How Much Does a Home Renovation Really Cost? A Transparent Breakdown

Renovating your home is one of the most exciting—and financially significant—decisions you can make. Whether you're revamping your kitchen, updating your bathroom, refinishing cabinetry, or giving the whole house a facelift, the big question always remains:
How much is this actually going to cost?
At FHG Contracting, based in Sherwood Park, Alberta (T8H 0Z7), we believe in transparency, quality workmanship, and eco-conscious renovations that bring your vision to life—without the surprises. In this blog, we break down the real costs of a home renovation and explain why choosing a specialized contractor like us makes all the difference, especially when you're looking for long-lasting, sustainable results.
1. The Short Answer: It Depends (But Here’s a Real Range)
Let’s start with a ballpark. According to Canadian renovation industry averages in 2025, here’s what you can expect:
- Kitchen Renovation
$25,000 – $60,000
- Bathroom Renovation
$12,000 – $30,000
- Full-Home Renovation
$100,000 – $250,000+
- Basement Development
$30,000 – $70,000
- Cabinet Refinishing
$2,500 – $8,000 (depends on scope)
- Interior Painting/Staining
$5,000 – $15,000
Keep in mind: The final price depends heavily on your square footage, finish quality, customization level, materials, and labour rates.
At FHG Contracting, we help you navigate every option clearly and honestly, so there are no hidden surprises—just smart, beautiful results.
2. What Influences the Cost of a Renovation?
Every home is unique, but the following factors always impact your renovation budget:
- Size and Scope
Are you reconfiguring layouts or just upgrading finishes? Are you tackling one room or an entire level? The larger and more complex the job, the more time, materials, and trades it requires.
- Materials & Finishes
High-end granite, custom cabinetry, water-based stain finishes, and soft-close drawers all cost more than builder-grade alternatives—but they elevate your resale value and experience.
Pro Tip: FHG Contracting uses low VOC water-based products to ensure not only beautiful results, but healthier air quality and a smaller environmental footprint.
- Labour
Professional labour typically accounts for 30% to 40% of your total renovation budget. This includes general contracting, electricians, plumbers, and finishing specialists like us.
- Structural or Hidden Repairs
Older homes often come with surprises—outdated wiring, mold, plumbing issues, or asbestos. We factor in contingencies and walk you through any needed adjustments in real time.
- Customization
Do you want built-ins, custom color-matched cabinetry, or one-of-a-kind staining? FHG Contracting offers on-site custom colour matching and refinishing cabinetry with superior results—but custom solutions do cost more than off-the-shelf components.
3. Why It Pays to Choose Specialized Experts
Renovations are only as good as the team behind them. When you partner with FHG Contracting, you're choosing more than just a contractor—you're choosing a dedicated, detail-oriented partner who specializes in:
- Staining using low VOC water-based products
- On-site custom colour matching
- Cabinet refinishing and restoration
- Environmentally conscious practices
Most general contractors outsource staining and finishing. We don’t. This allows us to control quality, timelines, and results, keeping your renovation smooth and stress-free.
4. Budgeting Tips: How to Plan Smartly
The secret to staying on track with your renovation? A rock-solid plan and realistic expectations. Here’s how to approach your budget wisely:
✅ Set a Priority List
If you’re renovating multiple rooms, rank them in order of urgency or potential ROI (return on investment). Kitchens and bathrooms often add the most value.
✅ Include a Contingency
Always plan for 10%–20% extra for surprises or upgrades. It’s better to be prepared than caught off guard.
✅ Choose Value Over Flash
Premium materials are great, but not all upgrades are created equal. Focus on durable, long-lasting finishes like water-based stains that resist fading and wear.
✅ Request a Transparent Quote
At FHG Contracting, we provide clear, line-item estimates, so you understand exactly what you’re paying for—no vague fees or unexpected charges.
5. Renovation ROI: Is It Worth It?
In most cases, absolutely. Here’s how the average ROI looks for major renovation types in Alberta:
- Kitchen Remodel
75% – 100%
- Bathroom Renovation
65% – 90%
- Basement Development
60% – 75%
- Cabinet Refinishing
80% – 100%
- Full Home Renovation
Varies — often 100%+ if selling
Investing in high-quality finishes, like professionally refinished cabinets with custom low-VOC staining, adds immediate visual appeal and boosts home value—whether you're planning to stay or sell.
6. Why Water-Based Products Are a Smart Choice
FHG Contracting stands apart in our commitment to eco-friendly, low-VOC water-based finishing products. Here’s why that matters:
- 🌿 Better for the environment – Less chemical runoff and lower emissions
- 🛡️ Safer for your family – Especially important for homes with children or pets
- 💨 Faster drying times – Meaning shorter project durations
- 🖌️ Beautiful finishes – Offers a smooth, even, durable surface with less yellowing over time
We’re proud to offer this sustainable, high-performance solution for all cabinetry and interior wood finishing projects.
7. Let’s Make Your Dream Home a Reality
You don’t have to guess your renovation costs. You don’t have to sacrifice quality for budget. And you definitely don’t have to go it alone.
At FHG Contracting, we help homeowners across Sherwood Park and Alberta complete renovations that are thoughtful, high-quality, and built to last—whether you’re transforming your kitchen, refreshing cabinetry, or restoring timeless wood features.
Ready to Start?
📞 Call us at 1-780-934-4115
📧 Email us at info@fhgcontracting.com
Let’s take your renovation from dream to done—with transparency, craftsmanship, and care.