Home Renovation Grants in Ontario: What You Need to Know
- Kallos Building Group
- Feb 25
- 4 min read
Home renovations are a fantastic way to improve the comfort, functionality, and value of your home. However, renovation projects can be expensive, and many homeowners worry about the cost. The good news is that in Ontario, several grants and incentives can help you save money while upgrading your home. Whether you’re looking to improve energy efficiency, make your home more accessible, or simply enhance the overall look and feel of your space, there’s likely a grant to suit your needs.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top home renovation grants in Ontario and explain how you can take advantage of them.
1. Ontario Renovates Program
The Ontario Renovates Program is designed to help low-income homeowners and landlords make essential repairs and improvements to their homes. This program is available in many regions across Ontario, including Guelph and surrounding areas.
Grant Amount:
Up to $10,000 for homeowners.
Up to $25,000 for landlords who are renovating rental units.
Eligible Projects:
Structural repairs
Plumbing and electrical upgrades
Insulation and weatherproofing
Accessibility improvements for seniors or people with disabilities
How to Apply:
To apply for this grant, you’ll need to contact your local municipality, as the program is administered locally. You’ll also need to provide documentation of your household income, as this program is intended for low-income residents.
Learn more about Ontario Renovates Program in the Waterloo region
2. Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
The Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) is a program designed to help seniors and people with disabilities make necessary changes to their homes to improve accessibility. Whether you’re installing a wheelchair ramp, widening doorways, or upgrading your bathroom, this tax credit can offset some of the renovation costs.
Grant Amount:
The Home Accessibility Tax Credit allows for a maximum claim of $10,000 for eligible expenses, which can cover up to 15% of the renovation cost.
Eligible Projects:
Installing ramps, lifts, or widening doors to accommodate mobility aids
Upgrading bathrooms (e.g., walk-in tubs, accessible showers)
Enhancing accessibility through door lever handles or grab bars
How to Apply:
To apply for the HATC, you’ll need to file a tax return and submit your renovation receipts. This tax credit is available to individuals 65 years or older or those with disabilities who require accessibility modifications.
3. Canada Greener Homes Grant
The Canada Greener Homes Grant offers homeowners funding to make their homes more energy-efficient and reduce their carbon footprint. This grant is perfect for homeowners looking to invest in eco-friendly renovations like solar panel installations, energy-efficient appliances, and insulation upgrades.
Grant Amount:
Homeowners can receive up to $5,000 to help cover the costs of eligible energy-saving home upgrades.
$600 is provided for a home energy audit.
Eligible Projects:
Insulating attics, basements, and walls
Installing solar panels or heat pumps
Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models
Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace or water heater
How to Apply:
To qualify for this grant, you must first have a home energy audit completed by a certified auditor. Following the audit, you’ll be provided with a list of recommended upgrades. Once you complete the work, you can submit the invoices to claim the grant.
6. Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant
The Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant offers homeowners an incentive to build or renovate accessory dwelling units on their property. Whether you’re creating a basement apartment, a garden suite, or a laneway house, this grant helps reduce the costs associated with adding an additional unit to your home.
Grant Amount:
The ADU grant provides up to $25,000 in funding to help with the costs of constructing or renovating an additional dwelling unit.
The grant is intended to create affordable housing options in urban areas like Guelph, where there is increasing demand for affordable rental units.
Eligible Projects:
Conversion of basements or garages into accessory dwelling units
Addition of garden suites or laneway houses
Renovation of existing structures to meet legal rental standards
How to Apply:
Homeowners must submit an application to the City of Guelph or your local municipality for approval. Your project will need to meet specific zoning requirements and building codes, and the unit must be rented at an affordable rate for at least 15 years.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Available Home Renovation Grants in Ontario
Renovating your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re looking to make your home more accessible, improve its energy efficiency, or increase its overall value, there are several home renovation grants in Ontario that can help make these projects more affordable.
At Kallos Building Group, we are committed to helping homeowners navigate renovation grants and complete their projects efficiently. Whether you’re taking advantage of energy rebates or making accessibility improvements, we’re here to guide you through the process. Contact us today to discuss your renovation plans and see how we can help you take advantage of available funding!
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