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Renovation Cost Guide

How much does a home renovation cost?

It is the first question everyone asks, and the honest answer is “it depends.” Here is what it depends on, and how FLEX gives you a real number early, before you spend money on design.

What Drives the Price

Thirteen things that decide what your renovation costs

Two kitchens with the same square footage can be tens of thousands of dollars apart. These are the variables that move the number.

Size of renovation
Square footage and number of rooms
Existing conditions
Age of the home, what is behind the walls
Materials & finishes
Standard, mid-range or premium
Structural modifications
Removing walls, beams, engineering
Plumbing requirements
Relocating fixtures, new drains and supply
Electrical requirements
Panel capacity, circuits, lighting
Cabinetry
Stock, semi-custom or custom
Flooring
Vinyl plank, hardwood, tile, carpet
Tile
Format, layout, pattern and area covered
Fixtures
Faucets, showers, lighting, hardware
Design requirements
Drawings, permits, engineering
Accessibility
Curbless showers, wider doors, grab bars
Project complexity
Number of trades, phases and dependencies

The short version: the number of trades involved and the level of finish you choose have more effect on cost than the size of the room. A small bathroom with relocated plumbing, custom tile and a frameless glass shower can cost more than a larger one with a straightforward layout and mid-range finishes.

Preliminary Budgeting

Not ready for a full renovation quote?

FLEX can begin with a preliminary budget or Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) to help determine whether your project aligns with your expectations before investing further in design and detailed estimating.

A ROM is a high-level, middle-of-the-range budget built from the type of project, its approximate size and the level of finish you are considering. It is not a quote, and it is not a commitment. It is a fast way to answer the question everyone is really asking: is this project realistic for my budget?

Request a Preliminary Budget

How the ROM process works

  1. Tell us about the projectThe rooms, the rough size, what you want to change and the finish level you have in mind. Photos help.
  2. FLEX prepares a budget rangeA middle-of-the-band estimate based on comparable projects, delivered without a site visit or design fees.
  3. You make a decisionProceed to consultation, planning and a detailed estimate. Adjust the scope to fit the budget. Or plan for a later date, with a real number in hand.

ROM vs. Detailed Estimate

Two numbers, two purposes

Rough Order of Magnitude

  • Delivered quickly, from a conversation and photos
  • A budget range, not a fixed price
  • Based on project type, size and finish level
  • No design work or site measurements required
  • Purpose: decide whether to proceed

Detailed Estimate

  • Follows a consultation, site visit and planning
  • Itemized by individual scope: tile, plumbing, cabinetry, electrical and so on, so you can see where every dollar goes
  • Identifies potential costs before construction begins
  • Forms the basis of the schedule and the contract
  • Purpose: build the project

Common Questions

Renovation cost FAQ

How much does a home renovation cost in Cochrane?
There is no single number. The cost depends on the size of the renovation, the condition of the existing home, the materials and finishes you choose, any structural, plumbing or electrical changes, and the overall complexity of the project. The fastest way to get a realistic range for your project is a preliminary budget from FLEX.
What is a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) budget?
A ROM is a high-level, middle-of-the-range budget based on the type of project, its approximate size and the finish level you are considering. It is not a quote. It is a low-commitment way to find out whether your project and your budget are aligned before you spend on design and detailed estimating.
What happens after the preliminary budget?
If the range works, the next step is a consultation and site visit, followed by planning, design and a detailed estimate with clear pricing before construction begins. If it does not, you can adjust the scope or plan for later, without having spent money on design.
Should I carry a contingency?
Yes. Most renovations should carry roughly 10 to 15 percent for unknowns behind walls and floors and for changes you choose to make along the way. FLEX identifies likely risks up front so the contingency is there for genuine surprises.
Do you charge for the preliminary budget?
No. The preliminary budget is free. It is how FLEX starts every conversation, and it costs you nothing to find out whether your project and your budget line up. Get in touch through the project intake form to request one.
How is FLEX pricing different?
It is itemized. Most renovation quotes are a single number. FLEX breaks pricing down by individual scope, so you can see what the tile costs, what the plumbing costs, what the cabinetry costs, and where every dollar is going. That makes it easy to adjust the scope to fit the budget instead of guessing.

Ready to plan your renovation?

Tell us about your project. We will follow up to talk through your goals, timeline and budget, and recommend the right next step, whether that is a preliminary budget or a full consultation.

Start Your Project Get a Preliminary Budget