How Much Does a Full Home Renovation Cost in Ontario?
If you are planning a major renovation, one of the first questions is simple: what is this actually going to cost?
The answer depends on the size of your home, the scope of work, and the level of finishes you choose. A cosmetic update will look very different from a full structural remodel.
That said, there are realistic pricing ranges that can help you understand what to expect before starting.
Average Cost of a Full Home Renovation in Ontario
In Ontario, most full home renovations fall somewhere within these ranges:
- Light renovation: $75 to $150 per square foot
- Mid-range renovation: $150 to $300 per square foot
- High-end renovation: $300+ per square foot
For example:
Small home (1,000 to 1,500 sq ft)
$100,000 to $250,000+
Mid-sized home (1,500 to 2,500 sq ft)
$175,000 to $450,000+
Large home (2,500+ sq ft)
$300,000 to $750,000+
These are broad ranges, but they provide a realistic starting point for budgeting.
The biggest factor is not square footage alone. It is how extensive the renovation is.
What Is Included in a Full Home Renovation?
A true full home renovation typically involves improvements across multiple areas of the house under one coordinated project.
This may include:
- Kitchen renovation
- Bathroom renovations
- New flooring throughout the home
- Painting and finishing work
- Lighting and electrical upgrades
- Plumbing updates
- Layout changes and wall removal
- Structural improvements
- Window and door replacements
Some projects also include basement finishing, additions, or exterior improvements.
If you are considering a large-scale remodel, our full home renovation page explains what these projects often involve and how they are planned.
What Has the Biggest Impact on Cost?
No two projects are the same. Several factors influence pricing.
Scope of Work
A cosmetic renovation will cost significantly less than a project involving structural work, plumbing relocation, or major layout changes.
For example:
Replacing flooring and paint is one thing.
Removing walls, relocating kitchens, or rebuilding sections of the home is another.
The more systems involved, the higher the investment.
Home Size
Larger homes generally cost more because there is simply more material and labour involved.
That said, price per square foot sometimes becomes slightly more efficient on larger projects.
Kitchen and Bathroom Work
Kitchens and bathrooms are usually the most expensive spaces to renovate.
Why?
Because they involve:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Cabinetry
- Fixtures
- Tile work
- Appliances
The more bathrooms or kitchens included, the higher the total cost.
Structural Changes
Opening floor plans or changing layouts often requires engineering and structural reinforcement.
Examples include:
- Removing load-bearing walls
- Reworking staircases
- Raising ceilings
- Expanding rooms
These projects require more planning and skilled labour.
Material and Finish Selection
Finishes play a major role in final cost.
Builder-grade materials will cost less than premium finishes.
Examples that affect budget include:
- Flooring type
- Cabinet quality
- Countertops
- Fixtures
- Lighting
- Tile selection
This is one of the biggest areas where budgets can vary.
Are Permits Required?
In many cases, yes.
If your renovation involves:
- Structural work
- Plumbing
- Electrical updates
- Additions
- Layout changes
permits are often required.
Permit costs are usually a small part of the overall project, but they are important for ensuring work is completed safely and to code.
Skipping permits can create major issues later, especially if you decide to sell the home.
Is It Cheaper to Renovate or Move?
For many homeowners, this becomes the real question.
Moving comes with:
- Realtor fees
- Land transfer taxes
- Legal costs
- Moving expenses
- Higher home prices
In many cases, renovating makes more financial sense, especially if you already like your location.
A full renovation also gives you something moving cannot: the ability to customize your home around how you actually live.
How Can You Budget for a Full Home Renovation?
The best approach is to plan around priorities.
Ask yourself:
- What absolutely needs to change?
- What would improve daily life the most?
- What can be phased later if needed?
Having a clear plan early helps avoid budget surprises later.
It is also smart to build in contingency for unexpected issues, especially in older homes.
How Long Does a Full Home Renovation Take?
Most full home renovations take anywhere from 3 to 8+ months, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Factors that affect timeline include:
- Permit approvals
- Structural work
- Material lead times
- Scope changes during construction
Larger projects naturally take longer, but careful planning makes a major difference.
Choosing the Right Renovation Company Matters
Large renovations involve a lot of moving parts.
Project management, communication, scheduling, and workmanship all play a major role in the final result.
The right contractor should help guide the process, set realistic expectations, and keep the project moving.
At Little Rainy Construction, we help homeowners plan and complete large-scale renovations with a focus on communication, quality, and long-term durability.
You can explore our full home renovation services to learn more about how these projects work.
Get a Rough Estimate for Your Renovation
Every renovation is different, which is why exact pricing depends on your home and goals.
If you want a rough starting point, try our construction price estimator tool to get an idea of budget and scope.
When you are ready to discuss your project, reach out to our team to talk through your renovation goals and options.