Looking for a renovation contractor in Lakeshore? Our network includes general contractors who work in Lakeshore regularly and know the local building department, the housing stock and the trades. Whether it is a kitchen, a bathroom, a basement or an addition, you describe the job once and we match you with a contractor who does that kind of work in your area.
Every contractor we match in Lakeshore has been checked for WSIB coverage, liability insurance and references. Quotes are free and there is no obligation. Most Lakeshore homeowners hear from a matched contractor within one business day.
Lakeshore projects range from raising and rebuilding lakefront cottages in Belle River and Stoney Point to finishing basements in Emeryville subdivisions and restoring century farmhouses in Comber and Woodslee. Shoreline properties may need Essex Region Conservation Authority approval in addition to a Lakeshore building permit.
Lakeshore ranges from 1920s to 1960s cottages converted to year-round homes along Lake St. Clair in Belle River, Puce, Stoney Point and Lighthouse Cove, to 2000s and 2010s subdivisions in Belle River and Emeryville, to century farmhouses in Comber, Woodslee and St. Joachim. Much of the municipality is low-lying and heavily drained by municipal drains. Shoreline flooding during the 2019 and 2020 Lake St. Clair high-water years and repeated inland flooding have made drainage, sump pumps and septic systems the main concerns.
Renovations jobs we arrange in Lakeshore
- ▸Kitchen renovations and layout changes
- ▸Bathroom renovations and ensuite additions
- ▸Basement finishing and legal secondary suites
- ▸Home additions and second-storey additions
- ▸Open-concept wall removal with engineered beams
- ▸Window and exterior door replacement
- ▸Flooring (hardwood, LVP, tile) throughout
- ▸Drywall, plaster repair and painting
- ▸Decks, porches and covered patios
- ▸Garage construction and conversions
- ▸Accessibility renovations (walk-in showers, ramps, wider doors)
- ▸Fire, water and insurance restoration rebuilds
- ▸Whole-home remodels of century homes
Typical costs in Lakeshore (2026)
Ballpark ranges from recent local jobs. Your quote depends on the scope, materials and access. Get an exact number with a free quote.
| Job | Typical range | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom renovation (full gut, same layout, 5x8 ft) | $15,000 – $32,000 | Tile selection, custom glass, moving plumbing and fixing hidden rot drive the top end. |
| Kitchen renovation (mid-range, new cabinets, counters, flooring) | $35,000 – $70,000 | Custom cabinetry, quartz or stone counters, and wall removal push toward the high end. Budget IKEA-style kitchens can land under $30,000. |
| Basement finishing (800-1,000 sq ft, rec room + bathroom) | $45,000 – $90,000 | Egress windows, a legal suite with separate entrance, and waterproofing add significantly. |
| Legal basement secondary suite (kitchen, bath, egress, fire separation) | $80,000 – $150,000 | Permit, fire-rated assemblies, separate electrical and often a new sump and backwater valve. |
| Main-floor addition (per sq ft, finished) | $350 – $550 | Foundation type, roof tie-in and whether kitchen or bath is included matter most. |
| Load-bearing wall removal with engineered beam | $6,000 – $18,000 | Needs an engineer stamp and a permit. Longer spans and point loads to the basement cost more. |
| Window replacement (per window, vinyl, installed) | $900 – $2,200 | Brick-to-brick replacements in older homes cost more than retrofit inserts. |
| Pressure-treated deck (12x16 ft, with railings) | $9,000 – $20,000 | Composite decking, raised height and permit requirements add cost. |
Ready to get quotes in Lakeshore?
Tell us about the job in about 2 minutes. We'll match you with a vetted local pro and you'll hear back fast. Free, no obligation.
Neighbourhoods we serve in Lakeshore
Essex County’s largest municipality by area: lakefront villages, new subdivisions in Belle River and farm country to the south.. Our partner pros regularly work in Belle River, Emeryville, Puce, St. Joachim, Stoney Point, Comber, Woodslee, Maidstone, Lighthouse Cove.
Renovations in Lakeshore: FAQs
Do renovation contractors in Lakeshore pull the building permit?
They should. Permits in Lakeshore are issued by the municipal building department and a reputable contractor will apply in their own name, handle inspections and close the permit at the end. If a contractor asks you to pull the permit yourself, ask why.
How much does a kitchen or bathroom renovation cost in Lakeshore?
A full bathroom in Lakeshore typically runs $15,000 to $32,000 and a mid-range kitchen $35,000 to $70,000 in 2026. Older homes with plaster walls and dated wiring sit at the higher end. These are estimates, so get a detailed written quote before committing.
How soon can a contractor start in Lakeshore?
Good contractors in Lakeshore are often booked 4 to 10 weeks out, longer in spring. Small jobs and insurance work can sometimes be slotted in sooner. Tell us your timeline on the form and we will match accordingly.
Do I need a building permit for my renovation in Windsor?
Usually, yes. The City of Windsor requires a permit for structural changes, additions, decks over 24 inches high, new or relocated plumbing fixtures, finished basements and secondary suites. Cosmetic work (paint, flooring, swapping cabinets in the same spot) generally does not. LaSalle, Tecumseh, Lakeshore, Amherstburg, Kingsville, Leamington and Essex each have their own building departments with similar rules. Your contractor should pull the permit in their name, not yours.
How much should I pay as a deposit?
A deposit of 10 to 15 percent to lock in a start date and cover design or ordering costs is normal. Be cautious of anyone asking for 50 percent or more up front, or who wants cash only. Payments should be tied to milestones (demolition complete, rough-ins passed inspection, drywall, final) and the last payment should be held until you have walked the job and the permit is closed.
Is my old house going to have asbestos or knob-and-tube?
If it was built before about 1980, possibly both. Asbestos shows up in plaster, drywall compound, vinyl floor tile, duct wrap and vermiculite insulation in homes from roughly 1920 to 1980. Knob-and-tube wiring is common in Walkerville, Sandwich Town and Ford City homes from the 1910s to 1940s. A good contractor will test suspect materials before demolition and bring in an ESA-licensed electrician to replace old wiring that gets exposed.
How long does a typical kitchen or bathroom renovation take?
A full bathroom usually takes 2 to 4 weeks on site once materials are in hand. A kitchen is 4 to 8 weeks, with cabinet lead times of 4 to 12 weeks before that. Basements run 6 to 12 weeks. Add time if permits need engineer drawings or if the municipality is busy in spring and summer.