A renovation contractor in Richmond Hill in 2026 typically delivers kitchen renovations from $30,000 – $150,000+, bathroom renovations from $7,000 – $75,000+, basement projects from $30,000 – $300,000+, and home additions from $250 – $650 per square foot fully built. Richmond Hill changed two rules that affect most renovations recently: since April 2025 its tree by-law protects private trees from 15 cm in diameter, down from 20 cm, and since late 2024 its zoning allows additional residential units on most residential lots. Add the historic village core around Yonge Street and the Mill Pond, and the Oak Ridges Moraine in the north end, and where your house sits in the city matters as much as what you plan to build.
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Key Takeaways for Richmond Hill Homeowners
- Trees: since April 23, 2025, a permit is needed to remove or injure any private tree 15 cm or more in diameter, and replanting securities are required before the permit is issued.
- Additional units: Zoning By-law 143-24 (December 2024) permits additional residential units in zones that allow detached, semi-detached and townhouse dwellings.
- Heritage: designated heritage buildings, many in the old village core along Yonge Street near the Mill Pond, need a heritage permit for alterations.
- Oak Ridges Moraine and conservation lands: north-end lots around Oak Ridges and Lake Wilcox, and lots near valleys and wetlands, can need conservation authority approval and face extra planning limits.
- Permit review: the Ontario Building Code gives the City 10 business days to decide on a complete house permit application.
Richmond Hill Renovation Cost Tiers (2026 CAD)
| Project | Refresh / Good | Mid-Range / Better | Premium / Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | $15,000 – $30,000 | $45,000 – $85,000 | $95,000 – $150,000+ |
| Bathroom (full) | $14,000 – $19,000 | $20,000 – $35,000 | $35,000 – $50,000+ |
| Primary ensuite | $30,000 – $42,000 | $42,000 – $60,000 | $60,000 – $90,000+ |
| Basement (family use) | $30,000 – $55,000 | $60,000 – $95,000 | $100,000 – $175,000 |
| Legal basement apartment | $85,000 – $130,000 | $150,000 – $200,000 | $250,000 – $300,000+ |
| Single-storey addition | $250/sq ft | $350/sq ft | $500/sq ft |
| Second-storey addition | $300/sq ft | $450/sq ft | $650/sq ft |
For additions specifically, see our Richmond Hill home addition guide.
What Richmond Hill Homes Usually Need
The old village core and Mill Pond
The historic village grew along Yonge Street, and the area around the Mill Pond still has designated heritage houses, such as the Jesse Good House on Mill Street. Older houses here often need rewiring, plumbing replacement and insulation along with the kitchen or bathroom, and any exterior change to a designated building, such as windows, porches or an addition, goes through a heritage permit. We check the City's heritage register for the address before design starts.
Established subdivisions
Much of central and south Richmond Hill is detached and semi-detached housing from the later 20th century, now commonly on original kitchens, bathrooms, windows and furnaces. Projects here combine a kitchen or main-floor renovation with mechanical upgrades, and many owners add a legal basement unit now that the zoning allows it.
Estate lots and rebuilds
Areas with large lots, such as South Richvale and Bayview Hill, see whole-home renovations, large additions and rebuilds, and mature trees on almost every lot. With the 15 cm threshold, many more trees now need a permit and an arborist's protection plan before excavation. For ground-up custom homes we work with a licensed builder partner.
Oak Ridges and Lake Wilcox
The north end sits on the Oak Ridges Moraine, among kettle lakes, woodlots and wetlands. Additions and anything that changes grading or drainage near natural features can need conservation authority approval and must fit the Moraine's planning limits, so we confirm what applies to the lot before quoting an exterior project.
City of Richmond Hill Rules That Change Your Renovation
- Building permits: needed to move plumbing fixtures, alter load-bearing walls, change exterior openings, add a unit or build an addition. The Ontario Building Code gives the City 10 business days to decide on a complete application for a house.
- Trees: under Tree Preservation By-law 19-25, in force since April 23, 2025, removing or injuring a private tree 15 cm or more in diameter needs a permit, replacement trees are protected, and replanting securities or cash in lieu are required first.
- Additional residential units: By-law 143-24 permits additional residential units where detached, semi-detached and townhouse dwellings are allowed; the City's comprehensive Zoning By-law 93-25 sets the detailed standards. Each unit needs a building permit and must meet the Building Code and Fire Code.
- Heritage: alterations to designated heritage buildings, and work in a heritage conservation district, need a heritage permit.
- Conservation authority: work affecting flooding, erosion or wetlands can need a permit under the Conservation Authorities Act, separate from the building permit.
- Electrical and gas: electrical work is filed with the ESA by a licensed electrical contractor; gas appliance work needs a TSSA-registered gas fitter.
Working With a Renovation Contractor in Richmond Hill
- Free site visit. We measure, check the panel, plumbing and structure, and look at trees, heritage status and conservation mapping for the lot.
- Written fixed-price quote within 5 business days. Line-itemed, with permits, allowances and a realistic timeline.
- Design and selections. Floor plans and finish selections; kitchens use Canadian-made Modello cabinetry.
- Approvals. Tree, heritage and conservation approvals first where needed, then the building permit, ESA and TSSA filings.
- Build. One project manager and regular updates from start to finish.
- Inspections and handover. City and ESA inspections passed, site cleaned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a renovation cost in Richmond Hill in 2026?
Kitchens run $15,000 – $150,000+, bathrooms $7,000 – $90,000, basements $30,000 – $300,000, and additions $250 – $650 per square foot. Tree permits, heritage approvals and Moraine lots add time and cost.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Richmond Hill?
Yes, for any private tree 15 cm or more in diameter, since April 2025. Injuring a tree, including digging footings in its root zone, also needs a permit.
Can I add a basement apartment in Richmond Hill?
In most cases, yes. Additional residential units are permitted where detached, semi-detached and townhouse dwellings are allowed. The unit needs a building permit and must meet the Building Code and Fire Code, including ceiling height, fire separation and egress.
My house is near the Mill Pond. Is it heritage?
Only if it is individually designated or inside a heritage conservation district. We check the City's register for your address; interior renovations are generally unaffected.
Does the Oak Ridges Moraine affect a renovation in Oak Ridges?
Interior work, generally no. Additions, pools and grading near woodlots, wetlands or lakes can need conservation authority approval and must fit the Moraine's planning limits.
Get a Free Quote in Richmond Hill
Country Renovations has been renovating across Richmond Hill and the GTA since 2014. WSIB-covered trades. $5M insured. Book a free site visit and you will receive a written, fixed-price quote in 5 business days.