The Complete Guide to Planning Your Home Renovation in Ontario

Home renovations are one of the most rewarding investments you can make—not just for your property’s value, but for your lifestyle. Whether you’re opening up your kitchen for more family gatherings, finishing a basement for extra living space, or doing a full home makeover, careful planning is the key to avoiding stress and staying on budget.

The first step is defining your goals. Ask yourself: why are you renovating? Is it to improve functionality, to modernize an outdated space, or to prepare your home for sale? Your “why” will guide every decision—from design to materials to budget.

Once your goals are clear, set a realistic budget. Renovations almost always come with surprises, whether it’s hidden water damage or outdated wiring that needs replacing. We recommend adding at least 10–15% to your budget as a contingency. It’s better to have it and not need it than to run out halfway through.

Choosing the right contractor is perhaps the most critical decision. In Ontario, hiring a licensed, insured, and experienced contractor ensures not only quality work but also legal compliance. Marrast Contracting brings years of experience in both residential and commercial renovations, with a reputation for keeping projects on time and within budget.

Next, don’t skip permits and inspections. In Ontario, many projects—especially structural, electrical, and plumbing work—require permits. Skipping this step can lead to hefty fines, and worse, unsafe work that can cause problems down the line.

Finally, plan for the disruption. Even the smoothest renovation can be noisy, dusty, and temporarily inconvenient. Having a clear project timeline and knowing what to expect can make the experience much less stressful.

With the right preparation and a skilled team, your renovation will not only meet your expectations but exceed them.