Improvement Quotes
Understand the role of improvement quotes in Canadian real estate financing, how they affect renovation loans, and why accurate estimates are essential.
May 22, 2025
What are Improvement Quotes?
Improvement quotes are written estimates detailing the cost of planned renovations or upgrades to a property, typically required during mortgage applications or renovation planning.
Why Improvement Quotes Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, lenders often require improvement quotes when buyers apply for a Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage or renovation loan. These quotes help verify the scope, budget, and feasibility of proposed upgrades.
Key details in an improvement quote include:- Itemized list of materials and labour
- Contractor contact information and credentials
- Estimated start and completion dates
- Total projected cost including taxes
Lenders use quotes to determine the additional funds to include in a mortgage. Funds are usually released after work is completed and verified. Buyers should obtain quotes from licensed and insured professionals to ensure lender acceptance.
Quotes also aid in comparing contractor bids and help property owners budget accurately for improvements. Having reliable improvement quotes supports both financing and project planning.
Example of Improvement Quotes
A buyer submits two improvement quotes totaling $30,000 for a new roof and energy-efficient windows, securing additional financing under a Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage.
Key Takeaways
- Provide cost breakdown for property upgrades.
- Required for renovation financing approval.
- Must be detailed and contractor-issued.
- Help with budgeting and project planning.
- Funds released after verified completion.
Related Terms
- Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage
- Home Renovation Loan
- Contractor Estimate
- Refinance
- Home Appraisal


Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 






15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)

Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
The Mayfair West site and its surrounding context. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
