Gilbert Hajj is currently navigating his family home in Baie-D’Urfé, Que., like a maze, making decisions about what stays, what goes, and how spaces will be repurposed. What was initially a simple home renovation project that began in December 2024 has turned into a lengthy and dusty process for the Hajj family, who are living on-site during the renovations.
Despite being knowledgeable in the industry due to his work in roof repairs and maintenance, Hajj faced challenges with the project timeline exceeding his expectations. Rising renovation costs and delays have become common in Quebec, with Statistics Canada indicating a more than 40% increase in average residential renovation expenses in the province since the onset of the pandemic.
Architect Ron Rayside noted a significant surge in renovation costs over the past decade, attributing this trend to factors such as labor shortages, escalating material prices, trade tariffs, and disruptions in the supply chain due to the pandemic. Despite these challenges, Quebec residents continue to invest in renovation projects, as demonstrated by the high demand for renovation services throughout 2025.
Efforts are being made to assist homeowners in navigating the renovation process effectively. Marie-France Côté Nolet, founder of Les filles de la construction in Montreal, aims to educate homeowners, particularly women, on construction projects to enable them to oversee renovations confidently and efficiently. She emphasizes the importance of thorough planning, understanding the renovation process, and researching costs to avoid miscalculations and unexpected expenses.
Despite the stress and challenges faced during the renovation process, Gilbert Hajj remains optimistic about the end goal of achieving a modernized family home with increased space. The support and resources available aim to empower homeowners to take control of their renovation projects and make informed decisions to minimize stress and unexpected costs.