A renovation contractor in Vaughan 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. Vaughan grew late: the population was roughly flat until the mid-1970s and the subdivisions came once the trunk sewer arrived, first in Woodbridge and Thornhill, then Maple and Vellore in the 1990s and 2000s. So most Vaughan homes are between 20 and 50 years old, and the renovation they need depends on which decade they were built in. Our office is in Vaughan, and this guide is written from the projects we see here.
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Key Takeaways for Vaughan Homeowners
- Homes from the 1970s–90s in Woodbridge and Thornhill are usually due for kitchens, bathrooms, windows and mechanical systems all at once.
- Newer homes in Maple, Vellore and Thornhill Woods are more often about finishing the basement and replacing builder-grade kitchens and bathrooms.
- Four heritage conservation districts (Kleinburg-Nashville, Woodbridge, Maple and Thornhill) need heritage approval for most exterior work.
- Trees: Vaughan's tree by-law protects private trees 20 cm or wider, a lower threshold than Toronto's 30 cm, and a permit needs an arborist report.
- Additional units: up to two additional units on a lot with a detached, semi-detached or street townhouse, with one parking space per unit, under Vaughan's 2025 rules.
- Permit review: the Ontario Building Code gives the City 10 business days to decide on a complete house permit application.
Vaughan 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 bathrooms specifically, see our bathroom renovation in Vaughan guide; for snow-melting driveways, heated driveways in Vaughan.
Renovating by Neighbourhood
Woodbridge
Woodbridge grew outward from the old village from the late 1970s, with East Woodbridge largely built in the 1980s and 1990s and Woodbridge Highlands in the 1990s. Many of these houses are now on their original kitchens and bathrooms, and on furnaces, air conditioners and windows that are 25 to 40 years old. The most common Woodbridge project we price is a kitchen and main-floor renovation combined with new flooring throughout, often opening the kitchen to the family room. The original village core around Woodbridge Avenue is a heritage conservation district, where exterior changes need heritage approval.
Thornhill
The part of Thornhill south of Highway 7 and the 407 was mostly built out by the 1980s, while Thornhill Woods, north of the 407 between Bathurst and Dufferin, is newer. In the older streets we see two-storey homes ready for full kitchen and bathroom renovations and second-storey or rear additions; in Thornhill Woods it is more often basement finishing and ensuite upgrades. The historic Yonge Street area is a heritage conservation district. Outside, driveways are a frequent project: we completed an interlock driveway, front walkway and steps in Thornhill, built on a properly prepared base for freeze-thaw.
Maple, Vellore and Vellore Woods
Maple was a compact village until the early 1990s; large subdivisions spread around it from the late 1990s, and Vellore Village and Vellore Woods filled in during the early 2000s. These homes are generally 20 to 30 years old, structurally sound and with tall basements, so the work here is mostly finishing basements, adding a legal basement apartment, and replacing builder-grade kitchens and bathrooms. Maple's historic core is one of Vaughan's heritage districts.
Kleinburg
Kleinburg is built around its main street and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, with large lots and many custom and estate homes. Projects here are larger: high-end basements with home theatres, gyms and wine rooms, primary suites, and landscaping. Kleinburg-Nashville is a heritage conservation district, and properties near the Humber River valley can sit in a Toronto and Region Conservation Authority regulated area, so both are checked before design.
City of Vaughan Rules That Change Your Renovation
- Building permits: issued by Vaughan's Building Standards Department and needed to move plumbing fixtures, alter load-bearing walls, change exterior openings, finish a basement with new plumbing or a unit, or build an addition. The Ontario Building Code gives the City 10 business days to decide on a complete house application.
- Heritage districts: Vaughan has four heritage conservation districts: Kleinburg-Nashville, Woodbridge, Maple and Thornhill. Most exterior changes inside them need a heritage permit, and demolition needs a heritage clearance first. See the City's Kleinburg-Nashville district page as an example.
- Trees: under Vaughan's tree by-law, trees 20 cm or more in diameter cannot be injured, destroyed or removed without a permit, and the application needs an arborist report. Excavating for an addition or a new driveway inside a root zone counts as injury.
- Additional units: Vaughan's zoning allows up to two additional residential units on a lot with municipal water and sewer, limited under the 2025 rules to detached, semi-detached and street townhouse dwellings, with one parking space per additional unit. The unit also needs a building permit and must meet the Building Code and Fire Code.
- Conservation areas: near the Humber or Don river valleys, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority may need to approve work before the City issues a permit.
- Electrical and gas: electrical work is filed with the ESA by a licensed electrical contractor; gas work needs a TSSA-registered gas fitter.
Working With a Renovation Contractor in Vaughan
- Free site visit. We are local to Vaughan. We measure, check the panel, plumbing and structure, and check heritage, tree and conservation maps for your 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 cabinetry from Modello.
- Approvals. Heritage, tree and conservation approvals first, 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 bathroom renovation cost in Vaughan?
A full bathroom typically costs $20,000 – $35,000 and a primary ensuite $42,000 – $60,000 at mid-range in 2026. Moving the toilet or shower, or upgrading to a curbless shower, adds plumbing and floor work.
How much does a luxury basement cost in Kleinburg?
High-end basements with a theatre, gym, wet bar or wine room usually run $100,000 – $175,000 or more, depending on size and finishes. Walk-out basements and custom millwork add to the budget.
Can I add a basement apartment in Vaughan?
Usually, yes, on a lot with a detached, semi-detached or street townhouse and municipal services. You need a building permit, one parking space for the unit, and compliance with the Building Code and Fire Code.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Vaughan?
Yes, if it is 20 cm or more in diameter, and the permit application needs an arborist report. Damaging the roots during construction also counts.
Is my house in a Vaughan heritage district?
Only if it is inside the Kleinburg-Nashville, Woodbridge, Maple or Thornhill districts, which cover the historic village cores. We check the address before design; interior work is generally unaffected.
Get a Free Quote in Vaughan
Country Renovations is based in Vaughan and has been renovating across Vaughan 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.