A full house renovation is the most ambitious project a GTA homeowner can undertake — and with Toronto real estate prices at record highs, it's often smarter to renovate than to move. But what does it actually cost in 2026? Here's the complete breakdown.
Quick Summary: Full house renovation in GTA costs $100–$200/sqft depending on scope and finishes. A 1,500 sqft home renovation typically runs $150,000–$300,000 all-in.
Cost by Home Size — GTA 2026
| Home Size | Basic Renovation | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1,000 sqft | $100K–$140K | $140K–$200K | $200K+ |
| 1,000–1,500 sqft | $140K–$200K | $200K–$280K | $280K+ |
| 1,500–2,500 sqft | $200K–$300K | $300K–$420K | $420K+ |
| 2,500+ sqft | $300K+ | $400K+ | $500K+ |
What's Included in a Full House Renovation
Structural Work
Older GTA homes often require structural updates — removing load-bearing walls to open floor plans, adding beams, updating footings. Budget $20,000–$60,000 for significant structural changes.
Kitchen Renovation
The kitchen is typically the most expensive room in a full house renovation. A complete kitchen renovation in GTA costs $40,000–$90,000 — custom cabinetry, countertops, appliances, flooring, and electrical/plumbing updates.
Bathroom Renovations
A full house renovation typically includes 2–3 bathrooms. Budget $15,000–$35,000 per bathroom depending on size and finishes. Primary ensuite renovations often run $30,000–$50,000.
Flooring Throughout
Engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl plank throughout a 1,500 sqft home costs $15,000–$30,000 installed including subfloor prep and stairs.
Electrical & Plumbing Updates
Older homes require panel upgrades (200A service), new circuits, and plumbing updates. Budget $15,000–$35,000 for full electrical and plumbing work across a home.
HVAC
New furnace, central air, and ductwork — $8,000–$20,000. A full renovation is the best time to update your HVAC while walls are open.
Windows & Exterior
New windows throughout a GTA home — $15,000–$40,000 depending on count and style. Exterior work including siding, roofing, or stonework is additional.
Timeline
A full house renovation in GTA typically takes 3–6 months from permit approval to completion. Complex projects with structural work, additions, or high-end custom finishes can take 6–12 months. Permit approval in Toronto takes 4–8 weeks for residential projects.
Renovate vs. Move — The GTA Calculation
With average detached home prices in Toronto at $1.5M+ and land transfer taxes adding $30,000–$60,000 to any purchase, renovating your existing home is often the smarter financial decision. A $250,000 renovation that adds $300,000–$400,000 in value — while avoiding moving costs and land transfer taxes — is a strong investment.
Dotch tip: The highest ROI renovations in GTA are kitchen, bathrooms, and adding a legal basement suite. These three improvements can add 20–30% to your home's value while also improving your daily life.
How to Avoid Budget Surprises
- Get a detailed scope of work in writing — not a rough estimate, but a line-item breakdown.
- Add 15–20% contingency — older homes always hide surprises: knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos, moisture damage.
- Don't change your mind mid-project — change orders are expensive. Finalize your decisions before work starts.
- Use licensed, insured contractors only — verify WSIB clearance and liability insurance. Note: Tarion warranty applies only to new home construction, not to renovations or additions.
- Get permits — unpermitted work creates serious problems when selling. A good contractor handles this for you.
Dotch Construction — Full House Renovation Specialists
With 30+ years and 500+ projects across GTA, Dotch Construction manages every aspect of your full house renovation — design coordination, permits, all trades, and project management. We work in Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, and 24 GTA cities. Call 416-716-4090 for a free site visit.