Most Popular Home Renovations in Canada in 2025

by Chris Charlwood July 24, 2025

Why Canadians Are Renovating Instead of Moving

Canada’s housing market remains one of the most expensive in the world, so it’s no surprise that many homeowners are choosing to stay put and invest in upgrades instead of moving. A 2025 survey by Financeit and Angus Reid found that 94 % of homeowners plan to remain in their current homes, and about a quarter intend to undertake renovations in the next year. This “renovate rather than relocate” trend isn’t new – HomeStars Reno Report revealed that 74 % of homeowners planned to improve their homes. If you’re among them, understanding what others are spending and which projects deliver the most satisfaction can help you plan wisely.

What’s a realistic renovation budget?

The good news is that most Canadians aren’t pouring their life savings into home improvements. HomeStars data show that small repairs and mid‑range projects dominate; jobs over $50,000 were the least common. In fact, nearly half of homeowners surveyed by RE/MAX have budgets under $10,000, and another 31 % plan to spend between $10,000 and $50,000. Only 4 % are aiming higher. This aligns with overall spending patterns: Made in CA reports that the average renovation spend since the pandemic is around $10,860.

Those numbers may still feel daunting, but they’re manageable when you prioritize. The first step is to identify which projects are most important to you and how they fit your lifestyle. That’s where a free AI estimator like the one at GrizzlyPros.ca comes in handy. In seconds, it provides region‑specific cost ranges for projects such as kitchens, bathrooms and decks – and there’s no sign‑up required.

What are Canadians renovating?

Outdoor living spaces have surged in popularity. During the pandemic, 54 % of HomeStars’ respondents planned to tackle landscaping or deck projects. Bathroom remodels were next at 32 %, followed by kitchen upgrades at 23 %. Basement finishing and appliance replacement trailed behind. These trends reflect a desire to maximize enjoyment at home. Interestingly, many homeowners actually renovate primarily for personal enjoyment, and not to boost resale value. Ageing in place and creating functional, comfortable spaces are also major drivers.

For outdoor lovers, a covered patio or gazebo can extend the season. Grizzly Shelter offers high‑quality kits that homeowners can install themselves or hire a professional through GrizzlyPros. If you want a durable cover for your deck, the Helsinki Polycarbonate Patio Cover features cedar posts and UV‑blocking panels for year‑round protection. For entertaining, the Milano Flat Roof Patio Gazebo provides a stylish shelter with options for curtains or mosquito netting. Looking to add four‑season living space? The Ledro Enclosed Gazebo Sunroom with Screens creates a fully enclosed room that can be used as a home office, spa enclosure or reading nook. Each of these kits is designed for Canadian weather and comes with detailed instructions.

Tips for planning your renovation

Set a realistic budget. Use online resources and AI estimators to understand typical costs in your province, factoring in materials, labour and permits. Leave a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
Prioritize projects that match your lifestyle. Outdoor spaces are ideal for families who entertain; kitchen and bathroom upgrades improve daily functionality.
Think long term. If you plan to age in place, consider accessible design features such as wider doorways, curbless showers or smart home technology.
Choose reputable professionals. Look for contractors with verified reviews and transparent pricing. Platforms like GrizzlyPros.ca pre‑qualify contractors and offer secure milestone payments, reducing risk for homeowners. And if you purchase a kit from Grizzly Shelter Ltd, you can post the project on GrizzlyPros.ca to find an installer.

Make your renovation a success

Renovations can be exciting and stressful in equal measure, but planning ahead helps ensure a smoother process. With most Canadian homeowners opting to improve rather than move, demand for skilled contractors is high. By leveraging tools like the AI estimator at GrizzlyPros.ca and exploring outdoor products from Grizzly Shelter, you’ll have a clearer picture of costs and access to trusted professionals. Whether your dream project is a backyard gazebo, a patio cover or a modernized kitchen, start your journey today with the right information—and make your current home an even better place to live.

References: Financeit & Angus Reid survey, HomeStars Reno Report, RE/MAX & Made in CA statistics.