Planning a whole-home renovation in Ontario
Renovating a whole house is a big undertaking, and often a smarter move than buying. Here is what it costs, how the process works, and what older Ontario homes tend to hide.
Quick answer
A whole-home renovation in Ontario typically costs $150 to $400 per square foot, depending on how much is being changed. A cosmetic refresh sits at the low end, while a full gut renovation to the studs, with new systems and finishes, reaches the top. Most whole-home projects take four to nine months on site plus two to four months of planning.
$150 to $400
Per sq ft
4 to 9 mo
On-site time
Gut vs cosmetic
Biggest cost driver
Permits
Required for structure and systems
How much does a whole-home renovation cost?
Whole-home cost is best expressed per square foot because scope varies so widely. The ranges below reflect the 2026 Ontario market and assume professional design, permits, and quality workmanship.
| Scope | Cost per sq ft | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | $60 to $120 | Paint, flooring, kitchen and bath updates, fixtures |
| Major renovation | $150 to $250 | New layouts, kitchens, baths, some systems |
| Full gut to the studs | $250 to $400+ | New wiring, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and finishes |
For a typical Ontario home, a serious whole-home renovation is a six-figure project. The number moves most with how much you gut, whether the layout changes, and the condition of the existing house.
How does a whole-home renovation work?
A whole-home project has more moving parts than a single room, so a clear process matters. Ours runs in stages:
- Consult and feasibility. We walk the home, understand your goals, and set a realistic budget.
- Design. Layouts, selections, and drawings are finalized before anything is ordered.
- Permits. We prepare drawings and secure building, electrical, and plumbing permits.
- Demolition and structure. The house is opened up and any structural work is done.
- Systems. Wiring, plumbing, and HVAC are roughed in and inspected.
- Finishes. Insulation, drywall, flooring, kitchens, baths, trim, and paint.
- Final inspection and handover. We close permits and walk you through the finished home.
Planning a full-house project?
One team, one contract, one point of contact from design to final inspection. Let us scope your whole-home renovation.
Talk to ZeybekWhat surprises hide in older Ontario homes?
Ontario has a lot of beautiful older housing stock, and older homes often hide conditions that need to be addressed during a gut renovation. Budgeting a contingency for these is smart:
- Knob-and-tube wiring that needs replacing to be safe and insurable
- Asbestos in old insulation, flooring, or textured ceilings, which needs proper removal
- Galvanized or lead plumbing that should be replaced
- Foundation and moisture issues that show up once walls are opened
- Out-of-level floors and framing common in century homes
Keep a contingency. On a gut renovation of an older home, set aside 10 to 15 percent for the conditions no one can see until demolition. A good contractor flags this up front rather than surprising you later.
Should you renovate or move?
With Ontario housing prices and land transfer taxes, renovating the home you own is often more economical than buying and moving, especially if you love the location. Renovating lets you keep the neighbourhood, avoid double land transfer tax, and get exactly the home you want. Moving can make sense if the lot or structure simply cannot support your goals. The right answer depends on your home, your budget, and how long you plan to stay, and we are happy to give an honest opinion after seeing the property.
If you are weighing where to spend, our guide to renovations that add the most value can help.
How long does a whole-home renovation take?
Expect four to nine months on site for a whole-home renovation, plus two to four months of design and permitting before the build begins. Most families move out for at least the demolition and systems stages of a full gut, for safety and comfort. See our full renovation timeline guide for a stage-by-stage view.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to gut and renovate a house in Ontario?
A full gut renovation to the studs in Ontario typically costs $250 to $400 or more per square foot, since it includes new wiring, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and finishes. A cosmetic whole-home refresh runs $60 to $120 per square foot.
How long does a whole-home renovation take?
Most whole-home renovations in Ontario take four to nine months on site, plus two to four months of design and permits beforehand. Larger or heritage homes can take longer.
Is it cheaper to renovate or buy a new home?
Renovating the home you own is often more economical than moving in Ontario once land transfer taxes and moving costs are factored in, especially if you value the location. Moving makes more sense when the lot or structure cannot support your goals.
Do I need to move out during a whole-home renovation?
For a full gut renovation, most families move out for at least the demolition and systems stages for safety and comfort. Phased or cosmetic projects can sometimes be done while you live in part of the home.
What hidden costs come with renovating an older Ontario home?
Older homes often hide knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos, outdated plumbing, and foundation or moisture issues. Budgeting a 10 to 15 percent contingency for these conditions is a smart move on a gut renovation.
Zeybek Construction
General contractors, Ontario
Written by the Zeybek team from more than two decades of renovation and construction work across Ontario, from Toronto and the GTA to Kitchener, Waterloo, and beyond. We build kitchens, bathrooms, whole homes, additions, and commercial spaces, and we handle permits and inspections as part of the job.
Related guides
Last updated June 30, 2026. This guide is general information for Ontario homeowners and is not a substitute for a site-specific quote or municipal advice. Costs and rules vary by municipality and project.
Ready to reimagine your whole home?
From a refresh to a full gut, we plan, permit, and build it with one team and one point of contact. Anywhere in Ontario.