Home Renovation Costs in Toronto 2026: Complete Price Breakdown

Home Renovation Costs in Toronto 2026: Complete Price Breakdown

Planning a home renovation in Toronto? The single biggest question homeowners ask is: "How much will this cost?" The answer depends on the scope of work, materials, the age of your home, and current labor market conditions in the GTA.

This guide provides detailed, realistic cost breakdowns for every major renovation category — based on data from 498+ completed GTA projects between 2024 and early 2026. Whether you're refreshing a single room or gutting an entire house, you'll find the numbers you need to plan confidently.

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Kitchen Renovation Costs in Toronto

The kitchen is the most popular renovation project in the GTA — and typically the most expensive. Costs vary dramatically based on scope.

Cosmetic Kitchen Refresh: $5,000–$15,000

A cosmetic refresh keeps your existing layout and cabinets but updates the look:

• Cabinet painting or refacing: $3,000–$8,000
• New countertops (laminate): $800–$2,500
• Updated hardware: $200–$600
• New backsplash: $800–$2,000
• Light fixture upgrade: $300–$1,000
• New faucet: $200–$600

This is the best ROI option for homeowners planning to sell within 2–3 years. Based on our project data, cosmetic kitchen refreshes in Toronto average $9,200.

Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation: $15,000–$35,000

A mid-range renovation replaces cabinets and upgrades surfaces without changing the layout:

• New stock or semi-custom cabinets: $5,000–$12,000
• Quartz countertops: $2,500–$6,000
• Tile backsplash (professional install): $1,200–$3,000
• New appliance package: $3,000–$8,000
• Flooring (vinyl plank or tile): $1,500–$4,000
• Plumbing updates: $800–$2,500
• Electrical updates: $500–$2,000
• Painting: $800–$1,500
• Labor: $4,000–$10,000

The average mid-range kitchen renovation in the GTA comes in at $24,500 based on 498+ projects.

Full Kitchen Gut Renovation: $35,000–$50,000+

A full gut renovation involves stripping the kitchen to studs and rebuilding — often with layout changes:

• Custom cabinetry: $12,000–$25,000
• Quartz or natural stone countertops: $4,000–$10,000
• Premium tile backsplash: $2,000–$5,000
• High-end appliances: $8,000–$20,000
• Plumbing relocation: $2,000–$5,000
• Electrical rewiring: $2,000–$5,000
• New flooring: $2,000–$5,000
• Permits and design: $1,500–$4,000
• Drywall, insulation, painting: $2,000–$5,000
• Labor (all trades): $8,000–$15,000

Full gut kitchen renovations in Toronto typically range from $40,000–$55,000 when layout changes and structural work are involved. Homes built before 1970 in areas like Scarborough, Etobicoke, and North York often hit the higher end due to outdated wiring and plumbing.

Kitchen Cost Comparison Table

Scope

Cost Range

Timeline

Best For

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

Cosmetic Refresh	$5,000–$15,000	1–2 weeks	Resale prep, budget updates
Mid-Range Reno	$15,000–$35,000	3–5 weeks	Growing families, aging kitchens
Full Gut Reno	$35,000–$50,000+	6–10 weeks	Complete transformation, layout changes

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Bathroom Renovation Costs in Toronto

Bathrooms are the second most common renovation project. Size matters enormously — a powder room costs a fraction of a primary ensuite.

Cosmetic Bathroom Refresh: $3,000–$8,000

• New vanity and faucet: $800–$2,500
• Toilet replacement: $300–$800
• Mirror and lighting: $300–$1,000
• Paint: $300–$600
• New accessories: $200–$500
• Labor: $1,000–$2,500

Mid-Range Bathroom Renovation: $8,000–$18,000

• Tub/shower replacement or new surround: $2,000–$6,000
• Floor and wall tile: $2,000–$5,000
• New vanity (semi-custom): $1,200–$3,000
• Plumbing fixture upgrades: $500–$1,500
• Exhaust fan: $200–$600
• Electrical (GFI outlets, lighting): $500–$1,200
• Labor: $2,500–$5,000

Full Bathroom Gut Renovation: $18,000–$30,000+

• Complete demo and rebuild: $3,000–$5,000
• Custom tile shower with niche: $4,000–$8,000
• Heated floors: $1,000–$2,500
• Custom vanity: $2,000–$5,000
• Plumbing relocation or rough-in: $2,000–$5,000
• Waterproofing: $800–$1,500
• Electrical and ventilation: $1,000–$2,500
• Fixtures and accessories: $1,000–$3,000
• Labor: $4,000–$8,000

Based on 498+ GTA projects, the average bathroom renovation comes in at $14,800 — most homeowners opt for a mid-range scope that updates tile, vanity, and fixtures without moving plumbing.

Bathroom Cost Comparison Table

Scope

Cost Range

Timeline

Best For

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

Cosmetic Refresh	$3,000–$8,000	3–5 days	Quick updates, rental properties
Mid-Range Reno	$8,000–$18,000	1–3 weeks	Most homeowners
Full Gut Reno	$18,000–$30,000+	3–6 weeks	Primary ensuite, accessibility

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Flooring Costs in Toronto

Flooring is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make. Here's what each material costs installed in the GTA:

Flooring Price Per Square Foot (Materials + Installation)

Material

Cost/sqft (installed)

Durability

Best Rooms

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

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)	$3–$7	High	Basements, kitchens, high-traffic
Laminate	$2–$6	Medium	Bedrooms, living rooms
Hardwood (engineered)	$5–$10	High	Living areas, bedrooms
Hardwood (solid)	$7–$12	Very High	Main floors (not basements)
Porcelain Tile	$4–$10	Very High	Bathrooms, entryways, kitchens
Ceramic Tile	$4–$8	High	Bathrooms, laundry
Carpet	$2–$5	Low–Medium	Bedrooms

Average Flooring Project Costs

For a typical Toronto home (1,200 sqft of flooring):

• LVP throughout: $3,600–$8,400
• Engineered hardwood: $6,000–$12,000
• Solid hardwood: $8,400–$14,400
• Tile (bathrooms + kitchen only, ~300 sqft): $1,200–$3,000

Material vs. Labor Breakdown

Material

Material Cost (%)

Labor Cost (%)

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

Luxury Vinyl Plank	55–65%	35–45%
Laminate	45–55%	45–55%
Hardwood	60–70%	30–40%
Tile	40–50%	50–60%

Tile installation is the most labor-intensive — especially for complex patterns, heated floors, or large-format tiles. Based on our GTA project data, tile labor runs $4–$8/sqft for standard layouts and $8–$12/sqft for intricate patterns like herringbone.

Flooring Removal Costs

Don't forget removal of existing flooring:

• Carpet removal: $0.50–$1.50/sqft
• Tile removal: $2–$5/sqft (can increase if thinset is bonded to subfloor)
• Hardwood removal: $1.50–$3/sqft
• Subfloor repair or leveling: $1–$3/sqft if needed

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Painting Costs in Toronto

Painting is the most affordable way to transform a space. Here are current GTA rates:

Interior Painting

Area

Cost Range

Notes

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

Per square foot (walls)	$2–$5/sqft	Includes prep and 2 coats
Single room (12x12)	$400–$900	Walls and ceiling
Entire home (1,500 sqft)	$3,000–$7,500	All rooms, hallways, trim
Trim and baseboards only	$1.50–$4/linear ft	Sand, prime, 2 coats
Ceiling only (per room)	$200–$500	Flat white typical
Stairway and hallway	$600–$1,500	Height and access add cost

Exterior Painting

Area

Cost Range

Notes

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

Per square foot	$3–$7/sqft	Includes prep, prime, 2 coats
Average detached home	$4,000–$10,000	Depending on size and condition
Semi-detached	$2,500–$6,000	One shared wall
Townhouse exterior	$2,000–$5,000	Front and rear
Deck staining	$3–$6/sqft	Sand, clean, 2 coats stain

Cabinet Painting

Cabinet painting is a specialty service that has surged in popularity:

• Small kitchen (under 15 cabinets): $3,000–$5,000
• Medium kitchen (15–25 cabinets): $5,000–$7,000
• Large kitchen (25+ cabinets): $7,000–$8,000+
• Includes: degreasing, sanding, priming, 2 coats, new hardware install

Based on 498+ GTA projects, professional cabinet painting averages $5,400 and takes 4–7 days. It's the single best ROI kitchen upgrade — refreshing the look of a $30K kitchen for under $6K.

Painting: What Affects Cost

• Ceiling height: 9ft+ ceilings increase cost 15–25%
• Wall condition: heavy patching or skim coating adds $1–$3/sqft
• Color changes: dark to light (or vice versa) may need 3+ coats
• Trim complexity: crown molding, wainscoting add time
• Furniture moving: most painters charge extra or require empty rooms

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Plumbing Costs in Toronto

Plumbing costs in the GTA are driven by the complexity and urgency of the job:

Common Plumbing Services

Service

Cost Range

Notes

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

Service call / diagnostic	$100–$300	Includes first 30–60 min
Faucet replacement	$150–$400	Plus cost of faucet
Toilet replacement	$250–$600	Including install and wax ring
Water heater (tank, 50 gal)	$800–$1,800	Supply and install
Water heater (tankless)	$1,500–$2,500	Higher efficiency, longer life
Drain cleaning	$150–$400	Snaking or hydro-jetting
Bathroom rough-in	$2,000–$5,000	New supply and drain lines
Kitchen rough-in	$1,500–$3,500	Sink, dishwasher, fridge lines
Main sewer line repair	$2,000–$8,000	Camera inspection extra ($200–$400)
Sump pump install	$800–$2,000	Including pit and check valve
Backwater valve	$1,500–$3,500	Often rebate-eligible in Toronto

Emergency Plumbing Premiums

After-hours and emergency calls typically cost 1.5x–2x standard rates:

• Weekend service call: $200–$500
• After-hours (evenings): $250–$500
• Holiday emergency: $300–$600

Based on our project data, frozen pipe repairs in Toronto average $350–$800 during winter months, with January and February being peak demand.

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Doors and Windows Costs in Toronto

Window Replacement

Window Type

Cost Per Window (installed)

Notes

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

Standard vinyl (double-hung)	$400–$800	Most common replacement
Premium vinyl (triple-pane)	$600–$1,000	Better insulation, noise reduction
Wood-clad	$800–$1,200	Premium look, higher maintenance
Bay/bow window	$1,500–$4,000	Structural support may be needed
Basement egress window	$1,000–$3,000	Includes well and cutting

For a typical 3-bedroom Toronto home with 12–15 windows, full replacement runs $6,000–$15,000 depending on window quality. Energy rebates through the Canada Greener Homes Grant (or successor programs) can offset $1,000–$5,000.

Door Costs

Door Type

Cost (installed)

Notes

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

Interior door (hollow core)	$150–$350	Paint-grade, standard sizes
Interior door (solid core)	$250–$500	Better sound, heavier feel
Front entry door (steel)	$1,000–$2,500	Most popular, secure
Front entry door (fiberglass)	$1,500–$3,500	Best insulation, wood look
Front entry door (wood)	$2,000–$4,000+	Premium, requires maintenance
Patio sliding door	$1,000–$3,000	Standard 6ft opening
Garden/French door	$1,500–$4,000	Double door, more glass
Garage door (single)	$800–$1,500	Steel, insulated
Garage door (double)	$1,200–$2,500	Steel, insulated, with opener

Garage Door Details

Garage door costs depend heavily on material and insulation:

• Non-insulated steel: $800–$1,200
• Insulated steel (R-16): $1,200–$2,000
• Carriage-house style: $1,800–$2,500+
• Opener replacement only: $300–$600

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Drywall Costs in Toronto

Drywall Repair

Service

Cost Range

Notes

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

Small patch (under 12 inches)	$150–$300	Including texture match and paint
Large patch (12–24 inches)	$250–$500	May need backing support
Water damage repair	$300–$800	Includes mold check
Full sheet replacement	$200–$400	Per 4x8 sheet, installed

Full Room Drywall

Service

Cost/sqft

Notes

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

Drywall install (hang only)	$1.50–$2.50	Materials and labor
Tape, mud, and sand	$1–$2	Finishing to Level 4
Full install + finish	$2–$4	Ready for paint
Ceiling drywall	$2.50–$5	Overhead work premium
Garage drywall	$2–$3.50	Often fire-rated required

For a typical 12x12 room (walls and ceiling, ~580 sqft of drywall), expect $1,200–$2,300 for complete installation and finishing. Based on 498+ GTA projects, drywall finishing quality is the #1 factor homeowners notice — Level 5 finish adds 20–30% but is worth it for living spaces.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal

A common request in GTA homes built before 1990:

• Per square foot: $2–$4/sqft
• Average room (12x12): $300–$600
• Asbestos testing: $50–$150 (mandatory for pre-1990 homes)
• Asbestos abatement: $8–$15/sqft (if positive)

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Deck and Exterior Costs in Toronto

Deck Building Costs Per Square Foot

Material

Cost/sqft (installed)

Lifespan

Maintenance

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

Pressure-treated wood	$25–$40	15–20 years	Stain every 2–3 years
Cedar	$35–$55	20–25 years	Stain every 2–3 years
Composite (Trex, etc.)	$45–$65	25–30+ years	Minimal — wash annually
PVC/Cellular	$55–$75	30+ years	Almost none
Ipe/Hardwood	$50–$75	30+ years	Oil annually

Average Deck Project Costs

For a 200 sqft deck (typical Toronto backyard):

• Pressure-treated: $5,000–$8,000
• Cedar: $7,000–$11,000
• Composite: $9,000–$13,000
• PVC: $11,000–$15,000

Add for extras:

• Railing (per linear foot): $30–$80
• Stairs: $500–$2,000
• Permit (Toronto): $300–$700
• Post footings: $150–$300 each

Deck Repair vs. Replace

Condition

Action

Cost

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

Surface boards rotting	Board replacement	$500–$2,000
Structural issues (joists)	Major repair	$1,500–$5,000
Overall deterioration	Full replacement	$5,000–$15,000+
Cosmetic refresh	Power wash + stain	$300–$800

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Factors That Affect Renovation Costs in Toronto

1. Age of Your Home

Toronto has housing stock spanning 100+ years. Older homes in established neighborhoods like the Beaches, Leslieville, Roncesvalles, and parts of North York often have:

• Knob-and-tube wiring: must be replaced before insulation ($3,000–$8,000)
• Galvanized or lead pipes: replacement recommended ($2,000–$6,000 per floor)
• Plaster walls: harder to work with than modern drywall
• Non-standard framing: custom solutions increase labor time
• Asbestos in various materials: testing and abatement add cost

Based on our data, renovating a pre-1960 home costs 15–30% more than the same scope in a home built after 2000.

2. Permits and Inspections

Toronto building permits are required for:

• Structural changes: removing or modifying load-bearing walls
• Plumbing changes: adding or relocating fixtures
• Electrical changes: new circuits, panel upgrades
• Additions and decks: any new structure
• Window enlargement: changing opening size
• HVAC changes: new ductwork or equipment

Permit costs in Toronto range from $200–$2,000+ depending on project scope. The permitting process can add 2–6 weeks to your timeline. Always factor this into your budget and schedule.

3. Winter Work Premium

Renovation in Toronto during winter (December–March) has trade-offs:

Advantages:

• Contractors are less busy — more scheduling flexibility
• Some contractors offer 5–15% discounts
• Interior work is unaffected by weather

Disadvantages:

• Exterior work (decks, windows, roofing) may be limited or costlier
• Heating costs during renovation (open walls, doors)
• Delivery challenges during heavy snow
• Frozen ground makes foundation/excavation work expensive

4. Material Costs in 2026

Material prices have stabilized somewhat after the 2021–2023 surge, but remain elevated:

• Lumber: 20–30% above 2019 levels
• Copper: near historic highs
• Quartz countertops: stable, wide range
• Tile: relatively stable, import costs vary
• Appliances: supply chain normalized, but premium brands have 4–8 week lead times

5. Labor Market

Skilled trades in the GTA remain in high demand. Expect:

• General labor: $25–$40/hour
• Skilled carpenter: $40–$65/hour
• Licensed plumber: $80–$130/hour
• Licensed electrician: $80–$120/hour
• Tile setter: $45–$75/hour

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How to Budget for Your Toronto Renovation

Step 1: Define Your Scope

Be specific about what you want. "Renovate the kitchen" is too vague. Instead:

• "Replace cabinets, install quartz counters, new tile backsplash, keep existing layout"
• This clarity helps contractors provide accurate estimates

Step 2: Add a 10–20% Contingency

Every renovation uncovers surprises — especially in older Toronto homes. Our recommendation:

• Post-2000 home: 10% contingency
• 1970–2000 home: 15% contingency
• Pre-1970 home: 20% contingency

Step 3: Prioritize Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

Divide your wish list into two columns. Fund must-haves first, then add nice-to-haves if budget allows.

Step 4: Get Multiple Estimates

We recommend getting 3 estimates for any project over $5,000. Compare:

• Scope of work (are they quoting the same thing?)
• Materials specified
• Timeline
• Payment schedule
• Warranty

Financing Options

• Home equity line of credit (HELOC): typically lowest interest rate
• Personal line of credit: no home equity needed, higher rate
• Contractor financing: some offer payment plans — read the terms carefully
• Credit cards: only for small projects — interest rates are punishing
• Government rebates: check for energy efficiency programs (windows, insulation, HVAC)

When to DIY vs. Hire a Professional

Project

DIY Friendly?

Why / Why Not

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

Painting (interior)	✅ Yes	Save 50–70% on labor
Laminate/LVP flooring	✅ Yes	Click-lock is beginner-friendly
Tile backsplash	⚠️ Maybe	Requires precision, grouting skill
Tile floor	❌ Not recommended	Subfloor prep and leveling critical
Plumbing	❌ No	Code compliance, leak risk
Electrical	❌ No	Safety hazard, permit required
Drywall (small patch)	✅ Yes	YouTube tutorials work well
Drywall (full room)	❌ Not recommended	Finishing is a real skill
Deck building	⚠️ Maybe	Footings and structure need experience
Cabinet painting	⚠️ Maybe	Prep-intensive, finish quality matters

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a full home renovation cost in Toronto?

A full home renovation in Toronto typically ranges from $80,000–$200,000+ for a 1,500–2,500 sqft home, depending on scope. A cosmetic refresh (paint, flooring, fixtures) might be $30,000–$50,000, while a full gut with kitchen, bathrooms, and structural changes can exceed $150,000. Based on 498+ GTA projects, the average whole-home renovation is $95,000.

What is the most expensive part of a renovation?

Kitchens are consistently the most expensive room to renovate, followed by bathrooms. Within any project, labor typically accounts for 35–50% of total cost, with cabinetry and countertops being the highest material costs.

How long does a renovation take in Toronto?

Project

Typical Timeline

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

Single room paint	1–2 days
Bathroom renovation	1–4 weeks
Kitchen renovation	3–8 weeks
Basement finishing	4–8 weeks
Full home renovation	3–6 months
Addition	4–8 months

Permit approval can add 2–6 weeks. Always plan for delays.

Do I need a permit for my renovation in Toronto?

You need a permit for structural changes, plumbing or electrical modifications, additions, decks, and window enlargements. Cosmetic work (painting, flooring, replacing fixtures in kind) does not require a permit. When in doubt, check with Toronto Building at 416-397-5330 or visit toronto.ca/building.

Should I renovate before selling my home?

Focus on high-ROI improvements: kitchen cosmetic refresh (75–100% ROI), interior painting (100%+ ROI), flooring replacement (70–90% ROI), and bathroom updates (60–80% ROI). Avoid over-improving for your neighborhood.

How can I reduce renovation costs?

• Get multiple quotes and compare scope, not just price
• Keep the existing layout (avoid moving plumbing/electrical)
• Choose mid-range materials — the jump from mid to premium is steep
• Bundle multiple projects for better contractor rates
• Be flexible on timing — winter scheduling can save 5–15%
• Do demo yourself (with contractor approval)

What's included in a renovation estimate?

A good estimate should include: scope of work, materials specified, labor costs, timeline, payment schedule, warranty terms, permit costs, and exclusions. If an estimate is a single number with no breakdown, keep looking.

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Get Your Free Renovation Estimate

Every renovation starts with a conversation. At RenoHouse, we provide detailed, transparent estimates for all types of home renovations across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, and the entire GTA.

No pressure. No hidden fees. Just honest pricing from experienced contractors.

📞 Call us at 289-212-2345 or request your free estimate online. We'll visit your home, understand your goals, and provide a detailed written quote — usually within 48 hours.

*Prices in this guide reflect 2026 GTA market conditions and are based on data from 498+ completed RenoHouse projects. Your actual costs may vary based on specific conditions, material selections, and scope of work. All estimates from RenoHouse are free and come with no obligation.*