What Does a Renovation
Cost in 2026?
The honest answer: it depends on scope, not just square footage. Two kitchens the same size can be $20,000 apart depending on whether you're keeping the layout or moving plumbing, and on the finishes you choose. The ranges below reflect real Ontario renovation pricing for the Kitchener-Waterloo and Wellington County area, so you can plan with realistic numbers instead of guesses.
LUMA Build Design is a family-owned general contractor based in Centre Wellington with over 20 years of experience. We quote every project with a detailed, itemized estimate up front — no surprise allowances, no costs added mid-project without a conversation first.
What Does a Renovation Cost in 2026?
A kitchen is one of the highest-return renovations you can do.
Pricing tracks closely with cabinetry, counters and whether the layout changes.
Kitchen Renovation Cost
Scope
Typical Range
Refresh (refacing, counters, fixtures, same layout)
Mid-range full renovation (new cabinets, counters, layout changes)
High-end / custom (custom cabinetry, premium finishes, structural changes)
Bathroom Renovation Cost
Bathroom pricing depends on size and whether plumbing moves. Powder rooms are the best value-per-square-foot; ensuites with custom tile and glass sit at the top.
Scope
Typical Range
Powder room
Main bathroom (full renovation)
Ensuite (custom tile, heated floors, frameless glass)
Home Addition Cost
Additions vary the most of any project, because they involve foundation, structure, roof and full mechanical tie-ins. These are broad planning ranges — additions always require a site visit to quote accurately.
Scope
Typical Range
Bump-out / small addition
Full single-storey room addition
Second-storey addition / large addition
Basement Renovation Cost
Finishing a basement is the cheapest square footage you can add. Adding a bathroom or a legal suite is what moves the number, because each adds plumbing, permits and inspections.
Scope
Typical Range
Finished rec room (flooring, lighting, finished ceiling)
With a bathroom
Legal basement apartment /
secondary suite
All pricing is an estimate. A physical quote is required to see location conditions, material selections etc.
What Actually Drives Renovation Cost
Most of the price difference between a low quote and a high one comes down to a few factors. Knowing them helps you understand any estimate you receive — from us or anyone else
Scope and layout changes— moving plumbing, electrical or walls costs far more than working within the existing footprint.
Finish level— stock vs. custom cabinetry, tile grade, fixtures and countertops can swing a budget by tens of thousands.
Structural and mechanical work— beams, HVAC, electrical service upgrades and egress add cost but are often non-negotiable for code.
Permits and inspections— required for most plumbing, electrical and structural work.
Site conditions and the age of the home— older homes can hide surprises behind the walls; we flag these before proceeding, never after.
Renovation Costs in Kitchener, Guelph & Centre Wellington
Renovation pricing is regional. In the Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph and Centre Wellington area, labour and material costs land close to the ranges above, with permit requirements varying by municipality — the City of Kitchener, City of Waterloo and City of Guelph each handle their own building permits, while Fergus and Elora projects go through the Township of Centre Wellington.
Wherever your project is, LUMA handles the permit process as part of the job and quotes to your specific municipality and home.
Honest, Itemized Pricing
— No Surprises
A detailed quote before work begins.
Full scope of project showing what is included.
No mid-project surprises.
Costs aren't added without a direct conversation first, and we have all change orders signed before new work begins.
One team, full scope.
Plumbing, electrical, tile, cabinetry and finishes are all coordinated by LUMA, so the quote reflects the whole job.
20+ years of local experience.
We know what projects in this region actually cost and what workmanship lasts.
How LUMA Quotes Your Project
Step 1 — Free Consultation
We visit your home, look at the space, and listen to what you want to accomplish.
Step 2 — Assessment
We check the conditions that drive cost — layout, mechanical, structure, site and finish goals.
Step 3 — Full Scope Quote
You get a clear estimate broken down by scope that covers the entire project..
Step 4 — No Surprise Changes
If something unexpected comes up once work starts, we flag it and discuss it before proceeding — never after.
Renovation Cost FAQ
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Kitchener?
Most kitchen renovations in the Kitchener area range from about $25,000 for a refresh to $80,000 for a full mid-range renovation, with custom kitchens going higher. The biggest factors are cabinetry, countertops and whether the layout changes.
→ Confirm with LUMA's real ranges.
Q: How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Ontario?
A powder room typically runs $8,000–$15,000, a full main bathroom $18,000–$35,000, and an ensuite with custom tile and glass starts around $30,000. Moving plumbing and the finish level are the main cost drivers.
Q: How much does it cost to finish a basement?
A finished rec room typically starts around $35,000–$55,000, rising to $55,000–$85,000 with a bathroom, and $90,000+ for a legal basement apartment.
→ Confirm with LUMA's real ranges.
Q: Why do renovation quotes vary so much?
Scope, finishes, structural and mechanical work, permits and the age of the home all move the number. A like-for-like quote comparison only works when every quote covers the same scope and finish level .
Q: Does LUMA charge for a quote?
No. We provide a free on-site consultation and a detailed estimate before any work begins.
Q: What areas do you serve?
LUMA renovates homes in Fergus, Elora, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge and the surrounding Centre Wellington and Wellington County area.
Satisfied Homeowners
LUMA replaced our walk-in shower. Everything about the renovation was perfect. From beginning to end, Luma kept us updated throughout.
His response time to any question we had was immediate. The renovation itself turned out better than we had hoped for. We would not hesitate to recommend LUMA, and will definitely be using them for any future projects. Thank you Luma for such a great renovation experience.
I just had my ensuite done by these gentleman as well as an exterior retainer wall and deck in Elora. I can't recommend them enough! The moment my husband and I reached out to LUMA we knew we had found our builder.
Whether you speak with Mason or Luke, you'll be greeted with a smile and a friendly email or phone call.
We are absolutely thrilled with our tub to walk-in shower renovation. This is definitely the smoothest renovation we have ever experienced!
The team is professional, timely and incredibly skilled. Every detail was handled with care and communication was seamless.
The final result exceeded our expectations. We would highly recommend LUMA Build Design to anyone looking for quality work and outstanding service.
Renovation Services Across the Region
LUMA Build Design designs and builds renovations across
Centre Wellington and the Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph area
Renovation Cost Calculator
Use our free renovation cost calculator to get a ballpark estimate for your kitchen, bathroom, basement or home addition across the Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph and Centre Wellington area. Choose your project type, size and finish level, and you'll see an estimated price range in seconds. It's a planning tool, not a formal quote — every LUMA project is priced individually after a free on-site consultation.
