Every year, snow, sleet and ice force most Canadians indoors for the majority of the winter. During those long, cold months, you’ll probably start noticing all the things around your home that need updating. From chipped paint to dated floors and that strange chill in the master bedroom, your list of to-dos can feel endless. To help you decide which projects you need to tackle and which ones can wait, we’ve calculated the costs of these popular winter projects.
1. Kitchen & Bathroom Updates
Winter is a great time to tackle a larger renovation. Generally speaking, business is slower in the winter for most home improvement professionals. While finding the right pro at the right price can be challenging in the busy season, in the winter, pros will be looking for jobs to keep their crews busy. You’ll be able to choose from a wider range of available pros and might even get a better price. Don’t forget that contractors will also be eager to get your job done in time for the busy season, making them more likely to adhere to your project’s timeline.
According to our recently-published Reno-Report, bathroom and kitchen renovations are at the top of home improvement wish lists across Canada. In Canada, a new bathroom will typically cost between $7,785 and $19,338, with the average homeowner spending $13,400. A kitchen renovation will cost around $195 per square foot, with the average homeowner spending just under $21,000.
Below are the average costs of Kitchen Planning & Renovation services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Calgary | $14,539 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $15,181 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Hamilton | $20,005 | $200 | $50,000 |
| Oshawa | $23,931 | $1,700 | $45,000 |
| Ottawa | $20,816 | $400 | $50,000 |
| Toronto | $13,483 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $11,342 | $250 | $50,000 |
*Costs based on 1533 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
2. Declutter
Deep cleaning is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to transform the look of your home. It can be tempting to put off cleaning until the spring, but come warmer weather you won’t want to be stuck inside. Instead, take the time this winter to clear your home of clutter and debris leftover from the busy summer and fall seasons. It’ll cost between $150 and $300 to hire a cleaning service for a one-time visit, and that cost will typically be discounted if you choose to have them back on a regular basis.
3. Insulate
If the idea of walking around your home in a t-shirt and bare feet during the winter seems unthinkable, it’s probably time to update your home’s insulation. Hot air rises, so if your home stays icy no matter how high you crank your thermostat, your attic is the most likely culprit. Adding insulation to the attic will cost around $400 and can yield a huge return on investment – up to 115%! With that kind of return, there’s no reason to shiver your way through the winter.
4. Add a Programmable Thermostat
Another great way to save on energy bills this winter is to install a programmable thermostat. Canadians spend a ton trying to keep their homes warm in the winter, and you’ll want to make sure your money isn’t being wasted. According to Nest Labs, a programmable thermostat can save homeowners 10% to 20% on heating bills. This $100-$300 investment is a particularly savvy idea for homeowners that will be spending a few weeks away from home this winter. Set your thermostat to a little lower before leaving, and have your home heated by the time you get back.
5. Flooring
Redoing your floors or carpet can have a huge impact on the feel of your home – both aesthetically and comfort-wise. Depending on the state of your floors and the quality of your new floor selection, this project varies in cost. Hardwood will cost around $10 per square foot, while carpeting and laminate are priced between $4.50 and $7 per square foot. Natural stone like marble will cost at least $15 per square foot, so choose wisely. While not the cheapest project, redoing your floors can drastically improve the quality of your home this winter (especially if you invest heated floors!).
Below are the average costs of Floor Laying & Refinishing services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Barrie | $6,555 | $250 | $50,000 |
| Calgary | $7,130 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $5,818 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Hamilton | $6,032 | $123 | $35,000 |
| Oshawa | $5,986 | $200 | $30,000 |
| Ottawa | $6,253 | $250 | $45,000 |
| Toronto | $6,461 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $5,012 | $150 | $35,000 |
*Costs based on 4455 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
6. Painting & Drywall
Painting is another simple, cost-effective project with a huge payoff. If you’ve noticed parts of your home feel dreary and uninviting, adding a pop of colour could be the solution. Professionals will typically charge around $3 per square foot for a basic room, plus the cost of paint, making painting one of the most affordable home projects. Plus, with new, low-fume and environmentally paints on the market, you won’t even have to crack a window to air out your space.
Below are the average costs of Paint & Wallpaper services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Barrie | $3,801 | $300 | $30,000 |
| Calgary | $3,701 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $3,538 | $100 | $40,000 |
| Hamilton | $4,126 | $100 | $40,000 |
| Oshawa | $3,198 | $200 | $50,000 |
| Ottawa | $2,880 | $100 | $40,000 |
| Toronto | $3,901 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $4,997 | $120 | $50,000 |
*Costs based on 13,969 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
7. Fireplace Installation
Installing a fireplace is a great way to add warmth, comfort and a beautiful focal point to any room in your home. Between all the wood-burning, gas, and electrical models on the market, fireplaces cost a fraction of what they used to. An electric fireplace can cost as little as $150 for a plug-in insert, and $800 for a built-in option. While a wood-burning or gas model will cost more, fireplaces add tons of value to your home and also help you save on heating your home.
From insulation upgrades to fireplaces, these projects are guaranteed to keep you occupied and warm during the long winter months. Come spring, your home’s interior will be looking better than ever and you’ll have time to focus on all that needs doing outdoors. Get started on these winter projects today using the banner below!
Article Updated June 2022.
