How to Plan a Full Home Renovation Budget: A Calgary Homeowner’s Guide

By Transform Renovations April 28, 2025

Taking on a full home renovation is exciting — but without a clear budget, it can quickly feel overwhelming. At Transform Renovations, we’ve helped hundreds of Calgary homeowners turn their dreams into reality without financial surprises. Here’s our expert guide on how to plan a smart, realistic home renovation budget.

1. Define Your Renovation Goals

Start by outlining what you want to achieve. Are you upgrading finishes, reworking layouts, or adding major extensions? Knowing your priorities helps us tailor the renovation scope — and the budget — to what matters most to you.

2. Understand the Average Costs

In Calgary, a full home renovation typically ranges between $150 to $300+ per square foot, depending on materials, complexity, and structural work.

For example:

Cosmetic updates (paint, flooring, fixtures) ➔ Lower range
Major reconfigurations (kitchens, bathrooms, basements) ➔ Mid-to-high range
Custom luxury finishes and smart home integration ➔ Higher end

Working with an experienced Calgary renovation contractor like Transform Renovations gives you realistic early estimates.

3. Set a Budget Range — Not a Fixed Number

Instead of locking yourself into a single number, create a range (e.g., $200,000–$250,000).

This flexibility accounts for:

Material upgrades you might love along the way
Hidden issues like outdated plumbing or electrical
Minor design tweaks during construction

4. Include a 10–20% Contingency Fund

Unexpected issues are part of any full home renovation, especially in older Calgary homes. Always set aside 10–20% of your total budget for surprises.

It’s much less stressful to have that safety cushion ready rather than scrambling later.

5. Prioritize Your Spending

Decide early where you want to invest and where you’re okay scaling back.

High-impact investments usually include:

Kitchens and bathrooms (highest ROI)
Energy-efficient upgrades
Structural improvements (foundation, roofing)

Lower-impact areas could be simple cosmetic updates in secondary bedrooms or utility rooms.

6. Work With a Design-Build Team

Hiring a full-service team (like us!) means your designer, builder, and project manager are all aligned from day one.

Benefits include:

Accurate cost estimates during design phase
Fewer change orders during construction
Streamlined communication

It keeps your renovation — and your budget — on track.

7. Get Transparent, Detailed Quotes

Be wary of vague estimates. A professional renovation company will provide:

Clear breakdowns of material and labor costs
Allowances for selections (tiles, flooring, fixtures)
Timelines and payment schedules

Transparency upfront protects you from surprises later.

Ready to Plan Your Dream Renovation?

At Transform Renovations, we specialize in full home renovations in Calgary, helping homeowners create beautiful, functional spaces within their budgets.