Imagine pouring your heart and soul into renovating your dream home, only to watch costs spiral out of control and timelines stretch endlessly. This is the harsh reality many Quebec homeowners are facing today. Since the pandemic, renovation costs in the province have skyrocketed, leaving families like Gilbert Hajj's in Baie-D'Urfé navigating a stressful and dusty odyssey. But here's where it gets even more eye-opening: despite these challenges, Quebecers' passion for home improvement remains unwavering. And this is the part most people miss: the reasons behind this surge in costs are far more complex than you might think.
Statistics Canada reveals a staggering 40% increase in the average cost of residential renovations in Quebec since the pandemic. For the Hajj family, what began as a straightforward home extension in December 2024 has transformed into a prolonged ordeal. Gilbert, who works in the roofing industry, thought his expertise would shield him from common pitfalls. Yet, even with meticulous planning, reliable contractors, and a realistic budget, the project has exceeded both its timeline and financial boundaries. But why is this happening? Labor shortages, skyrocketing material prices, trade tariffs, and lingering supply chain issues from the pandemic have created a perfect storm, driving costs to unprecedented heights.
Architect Ron Rayside, founder of Montreal’s Rayside Labossière, puts it bluntly: “Construction costs have nearly tripled in the past decade.” During the pandemic, some materials became so scarce that prices surged and never returned to pre-crisis levels. Despite these challenges, a report from Soumission Rénovation shows that over 155,000 home renovation projects were completed in Quebec in 2025, even though more than 40% of homeowners underestimated their expenses. Here’s the controversial part: are Quebecers simply overestimating their ability to manage these projects, or is the industry failing to communicate the true costs?
To tackle this issue, experts like Marie-France Côté Nolet, founder of Les filles de la construction, are empowering homeowners—especially women—to take control. Her platform educates people on how to manage renovations without feeling overwhelmed. But here’s a thought-provoking question: If homeowners can save up to 50% by doing some work themselves, why aren’t more people opting for this route? For larger projects, Nolet stresses the importance of thorough planning and realistic expectations. She warns against outdated cost assumptions, urging homeowners to research current prices, build flexible timelines, and include buffers for unexpected expenses.
Back in Baie-D'Urfé, Gilbert Hajj finds solace in the end goal: a modernized family home with more space. Yet, he admits to sleepless nights, a sentiment shared by many. And this is where we want to hear from you: Do you think the renovation boom in Quebec is sustainable, or is it a bubble waiting to burst? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
