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Home renovation planning

Fix it yourself. Or find a pro.

Find step-by-step repair guides and look up contractors when you need help. Try an example flooring estimate and see how a future quote comparison could work.

Open the guides and contractor directory Try a flooring estimate

Install the web app

Room plan01 / Living room
Room dimensions12 × 14 ft Floor area168 ft² Example room

Choose how to tackle it

One room plan, two ways to get it done.

Start with the measurements and scope. Use them to make a shopping list or ask contractors to price the work.

01 / Do it yourself

Shop with a plan.

Turn your room dimensions into material quantities. Add waste, use the coverage on the package, and build a shopping list with whole cartons or cans.

See how the numbers work
02 / Get help

Ask for a clearer quote.

See how a future quote comparison could show the work requested, what each contractor includes, and the total.

See a quote comparison

The DIY path

From floor area to shopping list.

This example uses a 168 ft² living room and flooring that covers 22 ft² per carton. Try changing the waste allowance to see when you need another carton.

Material calculatorExample

How much flooring?

10%

Extra material for cuts, mistakes, or spare pieces.

Extra allowance
16.8 ft²
Target coverage
184.8 ft²
Cartons to buy
9

Cartons round up to the next whole package when you need more coverage.

Work and waiting timeExample

How long could it take?

  1. Prepare the roomClear the floor and check the surface.
    2 hr work
  2. Let the flooring acclimateAllow time if your flooring instructions call for it.
    24 hr wait
  3. Lay flooring and tidy upCut, fit, and finish the installation.
    5 hr work
7 hr hands-on31 hr start to finish

These times illustrate the difference between work and waiting. Follow the instructions for your flooring.

The hiring path

Find a contractor and preview quotes.

The web app lets you search Toronto’s contractor directory. Below is a preview of how you could request and compare bids in a future version.

Quote workflow preview

  1. Describe the job

    Include the room measurements, your scope, and photos you want to share.

  2. Ask for bids

    Invite local contractors who match the job, or send it to a contractor you already know.

  3. Review the replies

    Compare what is included, ask for changes, or arrange a site visit.

Browse the contractor directory
Illustrative bidsExample

Living room flooring

168 ft² · Example totals in CAD

  1. Quote ALowest received
    $1,180

    Installation and basic prep. You buy the flooring and handle disposal.

  2. Quote B
    $1,390

    Installation, basic prep, and disposal. You buy the flooring.

  3. Quote C
    $1,640

    Flooring, installation, basic prep, and disposal. New trim is extra.

These sample prices show how you could compare scope, materials, and exclusions.

DwellDIY for iPhone and Android

Start with one room.

Bring your measurements or try an example project in the browser.

See mobile app options Open the guides and contractor directory