For homeowners in Ontario looking to modernize their living space, a full house renovation is one of the most rewarding but financially significant projects you can undertake. Whether you’re upgrading an older detached home in Toronto or refreshing a bungalow in Mississauga, it’s important to understand the full house renovation cost breakdown before getting started.
At RM Renovation in Ontario, we’ve completed thousands of full-home renovation projects across the GTA. This guide provides realistic renovation pricing, a detailed explanation of what affects the cost, and how to make informed decisions throughout the process.
Average Full House Renovation Cost in Ontario
The average cost to fully renovate a house in Ontario ranges between $100 and $300 per square foot. This price varies depending on the type of renovation, the size of your home, and the quality of materials used.
| Home Size | Low Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 ft² | $150,000 | $225,000 | $450,000+ |
| 2,000 ft² | $200,000 | $300,000 | $600,000+ |
| 2,500 ft² | $250,000 | $375,000 | $750,000+ |
These figures cover everything from design to demolition, construction, finishes, and final inspection. The range is wide because every home has different needs, goals, and constraints.
For a more detailed look at costs, see our breakdown:
Cost of Full Home Renovation
Whole Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
What Affects Full Home Renovation Cost
Discover all the main factors that impact full house renovation cost, from home size and layout to materials, permits, labour, and upgrades:
1. Size and Condition of the Home
Larger homes naturally cost more to renovate due to increased materials and labour. Older homes in Ontario often require structural updates, insulation upgrades, asbestos removal, or new HVAC systems, which can push costs higher. The more prep work involved, the more your budget needs to stretch.
2. Scope of Renovation
A cosmetic update costs less than a full gut job. Light renovations may involve repainting and new flooring, while a full renovation includes kitchen and bathroom remodeling, wall removals, rewiring, plumbing, insulation, and new finishes throughout.
- Cosmetic updates: $100–150/ft²
- Standard renovation with layout changes: $150–250/ft²
- Full structural renovation: $250–400+/ft²
According to expert contractors from Panorama Windows in GTA, replacing outdated windows is a frequent part of whole-home upgrades. While the cost per window adds up, new windows improve energy efficiency and reduce long-term heating costs.
3. Material Selection
Cabinets, tile, lighting, flooring, and countertops vary widely in price. Choosing custom materials or high-end finishes will increase your renovation budget quickly. As a trusted Toronto renovation contractor, we help you access the right products at the right price through our trusted supplier network.
4. Permits and Inspections
In Ontario, permits are required for structural changes, plumbing modifications, electrical rewiring, and load-bearing wall removals. Permit fees typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the municipality and the nature of the renovation.
Our team manages the entire permit process for clients to prevent costly delays or compliance issues.
Learn more: Home Additions
5. Labour and Timeline
Skilled trades are essential for any renovation project, and in the GTA, contractor rates are among the highest in the country. The longer and more complex the renovation, the higher the labour cost.
We provide in-house project managers, licensed electricians, plumbers, and finishers to streamline each stage of the project.
What’s Included in a Full Home Renovation
A full home renovation in Ontario typically involves upgrades across every major interior space and system. At RM Renovation, we handle each stage of the process, from demolition to final handover, with precise coordination and attention to detail.
Services we provide as part of a complete renovation include:
- Kitchen Renovation – cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, appliances, layout redesign
- Bathroom Renovation – new fixtures, tiling, vanities, lighting, waterproofing
- Basement Renovation – finishing, insulation, additional bedrooms, or rental suite conversions
- Living Room and Bedroom Updates – new flooring, built-ins, lighting, drywall, and trim
- Flooring and Tiling – hardwood, engineered flooring, luxury vinyl, tile installations
- Painting and Decorating – interior painting, feature walls, crown moulding, baseboards
- Mechanical Systems – HVAC upgrades, electrical rewiring, plumbing replacements
- Structural Work – wall removals, open-concept conversions, framing adjustments
- Permit Coordination – full handling of building permits, code checks, and inspections
- Final Touches – site clean-up, walkthroughs, and quality control before handover
Each project is delivered with clear timelines, organized budgeting, and ongoing communication. We provide full home renovation services in key GTA regions like Toronto and Mississauga, with experienced crews ready to start when you are.
Is a Full House Renovation Worth the Investment?
Many Ontario homeowners ask whether it’s better to renovate or move. For most, staying in place and upgrading offers long-term financial and lifestyle value.
A full renovation can increase resale value by 15–25%, particularly if key areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and basement are modernized. Avoiding moving costs, real estate fees, and land transfer taxes also adds up.
More importantly, a renovated home reflects your taste and improves your daily comfort. Whether you want an open-concept layout, energy-efficient upgrades, or more storage, you can design it your way.
For sustainability-minded homeowners:
Eco-Friendly Home Renovations
How to Lower Energy Bills
Why Choose RM Renovation for Your Full House Renovation
With over 20 years of experience and thousands of completed projects across Toronto and the GTA, RM Renovation is a trusted name in full home transformations. We don’t just renovate; we manage every detail, so you can focus on the results.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- GTA-Focused Expertise: We’ve completed full home renovations across Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, and Etobicoke. Our local knowledge ensures smooth permits, inspections, and compliance.
- Dedicated Project Oversight: Every job is managed by an experienced project manager who oversees trades, timelines, and budgets from start to finish.
- Licensed and Vetted Trades: Our team includes certified electricians, plumbers, HVAC pros, and finishers, all fully insured and committed to top-tier workmanship.
- All-In-One Service Approach: From design plans to city permits and final finishes, we handle every step in-house, no juggling multiple contractors.
- Transparent, Reliable, and Accountable: From design plans to city permits and final finishes, we handle every step in-house, no juggling multiple contractors. We also offer specialized services, including condominium renovations, commercial renovations, and custom home builds.
Choosing RM Renovation means choosing a team that values clear communication, skilled workmanship, and results that add real value to your home. We treat every house like it’s our own, and every client like a partner.
Final Words
A full house renovation in Ontario is a major investment, but when handled by the right team, it adds long-term value, energy efficiency, and daily comfort. RM Renovation brings expert planning, licensed trades, and reliable service to every full-home project across the GTA.
If you’re ready to renovate your home in Toronto or anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area, contact us today for a free, no-pressure consultation.
