How Much Does a Home Renovation Cost in Toronto?

Ask five contractors and you’ll get five numbers — sometimes for the same job. After 45 years as a contractor, builder, and now a renovation consultant in Toronto, here’s how I explain renovation costs to my clients: the ranges, what drives them, and the costs that never make it into the quote.

The quick answer: cost per square foot

For full renovations in Toronto in 2026, typical ranges are:

Cosmetic refresh (paint, floors, fixtures, no layout changes): $120–$150 per sq ft
Mid-range kitchen or bathroom renovation: $180–$225 per sq ft
Major gut renovation with structural work: $250–$275+ per sq ft

Toronto sits at the expensive end of Canada — labour runs roughly $40–$60/hour, and permit fees, inspections, and Toronto’s older housing stock all push numbers up. Any quote far below these ranges deserves a hard second look: the money is missing somewhere, and it usually reappears as “extras.”

Costs by project

Kitchen renovation: most Toronto kitchens land between $50,000 and $100,000+ depending on size, layout changes, and finishes.
Bathroom renovation: commonly $25,000–$50,000; moving plumbing is what makes bathrooms expensive.
Basement finishing: $60,000–$100,000+; add underpinning to gain ceiling height and the budget climbs from there.
Home addition: one-storey additions typically start around $150,000–$200,000; two-storey additions $200,000–$350,000+.

The costs that aren’t in the quote

Permits and drawings: a building permit alone often runs $1,000–$2,500 in City fees; drawings and engineering are extra. A minor variance (Committee of Adjustment) adds a $2,228.98 City application fee (2026) plus months of timeline.
The 10–15% contingency: in a 100-year-old Toronto house, something is always hiding in the walls. Budget for it or the project stops when it’s found.
Allowances: a low “allowance” for tiles, fixtures, or flooring in a contract is a future extra bill wearing a disguise. Check what the allowance actually buys.
Living costs: if you can’t live in the house during the work, temporary housing is a real project cost.

Why quotes for the same job differ by $50,000

Because they’re not the same job. One quote includes permits, disposal, and proper finishes; the other quietly excludes them. Scope — written down, line by line — is the only way to compare. This is the single most valuable hour in any renovation: the one spent defining exactly what’s included before anyone signs.

Before you sign anything

Get the scope in writing, compare quotes line by line, and make sure the contract covers payments, timelines, and warranties. If you’d like an experienced second set of eyes first — your first hour with me is free.

Call 1-888-688-8864 or contact The Reno Coach.