, materials, and time beyond the original contract scope, and they disrupt...
Why do homeowners underestimate renovation costs?
Homeowners consistently underestimate renovation costs because they focus on material prices and forget about labor, permits, and the inevitable surpr...
How much should I budget for unexpected renovation costs?
Budget 15-25% of your total renovation cost for unexpected issues - this is the standard contingency that experienced Toronto contractors and homeowne...
Can unpermitted work affect resale value?
Yes, unpermitted work can significantly impact your home's resale value and create major complications during the selling process. Most buyers will ei...
Can I buy my own renovation materials to save money?
Yes, you can buy your own renovation materials and potentially save 10-30% on material costs, but this approach requires careful planning and comes wi...
Why do tile prices vary so much?
Tile prices can range from under $1 per square foot for basic ceramic to over $50 per square foot for premium natural stone, with the variation driven...
Why does my HVAC quote include load calculations?
Load calculations are a mandatory engineering requirement that determines the exact heating and cooling capacity your home needs, ensuring your new HV...
Can electrical upgrades increase home value?
Yes, electrical upgrades can significantly increase your Toronto home's value, typically adding 75-90% of the investment cost back in resale value whi...
Why is plumbing work so expensive?
Plumbing work is expensive because it requires specialized skills, expensive tools, licensing requirements, and carries significant liability risks -...
What causes renovation projects to go over budget?
Renovation projects typically exceed their initial budgets due to unexpected discoveries, scope changes, and inadequate planning, with Toronto homeown...
Should I hire the cheapest contractor quote?
No, hiring the cheapest contractor quote is rarely the best decision and often leads to costly problems down the road. While budget is important, the...
What should be included in a contractor's written estimate?
A professional contractor's written estimate should include detailed project scope, materials specifications, labor costs, timeline, and clear terms a...
Can insulation upgrades reduce heating costs?
Yes, insulation upgrades can significantly reduce heating costs in Toronto homes, typically cutting energy bills by 15-40% depending on your home's cu...
Can poor renovations lower home value?
Yes, poor renovations can significantly lower your home value — sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars in the Toronto market. Buyers often view bot...
Why do renovation prices vary so much between contractors?
Renovation pricing varies dramatically between contractors due to fundamental differences in business models, overhead costs, expertise levels, and pr...
Why do renovation costs keep increasing during the project?
Renovation costs often increase during projects due to hidden problems discovered once work begins, scope changes requested by homeowners, and unfores...
Is finishing a basement worth it for resale value?
Finishing a basement in the Toronto area typically adds 60-80% of the investment back in resale value, making it one of the better renovation investme...