How Much Does a General Contractor Cost in the GTA? (2026 Guide)
General contractors in the GTA typically charge 10–20% of total project cost for project management, or a flat daily rate of $400–$800 for smaller work. This guide covers 2026 pricing for common renovation projects managed by GCs in Toronto and surrounding areas.
2026 Price Ranges
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Basement reno (unfinished to finished) | $35,000 | $80,000 |
| Kitchen renovation (mid-range) | $20,000 | $60,000 |
| Bathroom renovation (full) | $8,000 | $25,000 |
| Home addition (per sq ft) | $200 | $400 |
| TV mounting | $100 | $200 |
| Furniture assembly (3 pieces) | $80 | $180 |
| Eavestrough cleaning | $150 | $350 |
| GC project management fee (%) | $10 | $20 |
* Prices exclude HST. Ranges reflect GTA market rates as of 2026.
What affects the price?
- ✓Project size and complexity
- ✓Number of trades involved
- ✓Whether permits are required
- ✓Timeline and scheduling constraints
- ✓Materials specification
📋Permits & Regulations
Major renovations in Ontario — including basement finishing, kitchen renovations with plumbing/electrical changes, and additions — require building permits from your local municipality.
Tips before you hire
- ★Always get a written contract specifying scope, timeline, and payment schedule
- ★Never pay more than 10–15% deposit upfront
- ★Verify the GC has proper liability insurance and WSIB coverage
- ★Check references from similar projects in the GTA
Frequently asked questions
What is a general contractor responsible for?
A GC manages all aspects of a renovation project: hiring subtrades, pulling permits, scheduling work, quality control, and ensuring the project is completed on time and on budget.
How do I check if a general contractor is licensed in Ontario?
Ontario does not require a specific GC licence, but the contractor should be registered with the Ontario College of Trades for any trade work they perform directly. Always verify WSIB clearance and liability insurance.
Get a verified general contractor in your area
Post your job free — one matched contractor, dispatched as soon as you post.
Post my job — it's free →✓Licence verified
✓30-day guarantee
✓No bidding wars
✓One match per job
Verified against
ESA
Electrical Safety Authority
TSSA
Technical Standards & Safety Authority
OCOT
Ontario College of Trades
WSIB
Workplace Safety & Insurance Board