After 50+ years and 30,000+ completed renovation projects across the GTA, here is LF Builders’ practical reference guide for Canadian homeowners planning projects in 2026.
Kitchen Renovations
Entry-level refresh (new cabinet doors, counters, paint — no layout changes): $8,000 – $20,000
Mid-range full renovation (new cabinets, quartz countertop, backsplash, lighting update): $25,000 – $55,000
High-end custom (custom cabinetry, layout change, premium appliances): $60,000 – $150,000+
Key 2026 note: Premium wood-tone cabinetry (white oak, walnut) runs 20–35% more per linear foot than painted shaker doors. Framing lumber and structural costs are up roughly 5% year over year.
Bathroom Renovations
Basic refresh, same layout (new fixtures, accessories, paint): $6,000 – $15,000
Full gut, same layout (new tile, vanity, tub or shower, fixtures): $15,000 – $35,000
Layout changes (moving drains, walls, full reconfiguration): $30,000 – $60,000+
Worth adding during any bathroom reno: heated floor coils. Modest cost at installation ($1,500–$4,000 depending on room size), and nearly impossible to add affordably after the floor tiles are laid.
Basement Waterproofing
Interior drainage system and sump pump: $5,000 – $15,000
Exterior excavation (partial, one wall): $15,000 – $30,000
Full exterior perimeter system: $35,000 – $65,000+
Interlock Driveways and Patios
Walkway interlock: $15 – $25 per sq ft installed
Driveway interlock: $20 – $35 per sq ft installed
Natural flagstone: $40 – $80 per sq ft installed
Secondary Suites
Basic legal conversion (egress windows, fire separation, dedicated electrical): $40,000 – $65,000
Mid-range with separate entrance and full fit-out: $65,000 – $110,000
Full build requiring underpinning: $110,000 – $200,000+
Toronto building permits for suite additions typically add $1,500 – $4,000.
Roofing
| Material | Cost Range (1,500 sq ft home) |
|---|---|
| Architectural shingles | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Metal roofing | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Flat roof (torch-on/TPO) | $8,000 – $20,000 |
Contingency Rule
Budget 15–20% above your quoted price as contingency. In pre-1970 Toronto homes, use 25%. Hidden conditions — asbestos, knob-and-tube wiring, cast iron drains, subfloor rot — appear in the majority of older GTA renovations. After 30,000+ projects across Southern Ontario, this number is consistent.
Have questions about any project type? Drop them below. And before hiring anyone, read the reviews in this community — that is what home.renovation.reviews is for.
Frequently Asked Questions: GTA Renovation Costs 2026
Q: What is the average cost of a kitchen renovation in Toronto in 2026?
A mid-range full kitchen renovation — new cabinets, quartz countertop, backsplash, and updated lighting — typically costs $25,000 to $55,000. Entry-level refreshes run $8,000 to $20,000. High-end custom kitchens with layout changes start at $60,000 and commonly reach $150,000 or more. Wood-tone cabinetry (oak, walnut) runs 20–35% more per linear foot than painted shaker.
Q: How much should I budget for a legal basement suite in Toronto?
A straightforward legal conversion (egress windows, fire separation, electrical) runs $40,000 to $65,000. With a separate entrance and full kitchen/bath fit-out: $65,000 to $110,000. Projects requiring underpinning: $110,000 to $200,000 or more. Always add permit fees of $1,500 to $4,000.
Q: What contingency should I plan for a GTA renovation?
Budget 15–20% above your quoted price. For pre-1970 Toronto homes, use 25%. Hidden conditions including asbestos, knob-and-tube wiring, and subfloor rot appear in the majority of older GTA home renovations.
Q: What documents should I request before hiring a renovation contractor?
WSIB Clearance Certificate, Certificate of Insurance ($2M+ commercial general liability), Ontario business registration number, and trade license numbers (ESA for electricians, plumbing license, TSSA for gas fitters). Verify each independently before signing anything.
More from LF Builders and home.renovation.reviews
- 50+ years and 30,000+ completed projects across the GTA: LF Builders
- Renovation planning and cost guides: blog.lfbuilders.ca
- Related: How to Vet a Renovation Contractor — Complete GTA Checklist
- Samm Simon is running 251 km for cancer research — support the run at sammsimon.ca