When people say they’re doing a full home renovation, they usually mean one thing: starting over. Not just painting walls or swapping out fixtures. A full home renovation tears into the bones of your house-wiring, plumbing, framing, insulation-and rebuilds it from the inside out. It’s not a weekend project. It’s a months-long, messy, expensive, and often life-changing process. If you’re thinking about it, here’s exactly what it includes, based on real projects in homes built between 1970 and 2000 across southern Ontario.
Demolition: What Gets Torn Down
A full renovation starts with demolition. Not just removing cabinets or old tile. We’re talking about stripping walls down to the studs, pulling up subfloors, removing ceiling drywall, and sometimes even tearing out load-bearing walls to open up space. In a typical 2,000-square-foot home, this phase alone takes 1-2 weeks. You’ll lose access to plumbing and electricity. No bathroom. No kitchen. That’s normal. Contractors will set up temporary port-a-potties and use portable heaters because the HVAC system is usually offline.
What gets removed? Outdated plumbing (galvanized steel pipes), knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos insulation (common in homes built before 1990), old flooring, and non-structural drywall. Anything that doesn’t meet current building codes gets ripped out. In Burlington, inspectors require permits for any structural changes, so you’ll need to file for demolition permits before a single hammer hits a wall.
Structural Changes: Redesigning the Skeleton
This is where your home transforms. A full renovation often includes structural changes: removing walls to create open-concept living spaces, adding dormers for attic conversions, or extending the foundation for a sunroom. You’re not just changing how it looks-you’re changing how it works.
In one project on Maple Street, a family turned a cramped three-bedroom into a two-bedroom with a massive master suite by removing a hallway and reconfiguring the second floor. That required installing new steel beams, reinforcing floor joists, and adjusting roof trusses. These aren’t DIY tasks. They need engineered plans and city inspections. Structural work alone can cost $15,000-$40,000 depending on the scope.
Systems Upgrade: Wiring, Plumbing, HVAC
Most homes built in the 80s and 90s weren’t designed for today’s power demands. A full renovation upgrades all three major systems:
- Electrical: 100-amp panels become 200-amp. Outlets go from 2 per room to 6-8 per room, including USB ports and smart switches. GFCI and AFCI breakers are required by Ontario code.
- Plumbing: Old galvanized pipes are replaced with PEX or copper. Water heaters are upgraded to tankless models. Drain lines are rerouted to support new bathroom layouts. In one home, we added a second full bathroom by running new sewer lines under the concrete slab.
- Heating and Cooling: Furnaces and AC units are replaced with high-efficiency models. Ductwork is sealed and insulated. Many homeowners add mini-split systems for zoning-especially in basements or sunrooms.
These systems are the hidden backbone of your renovation. Skipping upgrades here leads to problems later: blown circuits, frozen pipes in winter, or uneven heating. In 2025, most full renovations include smart thermostats and water leak sensors as standard.
Insulation and Air Sealing: Energy Efficiency
A full renovation isn’t just about looks-it’s about efficiency. Older homes leak air like sieves. During this phase, contractors remove old insulation (often fiberglass or cellulose), seal gaps around windows and doors, and install new high-R-value insulation.
In Ontario, building codes now require R-20 walls and R-40 ceilings. Spray foam insulation is common in attics and crawl spaces because it expands to fill every crack. Weather stripping, air barriers, and vapor retarders are added to prevent moisture buildup. One homeowner in Oakville cut their winter heating bill by 40% after this upgrade alone.
Interior Finishes: Walls, Floors, Ceilings
This is the part people see. Once the skeleton is rebuilt, you install:
- Walls: New drywall, taped, sanded, and primed. Textured finishes are rare now-smooth walls are standard. Some homeowners add acoustic panels or shiplap for style.
- Floors: Hardwood, LVP (luxury vinyl plank), or tile. LVP is popular because it’s waterproof and mimics wood. Basements almost always get LVP or tile. Hardwood is usually reserved for main floors.
- Ceilings: Smooth drywall ceilings are standard. Some add coffered ceilings or recessed lighting. Ceiling height is often raised in older homes to make rooms feel larger.
Paint choices matter too. In 2025, neutral grays and warm whites dominate. Dark accent walls are trending in bedrooms and home offices.
Kitchen and Bathroom: The Heart of the Project
These two rooms are where most of the budget goes. A full renovation means replacing everything:
- Kitchen: Cabinets (custom or semi-custom), quartz or granite countertops, undermount sinks, induction cooktops, built-in appliances (dishwasher, microwave, fridge), and LED under-cabinet lighting. Many include a walk-in pantry or island with seating.
- Bathroom: New tub or walk-in shower with glass doors, dual-sink vanities, heated floors, towel warmers, and high-efficiency toilets. Waterproofing is critical-especially in showers. In 2025, steam showers and smart mirrors are becoming common.
Expect to spend $25,000-$60,000 on just the kitchen and two bathrooms. Custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, and luxury finishes push costs higher. But even mid-range upgrades add serious value.
Lighting, Smart Tech, and Final Touches
Modern renovations include more than light switches. You’ll install:
- Smart lighting systems (Philips Hue, Lutron)
- Security cameras and smart locks
- Whole-home audio systems
- Window treatments with motorized blinds
- Home network wiring (Cat6 cables for reliable Wi-Fi)
These aren’t gimmicks. They improve daily life. A family in Hamilton added motion-sensor lights in hallways and under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen-they say it changed how they move through the house after dark.
Final touches include baseboards, crown molding, door hardware, and closet organizers. Even small details like outlet placement, switch height, and door swing direction are planned carefully. A poorly placed door that hits a cabinet? That’s a $500 fix after the fact.
What It Doesn’t Include
Not everything is part of a full renovation. Here’s what’s usually left out:
- Landscaping or driveway repaving
- Roof replacement (unless the roof is damaged or outdated)
- Garage conversion (unless it’s part of the main structure)
- Outdoor decks or patios
- Painting the exterior
These are separate projects. A full renovation focuses on the interior and structural elements. If you want to redo the roof or add a deck, you’ll need a second contractor and another budget line.
Timeline and Cost: What to Expect
A full home renovation in Ontario typically takes 4-8 months. Smaller homes (under 1,500 sq ft) might finish in 4 months. Larger homes with custom features can take 10+ months.
Costs vary widely. In Burlington, a full renovation of a 2,000-square-foot home runs $150,000-$300,000. Factors that drive cost up:
- Structural changes
- High-end finishes (quartz, custom cabinets, smart tech)
- Delays due to material shortages or weather
- Unforeseen issues (mold, rot, outdated wiring)
Most homeowners set aside 10-15% extra for surprises. You’ll need a contingency fund. Always.
Permits and Inspections: Don’t Skip These
In Ontario, you need permits for every major change: electrical, plumbing, structural, and even window replacements. Skipping permits sounds like a way to save money-but it’s not. Inspectors catch unpermitted work during resale. Your home insurance may be voided. And you can’t legally sell the house without passing final inspections.
Inspections happen at key stages: after rough-in plumbing/electrical, after insulation and air sealing, and finally, after everything’s complete. Each inspection must pass before the next phase begins. It’s slow. It’s frustrating. But it’s necessary.
Is a full home renovation worth the cost?
Yes-if you plan to live in the home for at least 5 years. A full renovation adds comfort, safety, and energy savings that pay off over time. In Ontario, homes with updated systems and modern layouts sell 20-30% faster and often at 10-15% higher prices. But if you’re flipping the house, you’ll need to be very selective about upgrades. Luxury finishes rarely return full value.
Can I live in my home during a full renovation?
Technically, yes-but most people don’t. With no kitchen or bathroom, dust everywhere, and constant noise, it’s extremely stressful. Many families rent a nearby apartment or stay with relatives. If you must stay, contractors can isolate work zones with plastic sheeting and air scrubbers. But expect dust to get into your laundry, your food, and your bed.
What’s the most expensive part of a full renovation?
It’s not the cabinets or the tile. It’s the hidden stuff: structural work, plumbing, electrical, and insulation. These systems make up 50-60% of the total cost. People often budget for finishes first, then realize they’re over their limit before the walls even go up. Always prioritize systems over aesthetics.
Do I need an architect for a full renovation?
Not always, but you’ll need a designer or contractor with experience in structural changes. If you’re moving load-bearing walls, adding floors, or changing roof lines, you’ll need engineered plans. In Ontario, those require an architect or structural engineer’s stamp. For cosmetic updates (new floors, paint, cabinets), a good general contractor can handle it.
How do I avoid going over budget?
Three rules: 1) Get 3 detailed quotes with line-item costs-not estimates. 2) Lock in prices before demolition. 3) Set a hard cap and stick to it. Change orders are the #1 reason budgets explode. If you want a different backsplash after the cabinets are installed, you’re paying extra. Decide everything before work starts.
Next Steps: How to Start
If you’re serious about a full renovation:
- Get a home inspection to find hidden issues (mold, rot, outdated wiring).
- Define your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves.
- Get pre-approved for a renovation loan or line of credit.
- Choose a contractor with 5+ years of full-renovation experience-ask for references and photos of past work.
- Plan for 3-6 months of temporary living arrangements.
A full home renovation isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about creating a safer, more efficient, and more comfortable home. It’s messy. It’s expensive. But for many, it’s the best investment they’ll ever make.
