Kitchen renovation cost in Canada: what drives the price and how to budget
Illustrative kitchen remodel ranges for Canadian homes, the cost of cabinets, counters, layout changes and trades, a worked budget and how to read kitchen quotes.
A kitchen is usually the most expensive room to renovate per square foot, because cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing, electrical circuits, ventilation, lighting and finishes all land in a small space. With our illustrative assumptions, a mid-range remodel of a 150 sq ft kitchen comes out at roughly $37,500–$75,000 before tax, and a custom or high-end kitchen of the same size at $75,000–$150,000. Whether your kitchen sits near the bottom or the top depends mainly on four decisions: keep or change the layout, cabinet grade, countertop material, and how much electrical and ventilation work the new design needs.
This guide belongs to the renovation cost overview. For the step-by-step method see how to estimate a renovation, and for comparing contractors see how to compare renovation quotes.
Where the money goes in a kitchen
The breakdown below is an illustrative split for a mid-range gut remodel with the layout unchanged. It is not survey data; it shows the typical order of magnitude of each line so you can see where your own quote is unusual.
| Line item | Illustrative share of the total | What moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets and hardware | 25–35% | Stock, semi-custom or custom; number of drawers; panels and pantry units |
| Countertops and backsplash | 10–15% | Laminate vs quartz vs natural stone; number of seams, cut-outs and edge profiles |
| Labour: demolition, carpentry, installation | 15–25% | Crew rates in your area, site access, protection of the rest of the house |
| Plumbing and gas | 5–10% | Moving the sink, adding a dishwasher or pot filler, gas range connection |
| Electrical and lighting | 5–10% | New circuits, panel capacity, under-cabinet and pot lights |
| Flooring, drywall, paint | 5–10% | Whether flooring runs under cabinets or into adjoining rooms |
| Ventilation | 2–5% | Range hood type and duct route to the exterior |
| Appliances (if in the contract) | 10–20% | Often bought by the owner, so check whether they are included |
| Design, permits, disposal | 3–8% | Drawings, permit fees, bins |
Layout: the biggest single decision
Keeping the sink, range and fridge where they are avoids most plumbing, gas and electrical rerouting. Moving the sink to an island usually means a new drain and vent route through the floor, which can be simple over an unfinished basement and expensive over a finished ceiling or a slab. Removing a wall to open the kitchen to the dining room raises a structural question: if the wall is load-bearing, you need a beam sized by a qualified designer or engineer, posts carried down to adequate footings, and a building permit.
Cabinets and counters
Cabinets are the largest materials line. Stock boxes in standard sizes are the cheapest; semi-custom lines offer more sizes and finishes; custom millwork is built for your space. Ask each contractor to show the cabinet line, the box material, the door style and the number of linear feet so quotes can be compared.
For counters, quotes are usually based on square footage plus fabrication: cut-outs for sinks and cooktops, edge profiles, seams and backsplash height. Laminate is the least expensive, quartz is common in mid-range work, and natural stone varies widely by slab.
Electrical and ventilation
A modern kitchen usually needs several dedicated and countertop circuits, so an older panel may need more capacity. Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor in most provinces and inspected under the provincial electrical safety regime (for example, the Electrical Safety Authority in Ontario). Range hoods should vent to the exterior; long or awkward duct runs add labour.
Worked example: a 150 sq ft mid-range kitchen
Illustrative, in Ontario, layout unchanged, owner buys appliances separately.
- Area × preset range: 150 × $250 = $37,500 (low); 150 × $500 = $75,000 (high).
- One-time costs (design, permit for electrical and minor structural work, bin): $2,500. Range: $40,000–$77,500.
- Contingency at 15% on the midpoint: midpoint = ($40,000 + $77,500) ÷ 2 = $58,750; contingency = $8,812.50; budget = $67,562.50.
- HST at 13% on the contract and contingency: $67,562.50 × 13% = $8,783.13; total $76,345.63.
- Appliances bought separately: add their price and tax at the store.
Using the renovation cost estimator and the contingency calculator reproduces steps 1–3.
Ways to control kitchen cost
- Keep the plumbing wall where it is.
- Reface or repaint sound cabinet boxes instead of replacing them, if the layout works.
- Choose stock or semi-custom cabinets with a few custom pieces where they matter.
- Set realistic allowances and choose finishes before signing so the price is firm.
- Order long-lead items (cabinets, counters) early to avoid paying crews to wait.
Reading a kitchen quote
A good kitchen quote names the cabinet line and linear footage, counter material and square footage, the scope of electrical and plumbing work, who supplies appliances, the permit, protection of floors, disposal, and the payment schedule. A quote that is a single number for "kitchen reno" is not comparable with anything. Use the quote checklist.
Tax and credits
Kitchen work by a registered contractor is subject to GST/HST, and QST or PST where it applies; see GST/HST on renovations. There is no general federal tax credit for kitchen remodels. A kitchen built as part of a new secondary unit for a senior or a relative with a disability may count toward the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit; see renovation tax credits in 2026.
FAQ
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
A gut remodel commonly takes several weeks of site work, plus the lead time for cabinets and counters, which is often longer than the construction itself. Counter templating happens only after cabinets are installed.
Is it cheaper to buy cabinets myself?
Sometimes, but the contractor may then exclude warranty on them and charge for receiving, checking and fixing damaged pieces. Agree in writing who is responsible for what.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen?
Replacing cabinets and counters in the same layout often does not need a building permit, but structural changes and new plumbing usually do, and electrical work normally needs a permit or notification under provincial electrical rules. Ask your municipality.
Sources
- Electrical Safety Authority (Ontario) — electrical permits and licensed contractors in Ontario
- Canada Revenue Agency — GST/HST rates
- Consumer Protection Ontario — written contract and estimate rules
- Régie du bâtiment du Québec — licence checks for Quebec contractors
