Toronto’s aging housing stock and ongoing demand for upgrades have made home renovation a top priority for many homeowners. People often search for renovation costs to better understand what kind of budget they’ll need before starting a project. The truth is, home renovation Toronto costs vary widely depending on the size of the property, type of finishes, permit requirements, and scope of work.

From updating kitchens and bathrooms to finishing basements or completing a full renovation, pricing shifts based on materials and complexity. In this guide, we’ll break down renovation costs in Toronto by square foot, outline room-by-room estimates, highlight hidden costs, explain ROI, and share practical budgeting tips to help you plan your full home renovation effectively.

Average Cost of a Full Home Renovation in Toronto

When discussing the cost of full home renovation in Toronto, estimates are typically given per square foot. This method provides a clear baseline and allows homeowners to compare different levels of finish.

  • Basic Renovation: $100–$200 per square foot
  • Mid-Range Renovation: $200–$300 per square foot
  • High-End Renovation: $300–$400+ per square foot

For example, renovating a 2,000 sq. ft. home at a mid-range level could cost between $400,000 and $600,000. These numbers reflect the wide range of Toronto renovation costs, which depend heavily on finishes, materials, and complexity of work. Keeping the renovation cost per square foot in Toronto in mind helps set realistic expectations before moving forward.

Room-by-Room Renovation Costs in Toronto

Breaking down renovation costs in Toronto by room helps homeowners understand where the biggest investments lie. Kitchens and bathrooms typically account for the highest portion of expenses, while living areas and bedrooms fall on the lower end.

Kitchen Renovation Cost in Toronto

  • Small kitchens: $15K–$25K
  • Mid-range: $25K–$50K
  • High-end: $50K–$80K+

Cabinetry, countertops, and appliances drive pricing.

Bathroom Renovation Cost in Toronto

  • Basic bathroom: $10K–$15K
  • Mid-range: $18K–$25K
  • Luxury $30K–$40K+

Plumbing and finishes are key cost factors.

Basement Renovation Cost in Toronto

  • Basic finishes start at $25K+
  • Full basement suites for rental or income properties begin at $150K+

These can deliver strong ROI

Living Areas & Bedrooms

Expect $150–$200 psf, with cosmetic upgrades often ranging from $20K–$40K depending on size.

Room-by-Room Cost Summary

Room

Cost Range

Kitchen

$15K–$80K+

Bathroom

$10K–$40K+

Basement

$25K–$150K+

Living/Bedrooms

$20K–$40K+ / $150–$200 psf

This breakdown makes home renovation Toronto costs easier to plan by focusing on each space separately.

Kitchen Renovation Cost in Toronto

Kitchen renovations are one of the most significant investments in a full home renovation.

  • Small projects may cost $15K–$25K
  • Mid-range kitchens range from $25K–$50K
  • High-end spaces can reach $50K–$80K+

Cabinetry, countertops, and appliances are the primary drivers of renovation costs in Toronto, with layout changes adding additional expenses.

Bathroom Renovation Cost in Toronto

Bathroom renovations typically fall into three ranges:

  • Basic – $10K–$15K
  • Mid-range – $18K–$25K
  • Luxury – $30K–$40K+

Plumbing upgrades and premium finishes significantly influence renovation costs in Toronto, making bathrooms one of the most variable spaces in a full renovation.

Basement Renovation Cost in Toronto

A basement renovation can start at $25K for basic finishes, but building a full basement suite with kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms often begins at $150K+. Many homeowners view this as a long-term investment since rental units can deliver strong ROI, making basements a strategic part of a home renovation Toronto cost plan.

Living Areas & Bedrooms

Renovating living spaces and bedrooms usually costs $150–$200 per square foot, with cosmetic upgrades starting around $20K–$40K. These rooms tend to have fewer structural costs compared to kitchens and bathrooms.

Hidden and Additional Renovation Costs

Many homeowners are surprised by “invisible” expenses that surface during a full home renovation. Beyond visible upgrades, several mandatory and situational costs must be considered:

  • Permits – $300–$2,000+ (Toronto building permit cost varies by project scope)
  • Design/Architect Fees – $2,500–$15,000+
  • Structural Engineer – $500–$1,500
  • Temporary Accommodations – $2K–$10K
  • Repairs (foundation, mold, asbestos, HVAC) – $20K–$50K+

Accounting for these items prevents surprises mid-project. Adding a 10–15% contingency to your budget is strongly advised, as unexpected issues are common in Toronto’s older homes. Factoring these elements into your renovation costs per square foot in Ontario makes your planning more realistic.

Return on Investment for Toronto Renovations

When planning a full renovation, it’s important to consider ROI. Not every update pays back equally, but many Toronto projects deliver strong returns.

  • Kitchen: 75–100%
  • Bathroom: 70–90%
  • Basement suite: 100%+
  • Flooring/Energy updates: 70–80%

Kitchens and bathrooms remain leading areas for value, while basement suites often recoup costs and provide rental income. Energy upgrades also reduce long-term expenses. Combined with available rebates such as HST credits or energy-efficiency programs, ROI plays a key role in planning renovation costs in Toronto.

How to Budget for a Full Home Renovation in Toronto

Careful planning is essential when managing the cost of full home renovation in Toronto. Following a structured approach makes budgeting more predictable:

  • Step 1 – Define your project scope
  • Step 2 – Choose materials wisely
  • Step 3 – Get multiple quotes from licensed contractors
  • Step 4 – Add a 10–15% contingency
  • Step 5 – Factor in permits and temporary housing if needed

By organizing your budget around these steps, you’ll create a realistic plan that covers visible and hidden expenses. Always think long-term, since investing in quality work adds to your property’s value over time.

Plan Your Toronto Renovation with Confidence

Full home renovations in Toronto range from $100–$400 per square foot depending on size, finishes, and complexity. By planning carefully, homeowners can manage Toronto renovation costs while achieving the results they want.

Aria Build has over 10 years of experience to help guide you through every stage of your project. Contact us today for a free consultation and custom quote.


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