How Much Does a Complete Home Renovation Cost in Montreal? (2025 Guide)
- MTL Contractors
- Nov 12
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 25
Planning a full home renovation in Montreal can feel overwhelming. To help, MTL Contractors, a local general contractor, put together this local guide to help homeowners understand what a complete home renovation or remodel really includes, what it costs in 2025, and how to plan a realistic budget that keeps surprises to a minimum.
Whether you’re modernizing an older duplex, opening up a closed-off main floor, or renovating an entire interior for better comfort and resale value, this breakdown covers what drives renovation pricing in Montreal — and how to get the most out of your investment.
What Does a Complete Home Renovation Include?
A complete home renovation means updating nearly every part of your home — layout, systems, structure, and finishes — to meet modern standards.
Instead of tackling one room at a time, this approach upgrades everything together, which saves time and ensures all your electrical, plumbing, and insulation systems work seamlessly.
Typical inclusions are:
Demolition and structural work (removing or relocating walls, floor teardown)
Electrical and plumbing upgrades
HVAC and insulation improvements
Flooring installation and finish carpentry
Drywall, cabinetry, and trim
Painting, finishing, and appliance installation
Demolition marks the first step in any renovation project, allowing contractors to rebuild with modern materials and better energy efficiency.
Doing all these elements together ensures that your home’s systems and finishes are updated in harmony — instead of layering new materials on top of old infrastructure that might fail later.
Permits and Local Regulations in Montreal
In Montreal, permits are almost always required for major renovations — especially when structural work, home extensions or additions, or plumbing and electrical upgrades are involved.
The process adds time and some administrative cost, but it protects homeowners by ensuring the project meets safety and zoning standards.
Typical permits include:
Building permits (for structural or layout changes)
Plumbing and electrical permits
Zoning reviews (for extensions or external modifications)
Working with a licensed and RBQ-licensed contractor like MTL Contractors helps keep everything above board and avoids delays from rejected applications.
Experienced contractors plan for permit timelines early, so you can factor those into your renovation schedule and total cost.
Average Cost of a Complete Home Renovation in Montreal (2025)
In 2025, a complete home renovation in Montreal typically ranges between $100 and $300 per square foot, depending on the scope and finish level. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Metric | Typical Range (CAD) | Notes |
Cost per sq. ft. (standard/mid-range) | $100 – $175 | Cosmetic + systems updates without major layout changes |
Cost per sq. ft. (high-end) | $175 – $300+ | Custom millwork, luxury finishes, or major reconfiguration |
Typical full-home mid-range (1,200–2,000 sq. ft.) | $120,000 – $350,000 | New finishes and systems; limited structural work |
Typical full-home high-end (1,200–2,500 sq. ft.) | $210,000 – $750,000+ | Structural reconfiguration, bespoke materials, luxury specs |
Your total cost will depend on demolition scope, system upgrades, and chosen finishes. Every property is unique, and the home’s age, condition, and structure all affect pricing.
MTL Contractors can assess your layout, systems, and material preferences to build a tailored estimate for your home.
How Do Renovation Costs Vary by Project Type?
While full-home renovations have an overall price per square foot, it’s helpful to see how different rooms or areas typically break down.
Project Type | Average Low Range | Average High Range | Cost per sq. ft. |
Kitchen renovation or remodel | $40,000 | $80,000+ | $150 – $400 |
Bathroom renovation or remodel | $20,000 | $35,000+ | $150 – $500 |
Basement renovation | $40,000 | $80,000+ | $40 – $150 |
Home extension or addition | $75,000 | $300,000+ | $250 – $450+ |
Kitchens and extensions usually carry the highest cost per square foot because they combine plumbing, cabinetry, and structural work.
Bathrooms follow closely behind, while a basement renovation varies depending on waterproofing, insulation, and egress requirements.
Real-World Examples
Mid-range townhouse renovation (1,500 sq. ft.) Updating finishes, replacing systems, and minor layout changes — around $180,000–$250,000.
High-end full remodel (2,000 sq. ft.) Open-concept main floor, custom kitchen, luxury baths, and premium millwork — $400,000–$600,000+.
Older duplex modernization Upgrading wiring, plumbing, and structure before finishing — can exceed $700,000, depending on condition.
These ranges illustrate why per-square-foot pricing should be seen as a starting point, not a final number. Getting a detailed quote based on your property’s condition is the only way to know your real cost.
How Renovations Impact Property Value in Montreal
Home renovations are not only about improving comfort and appearance — they can also add measurable value to your property.
In Montreal’s market, well-executed renovations typically recoup 60–80% of their cost through increased resale value, depending on the neighbourhood, finish quality, and project type.
While this isn’t pure profit in most cases, it represents a strong value recovery — and in competitive markets or with strategic upgrades, homeowners can sometimes even see a positive financial return when selling.
Kitchen and bathroom renovations often deliver the strongest ROI, recouping a large portion of their cost when done with durable, timeless materials.
Basement renovations that add functional living space or rental units can boost appraisal value and improve cash flow potential.
Energy-efficient upgrades such as insulation, new windows, or HVAC replacements help reduce monthly expenses and make properties more appealing to eco-conscious buyers.
When planning your renovation, it’s worth balancing your desired upgrades with expected returns. Not every luxury finish adds resale value, but prioritizing functionality, modern systems, and efficiency ensures your investment pays off long-term.
Ultimately, the total cost of renovating should be seen as both an expense and an investment — improving quality of life today while enhancing your home’s future market value.
Key Factors That Influence Renovation Costs
Every home and every project is different, but a few main factors consistently influence where your project lands in the cost range:
Scope and complexity – Moving walls or adding square footage drives up cost.
Material selections – Custom cabinetry, natural stone, and high-end fixtures add both material and labour cost.
Labour and trade rates – Montreal has competitive skilled-trade pricing; licensed electricians and plumbers command higher rates but ensure compliance.
Permit requirements – Projects requiring structural or zoning review increase time and fees.
Existing condition – Older homes often need electrical, plumbing, or foundation upgrades before finishes can go in.
Installation work – Flooring, cabinetry, or appliance installation adds labour costs depending on complexity.
Understanding these factors upfront helps homeowners prioritize what truly adds value versus what’s optional.
Material Choices and Value for Money
Your choice of materials has one of the biggest impacts on both total renovation cost and long-term satisfaction. The goal isn’t just to spend less — it’s to spend wisely, investing in materials that last, perform well, and look great over time.
Component | Budget-Friendly (Good) | Balanced (Better) | Premium (Best) |
Flooring | Laminate or vinyl | Engineered wood | Solid hardwood or designer tile |
Countertops | Laminate | Quartz or composite stone | Granite or marble |
Cabinetry | Prefab / stock | Semi-custom | Fully custom millwork |
Fixtures & hardware | Standard builder-grade | Designer finishes | Luxury or imported fixtures |
Here’s how to think about material spending:
Prioritize durability and daily impact. Floors, cabinetry, and counters see the most use — investing in quality here pays off.
Balance aesthetics with practicality. Choose mid-range materials for visual appeal without high maintenance costs.
Save smart. Use budget-friendly materials in lower-traffic spaces (like laundry rooms or basements) where wear and tear are minimal.
Plan for resale. Neutral, timeless finishes appeal to more buyers and increase perceived property value.
A skilled contractor like MTL Contractors can help you compare options to find the right balance between cost, durability, and style for your renovation.
Tip: Spend more on elements you interact with daily — cabinetry, counters, and flooring — and save on hidden items like wall tile or secondary lighting. Durable materials reduce long-term maintenance costs and increase resale appeal.
How to Budget Smartly for a Full Home Renovation
Creating a renovation budget that actually works means being detailed, realistic, and building in contingency. Here’s a simple process that works well for Montreal homeowners:
Define your scope. Decide what areas will be renovated and what will remain untouched.
Get a quote from a skilled renovation contractor. Seeking professional renovation assistance early helps align expectations and keep your budget realistic.
Add contingency. Allocate 10–20% for unforeseen conditions and upgrades.
Plan in phases if needed. You can renovate high-impact areas (like the kitchen or bathrooms) first, then move to the rest of the house later.
If you’re planning to finance your project, read our detailed guide on Home Renovation Financing in Montreal to explore HELOCs, renovation loans, and budgeting options available in 2025.
Common Hidden Costs to Watch For
Older Montreal homes often hide surprises behind walls or under floors. Be prepared for possible extras like:
Demolition and debris removal
Asbestos or mold remediation
Knob-and-tube wiring replacement
Foundation cracks or moisture issues
Permit-related engineering reports
Including a 10–20% contingency helps absorb these costs without derailing your project. A reliable and experienced contractor will flag potential issues early during inspections to minimize surprises later.
How to Get Accurate Quotes
To get reliable estimates:
Provide a clear scope of work and desired finish level.
Ask for itemized quotes broken down by trade (e.g., demolition, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, finishes), based on the scope of work.
Ensure your contractor is RBQ-licensed and familiar with local building codes.
Request a written timeline and a clear process for handling change orders.
These steps will help you avoid unexpected extras once construction begins.
Why Work With MTL Contractors
At MTL Contractors, we specialize in complete home renovations across Montreal — combining design coordination, licensed trade execution, and transparent project management under one roof.
We’re known for:
Coordinated permits and compliance – We handle municipal paperwork and inspections.
Transparent proposals – You’ll always know what’s included and where your money goes.
Hands-on project leadership – Our team, led by brothers Zack and Jesse, personally oversees key milestones to ensure we transform your home into your dream home.
Ready to Start Planning Your Home Renovation?
A full home renovation or remodel is a big step, but with the right information and a reliable partner, it doesn’t have to be stressful.
If you’re ready to modernize your space, improve comfort, and add long-term value to your home, MTL Contractors can help you plan it from start to finish.
👉 Explore our Home Renovation Montreal page to see our completed renovation projects and learn how we plan and execute remodeling work across Montreal.
👉 Book a consultation with MTL Contractors today to get a detailed quote, realistic timeline, and professional guidance for your home improvement project.
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