How much should I budget for a home renovation?

The budget for a home renovation in Ottawa can range from $10,000 for a simple bathroom refresh to $200,000+ for a full home transformation. Your specific budget depends on the scope of work, quality of finishes, and which rooms you're renovating.

Here's a realistic breakdown for Ottawa homeowners in 2024-2025:

Room-by-Room Budget Ranges

Bathroom renovations typically run $15,000-$50,000 depending on size and finish level. A powder room refresh might cost $15,000-$25,000, while a luxury master ensuite can reach $40,000-$50,000. These prices include labor, materials, permits, and professional installation of plumbing and electrical components.

Kitchen renovations range from $25,000-$80,000 in the Ottawa market. A mid-range kitchen update with quality cabinets, quartz countertops, and stainless appliances typically costs $35,000-$55,000. High-end kitchens with custom cabinetry and premium finishes can exceed $80,000.

Basement finishing costs approximately $40-$80 per square foot. A 600 square foot basement renovation might cost $24,000-$48,000, while creating a secondary dwelling unit (legal basement apartment) ranges from $80,000-$150,000 due to additional requirements like separate entrances, fire separation, and upgraded electrical systems.

Factors That Affect Your Budget

Age and condition of your home significantly impact costs. Homes built before 1960 often require electrical panel upgrades ($2,000-$4,000) or plumbing updates that can add 15-30% to your budget. Access challenges in older Ottawa homes, like narrow staircases or low basement ceilings, can also increase labor costs.

Permit fees in Ottawa range from $500-$5,000+ depending on project scope. While this seems minor, factor in the 10-20 business day processing time for simple permits, or 4-8 weeks for complex projects like secondary suites.

Material choices create the biggest budget variations. Builder-grade finishes might cost 40-50% less than premium options, but remember that quality materials often provide better long-term value in Ottawa's climate with its temperature extremes.

Ottawa-Specific Considerations

Our harsh winters and clay soil conditions mean waterproofing and insulation are critical investments. Budget an extra 10-15% for proper moisture management in basements and ensure any renovation includes adequate insulation to handle our -30°C winters.

Timing affects pricing - renovation costs typically increase 5-10% during peak season (April-October) when demand is highest. Winter bookings often offer better rates, though some work like exterior modifications must wait for spring.

Professional Guidance

Always get multiple detailed quotes from licensed, WSIB-insured contractors. Beware of estimates that seem 30%+ below others - this often indicates corners will be cut on permits, materials, or proper installation methods.

Budget for contingencies - add 15-20% to your planned budget for unexpected discoveries like outdated wiring, plumbing issues, or structural concerns common in Ottawa's older housing stock.

For a free estimate on your specific renovation project, contact Justyn Rook Contracting. We provide detailed quotes that break down all costs including permits, materials, and labor, so you can budget confidently for your Ottawa home renovation.