Renovation Costs Blog
Stay updated with our renovation costs blog for tips, trends, and expert advice on remodeling projects.
Home Addition Costs in Ottawa
Do you want to add square footage to your garage, or finish your basement but aren’t sure about the price? Then you’re in the perfect place. At RenosGroup, we pride ourselves on educating our customers. That’s why we’re completely transparent about our rates. We’re also upfront about what you should expect to pay for home renovations in Ottawa. It’s our goal to educate you so that you don’t get ripped off by shady contractors. There are many handymen and contractors out there that claim to charge next to nothing. Yet, they often cheat their customers through hidden charges and poor labor. That’s why we’ve created a practical pricing guide for our top-notch renovations. Basic Room Addition Costs Are you an Ottawa homeowner in need of some extra space? Maybe you just had a child and need another bedroom. Packing up and moving to a new home is expensive and cumbersome. Not only that but buying a new home just for an extra room is a huge step. That’s why you need a home addition from RenosGroup instead. We can provide you with an essential room addition to give you that much-needed space. That way, you won’t have to move or uproot your life just for the sake of an extra room. So what can you expect to pay for a basic room addition? Here’s a breakdown: $67,500 + HST for the addition of a 15′ x 15′ 225 SF bedroom, $150,000 for a 20′ x 25′ 500 SF $300-$325 per square foot Price is for a single room addition only Minimal electrical and structural work included No plumbing included in the price Techno posts/Concrete Piers With our help, you can add an extra room for the new baby without having to move. Beyond that, our room additions are perfect for adding a man cave, extra storage space, and more. If you wish that your Ottawa home had more space, then an essential room addition from us will make that wish come true. Garage Addition Costs Is the only thing holding you back from buying a new car a lack of garage space? Then you need to give us a call to add extra square footage to your garage or carport. A more oversized garage will also add to the resell value of your Ottawa home. A garage addition is a fantastic idea if you’re trying to think of upgrades to sell your home for more. If you’re running out of space for everything, adding to your garage can solve your storage woes. If you’re curious about getting a garage addition in Ottawa, here’s an overview of the pricing: $60,000 + HST for a 12′ x 20′ 240 SF garage, $150,000 a 24′ x 25′ 600 SF two-car garage $250-$275 per square foot Enough room to park another vehicle Concrete slab foundation There’s a lot that you can do with a garage addition. If you aren’t concerned with parking your vehicle or storage, why not make it a weight room, man cave, or bar? Let us know what you have in mind during our free in-home consultation, and our team will make it happen. Finished Basement Costs If you have an unfinished basement in Ottawa, it’s time to change that. Keeping your basement incomplete is effectively wasting an entire room of your home. Sadly, basements are often the most underutilized room in many homes. We specialize in finishing basements at RenosGroup, so don’t wait to give us a call if you want to spruce things up. Beyond finishing your basement, we can also help you renovate and repurpose it. There are lots of benefits involved with finishing your basement. These include: Increased energy efficiency. If your basement isn’t finished, then it’s not insulated. As a result, cold and hot air escapes, making it harder to maintain the temperature in your home. Finishing the basement will insulate it, saving you money on your energy bill. Increased value to your home. Finishing your basement can provide a 70% ROI due to the value it adds to your home. If you plan on selling your home in Ottawa, you owe it to yourself to hire us to finish the basement. A finished basement is often high on homebuyers’ wish lists. That can not only help your home sell for more but also faster. Added versatility. You can use it as a bonus room when you stop neglecting your basement. We encourage homeowners to turn their basement into a room they wish they had. For example, do you want a home gym or hobby room? Then your basement is a perfect fit, but you need to finish it first! Here’s an overview of what you can expect to pay for a finished basement: $35,000 – $85,000 + HST for a basement 700-1,000 SF in length $50-$85 per square foot Lower square footage price includes basic finishes Higher square footage price includes higher-end finishes & full bathroom Kitchen/Bathroom & Multi-Room Addition Costs For homeowners wanting larger kitchens or bathrooms, we don’t disappoint at RenosGroup. We can add to your current kitchens and bathrooms or build new ones from scratch. Also, if you need to add multiple bedrooms to your Ottawa home, you can count on us. We do closets, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. With our skilled team on your side, you’ll never have to settle for a subpar kitchen or bathroom. Do you wish you had an island or an extra area for a pizza oven? Would you love to add a bathroom to the first floor for your guests? It would be best if you reached out to us for a free in-home consultation today. Here are the prices we charge for kitchens, bathrooms, and multiple room additions: $78,750 + HST for a 15′ x 15′ 225 SF kitchen, $262,000 for a 25′ x 30′ 750 SF kitchen/multi room addition $350 – $375 per square foot Multiple rooms are available Techno posts/Concrete Piers Moderate to high-end finishes Bathrooms, tile, hardwood, closets, and more Crawl
Breakdown of Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit
Many families in Canada are choosing to live together across generations. This trend, called multi-generational living, is driven by both necessity (like shared expenses) and a desire for closer family bonds. To help Canadians with the expenses of creating a suitable living space for extended family, the government introduced the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC) in 2023. This credit can offset the cost of renovations to create a secondary suite within your home for a qualifying relative. While there are benefits like emotional support and childcare, there are challenges too, such as privacy and space. Recognizing this, the Canadian government introduced the Multi-Generational Home Renovation Tax Credit in 2023. Qualifying for the Tax Credit This credit helps offset the cost of renovating your home to accommodate multiple generations. Here’s how to qualify: Who lives there? The renovation must be for a relative aged 65 or older, or someone with a disability. This can include grandparents, parents, children, aunts, uncles, or nephews. Talk to your family member about their specific needs, like mobility issues. What kind of renovation? You need to create a separate suite with its own entrance, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Think of it as a mini-apartment within your home. Consider consulting an architect or designer specializing in accessible living. When will they move in? The suite must be occupied within a year of completion. Work with your contractor to ensure a realistic timeline. What can you claim? Eligible expenses include construction costs (walls, doors, layout changes) and accessibility features (ramps, grab bars, wider doorways). Keep receipts for everything – appliances, purely cosmetic upgrades, and housekeeping are not covered. Do you own or rent? You must be the homeowner or a long-term tenant with permission to renovate. If renting, get written approval from your landlord and discuss how increased property value will be handled. Who’s doing the work? Hire licensed and insured contractors with experience in multi-generational renovations or accessible design. Check references and past projects. Keep it documented! Detailed receipts and records are essential for your application. Use digital tools to track expenses and store receipts securely. Applying for the Tax Credit Once you’re sure you meet the requirements, gather your documents: proof of ownership/tenancy, renovation plans, contractor quotes, and all receipts. The application process typically involves a form (online or paper) submitted with your documents to the relevant government department. Meet deadlines and double-check your application for accuracy. Upon approval, you’ll receive instructions on claiming the credit (rebate, tax reduction, etc.). At RenosGroup.ca, we believe that home is more than just a physical space—it’s where memories are made, bonds are strengthened, and generations come together. What is the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC)? The MHRTC is a refundable tax credit that offers financial relief for Canadians who renovate their existing homes to create a self-contained secondary unit. This secondary unit is intended to house a qualifying relative, specifically: A senior family member aged 65 or older by the end of the renovation period taxation year. An adult family member (at least 18 years old by the end of the renovation period taxation year) who qualifies for the disability tax credit. The credit helps offset the costs associated with creating this secondary unit, making multigenerational living arrangements more accessible. Eligibility for the MHRTC Claiming the MHRTC involves three key aspects: Qualifying Individual: This refers to the person who will reside in the secondary unit. They must be a: Senior family member aged 65 or older by the end of the renovation period taxation year. Adult family member (at least 18 years old by the end of the renovation period taxation year) who qualifies for the disability tax credit. Qualifying Relative: You, the person renovating your home, must be a qualifying relative to the individual residing in the secondary unit. This means you have a close blood relationship, such as a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew. Qualifying Renovation: The renovations must create a self-contained secondary unit within your existing home. This unit needs to meet specific requirements outlined below. Secondary Unit Requirements: Separate Entrance: The secondary unit should have its own private entrance, allowing for independent access for the resident. Kitchen and Bathroom Facilities: The unit must be equipped with a complete kitchen and bathroom, fostering independent living for the qualifying individual. How is the MHRTC Calculated? “The MHRTC is a refundable tax credit, meaning you can receive the credit amount even if you don’t owe any taxes. Here’s how it works: Tax Rate: The credit is calculated by multiplying the lowest personal income tax rate in Canada (15%) by a specific amount. Lesser of Two Values: This specific amount is the lesser of two values: $50,000: This is the maximum qualifying expense limit. Total Qualifying Expenditures: This is the actual amount you spent on eligible renovations that meet the MHRTC criteria. Example: Let’s say your qualifying expenditures for the renovation totaled $50,000 (the maximum). In this case, the credit amount would be: MHRTC = 15% x $50,000 = $7,500 However, if your qualifying expenditures were only $30,000, the calculation would be: * MHRTC = 15% x $30,000 = **$4,500**” Source: MHRTC Official Website Additional Points: You cannot claim any credit if the qualifying individual wasn’t a resident of Canada throughout the taxation year.” Only one qualifying renovation can be claimed per qualifying individual in their lifetime. Remember, this tax credit aims to support multigenerational living arrangements, benefiting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their families. 🏠💙 For more details, you can visit the official Canada Revenue Agency page. Feel free to contact RenosGroup.ca at 613-727-9427 for a free in-home consultation on your next renovation in Ottawa. Previous article on same topic: Many families in Canada are choosing to live together across generations. This trend, called multi-generational living, is driven by both necessity (like shared expenses) and a desire for closer family bonds. To help Canadians with the expenses of creating a suitable living space for extended family, the government introduced the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC) in 2023. This credit can offset the cost of renovations to create a secondary suite within your home for a qualifying relative. While there are benefits like
Home Renovation Costs on the decline?
Are home renovation costs truly starting to decline? According to a study done by Remodeling.hw.net, home renovation costs are currently on the decline. This is good news for homeowners who have been wanting to renovate their homes but were put off by the costs. Let’s take a look at what is driving this decline in costs and what types of renovations are being affected the most. One of the main reasons cited for the decline in home renovation costs is the decrease in labor costs. With more people out of work, there is more competition for jobs, which has driven down wages. This is good news for homeowners who are looking to do large-scale renovations that require a lot of labor hours such as adding an addition or gutting a kitchen. Another reason for the decline in home renovation costs is the decrease in material costs. With the economy struggling, many manufacturers are offering discounts on construction materials in order to move inventory. This is especially true for high-end materials such as granite countertops and hardwood floors. So if you’ve been wanting to upgrade your home with luxury finishes, now is a great time to do it! Speaking of granite countertops, not only are they eye-grabbing & beautiful, but they provide numerous other benefits for your kitchen. For one, keeping granite clean is effortless, as it’s naturally resistant to bacteria and dirt build-ups. To take things a step further, you could get the granite sealed to make it completely non-porous. That means nothing will be able to dirty your countertops – and cleaning them will be as simple as using a soft cloth and some cleaning solution. Granite is also exceptionally durable, so you won’t have to worry about unsightly chips, cracks, and scratches showing up on your countertops. Sealing the granite will further reinforce it, making it resistant to heavy impacts. The material is also heat resistant, so if you place a white-hot pan on it, the granite won’t burn or warp. Adding luxury finishes to your home is not only visually pleasing, but it will increase your property value. That’s especially true for your kitchen, as it’s one of the major selling points of any home. Bathrooms and basements are also important, so you’ll want to add luxury materials to those rooms while the prices are low. Renovation Spending on the Rise Despite national inflation and a volatile market, renovation spending has also been on the rise. Over the last 12 months, Canadians that underwent indoor renovations spent an average of $13,000 – which is up from $8,000 in 2021. It’s also predicted that homeowners will double their total spending on renovations in 2023, reinforcing that it’s a great time to renovate. Material and labor costs are low, and Canadians are eager to improve their homes, which is a match made in heaven. If you’ve been planning a large-scale renovation for your home, doing it within the next 12 months will allow you to capitalize on these plummeting prices. When polled, 80% of would-be renovators reported that they already have the cash on hand for their projects. That’s a clear sign that Canadians are serious about investing in their homes, both for the added property value and for their own benefit. For instance, 76% of respondents said they have no intention of moving for at least the next year within, so many Canadians are planning on staying put and improving their current homes. The pandemic seems to have had an effect on homeowners’ spending habits, with more money going toward home renovations instead of travel and entertainment. Despite COVID-19 restrictions easing off, homeowners have yet to return to their pre-pandemic way of life. That means they’d prefer to stay home and add a wine cellar to their basement instead of traveling the world or going to concerts. What types of renovations are Canadians getting done? For the second year in a row, the most popular type of renovation was an outdoor cabana with a complete chef’s kitchen. It’s a clear sign that homeowners are eager to recreate the resort experience with renovations instead of traveling to faraway places. Exterior Renovations & ROI Exterior renovations have also been on the rise, and according to the 25th Annual Cost vs. Value Report from Zonda, renovations to the exterior of the home yield the largest ROI. What types of exterior renovations are the most popular & profitable? Here are the outdoor home tweaks that topped the list: Replacing the garage door Manufactured stone veneer siding Fiber cement siding Vinyl replacement windows Wood replacement windows The exception to the rule was number 3 on the list, which was a minor kitchen remodel (it was discovered that simple kitchen touch-ups provided a significant ROI for homeowners). Renovation Ideas to Capitalize on Low Prices Since you know that costs are going down, now is the time to make any changes to your home that you’ve been dreaming about. Do you dream of gutting and redesigning your kitchen with luxury finishes and top-tier appliances? That dream may finally now be possible, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for a quote. If you want to improve your home but aren’t sure what changes to make, here are some renovation ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Reimagine Your Basement Your basement is a blank canvas that you can transform into literally anything. Want to build a home movie theater? No problem. Would it be great to have a dedicated playroom for your kids? Why not use your basement? Guest room suites, wine cellars, and bars are popular basement renovation options. If your basement isn’t finished, you’ll benefit from at least finishing it with drywall, heating, and lighting fixtures. If you have the budget, you can get creative and have fun with it. If you go the guest room route, our team at RenosGroup has the expertise and the equipment to add a fully functioning bathroom to your basement. With the declining costs
What Bathroom Renovations Really Costs
Renovating your bathroom may sound like a simple do-it-yourself project, but can easily come with some unforeseen costs. Bathroom renovations can be one of the best investments you can make in your home, but before you get started, you’ll need a well-informed budget of the cost of each bathroom component. Here’s what you should plan for. Construction Plumbing and Electrical – You may be able to get away with a simple renovation if you’ve got some handyman know-how, but some aspects of your project will require the licensure and expertise of a certified tradesman. Our research shows that most licensed trade work costs approximately $70-$120 per hour, with more complex installations like pot lights costing an additional $250 per light. Expect to spend about $4,000 on all plumbing and electrical work. General Labor – The cost of basic labor can vary greatly from contractor to contractor, so be sure to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best price possible – without sacrificing quality, of course. In general, labor and painting costs are calculated by the square foot, so it’s a good idea to take measurements of your bathroom before beginning. On average, $5,000-$7,500 is a reasonable estimate for a midsized bathroom. Demolition and Disposal – Before you begin tearing down any walls, you’ll want to make sure you’re not destroying any load-bearing structures, and that the material inside the wall isn’t hazardous. If you encounter any asbestos whatsoever, be sure to contact a professional with the proper skill set to dispose of it safely. Between the cost of demolition labor and removal, plan to set aside roughly $1,500 safely. Aesthetics Vanity – The vanity houses the sink, faucet, and any items you plan to store, and sets the tone for the look of the rest of your bathroom. Custom vanities can cost $2,000 or more excluding installation (which costs $600), while standard vanities typically range from $500-$1,500. Countertops – The material of choice for most countertops is stone, and the price varies based on the quality, cut, and thickness of the material. We’ve found that most engineered stone, quartz and granite countertops cost $100-$125/sq.ft including installation, while higher-end materials like marble can range from $125-$200/sq.ft. Although a less common option, some customers have chosen wood as a countertop material with beautiful results. Wood can also be a more economical material, with prices ranging from $30-$50/sq.ft plus installation. Wood can hold moisture, though, so make sure your countertops are properly sealed before going this route. Tiling – Porcelain, ceramic, and marble are the primary tile materials most customers choose, with ceramic being the least expensive. Porcelain tiles are more durable and are easier to clean, so although they cost an average of $5-$10/sq.ft, they can be a better investment long-term. Our experts have found that perfectly good porcelain tiles can sometimes be found on sale for $1/sq.ft, so be sure to check the clearance section for the best possible value. Marble mosaic designs are available as a luxurious alternative, but the cost depends largely on the intricacy of the pattern design and can range anywhere from $10-$100/sq.ft. All totaled, we’ve found that the average cost of bathroom renovations are approximately $13,393 for a midsized bathroom. Of course, the price tag of bathroom renovations could vary significantly based on location and bathroom size, so check out our cost estimation table for a more precise estimate. Of course, the biggest factor for your renovation is just how extravagant you’d like your bathroom makeover to be, so whether you have a vision for your new bathroom or would like to develop one, browse our website for idea on bathroom renovations and let us help you turn your dream bathroom into a reality! To get in touch, give us a call today at (613) 727-9427.