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By Tremblay Renovation Inc. – Kitchen & Bath Centre

One of the most important questions homeowners ask before starting a renovation is: How much should I spend? Whether you’re remodelling your kitchen, upgrading your bathroom, or finishing your basement, having a realistic budget helps avoid surprises and ensures you get the best return on your investment.

At Tremblay Renovation Inc. – Kitchen & Bath Centre, we help homeowners make smart decisions that blend quality, functionality, and value. Here’s what you should know.

Kitchen Renovations: Plan for 10% to 15% of Your Home’s Value

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and one of the most valuable areas to renovate. A good benchmark is to invest 10% to 15% of your home’s current market value into your kitchen renovation.

Typical Budget Ranges:

  • Modest home (~$400,000): $40,000–$60,000
  • Mid-range home (~$700,000): $70,000–$105,000
  • High-end home ($1,000,000+): $100,000–$150,000+

Budget Breakdown:

  • Cabinets: 30–40%
  • Countertops, appliances, flooring, lighting, plumbing, and labour make up the rest

Spending under 10% often limits your material and layout options, while going above 15% could lead to over-investing for your neighbourhood—impacting resale value.

Bathroom Renovations: Budget 5% to 10% of Your Home’s Value

Bathrooms might be smaller spaces, but they carry big weight when it comes to comfort and design impact. A smart budget for a bathroom renovation is typically 5% to 10% of your home’s value.

Typical Budget Ranges:

  • Modest home (~$400,000): $20,000–$40,000
  • Mid-range home (~$700,000): $35,000–$70,000
  • High-end home ($1,000,000+): $50,000–$100,000+

Budget Breakdown:

  • Fixtures and finishes: 40%
  • Tile and flooring: 25%
  • Plumbing and labour: 35%

From luxury showers and freestanding tubs to heated floors and vanities, your selections drive the final cost. Good planning ensures both beauty and function.

Basement Finishing: Increased Costs, Greater Opportunity

Renovating your basement adds valuable square footage and versatility to your home. Whether you’re creating a family space or a legal rental unit, today’s market conditions mean you should expect slightly higher costs—around $53 to $107 per square foot, about 7% more than previous years.

Ballpark Costs:

  • Basic finish (drywall, flooring, lighting): $43,000–$64,200
  • Mid-range (bedroom, bathroom, rec area): $64,000–$96,000
  • Legal basement apartment (kitchen, bath, separate entry): $86,000–$160,000+

Legal suites require building permits, egress windows, fire separation, HVAC adjustments, and soundproofing. These features add upfront cost but make the space code-compliant, safe, and rentable.

Final Thoughts from Tremblay Renovation

Every home and every project is different. However, these guidelines can help set realistic expectations and ensure your renovation adds lasting value.

At Tremblay Renovation Inc. – Kitchen & Bath Centre, our team is ready to help you design, plan, and build your ideal space—from start to finish.

Thinking of renovating? Contact us today for a personalized quote or to book a showroom visit.

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Bryan

Bryan Tremblay is the proud owner of Tremblay Renovation Inc. since 1989. Bryan was born in northern Ontario in a small French community, and he is proud to offer his services in both French and English. Being from the North, Bryan loves to spend time in nature. After moving away from the North, he needed a place to do just that. So he built a cottage for his family and friends from scratch; That is where he spends most of his weekends.

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