How much does renovation contractor cost in Canada?
Free, no obligation. Sign in with Google to send your request.
Key takeaways
- Most renovation contractor jobs in Canada land between CA$6,000–CA$350,000 — known locally as general contractor.
- Contractor regulation in Canada is provincial and municipal: Quebec's RBQ licence is mandatory for most contracting, while Ontario and other provinces regulate through municipal licensing and permits. Provincial construction lien acts let unpaid subcontractors lien your home, which is why the statutory holdback (e.g., 10% in Ontario) exists and should be used on any significant renovation.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Renovation Contractor prices by job size in Canada
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-room refresh Flooring, paint, and fixture updates in one room | CA$6,000 | CA$15,000 | CA$30,000 |
| Kitchen or bathroom renovation Full remodel of one wet room managed by a GC | CA$15,000 | CA$30,000 | CA$70,000 |
| Multi-room renovation Two to four rooms with plumbing or electrical rework | CA$30,000 | CA$70,000 | CA$140,000 |
| Whole-home renovation Full interior renovation of a typical detached home | CA$75,000 | CA$160,000 | CA$350,000 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per hour (general contractor) | CA$50 | CA$80 | CA$130 |
| per square foot (mid-range renovation) | CA$80 | CA$150 | CA$300 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Canada typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a renovation contractor pro in Canada
- Check the licensing rule for your province: Quebec requires an RBQ licence for contractors, Toronto requires a municipal Building Renovator licence, and BC licenses residential builders for new-home work — rules are provincial and municipal, not federal
- Ask for a WSIB (Ontario) or WorkSafe clearance certificate so an injured worker can't claim against you
- Verify general liability insurance of at least $2 million
- Confirm who applies for the municipal building permit — required for structural, plumbing rough-in, and most electrical changes
- Get three itemized quotes after site visits and compare line by line
- Apply the statutory holdback from your provincial lien act (10% in Ontario) to progress payments until the lien period expires
Red flags
- Wants to be paid fully in cash 'to save you the tax'
- No WSIB/WorkSafe coverage — you can be liable for injuries on your property
- Cannot name which permits your job needs in your municipality
- Quote is a single number with no scope breakdown
- Pressure to sign today for a 'this week only' discount
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to CAD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Extrapolated from US Angi/HomeAdvisor data at Canadian wage and CAD levels; Provincial licensing rules: RBQ (Quebec), City of Toronto licensing, BC Housing.
Frequently asked questions
What does a renovation contractor actually do?
A renovation contractor (general contractor or main builder) manages your whole project: pricing the job, scheduling and supervising trades like electricians and plumbers, ordering materials, arranging permits where needed, and being the single party responsible for quality and timeline. You pay one contract price instead of coordinating five separate trades yourself.
How much contingency should I budget?
Hold back 10-15% of the contract value for surprises on a standard renovation, and 20% for older properties where opening walls tends to reveal outdated wiring, corroded pipes, or damp. Do not tell the contractor your contingency figure — it is your buffer, not extra scope budget.
How do I compare renovation quotes properly?
Ask every contractor to break the quote into the same line items: demolition, structural, plumbing, electrical, walls and finishes, fixtures, and a stated allowance for materials you choose. Then compare line by line. A single lump-sum number cannot be compared and cannot be enforced when scope questions come up mid-project.
Can I live in my home during a renovation?
Usually yes for single-room projects if water and power stay connected to the rest of the home; usually no for whole-home work involving dust-heavy demolition or when the only kitchen or bathroom is out of service for weeks. Ask the contractor to phase the works so one bathroom stays functional, and budget for short-term accommodation on gut renovations.
What do general contractors charge in Canada?
Hourly rates typically run CAD 50-130 depending on province and city, with most renovations priced as a project including a 10-20% management markup. Mid-range whole-home renovation work commonly lands around CAD 100-300 per square foot in major metros.
Do I need a permit for interior renovations in Canada?
Cosmetic work doesn't need one, but municipal building permits are required for structural changes, moving plumbing, most electrical alterations (with inspection by the provincial electrical authority, e.g., ESA in Ontario), and basement legalizations. Unpermitted work commonly surfaces during home inspection at resale and can kill a deal.
Free, no obligation. Sign in with Google to send your request.