Google Ads for Renovation Contractors in Canada

Updated · By the PPC Pros Canada team

Renovation contractor cutting trim with a mitre saw

Why Google Ads works for renovation contractors

Renovations are large, considered purchases. Homeowners research for weeks, collect quotes and look for proof. Google Ads captures that research, and good qualification and follow-up turn leads into signed contracts months later.

High value, slow decisions

Homeowners research for weeks or months before signing.

Tire-kickers

Cost-research searches bring people who aren’t ready to hire.

Secondary suite demand

Many cities now allow additional units, so legal basement apartment searches are growing, along with permit questions.

How we run renovation campaigns

Project-type campaigns

Basements, kitchens, bathrooms and suites each get their own ads and gallery page.

Qualifying forms

Budget and timeline questions so you focus on ready buyers.

Nurture follow-up

Email and SMS follow-up in your CRM for long decision cycles.

High-intent renovation searches we target

These searches come from people ready to hire. We replace [city] with each area you serve.

  • basement renovation [city]
  • legal basement apartment [city]
  • kitchen renovation contractor [city]
  • bathroom renovation cost
  • home renovation company near me
Campaign structure

How to structure Google Ads for renovation contractors

Separate campaigns give each type of work its own budget, ads and landing page, so a high-value job never competes with a small one for the same clicks.

Google Ads Campaigns Example account
+ New campaignCampaign status: All enabled
CampaignStatusTypeBid strategyGoal
Basements & secondary suitesbasement renovation [city] · legal basement apartment · secondary suite contractor · basement finishing cost Eligible Search Maximize conversions Consultations
Kitchenskitchen renovation contractor [city] · kitchen remodel · custom kitchen cabinets installation Eligible Search Target CPA Design consultations
Bathroomsbathroom renovation [city] · bathroom remodel contractor · walk in shower installation Eligible Search Maximize conversions Consultations

Negative keywords to add first

These searches look related but rarely become customers. Blocking them from day one protects your budget. We keep adding to the list every week from real search terms.

Google Ads Negative keywords Example account
+ Negative keywordsList: Account-level exclusions
Negative keywordMatch typeLevel
"jobs" Phrase match Account
"diy" Phrase match Account
"ikea" Phrase match Account
"home depot" Phrase match Account
"ideas" Phrase match Account
"pinterest" Phrase match Account
"design app" Phrase match Account
"course" Phrase match Account
"free" Phrase match Account
"grant application" Phrase match Account
"hgtv" Phrase match Account
"cost calculator" Phrase match Account
Seasonality

When renovation customers search in Canada

Canadian weather and calendars move demand. Budgets should follow them instead of staying flat all year.

Keyword Planner Search trends Example account

Relative search demand by month Illustrative, Canada

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan–MarPeakPlanning season. Consultations for spring starts.
Apr–JunHighKitchens and bathrooms. Book summer starts.
Jul–SepSteadyFall project planning.
Oct–DecHighBasements and winter interior projects.
Budget

How much can you pay per renovation lead?

Your maximum cost per lead comes from your own numbers, not an industry average. Here is the math we use before setting any budget.

Google Ads Settings › Bidding Example account
What do you want to focus on?Conversions
Bid strategyMaximize conversions
Set a target cost per action $900.00

Recommended from your numbers: $12,000 profit per job × 15% of leads that become customers = $1,800 breakeven. We start around half of that.

Worked example: a basement renovation

Gross profit per job
$12,000
Leads that become customers
15%
Breakeven cost per lead
$1,800
Starting Target CPA
$900

Example numbers only. We calculate yours from your real job values and close rate before launch.

Landing pages & tracking

Turning renovation clicks into booked work

What we track in Google Ads

Every lead source becomes a conversion action, so Google’s bidding learns from real customers, not clicks.

Google Ads Goals › Conversions Example account
Conversion actionCategoryOptimizationStatus
Consultation bookings Book appointment Primary Recording conversions
Quotes sent Submit lead form Primary Recording conversions
Signed contracts and value Qualified lead Primary Recording conversions
Lead-to-contract time Qualified lead Secondary Recording conversions
Cost per booked consultation Book appointment Secondary Recording conversions

Buildertrend, JobTread and CoConstruct track leads through to signed contracts for renovators.

Landing page checklist

The page after the click decides whether you get the lead.

  • Project gallery by room type
  • Process and timeline explained
  • Permits, drawings and warranty
  • Qualifying form (budget, timeline, project)
  • Financing information
Local Services Ads

Local Services Ads for renovation contractors

General contractor and remodeling categories are available for Local Services Ads in some Canadian markets.

SponsoredRenovation Contractors near Toronto

Your Business

Reviews

Google Verified

Serves Toronto · Open now

10+ years in business

CallMessage

Another business

Reviews

Google Verified

Serves Toronto · Closes 6 PM

3 years in business

CallMessage

Another business

Reviews

Google Verified

Serves Toronto · Open now

5+ years in business

CallMessage

More renovation contractors in Toronto ›

Example layout. Ranking depends on distance, reviews, response rate and hours, not only budget.
Mistakes to avoid

Common Google Ads mistakes renovation contractors make

Measuring too soon

Renovation leads take months to sign. Judge campaigns over a full quarter.

Inspiration searches

"Ideas" and design searches bring browsers, not buyers.

No qualification

Without budget and timeline questions, sales time goes to tire-kickers.

Google Ads for renovation contractors: FAQ

How long before renovation ads pay off?

Leads start quickly, but contracts can take one to three months to sign. Judge results on signed contracts over a full quarter.

How do renovators get better leads from Google Ads?

Separate campaigns by project type, qualify with budget and timeline questions, and nurture leads with follow-up.

Are legal basement apartment searches worth targeting?

Yes. Many Canadian cities now allow additional units, and these searchers have a specific, valuable project.

How long until renovation ads pay off?

Consultations can start in weeks, but contracts often take one to three months. Measure over a quarter.

Recommended services for renovation contractors

Google Ads Management

Canadian Google Ads management built around cost per lead, not clicks. Search, Performance Max, YouTube and Local Services Ads with verified conversion tracking.

Landing Pages & CRO

Fast, focused landing pages built for Google Ads traffic. Conversion rate optimization that lowers your cost per lead without raising ad spend.

Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram)

Meta Ads management for Canadian businesses: lead forms, retargeting, Conversions API and creative testing on Facebook and Instagram.

Conversion Tracking (GA4 & GTM)

Accurate conversion tracking for Google Ads: GA4, Google Tag Manager, enhanced conversions, call tracking, Consent Mode v2 and offline conversion imports.

Google Ads for renovation contractors by city

ON Toronto ON Mississauga ON Brampton ON Hamilton ON Ottawa QC Montreal BC Vancouver BC Surrey AB Calgary AB Edmonton MB Winnipeg NS Halifax ON North York ON Vaughan ON Ajax ON Oshawa ON Peterborough ON Kitchener ON Waterloo ON London BC Burnaby BC Langley BC Victoria

More in home services

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