New Year Renovation Roadmap: When to Start and What to Budget in 2026

A new year is the perfect moment to plan the home renovations that will elevate your everyday living. Whether you’re considering kitchen and bathroom remodeling, basement finishing, or a home addition, starting in January sets the tone for an efficient, well-budgeted project. Apeiro Construction serves homeowners across London, Ontario and nearby communities with design consultation and planning, permit and inspection coordination, and elite on-site supervision—so 2026 upgrades are delivered on time and on budget.

When should I start a home renovation in 2026?

Begin design and selections now. Winter is ideal for planning, pricing, and permitting; construction can follow as soon as materials and approvals are ready. Typical timelines:

• Cosmetic refresh (paint, lighting, hardware): 2–4 weeks
• Bathroom renovation (pull-and-replace): 2–4 weeks; full remodel: 4–8+ weeks
• Kitchen remodeling (same layout): 4–8 weeks; reconfiguration: 8–12+ weeks
• Basement finishing: 6–10 weeks
• Home additions/major structural: 3–6+ months, depending on scope and season

Locking in scope early secures trades and quick-ship materials, reducing delays during peak spring and summer.

What should I budget—and how much contingency?

Budgets vary by size, finishes, and complexity, but these CAD ranges help set expectations:

• Powder room refresh: $5,000–$12,000
• Main bathroom renovation: $15,000–$30,000; luxury ensuite: $25,000–$45,000+
• Kitchen remodeling: $35,000–$90,000+ (semi-custom cabinetry, quartz or granite countertops, tile flooring)
• Basement finishing (legal suite readiness costs more): $40,000–$120,000+
• Home additions and whole-home renovations: $150–$400+ per sq. ft.

Build in a 10–20% contingency for unforeseen conditions and strategic upgrades discovered during construction. Apeiro’s value engineering aligns selections with your budget without compromising durability or design.

Permits, inspections, and winter realities in Ontario

Many like-for-like replacements do not require a building permit, but layout changes, structural work, new openings, and significant plumbing/electrical updates typically do. In London and surrounding municipalities, allow 2–6+ weeks for approvals. Electrical work may require Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspections, which we schedule to keep momentum. Winter humidity swings and cold temps affect curing and deliveries; Apeiro Construction sequences work, controls climate, and coordinates logistics to maintain quality and schedule through the season.

A 90-day New Year roadmap that works

• Days 1–30: Discovery and planning. Define goals, budget, and must-haves; measure spaces; confirm structural or zoning constraints; start design consultation and planning. Make preliminary selections for cabinetry, tile, counters, flooring, and fixtures.
• Days 31–60: Procurement and permits. Submit drawings for municipal review if required; order long-lead items (semi-custom cabinetry, windows, specialty tile); finalize schedule and subcontractor coordination.
• Days 61–90: Site readiness and construction start. Prepare the home (protection, temporary kitchen or bath strategies), confirm deliveries, and launch work in phases to reduce disruption.

Upgrades that add comfort, value, and efficiency in 2026

• Kitchens: Semi-custom or custom cabinetry, quartz or granite countertops, task lighting, and durable tile flooring. Consider an island rework to improve flow without full reconfiguration.
• Bathrooms: Curbless showers, heated floors, water-saving fixtures, and quiet, code-compliant ventilation.
• Basements: Zoned HVAC, sound control, egress and moisture management for healthy, flexible living.
• Exteriors and envelopes: High-performance windows and added insulation to improve comfort and reduce energy bills during Ontario winters.
• Smart home infrastructure: Prewire for networking, security, and EV-ready circuits; add leak detection with shutoff to protect new finishes.

Why partner with Apeiro Construction

From kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and whole-home transformations, Apeiro brings a builder’s mindset and a visionary’s ambition. Our team manages site feasibility and cost estimating, value engineering and procurement planning, and permit and inspection coordination. With on-site supervision, quality and safety compliance, and clear scheduling, we deliver precise execution across London, Middlesex County, Guelph, Cambridge, Oxford County, Elgin County, Sarnia-Lambton, Windsor, Barrie, Collingwood, and nearby Ontario communities.

Start the year strong

Turn your 2026 renovation goals into a clear, achievable plan. Book a consultation with Apeiro Construction to map your timeline, confirm budget, and lock in materials and permits so your project starts smoothly and finishes on schedule. Visit apeiroconstruction.com to get started.