Montreal, QC · Q3 2026
Basement renovation cost in Montreal
Framing, insulation, egress, and moisture control. The figures below are modelled for Montreal, QC using our 0.98× regional cost multiplier, on a detached home built 1960-1989 at a mid-range finish.
Typical planning budget
$48,050 to $77,500
Typical $57,800 · includes 22% contingency
Before contingency
Why Montreal differs
Montreal prices about 2% below Ottawa, which is the baseline our regional model is anchored to.
- Regional multiplier
- 0.98×
- Versus Ottawa
- -2%
- Province
- Quebec
- Sales tax on services
- GST + QST (14.975%)
Regional multipliers are anchored to Ottawa at 1.00 and scaled using Statistics Canada's Residential Renovation Price Index and Building Construction Price Index movements by census metropolitan area, then cross-checked against published contractor rate ranges. They are planning-level adjustments, not surveyed local quotes.
Areas this covers
Montreal, QC is modelled as a single labour market, so these municipalities share the same cost multiplier:
- Montréal
- Laval
- Longueuil
- Brossard
Somewhere else in Quebec? Compare every Quebec region.
Cost by finish level in Montreal
Finish level moves the number more than almost anything else you control. All three rows use the same Montreal multiplier and the same scope.
| Finish | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| BudgetStock materials, simple details, value fixtures | $35,000 | $42,100 | $56,400 |
| Mid-rangeCommon homeowner choice: durable materials, better fixtures | $48,050 | $57,800 | $77,500 |
| PremiumHigh-end materials, custom detailing, designer fixtures | $69,800 | $84,100 | $112,600 |
Cost by size in Montreal
Typical all-in planning budgets at three representative sizes, mid-range finish.
| Size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $38,250 | $46,000 | $61,600 |
| 800 sq ft | $48,050 | $57,800 | $77,500 |
| 1,200 sq ft | $61,050 | $73,650 | $98,650 |
Where the money goes
The $57,800 typical figure for Montreal, broken into the lines a contractor quote should also separate.
| Category | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $17,200 | $20,700 | $27,700 |
| Labour | $17,300 | $20,800 | $27,900 |
| Demolition and disposal | $2,300 | $2,750 | $3,700 |
| Permit and design allowance | $2,600 | $3,150 | $4,200 |
| Subtotal | $39,400 | $47,400 | $63,500 |
| Contingency (22%) | $8,650 | $10,400 | $14,000 |
| Total planning budget | $48,050 | $57,800 | $77,500 |
Compared with the rest of Quebec
Same project, same scope and finish, priced against every other Quebec region we model.
| Region | Multiplier | Typical | vs Montreal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal (this page) | 0.98× | $57,800 | — |
| Quebec City | 0.93× | $54,900 | -5% |
| Other Quebec | 0.91× | $53,600 | -7% |
Permits in Quebec
Renovation permits are issued by your municipality or borough. Quebec also applies the Construction Code province-wide.
Commonly triggered by this project
- Basement development. Finishing a basement commonly requires a permit for framing, insulation, fire separation, and egress.
- New bathroom. Adding a bathroom involves new plumbing and ventilation, which typically requires a permit and inspections.
- New electrical circuits. Electrical work in Ontario is governed by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). A notification, permit, or licensed electrician is normally required.
- New or relocated plumbing. Your project includes plumbing changes. Contact your municipal building department to confirm permit and inspection requirements.
Hiring in Quebec
Quebec is the strictest province: every construction and renovation contractor must hold a valid Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) licence. Hiring an unlicensed contractor is illegal.
Trades that must be certified
- Electrical: Electrical work must be done by an RBQ-licensed electrical contractor, normally a CMEQ member.
- Plumbing and heating: Plumbing and heating work must be done by an RBQ-licensed contractor, normally a CMMTQ member.
Costs people forget on this project
Included as allowances above. Check any quote covers them too.
- Egress window and window well for bedrooms
- Concrete cutting for new drains
- Interior or exterior drainage remediation
- HVAC duct extensions and return air
- Permit, drawings, and inspection fees
- Moisture, insulation, and fire separation requirements
Typical schedule: 6 to 12 weeks on site, plus permit review time.
Questions homeowners ask
- Do I need a permit to finish a basement?
- Basement development normally requires a building permit covering framing, insulation, fire separation, egress, plumbing, and electrical. Contact your municipal building department early since review time affects your schedule.
- Why is 20 percent contingency recommended for basements?
- Basements hide the most unknowns: moisture, drainage, floor levels, ceiling heights, and existing service locations. Extra contingency covers what you cannot see during planning.