Renovation Cost Guide:
Toronto & the GTA (2026)
What renovations actually cost in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area in 2026 — real, current price ranges for every project, from a bathroom refresh to a ground-up custom home. No vague allowances, no invented numbers.
2026 cost ranges at a glance
| Project | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Custom Homes | $350–$650 / sq ft |
| Home Additions | $400–$700 / sq ft |
| Full Home Renovations | $150K–$800K+ |
| Kitchen Renovations | $30,000–$150,000+ |
| Bathroom Renovations | $15,000–$60,000+ |
| Basement Finishing | $50,000–$160,000 |
| Design-Build | One design + build contract |
| General Contracting | 10–20% GC fee (or cost-plus) |
Ranges reflect current Toronto/GTA pricing and are updated as the market moves. Your exact number depends on size, finish level, and the condition of the existing home.
Cost breakdown by project
Custom Homes
$350–$650 / sq ftA ground-up custom home in Toronto typically runs $350–$650 per square foot to build, so a 3,000 sq ft home lands around $1.05M–$1.95M in construction — before land, design, and soft costs. Finish level, lot conditions, and architectural complexity decide where you fall in the range.
Home Additions
$400–$700 / sq ftA home addition or extension in Toronto typically runs $400–$700 per square foot of new space — often higher than new construction because you're tying into an existing structure, roof, and mechanicals. A second-storey addition usually lands around $300K–$550K all-in.
Full Home Renovations
$150K–$800K+A full home renovation in the GTA ranges from about $150K for a mid-level refresh to $450K+ for a full gut with standard finishes, and $800K+ for premium. A full gut typically works out to $200–$450 per square foot. Home size, existing condition, and finish level drive the number.
Kitchen Renovations
$30,000–$150,000+A Toronto kitchen renovation ranges from about $30,000 for a refresh to $75,000 for a mid-range remodel, and $150,000+ for a full custom kitchen. Cabinetry alone is usually 30–40% of the budget, which is why two kitchens of the same size can cost very differently.
Bathroom Renovations
$15,000–$60,000+A bathroom renovation in Toronto runs about $15,000–$25,000 for a standard bathroom, and $35,000–$60,000+ for a full primary ensuite with custom tile, heated floors, and frameless glass. Waterproofing and tile labour are where the durability — and much of the cost — lives.
Basement Finishing
$50,000–$160,000A finished basement in Toronto runs about $50,000–$80,000 for a legal apartment when the ceiling height already works. If the basement needs lowering, underpinning adds roughly $70–$150 per square foot ($35K–$85K), which is why height is the single biggest cost factor.
Design-Build
One design + build contractDesign-build is priced as a single contract covering both design and construction. Design and drawings typically run about 8–15% of the construction budget; the payoff is one accountable team, one budget carried from concept to completion, and far fewer costly change orders than a design-then-bid process.
General Contracting
10–20% GC fee (or cost-plus)A general contractor is typically paid a management fee of about 10–20% of the construction cost, or on a cost-plus basis, on top of the trades and materials. We keep every dollar visible and tracked in Buildertrend, and can also work fixed-price where the scope is well defined.
Renovation cost questions
How much does a home renovation cost in Toronto?+
It depends entirely on scope. A kitchen runs $30,000–$150,000+, a bathroom $15,000–$60,000+, a full home renovation $150,000–$800,000+, and a ground-up custom home $350–$650 per square foot. The ranges below break each project down.
What is the average cost per square foot to renovate in Toronto?+
A full gut renovation typically runs $200–$450 per square foot in 2026. New construction and additions run higher — roughly $350–$700 per square foot — because they include structure, foundation, and mechanicals.
Why do renovation quotes vary so much?+
Finish level and scope are the biggest drivers, followed by the hidden condition of older homes (knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, structural surprises). A quote that's far lower than the others is usually missing permits, electrical, or a contingency — the gap reappears as change orders.
How do I get an accurate renovation estimate?+
Insist on an itemized, fixed-scope estimate rather than a single number. Our free instant estimator gives you a realistic ballpark in under 60 seconds, and a consultation turns it into a fixed price.
Are there rebates for renovations in Ontario in 2026?+
Yes. Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program offers up to $12,000 in rebates for energy upgrades — heat pumps, insulation, windows, and air sealing — which are easy to fold into a larger renovation.
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