This comprehensive cost breakdown covers a whole home renovation of a 1978 split-level in Nepean's Centrepointe neighbourhood. The 2,200 square foot home had original everything — kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, windows, furnace, and electrical panel. The homeowners purchased the home for $580,000 and budgeted $220,000 for renovations, ultimately spending $245,000. The post-renovation value was assessed at $890,000 — a net equity gain of approximately $65,000 over the total investment. More impor...
Kitchen renovation: $62,000 — Wall removal and structural beam ($7,500), custom cabinetry ($18,000), quartz countertops ($7,500), tile backsplash ($2,500), appliances ($9,000), flooring ($4,000), plumbing ($3,500), electrical ($4,000), painting and trim ($3,000), and permits ($3,000). Primary bathroom renovation: $32,000 — Curbless shower with tile ($8,000), double vanity with quartz ($5,000), heated floor ($2,200), fixtures ($2,500), tile work ($6,000), plumbing ($3,500), electrical ($2,000), ...
The renovation was completed in 5 phases over 7 months: Phase 1 (Month 1–2): Demolition, hazardous material abatement, structural work, and rough-in for all trades. The family moved to a rental apartment for this phase ($2,800/month, included in miscellaneous costs). Phase 2 (Month 2–3): Insulation, drywall, windows, and HVAC installation. Phase 3 (Month 3–4): Kitchen and bathroom construction. The family moved back home, using the basement and powder room. Phase 4 (Month 5–6): Flooring inst...
The $25,000 budget overrun (from $220,000 to $245,000) came from several discoveries: Asbestos in original floor tiles and some insulation: $4,000 for testing and professional abatement. This is common in pre-1980 Ottawa homes and should be assumed in any budget. Lead paint on original trim and window frames: $2,500 for remediation. Also common in pre-1978 homes. Structural issues in the split-level staircase area: $5,000 for sistering joists and reinforcing the landing. Years of settling had...
The homeowners spent $245,000 to renovate a home they purchased for $580,000, bringing their total investment to $825,000. The post-renovation assessment valued the home at $890,000 — an immediate equity gain of $65,000. More importantly, the homeowners have a home that meets all their needs in an established Nepean neighbourhood with mature trees, short commute to downtown, excellent schools, and a community they know and love. The alternative — selling and purchasing a newer home with compara...
For a comprehensive renovation of a 1978 home including kitchen, 3 bathrooms, windows, HVAC, electrical, flooring, and insulation, $245,000 is within the normal range of $150,000–$350,000 for Ottawa. The scope was extensive.
7 months from start to finish across 5 phases. The family lived in a rental for the first 2 months during demolition and rough-in, then returned home for the remaining phases.
Asbestos and lead paint remediation combined cost $6,500 — both common in pre-1980 Ottawa homes. Structural repairs ($5,000) were the other major surprise. Total unexpected costs were $25,000.
No. Buying a comparable home in a similar neighbourhood would have cost $900,000–$1.1M plus $40,000–$60,000 in transaction costs. The renovation saved $115,000–$275,000 compared to buying equivalent.
Monthly heating and cooling costs dropped from $350 to $180 — a 49% reduction. The combined cost of insulation ($8,500), windows ($28,000), and HVAC ($14,000) totaled $50,500, with annual savings of $2,040.