home improvement costs for 2019

​The following costs are intended as ballpark estimates for repairs and improvements to a typical three bedroom home. The costs are based on information obtained in the east-central area of Ontario. Our experience has shown that actual contractor quotations can vary by as much as 300%.  It is advisable to obtain estimates from more than one contractor.

​Roofing, Flashing and Chimneys

• Strip and dispose of old shingles   $1.50-2.50 per ft2
• Replace roof sheathing (plywood or OSB)  $3.50-$5.00 per ft2
• Install asphalt shingles, felt base  $2.50-$4.50 ft2
• Install asphalt shingles, glass fiber base  $4.00-$8.00 per ft2
• Install cedar shingles  $7.00-$15.00 per ft2
• Install cedar shakes  $10.00-$18.00 per ft2
• Install metal shingles  $8.00-$10.00 per ft2
• Install plastic shakes  $5.50-$7.25 per ft2
• Install concrete tiles (assuming no structural reinforcement)  $8.00-$16.00 per ft2
• Steel sheet metal roofing  $9.00-$12.00 and up per ft2
• Install new slate roof  $25.00-$50.00 per ft2
• Repair loose slates or tiles  $30.00 per slate/tiles
• Install asphalt roll roofing  $2.00-$4.00 per ft2
• Strip and replace built-up tar and gravel roof  $10.00-$20.00 per ft2 (min. $1500)
• Strip and install modified bitumen roof membrane  $8.00-$16.00 per ft2 (min. $1500)
• Synthetic rubber membrane  $12.00-$18.00 per ft2
• Improve flat roof drainage prior to installation of new membrane  $3.00-$5.00 per ft2
• Paint modified bitumen membrane   $1.50-$2.50 per ft2 (min $200)
• Install sheet metal on small roof surfaces  $10.00-$20.00 per ft2 (min $500)
• Re-flash typical skylight or chimney on asphalt roof  $500.00-$800.00
• Re-flash skylight or chimney on built-up or bitumen roof  $600.00-$900.00
• Install metal cricket for wide chimney  $400.00-$800.00
• Repair valley flashings on existing roof  $25.00-$50.00 per ft2 (min $500)
• Replace parapet wall flashing  $30.00-$50.00 per ft2 (min $500)
• Rebuild typical single-flue chimney above roof line  $150.00-$300.00 per ft2 (min $500)
• Rebuild typical double-flue chimney above roof line  $200.00-$400.00 per ft2 (min $500)
• Repoint typical single-flue chimney above roof line  $20.00-$30.00 per row (min $350)
• Repoint typical double-flue chimney above roof line  $25.00-$40.00 per row (min $350)
• Install concrete cap on typical single-flue chimney  $250.00-$500.00
• Install concrete cap on typical double-flue chimney  $500.00-$700.00
• Install rain cap on typical chimney  $150.00-$200.00 each​

Exterior Components

• Install galvanized or aluminum gutters and downspouts  $5.00-$7.00 per ft2 (min. $500) 
• Provide downspout extensions  $15.00-$25.00 each 
• Clean gutters in fall or spring  $150.00-$250.00 
• Install copper gutters and downspouts  $25.00-$40.00 per lin. ft. 
• Install aluminium soffit and fascia  $8.00-$16.00 per lin. ft. 
• Install vinyl or aluminium siding  $7.00-$10.00 per ft2
• install cedar siding  $8.00-$16.00 per ft2 
• Install paint grade siding  $6.00-$12.50 per ft2 
• Apply stucco  $8.00-$12.00 per sq. ft. 
• Re-point exterior wall (soft mortar)  $3.00-7.00 per ft2 (min $500) 
• Re-point exterior wall (hard mortar)  $6.00-$10.00 per ft2 (min $500) 
• Replace deteriorated bricks  $25.00-$50.00 per ft2 
• Rebuild parapet wall  $25.00-$50.00 per ft2 
• Chemical cleaning of unpainted brick  $3.00-$5.00 per ft2 (min $1000) 
• Chemical cleaning of painted brick  $4.00-$10.00 per ft2  (min $1000) 
• Sealing of brickwork  $2.00-$4.00 per ft2 
• Paint exterior trim (not including any repairs)  $1500.00-$2500.00 and up 
• Paint trim and wall surfaces (not including any repairs)  $3000.00 and up 
• Parge foundation walls  $3.00-$4.00 per  ft2 
• Damp-proof foundation walls and install weeping tile  $150.00-$200.00 /ft2 (min $1000) 
• Install a deck  $20.00-$30.00 per  ft2 
• Install deck on a flat roof  $25.00-$40.00 per ft2 
• Resurface existing asphalt driveway  $3.00-$5.00 per ft2 
• Seal asphalt driveway  $150.00 and up 
• Install interlocking brick driveway  $6.00-$12.00 per  ft2 
• Install a concrete driveway  $7.00-$12.00 per lin. ft. 
• Install drain at bottom of sloped driveway  $1500.00-$2500.00 
• Install concrete slab patio  $6.00-$10.00 per  ft2 
• Install concrete patio stones  $3.00-$6.00 per  ft2 
• Rebuild exterior basement stairwell  $4500.00-$7000.00 
• Install drain at existing basement stairwell  $800.00-$1000.00 
• Build detached garage (single)  $12,000.00 and up 
• Build detached garage (double)  $15,000.00 and up 
• Break wood-soil contact at detached garage  $35.00-$50.00 /lin. ft. (min $500) 
• Demolish and remove detached garage (dependent on dumping costs)  $2500.00 and up 
• Install garage door (single, metal, one-piece)  $900.00-$1200.00 
• Install garage door (single, wood, sectional)  $1200.00-$1500.00 
• Install garage door (double, wood, sectional)  $1500.00-$2500.00 
• Install garage door opener  $400.00-$550.00 
• Build retaining wall (wood)  $30.00-$45.00 per ft2 (min $500) 
• Build retaining wall (concrete)  $40.00-$50.00 per ft2 (min $500) 
• Replace porch steps (wood)  $300.00-$400.00 
• Replace porch steps (concrete)  $400.00-$600.00 
• Replace porch flooring  $4.00-$6.00 per ft2 
• Replace porch skirting  $10.00-$15.00 per lin. ft. 
• Replace step railing  $200.00-$300.00 
• Install wooden fencing  $25.00 and up, per lin. ft. 
• Install chain link fencing  $15.00 and up, per lin. ft. 
• Lay sod  $3.00-$5.00 per  ft2 
• Install lawn sprinkler system  $1500.00 and up 

Structural Components

• Underpin one corner of house  $4000.00 and up​
• Underpin or add foundations  $400.00 and up/lin. ft. (min $4000)
• Lower basement floor by underpinning and/or bench footings  $200.00-$350.00/lin.ft. (min $5000)
• Replace deteriorating sill beam with concrete  $80.00 and up/lin. ft. (min. $3000)
• Replace main beam in (unfinished) basement  $2000.00 and up
• Re-support (sister) a floor joist  $100.00-$300.00 (unobstructed)
• Install basement support post with proper foundation  $800.00-$1500.00
• Perform chemical treatment for wood-boring insects  $1700.00 and up
• Pest inspection performed by licensed specialist  $250.00-$350.00
• Remove or open load-bearing wall  $2000.00 and up (excluding decorating)
• Remove partition wall  $500.00-$1500.00 (excluding decorating)
• Install door opening in interior wall  $500.00-$1000.00
• Rebuild arch above window or door opening  $800.00 and up
• Install lintel above opening in masonry wall  $600.00 and up
• Install exterior basement stairwell  $6000.00 and up
• Repair minor crack in poured concrete foundation  $500.00-$900.00
• Build an addition, foundation to roof  $150.00-$300.00 per sq. ft.
• Build an additional storey  $100.00-$300.00 per sq. ft.
• Install collar ties  $30.00-$50.00 each
• Install lateral bracing on collar ties  $100.00-$200.00
• Replace roof sheathing  $5.00-$7.00 per sq. ft.

Electrical System

• Upgrade electrical service to 100 amps (including new panel)  $1200.00-$1800.00
• Upgrade electrical service to 100 amps (if new panel not required)  $800.00-$1200.00
• Upgrade electrical service to 200 amps  $1800.00-$2200.00
• Replace main ground (grounded to conductive water main)  $200.00-$350.00
• Install new circuit breaker panel $800.00-$1200.00
• Install auxiliary breaker panel $300.00-$600.00
• Replace circuit breaker (20 amp or less) $80.00-$120.00
• Add 120 volt circuit $250.00-$400.00
• Add 240 volt circuit $350.00-$650.00
• Add exterior outlet with waterproof cover $250.00-$400.00
• Add conventional receptacle $150.00-$300.00
• Add kitchen split receptacle $250.00-$400.00
• Provide ground for conventional receptacle $75.00-$150.00
• Replace conventional receptacle with ground fault (GFCI) receptacle $90.00-$120.00
• Replace conventional receptacle with aluminium compatible type CO/ALR (assuming several are required) $10.00-$15.00 ea
• Upgrade entire house with aluminium compatible receptacles, connectors, etc. $1000.00-$1500.00
• Rewire outlet with reversed polarity (assuming electrician already there) $5.00-$10.00 each
• Install switches (assuming electrician already there) $20.00-$40.00 each
• Install standard light fixture $100.00-$200.00​
• Install exterior light fixture $150.00-$250.00
• Install fluorescent light fixture $150.00-$250.00
• Rewire entire house during gut or renovations $4000.00 and up 

Heating System

• Install mid-efficiency forced-air furnace  $2500.00-$4000.00
• Install high-efficiency forced-air furnace  $3500.00-$6000.00
• Annual service by heating contractor  $150.00-$250.00 minimum
• Replace blower or motor  $500.00-$700.00
• Install humidifier  $300.00-$500.00
• Install electronic air filter  $750.00-$1000.00
• Install mid-efficiency boiler  $3500.00-$7000.00
• Install high-efficiency boiler  $6000.00-$12,000.00
• Rebuild fire pot (refractory) on boiler  $1500.00-$2000.00
• Install circulating pump  $500.00-$700.00
• Install expansion tank  $300.00-$500.00
• Install backflow preventer  $200.00-$300.00
• Install chimney liner for gas appliance  $400.00-$800.00
• Install chimney liner for oil appliance  $700.00-$1500.00
• Install programmable thermostat  $250.00-$400.00
• Replace indoor fuel oil storage tank  $1500.00-$2500.00
• Remove indoor fuel oil storage tank  $700.00 and up
• Remove abandoned underground fuel oil storage tank  $10,000.00 and up
• Replace radiator valve  $300.00-$600.00
• Replace radiator  $500.00-$900.00
• Add electric baseboard heater  $250.00-$400.00
• Convert from hot water heating to forced-air (bungalow)  $10.000.00-$15,000.00
• Convert from hot water heating to forced-air (two storey)  $15000.00 and up
• Clean ductwork  $250.00-$500.00
• Duct conversion from gravity to forced-air furnace  $1000.00-$1500.00
• After-warranty parts and service plans  $350.00 and up per year

Cooling and Heat Pumps

• Add central air conditioning to existing forced-air system  $3000.00 and up
• Add heat pump to existing forced-air system  $4000.00-$8000.00
• Replace heat pump or air conditioning condenser  $1200.00-$2500.00
• Install independant air conditioning system  $9,000.00-$18,000.00
• Install ductless split-system air conditioning  $4000.00 and up

Insulation and Ventilation

• Insulate open attic area to modern standards  $0.50-$2.50 per sq. ft.
• Blow insulation into flat roof, cathedral ceiling or wall cavity  $2.00-$5.00 per sq. ft.
• Improve attic ventilation  $50.00-$150.00 per vent
• Remove UFFI in wood-frame walls  $30.00-40.00 per sq. ft. (total cost often exceeds $40,000.00)
• Remedial approach to UFFI (caulking, heat-recovery ventilator)  $5000.00-$8000.00
• Insulate exterior walls with rigid foam board (prior to re-siding)  $1.00-$2.00 per sq. ft.​
• Insulate basement from interor  $2.00 per sq. ft. and up (not including excavation)

Plumbing System

• ​Replace galvanized piping  $1500.00-$5000.00
• Replace water line to house  $2500.00 and up
• Replace main water shut-off valve  $300.00-$500.00
• Install new water heater  $1000.00-$3000.00
• Water heater rent or lease  $25.00-$50.00 monthly
• Replace toilet  $500.00 and up
• Replace toilet flush mechanism  $150.00-$250.00
• Unclogging toilet  $150.00-$250.00
• Replace toilet seal  $150.00-$250.00
• Install bidet  $600.00 and up
• Replace vanity basin  $300.00 and up
• Replace pedestal basin  $450.00 and up
• Replace faucet set  $250.00 and up
• Replace bathtub, including ceramic tile  $2500.00 and up
• Replace bath or shower faucet set  $500.00 and up
• Install freestanding tub  $2500.00 and up
• Install whirlpool bath  $3500.00 and up
• Retile bathtub enclosure  $1500.00-$2500.00
• Install plastic bathtub enclosure (tub-surround)  $750.00-$1500.00
• Rebuild tile shower stall  $2500.00 and up
• Replace leaking shower stall pan  $2000.00-$3000.00
• Install plastic shower stall  $600.00-$2000.00
• Install PVC or fibreglass shower stall  $1200-$2000
• Install bathroom exhaust fan  $300.00-$500.00
• Remodel four-piece bathroom completely  $9000.00 and up
• Install basement bathroom plumbing  $3500.00 and up
• Replace laundry tubs  $350.00-$700.00
• Install laundry facilities  $1200.00 and up
• Install single kitchen sink  $400.00 and up
• Install double kitchen sink  $500.00 and up
• Install dishwasher  $750.00-$1200.00
• Install garbage disposal  $400.00-$600.00
• Install kitchen range hood  $350.00 and up
• Install solid waste pump  $2500.00-$5000.00
• Connect waste plumbing system to municipal sewers  $3500.00 and up
• Clear obstruction in main sewer line (to street or septic tank)  $400.00 and up
• Repair collapsed or damaged section of sewer line  $1500.00 and up
• Install submersible well pump  $1500.00 and up
• Install suction or jet pump  $750.00-$1000.00
• Replace pressure system tank  $350.00-$600.00
• Install water softener  $1200.00 and up
• Install outdoor faucet  $200.00-$350.00
• Replace sump pump  $300.00-$500.00​
• Install sauna  $6000.00 and up 

Interior Components

• Add drywall over plaster  $2.50-$4.00 per sq. ft.
• Remove old plaster and install drywall  $4.50-$7.50 per sq. ft.
• Add wire lath and new plaster over existing plaster  $8.00-$11.00 per sq. ft.
• Spray texture on existing ceiling  $1.50 and up per sq. ft.
• Install suspended tile ceiling  $3.50-$6.00 per sq. ft.
• Install acoustic tile ceiling  $1.50-$5.00 per sq. ft.
• Sand and refinish hardwood floors  $3.00-$5.00 per sq. ft.
• Install hardwood flooring  $7.00-$15.00 per sq. ft.
• Install ceramic floor tiles  $12.00 and up per sq. ft.
• Install vinyl floor tiles  $3.50 and up per sq. ft.
• Install vinyl roll flooring  $7.00 and up per sq. yd.
• Install synthetic wall-to-wall carpet  $20.00 and up per sq. yd.
• Install wool wall-to-wall carpet  $50.00 and up per sq. yd.
• Install carpet underpad  $5.00 per sq. yd.
• Professional carpet cleaning  $40.00 per room
• Install replacement (sliding) windows  $40.00-$50.00 per sq. ft.
• Install replacement (casement) windows  $60.00 and up per sq. ft.
• Install replacement (awning) windows  $60.00 and up per sq. ft.
• Install replacement (double-hung) windows  $45.00-$50.00 per sq. ft.
• Install replacement (fixed )windows  $35.00-$45.00 per sq. ft.
• Install replacement (bay) windows  $50.00-$75.00 per sq. ft.
• Install storm window  $125.00-$350.00 each
• Install masonry fireplace (if flue already roughed-in)  $3500.00 and up
• Install masonry fireplace with single-flue chimney  $8000.00 and up
• Install zero-clearance fireplace (including chimney)  $4000.00 and up
• Install gas fireplace  3500.00 and up
• Install glass doors on fireplace  $500.00 and up
• Chimney cleaning  $200.00-$375.00 each
• Install fireplace damper  $400.00 and up
• Install interior hollow core door  $250.00-$300.00
• Install interior custom wood door (including casing and hardware)  $650.00 and up
• Install interior French doors  $800.00 and up
• Install louvre doors on closet  $250.00-$350.00
• Install sliding mirror doors on closet  $450.00 and up
• Install exterior solid wood door  $900.00 and up
• Install exterior insulated metal door  $700.00 and up
• Install closer on garage man door  $250.00-$350.00
• Install metal storm door  $450.00 and up
• Replace hardware on metal storm door  $150.00-$200.00
• Install sliding glass door (brick wall)  $3500.00-$4500.00
• Install sliding glass door (wood frame wall)  $2000.00-$2500.00
• Replace sliding glass door  $1500.00-$2000.00
• Install basic skylight  $2000.00 and up
• Install roof window or ventilating skylight  $3500.00 and up
• Remodel kitchen completely  $10,000.00 and up
• Install kitchen cabinets  $220.00 and up per lin. ft.
• Install kitchen counter  $30.00 and up per lin. ft.
• Install ceiling fan  $350.00 and up
• Install conventional alarm system  $1500.00 and up
• Install central vacuum system  $900.00-$2200.00
• Install central vacuum cansiter only  $600.00-$1100.00
• Paint interior (walls, ceilings, door, trim) of entire house  $2500.00 and up
• Hang wallpaper  $3.00 and up per sq. ft.
• Urethane injection of leaking basement cracks  $750.00-$1200.00 each
• Damp-proof foundation walls and install perimeter drains  $100.00-$150.00 per lin. ft. ​