The complete home renovation guide: tips, steps and budget
You’ve bought your property and are living in peace when an idea pops up: why not renovate the house? You may want to improve the kitchen, swap out the floors, change the layout, modernize the exterior, or simply replace the bathroom counters and add a backsplash. Before you renovate a house, read this comprehensive home renovation guide. It will provide you with tips, a budget estimate and steps to follow.
- Assess your needs
- Seek out inspiration
- Research materials and contractors
- Make a budget
- Research multiple options to finance your renovations
- Look for renovation subsidies available in Quebec
- Hire professionals and sign contracts
- Apply for a building permit
- Notify your insurance company before you start renovating
- Comply with building standards and the Construction Code
- Two step-by-step renovation project examples
- Plan your renovation project properly to avoid unpleasant surprises
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Assess your needs
Before jumping right in, think about what’s motivating you and what your actual needs are. Why do you want to renovate your home? Here are some common reasons:
- Improve your comfort
- Personalize your space
- Update the aesthetics
- Add or rearrange a space
- Increase the value
- Improve the energy efficiency
- Etc.
While some people prefer to move, others love to renovate. The Life at Home report published by IKEA concluded that 56% of those surveyed wanted to move or renovate their home in the next two years.
There are plenty of good reasons for wanting change, but what are your actual needs?
Decide what’s important
Before renovating for aesthetic purposes, think about the work that needs to be done to the building. This could include repairing structural damage, updating the electrical system or fixing problems with moisture. If you’re a new owner and you hired a building inspector when you bought the home, look at their report. You’ll have a list of things to prioritize in your future renovations.
Once the important work is done, you can start on secondary projects. These may include functional and aesthetic improvements to increase comfort, add significant value to your property and bring it up to date.
If you plan to completely redo your kitchen, it’s a good time to check the insulation in the walls of this room. If you’re going to open up the walls, you might as well insulate them properly!
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Tips and tricks Make sure that the type of renovation and the materials you’re using align with your home’s value and the characteristics of your neighbourhood. This is particularly important if you’re considering selling in the short or medium term. A well-thought-out renovation will maximize your return on investment when you resell. |
2. Seek out inspiration
Now that your priorities are clear, flip through decor magazines and browse Pinterest and Instagram to find all sorts of ideas.
When it comes to organizing, the best way to keep all your inspirations together is to create boards. Pinterest makes this easy; you can create different ones and organize them however you like. Here are some ideas:
- Colours
- Materials (floors, backsplash, cabinets, counters)
- Furniture and accessories
- Plumbing
- Light fixtures
- Storage
- Other decor ideas
Choose decor that will inspire you every day.
3. Research materials and contractors
Now you can find out what materials are available in your area and think about the contractors you’ll need to hire. This will help you build a realistic budget that will incorporate your creative ideas without breaking the bank.
You’re never alone when you’re renovating a house. There are plenty of professionals who can help you with your renovations.
Some people think they either need to do everything by themselves or let a contractor do it all. Both options are possible, but you can also find a happy medium.
If you’re handy, you can do some small jobs yourself:
- Laying tiles
- Installing lights and faucets
- Painting
- Patching drywall or plastering walls
- Installing moulding
- Performing non-structural demolitions
According to the Association des consommateurs pour la qualité dans la construction (ACQC), not all renovations can be done by yourself. If you don’t have a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), you cannot install gas, petroleum or electrical equipment. Without a licence, renovations will not be covered by any warranty or insurance.
It’s recommended that you hire professionals for major work. Not only do they have the experience, but they also have insurance in case of any problems.
- Plumbing
- Electricity
- Replacing doors and windows
- Repairing roofs
- Installing new flooring
- Installing cabinets and counters
Now that you know what renovations the contractor will do, it’s time to pick the right one. Do you need a general or specialized contractor? Would you hire a contractor specialized in renovating balconies or patios to redo a bathroom? Probably not the best idea. A general contractor will do the trick.
Should you hire a designer?
If you can stretch your budget and you want to,
it may be worth it to contact a designer. There are plenty of reasons
to hire a designer for your project. If you tell
them your budget, your needs and what you like, this professional could suggest
different designs. This kind of expertise often makes a
difference in how successful a house renovation is.
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Tips and tricks Working with a designer can save you money by avoiding costly mistakes. This professional will also take advantage of your space’s full potential while respecting your budget. |
Do you need to hire an architect or engineer?
Whether you hire an architect or engineer for your project will depend on the renovations you intend on carrying out.
If you want to build an addition to your house, change its design or build a new house, an architect or technologist will be useful for your project. They’ll consider the functional and aesthetic details while respecting the Building Code.
You’ll need an engineer if the renovations are structural (removing a load-bearing wall, fixing a rooftop patio, or redoing the foundation, framework or electrical, heating or mechanical systems).
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Tips and tricks If you don’t know which professional to hire to renovate your house, check with your municipality. An urban planning department may be able to help you find which professional to hire. |
4. Make a budget
Now it’s time to set your budget, but to do so, you need to have an idea of how much some renovations cost. Here’s a table with some of the costs.
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Indoor renovations |
Average cost |
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Kitchen |
$18,000–$50,000 |
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Bathroom |
$14,000–$30,000 |
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Flooring |
$1,000–$8,000 per room |
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Interior painting |
$1,500–$5,000 |
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Household appliances |
$2,000–$10,000 |
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Average cost |
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Roof |
$7,000–$15,000 |
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Fence |
$1,500–$5,000 |
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Landscaping |
$3,000–$10,000 |
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Exterior siding |
$14,000–$55,000 |
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Exterior painting |
$2,000–$10,000 |
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Windows |
$14,000–$21,000 |
Of course, the prices mentioned in the table are averages and vary according to the size of the house, the quality of the materials and the complexity of the work. Planning is the key to staying within your budget and avoiding surprises.
When you’re planning, divide your budget into different categories:
- Labour
- Materials
- Permit
- Design costs
- Etc.
Going over budget
The risk of going over budget when renovating a home is quite high. According to a survey conducted by Houzz, out of 33,830 homeowners, nearly 39% of respondents exceeded the initial budget for their renovation project, 34% met their budget and only 3% managed to stay below their budget. As soon as you develop and plan your project, decide where costs could be exceeded.
It’s usually during house renovations that you find something that needs repairing that you couldn’t see before. The contractor may also find that the plumbing is out of date and needs to be completely redone. These are some examples of unexpected costs… to include in your budget. Even with the best planning, there will be hidden costs. How much should you plan for? Expect around 15% of your budget.
House renovations that have a good return on investment
It’s no surprise that you’ll see the kitchen and bathroom in first place for return on investment. There’s nothing like a modern kitchen over one that’s trapped in the beige linoleum of the 1950s.
Percentage that can be recouped when you sell:
- Kitchen: 75–100%
- Bathroom: 75–100%
- Interior painting: 80–100%
- Roof: 50–75%
- Windows: 75–100%
- Basement: 50–75%
- Exterior cladding: 50–80%
Are you familiar with the Principle of Conformity for house renovations? It’s better to stay at the same price level as the area where the property is located.
If the average price for a home in your area is $500,000, it may not be profitable to invest $150,000 in a new kitchen for when you go to sell. On the other hand, in an area where homes sell for a million or more, low-end kitchens will scare off potential buyers.
Is 2024 a good year to renovate?
You may recall that during the pandemic, the cost for a number of products shot up while their availability sometimes dropped. This was the case for building materials. The mantra of many Quebecers was “since we’re in lockdown, we might as well renovate.” Now, what’s happened to the prices of different materials? According to Protégez-Vous magazine, the cost of materials has fluctuated over the past five years.
Is 2024 a good year to renovate? The answer is that it depends on the renovations you’re doing. Wooden materials (treated wood, plywood, OSB) are cheaper than they were during the pandemic, but drywall, wool insulation, asphalt shingles and paint are more expensive.
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Tips and tricks The cost of renovating a house can vary according to the type of home. For example, if your property is located in a condominium, the contractor could charge more due to access challenges. |
5. Research multiple options to finance your renovations
Regardless of whether you have a major or minor renovation in mind, you’ll need money. Check out these home renovation financing options.
- Nest egg (your savings): ideal for minor improvements
- Credit card: perfect for minor renovations, but make sure you pay the card off in full to avoid accumulated interest
- Personal loan: interest rates are often lower than credit cards
- Personal line of credit: good for long-term projects, and interest is only paid on the amount you borrow
- Home equity line of credit: preferred interest rate, and the margin is secured by your home’s equity
- Mortgage refinancing: good for major renovations
- Financing upon home purchase: the idea is to add the cost of renovations to your mortgage when you buy the house
- Financing from the contractor: ask your contractor if they have financing options
- Grants and financial aid for energy-efficient renovations: there are several grants available (find out more below)
It’s important to put money aside for unexpected costs so you don’t have to apply for another renovation loan or a line of credit or make financial arrangements.
6. Look for renovation subsidies available in Quebec
Two levels of government offer different types of financial assistance for house renovations.
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Subsidies |
Eligible work |
Amount |
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Canada Greener Homes Grant (Canada) |
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Rénoclimat (Québec) |
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Chauffez vert (Québec) |
Replacement of a central oil or propane heating system or a water heater with a renewable energy system Varies according to the type of housing. |
A single-detached home can be as much as:
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(Hydro-Québec) |
Purchase or installation of an efficient heat pump for residential Hydro-Québec customers Multiple eligible types of housing |
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Purchase or construction of an energy-efficient house or housing |
Up to a 25% refund of your CMHC mortgage insurance premium |
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Éconologis (Québec) |
Practical advice and minor work to improve comfort and better manage energy consumption (for low-income families) |
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Natural gas grant (Énergir) |
Énergir financial assistance and rebates to convert an old heating system to a natural gas system |
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Novoclimat (Québec) |
Financial assistance to build energy-efficient houses |
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RénoRégion (Société d’habitation du Québec) |
Low- or modest-income families in rural areas whose homes require significant work to repair major defects |
This grant may cover up to 95% of the approved cost for the eligible work, up to a maximum of $20,000 |
In addition to provincial financial assistance and federal grants, your municipality may offer assistance for house renovations. Take the time to call and check.
7. Hire professionals and sign contracts
You’ve already figured out what type of professional you need to renovate your house. Now, it’s time to hire them. For each component of the renovation, get quotes from at least three contractors. Want to upgrade your stairwell with wooden steps and glass panels? Show each contractor your idea and discuss how they’ll get the job done, then compare their plans.
Here’s a list of things to do when choosing a contractor:
- Consult official directories: You can find multiple qualified contractors suitable for your project (APCHQ, ACQ, AMCQ, AEMQ).
- Check for licences, business records and complaints: An RBQ licence is mandatory in Quebec. Also make sure their record doesn’t have a complaint with the Registraire des entreprises or the Office de la protection du consommateur.
- Assess their experience and expertise: Discuss your project, ask questions about previous projects and their work procedure, and ask for references from previous clients.
- Get detailed quotes: Call at least three different contractors and ask for detailed quotes.
- Make sure they have valid insurance: Make sure the contractor you choose has their own insurance, including civil liability coverage, and ask to see proof.
- Find out what warranty they offer: Every contractor must honour the warranty provided by law, but some offer an additional warranty.
- Important: sign a detailed contract to protect yourself: The contract must contain the following information: total cost, deadlines with start and end dates, specifications and descriptions for materials, and payment terms. The contractor’s RBQ number must be on the contract, as well as their business number (NEQ), GST and QST numbers, insurance policy number, the name of their insurance company and the name of the person who will be the primary contact during the work.
8. Apply for a building permit
A building permit is very important. It helps the municipality make sure that the work carried out complies with municipal and construction standards within its jurisdiction.
Not all cities have the same permit requirements for renovations. Even though you’re the owner, some cities have specific regulations for the exterior, as well as different standards. Contact your municipality’s urban planning department to check their requirements and whether your project is feasible.
It’s better to have a permit before starting your renovations. Otherwise, the municipality could stop the work until you get a permit, impose a fine or even prohibit occupancy.
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of when a permit is mandatory:
- Adding an extension
- Adding a garage
- Installing an in-ground pool
- Demolishing a building
- Replacing windows or outside doors
- Landscaping close to a building’s foundation
- Excavating, etc.
To obtain a permit, cities require various details about the property. These include a certificate of location, usually the plans for your renovation project, and an assessment of the costs and duration of the work.
It’s difficult to determine how long it will take to receive a permit. Due to high demand, it could take a few days to several weeks after the required documents are received.
As for the cost of the permit, there are differences between municipalities, ranging from $0 to X amount per $1,000. Look into your city’s urban planning.
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Tips and tricks Once you obtain the permit, display it on site for the duration of the work. |
9. Notify your insurance company before you start renovating
As soon as you start planning your project, call your insurance company to notify them when construction will start and what work will be done.
If you add a room or garage to your home without notifying your insurer, this portion may not be insured if you file a claim. If you notify your insurance company, they’ll be able to adjust your coverage as needed.
This is particularly important if you need to vacate the site for an extended period so that work can be done, and if the reconstruction value increases by at least $15,000.
Don’t be surprised if your insurer increases your premium for the duration of the work. There are several reasons for this increase, including the nature and duration of the work and the person doing the work (you or a qualified contractor).
Do some renovations reduce insurance premiums?
Although home insurance is not mandatory in Quebec, it’s very important. House renovations that reduce the risk of filing insurance claims could lower your premium. Here are some examples:
- Redoing the roof
- Bringing electrical systems up to standard
- Redoing the plumbing so it meets the Construction Code
- Installing security cameras or an alarm system
10. Comply with building standards and the Construction Code
General health and safety on construction sites is extremely important, whether it’s worker safety or compliance with Quebec’s standards and Construction Code.
Tools lying around and stairs without a railing are unacceptable. Make sure that your insurance includes civil liability coverage.
If you choose a qualified contractor, they’ll be able to carry out your renovations safely while complying with standards and the Construction Code.
11. Two step-by-step renovation project examples
Any house renovation project can get so complicated that you lose track of what you were doing in the first place. Here are two examples:
Indoor renovation — Stages of a kitchen or bathroom renovation
- Define your budget
- Think about the layout and get inspired (to save money, avoid moving the plumbing and electrical systems)
- Hire professionals
- Prepare the work site and demolition
- Perform structural repairs (as required)
- Fix the electricity, plumbing and ventilation (everything hidden in the walls)
- Do drywall work
- Paint (this can be done at the end of the work)
- Install flooring (depending on the type of floor, this step can be done after installing cabinets)
- Install cabinets and counters
- Install wall tiling/backsplash
- Install sinks and faucets
- Install light fixtures
- Add finishing touches
Follow these steps for any extension project or complete house renovation.
Outdoor renovation — Steps to replace exterior cladding
- Define your budget
- Get inspired
- Hire professionals
- Plan and prepare (choose your materials, etc.)
- Remove the old cladding
- Inspect and repair (as required)
- Insulate and install a vapour barrier
- Install new cladding
- Add finishing touches and clean the site
The contractor you hire for any project will give you a renovation timeline with steps. Make sure debris removal is included in the timeline. You don’t want a bunch of construction waste left in front of your house!
If you can’t be on site, make sure you do regular inspections and that the contractor keeps you informed of any changes or delays, especially for major renovations.
Also, make sure you always get written proof of any payments from the contractor.
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Tips and tricks Do you have any leftover kitchen cabinets, taps, bathroom sinks or old light fixtures that are in good condition? Donate them to organizations. Habitat for Humanity accepts all kinds of materials and gives them to families in need. |
Plan your renovation project properly to avoid unpleasant surprises
Ready to plan your renovations? Browse listings of properties for sale to get inspired. Listings can give you valuable insight into current trends and design ideas! Don’t forget our Tips and decor section for plenty of decoration ideas. Good preparation will help you approach your project with confidence so you can carry out the renovations that will meet your expectations.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. How long does it take to renovate a kitchen or bathroom?
Aside from the planning, it takes 3–6 weeks to complete a kitchen renovation and 2–4 weeks for the bathroom.
2. What should I do to make my renovations eco-friendly?
For eco-friendly renovations, opt for natural and sustainable materials, use efficient insulation, select a low-VOC paint and recycle your construction materials. Ecocentres are full of all kinds of materials, furniture and accessories. Go check them out!
3. Is it possible to save money by renovating?
Absolutely! The best way to save money on renovations is to do some of the work yourself, such as painting, tiling or even demolitions.
Avoid changing water and electrical systems, as these changes can significantly increase costs.
Combining multiple renovation projects, such as the kitchen and bathroom, may also save you some money. Finally, plan your renovations during the off-season for better contractor rates.
See also:
7 essential steps for finding a renovation contractor
6 outdoor renovations to tackle this spring
Renovation subsidies available