What kitchens, bathrooms, basements and additions cost, what pushes the price up, and the tax and program rules that apply in 2026.
Start here if you want to know roughly what a renovation costs and why two similar-looking projects can differ by tens of thousands of dollars. The guides in this section explain the main cost drivers (size, finish level, structural and mechanical work, labour market, permits and access) for the most common Canadian projects: kitchens, bathrooms, basement finishing and additions.
Every dollar range on this site is illustrative. We build each range from typical components (trades, materials, allowances, overhead and profit) and round it; it is not survey data and not a quote. Use the ranges to sanity-check a budget or a quote, then replace them with the figures in written quotes from contractors in your area.
This section also covers the rules that change the bottom line in 2026: GST/HST, PST and QST on renovation contracts, and the federal Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit and Home Accessibility Tax Credit, plus the current status of the Canada Greener Homes programs. Begin with the renovation cost overview, then open the project guide that matches your plans.
Costs, drivers and 2026 rules
Illustrative basement finishing ranges with and without a bathroom, moisture and insulation costs, egress windows, permits, a worked 800 sq ft budget and quote checks.
Costs, drivers and 2026 rules
Illustrative bathroom remodel ranges for Canadian homes, what drives tile, plumbing and waterproofing costs, accessibility upgrades, a worked budget and quote checks.
Costs, drivers and 2026 rules
Which sales taxes apply to renovation contracts in each province, how PST works for contractors in BC, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, substantial renovations and worked tax examples.
Costs, drivers and 2026 rules
Illustrative cost logic for one-storey, second-storey and over-garage additions in Canada, zoning and permits, foundations, design fees, a worked budget and risks.
Costs, drivers and 2026 rules
What drives renovation prices in Canada, illustrative per-square-foot ranges for common projects, how those ranges are built and how to turn them into a budget.
Costs, drivers and 2026 rules
Illustrative kitchen remodel ranges for Canadian homes, the cost of cabinets, counters, layout changes and trades, a worked budget and how to read kitchen quotes.
Costs, drivers and 2026 rules
The Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit and Home Accessibility Tax Credit for 2026, rates and limits, the closed Greener Homes Grant and Loan, and how to check provincial programs.
