How Much Does General Contractor Cost in Ontario?
General contractor costs in Ontario vary enormously by project type. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are the most common, while basement finishing and home additions represent the largest investments. GCs typically charge a 15-25% markup on subcontractor work to cover project management, scheduling, and warranty.
Quick Price Summary
Average general contractor job in Ontario costs around $23,313 CAD. Actual costs depend on scope, materials, and your city.
| Service | Low | Average | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Remodel | $15,000 | $35,000 | $75,000 | complete |
| Bathroom Remodel | $8,000 | $18,000 | $35,000 | complete |
| Basement Finish | $20,000 | $40,000 | $70,000 | complete |
| Addition | $150 | $250 | $400 | per square foot |
All prices in Canadian dollars (CAD). Updated February 2026. Prices vary by city and project scope.
General Contractor Cost Ranges
What Affects General Contractor Pricing?
- 1Project scope and complexity
- 2Material selections (stock vs. custom cabinets, tile grade, countertop material)
- 3Structural changes (removing walls, adding beams)
- 4Permit and engineering fees
- 5Subcontractor coordination (plumbing, electrical, HVAC)
- 6Demolition, waste disposal, and site cleanup
When Are General Contractor Prices Lowest?
November-March — contractors discount to keep crews employed through winter
April-September — peak renovation season with 4-8 week backlogs
How to Save on General Contractor Work
- Renovate in winter — contractors offer 10-20% discounts to keep crews working
- Keep the existing layout (kitchen/bathroom) to avoid expensive plumbing/electrical relocations
- Stock cabinets from Home Depot or IKEA cost 50-70% less than custom
- Phase large projects — do kitchen one year, bathroom the next
- Get a detailed written scope to avoid costly change orders mid-project
Payment Schedule & Protection
Recommended: 10-15% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, 10% holdback until completion
Ontario Law: Ontario's Construction Act provides a 10% holdback right on construction projects. Read the Construction Act →
Licensing: No single mandatory license, but must comply with OBC. General contractors should carry comprehensive liability insurance, WSIB, and pull all required permits. For new home construction, must be registered with Tarion.
Frequently Asked Questions — General Contractor Costs
- How much does general contractor work cost in Ontario?
- Kitchen Remodel: $15,000-$75,000 (complete). Bathroom Remodel: $8,000-$35,000 (complete). Basement Finish: $20,000-$70,000 (complete). Addition: $150-$400 (per square foot). All prices are in CAD and approximate for Ontario.
- What factors affect general contractor pricing in Ontario?
- Project scope and complexity. Material selections (stock vs. custom cabinets, tile grade, countertop material). Structural changes (removing walls, adding beams). Permit and engineering fees. Subcontractor coordination (plumbing, electrical, HVAC). Demolition, waste disposal, and site cleanup.
- When is the cheapest time to hire a general contractor contractor?
- Prices typically drop during: November-March — contractors discount to keep crews employed through winter. Prices rise during: April-September — peak renovation season with 4-8 week backlogs.
- How can I save money on general contractor work?
- Renovate in winter — contractors offer 10-20% discounts to keep crews working. Keep the existing layout (kitchen/bathroom) to avoid expensive plumbing/electrical relocations. Stock cabinets from Home Depot or IKEA cost 50-70% less than custom.
- Should I get multiple quotes?
- Always get at least 3 written quotes. Compare scope, materials, timeline, and warranty — not just price. The cheapest quote often means corners cut.
- How much deposit should I pay?
- 10-15% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, 10% holdback until completion. Ontario's Construction Act provides a 10% holdback right on construction projects.
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