Kitchen Renovation Costs Toronto | 2024 Breakdown

Kitchen Renovation Costs in Toronto

Kitchen renovation costs in average castart as low as $15,000-20,000 and high end projects can push $60,000-70,000 – really just depends on your vision and budget, this is just a general overview of kitchen renovation cost in 2024. Should you decide to perform the renovation yourself, at any point along the way you can always call a skilled contractor like Kitchen and Bath to discuss your project and offer suggestions.

Understanding Kitchen Renovation Costs in 2024

Renovating a kitchen adds substantial value to any home, especially when approached with a detailed plan and budget clarity. Kitchen upgrades consistently enhance a property’s resale potential, often returning between 80-100% of the investment, according to industry analysis. Setting up a clear budget early on is essential, factoring in elements like square footage, materials, and the potential need for custom cabinetry or unique installations.

A remodel often requires various professionals. General contractors, electricians, and licensed plumbers each contribute specific expertise, helping maintain quality and efficiency. Labor costs can vary widely; for instance, electricians may charge between $80 and $150 CAD per hour, and plumbing work for tasks like installing new fixtures might add another $70 to $130 CAD per hour.

Specialty features, like a custom-built kitchen island or energy-efficient appliances, can quickly affect the project’s overall cost. A clear, well-planned approach ensures that everything, from new lights to hardwood flooring, aligns with your design vision and budget.

Breakdown of the Kitchen Renovation Cost

Renovating a kitchen gives it a modern, up-to-date appearance. You can do the renovation in such a way that it enhances safety and comfort, reduces energy costs, and enhances functionality. A kitchen renovation also increases the resale value of your home. Most people who want to renovate their kitchens do not know how much a renovation costs, leading to over- and under-approximations.

• Why do kitchen renovation cost vary so much?

You expect to pay between $10,000 and over $45,000. Some of the factors affecting the cost include materials used, the size of the kitchen, the scope of the project (is it a full remodel? in which case you will need such specialized professionals as plumbers and electricians), and even the location.

• Why are kitchen renovation costs high in Toronto?

The cost of living in Toronto is quite high and the renovation industry has not been spared from this reality. Virtually all costs from materials to transport and from licensing to labor are high in Toronto.

• How can you save money on a kitchen renovation?

It is not all doom and gloom – here are a few tips to help you save some money in a Toronto kitchen remodel. You do not have to go for high-end materials – cheaper material can serve the same purpose. As an example, gloss white 2-pack polyurethane doors costs up to 4 times more than melamine doors.

There are budget alternatives to most materials, including stainless steel. There are also materials designed to look like higher-end materials such as laminates designed to look like stainless steel or granite. If you want the rolled edges and the glossy appearance of polyurethane but you want to save money, you could go for vinyl wrapped (thermo-formed) doors which are almost indistinguishable. 

• Material Costs

If you want a chef’s kitchen at your home, you have to buy proper surfacing. If you do not know what to buy, our kitchen counter specialist will help you choose the right material. This could be hardwood, laminate, stainless steel, natural stone (like marble and granite) or quartz, among others. Countertops typically cost per square foot, inclusive of installation costs, of the different materials, is:

When it comes to cabinetry (pantry storage, cupboards, drawers, and wine racks), everything we create is customized to match your specific preference, budget, and space. Semi-custom hardwood will cost you between $120 and $500 per linear foot, inclusive of installation costs, while custom hardwood will cost you between $300 and $1000.

• Complete cost of a kitchen renovation

So, how much do you expect to pay for a kitchen renovation in Toronto? Below is a guideline of the expected cost:

• Between $10,000 and $20,000 for smaller kitchens using budget fittings and materials
• Between $20,000 and $45,000 for mid-sized kitchens using a combination of high-end and budget appliances and materials
• Above $45,000 for high-end kitchens using top-of-the-range appliances and materials

If you would like more detailed information on what it will cost you to renovate your kitchen, call us on (905) 829-9111 for a one-on-one discussion with an advisor, get in touch with us through the online form on our contact us page, or visit our Toronto Location, Improve Canada/Vaughan, or Oakville Location.

While we all have unique tastes and preferences when it comes to kitchen design, most kitchens fall into one of threse categories:

• Cabinetry and associated hardware = 30% – This will be your biggest expense and primarily comes from the construction of custom made cabinets. The size and shape of every kitchen is a little different so the need to custom fit the cabinets in place requires a good carpenter.
• Appliances = 15% – Depending on the level of quality you prefer, you can expect to spend a few thousand dollars on stainless steel appliances like gas ranges and refrigerators.
• Installation labor = 16% – This figure can be a much larger percentage depending on the level of technical expertise needed. For instance, the labor required to replace a dishwasher of the same depth and size is basically nothing, whereas the creation of cabinetry or laying of stone surfaces requires skill and experience.
• Countertops = 10% – Surfaces such as tile, granite ,quartz and porcelain countertops in Toronto are very popular these days and that is by and large due to the ease of cleaning and strong durability of the materials. For these reasons, the labor and materials required for countertops can be higher than say, formica or linoleum.
• Flooring = 8% – Tile is the standard in kitchens and most installers can do it in a day or two for relatively cheap, just depends on the quality you choose. Sometimes homeowners choose wood for their kitchens, which is more expensive.
• Drywall = 5% – Installing drywall on the walls and ceilings can be a simple task that a homeowner with some experience can do themselves, but if you are unsure of your aptitude, you should probably hire a professional. It would be a shame to beautiful new countertops, cabinets and appliances, then see shoddy, ill-fitting drywall.
• Lighting = 4% – This is another area where a homeowner with some electrical know-how can perform simple electrical box installation, along with outlets and fixtures, but understanding your local building code may be a different matter. It is best to hire a professional to pull the proper permits and let them do the install.
• Doors and windows = 4% – The current trend of open kitchen floor plans limits the need for many doors, and those you may choose are standard interior ones, that are relatively cheap. Windows can be a little more expensive and you may need new ones if your current windows are not insulated and double-paned.
• Design planning = 4% – If you don’t have a clear vision of your renovation or are unsure if your design will fit the space allotted, it might be best to call in an interior designer that can review your plan and make some suggestions or changes if needed.
• Installation labor = 16% – This figure can be a much larger percentage depending on the level of technical expertise needed. For instance, the labor required to replace a dishwasher of the same depth and size is basically nothing, whereas the creation of cabinetry or laying of stone surfaces requires skill and experience.
• Installation labor = 16% – This figure can be a much larger percentage depending on the level of technical expertise needed. For instance, the labor required to replace a dishwasher of the same depth and size is basically nothing, whereas the creation of cabinetry or laying of stone surfaces requires skill and experience.

Hardwood Floors vs. Other Flooring Options

Hardwood floors provide a durable and timeless choice for kitchen renovation project. Costs vary depending on the type: solid hardwood generally ranges from $8 to $15 per square foot, while engineered wood, which offers enhanced moisture resistance, can start at $6. Adding installation costs between $3 and $7 per square foot, hardwood offers a solid return on investment, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens. For cost-conscious remodels, premium vinyl mimics hardwood at $4 to $8 per square foot, combining affordability and water resistance. In choosing, consider maintenance, with hardwood needing periodic refinishing, whereas vinyl and tile require minimal upkeep.

How Much Do New Lighting Fixtures Cost?

For new lighting fixtures, costs vary widely depending on the fixture type and technical specifications. For instance, recessed lighting is often preferred for its streamlined appearance, typically ranging between $100 to $300 CAD per fixture when including installation. Pendant lights, popular above kitchen islands, can range from $150 to $400 CAD per piece, particularly for high-end models with dimmable features or specific designs.

LED options bring energy efficiency to the forefront, often priced between $50 and $200 CAD, adding value by reducing long-term energy costs. The project cost can increase slightly if existing electrical wiring needs updates, ensuring compatibility with new fixtures and layout adjustments.

Estimating Labour Costs for Kitchen Renovations

Estimating the labor costs for kitchen renovation projects requires careful attention to details such as kitchen size, design choices, and materials, which can all affect overall costs. Here’s an expert breakdown:

• Kitchen Size and Layout: For a medium kitchen, labor costs might range from $5,000 to $12,000 CAD, covering installation, cabinetry, and new flooring.
• Custom Cabinetry Installation: Custom cabinetry, a popular choice, can push labor expenses up, particularly if it requires precision fitting around unique layouts or space-saving features.
• Countertops and Premium Fixtures: Installing kitchen countertops, especially with premium materials like granite, adds $1,500 to $4,000 CAD for labor alone due to the handling and precision involved.
• Energy-Efficient Appliance Setup: The integration of energy-efficient appliances, such as dishwashers or stoves, may add $300 to $1,200 CAD, depending on complexity and additional electrical work.
• Plumbing and Lighting Fixtures: Installing new plumbing fixtures and lighting costs vary, with an average estimate of $1,000 to $2,500 CAD for labor, especially with updates to accommodate advanced features or new layouts.

Each component of labor is essential in shaping a realistic budget for both medium and large kitchen projects, ensuring the final cost aligns with the vision and functional requirements.

Setting a Realistic Budget for Kitchen Renovations

Planning a budget for kitchen renovations is about balancing ambition with precision. The average cost for a kitchen remodel varies widely, starting at approximately $15,000 for smaller projects and reaching upwards of $50,000 or more for expansive, high-end designs. Elements like custom cabinets, typically priced from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot, can have a significant impact on the overall cost.

Plumbing work often starts at $2,500, depending on the complexity, while adding premium countertops—such as quartz—can range between $75 to $150 per square foot. Adding high-end appliances to a kitchen space might add $3,000 to $10,000 to the budget, especially when opting for energy-efficient models.

Energy-Efficient Appliances: A Smart Investment

For kitchens today, energy-efficient appliances are more than an upgrade; they’re a practical investment that impacts long-term savings and environmental impact. High-performance models like the Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator or LG’s InstaView Door-in-Door not only minimize electricity use but provide smart technology that makes daily use more efficient.

Energy Star-rated kitchen appliances reduce electricity consumption by 15-30%, offering measurable returns on the initial investment, ranging from $1,200 to $4,500 CAD for standard options. Lowering utility bills while enhancing the kitchen’s functionality, these upgrades are especially advantageous when planning kitchen remodels for small homes where space-saving layouts are essential.

Expanding or adding premium appliances often requires additional workers or a kitchen designer for optimized setup, influencing the total cost.

Additional Articles about Kitchen Renovation:

• Big Ideas for Small Kitchen Spaces
• Custom vs. Factory Made Kitchen Cabinets
• Dark Kitchen Inspiration
• Designing Your Contemporary Kitchen
• French Kitchens
• Gold Kitchen Ideas
• Investment Potential in Renovating your Kitchen
• Kitchen Floors
• Kitchen Lighting Ideas
• Kitchen Renovation Costs
• Kitchen Renovation Design Trends for the New Year
• Kitchen Renovation Ideas – 2020 Edition
• Kitchen Renovation Warranty
• Selecting Countertops for Kitchen Renovation
• Selecting Kitchen Cabinets for Kitchen Renovation
• Simple Guide to Kitchen Renovation
• Top Four Kitchen Ideas for the New Year
• Top Kitchen Accessories
• What We Love and Hate about White Kitchens