Garage Conversion to Living Space: Smart Cost & Permit Guide
A garage conversion to living space costs roughly $40,000 to $90,000 in most of Ontario, though a basic home office can run under $15,000. Every project needs a municipal building permit,
A garage conversion to living space costs roughly $40,000 to $90,000 in most of Ontario, though a basic home office can run under $15,000. Every project needs a municipal building permit,
A 1000 sq ft addition cost in Ontario runs $300,000 to $550,000 in 2026, or roughly $300 to $550 per square foot. Second storey additions land at the higher end of that range, while single-storey rear additions trend lower.
Home addition cost in Canada ranges from $80 to $650 per square foot in 2026, depending on the type. A bump-out runs $85 to $200 per square foot, a garage addition $90 to $140, a dormer $80 to $200, and a full rear addition $200 to $500.
Home addition cost in Toronto sits between $350 and $550 per square foot in 2026. A single room addition starts around $60,000, a rear extension runs $150,000 to $300,000, and a full second-storey addition can reach $500,000 or more.
A garden suite permit in Ontario is mandatory approval for building a detached residential unit on your property. To obtain garden suite permits Ontario in 2026, you must submit architectural plans, pass zoning and building code checks,