Kitchen Renovation Costs

 

Kitchen Renovation Costs in Toronto

Kitchen renovation costs can start 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. 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.

Making the decision to renovate your kitchen can be a fun and exciting challenge. Depending on what you envision and how large the scope of the repair, it can be an expensive undertaking, but not all renovations are that way. No matter the size of the project, you can take comfort in the fact that studies have shown the kitchen and bath are the two rooms in your home that generate the greatest return on your renovation investment. You can expect to see between 80-100% of that investment come back to you in the form of increased appraisal value or money from the sale. When you have wrapped your mind around that nugget of good news, the next thing you want to do is make a list of your goals for the project and create a budget. After you’re feeling pretty good about your budget, you should look for a contractor to review the project, make sure it is feasible and offer some estimates. These are the basic steps to get you moving on the road to a great kitchen renovation and you will find a better indication of the driving costs associated with this type of renovation project below.

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. The typical cost per square foot, inclusive of installation costs, of the different materials, is:

Material Typical cost per sq. foot
(installation inclusive)
Hardwood $60 to $100
Laminate $20 to $40
Stainless steel $120 to $140
Marble $80 to $120
Granite $80 to $120
Quartz $60 to $80

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.

Your Vision, Your Budget

Making the decision to renovate your kitchen can be a fun and exciting challenge. Depending on what you envision and how large the scope of the repair, it can be an expensive undertaking, but not all renovations are that way. No matter the size of the project, you can take comfort in the fact that studies have shown the kitchen and bath are the two rooms in your home that generate the greatest return on your renovation investment. You can expect to see between 80-100% of that investment come back to you in the form of increased appraisal value or money from the sale. When you have wrapped your mind around that nugget of good news, the next thing you want to do is make a list of your goals for the project and create a budget. After you’re feeling pretty good about your budget, you should look for a contractor to review the project, make sure it is feasible and offer some estimates. These are the basic steps to get you moving on the road to a great kitchen renovation and you will find a better indication of the driving costs associated with this type of renovation project below.

 

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