Kitchens are one of the most beloved rooms in the home. It’s where many fond memories are created like cooking together over the holidays or congregating in the kitchen at the end of the day to talk about the day. It’s no wonder why kitchen renos are on the minds of many homeowners. In fact, kitchens are one of the most renovated rooms in a home. Renovating your kitchen can pay off huge should you decide to sell your home, with many homeowners seeing a return on investment (ROI) of 75-100% when they upgrade their kitchens.
Deciding to renovate your kitchen takes a great deal of planning. It’s important that you have highly trained contractors to handle your kitchen renovations. This level of skill is often the reason why kitchen renovation costs tend to be high. Understanding the various components at play when it comes to upgrading your kitchen can help you plan ahead and make decisions that will give you the best ROI. The cost of a new kitchen may seem exorbitant but remembering that a kitchen renovation is one of the best home improvement projects you can embark on can help keep things in perspective.
Kitchen Renovation Costs in Toronto, Ontario
The cost of renovating a kitchen in Toronto, Ontario is based on several factors like the size of the kitchen, whether you will keep the current layout or change it altogether, and the quality of materials you use. The average kitchen renovation cost is somewhere in the neighborhood of $35,950. If you break this down per square foot, it will cost about $195 per square foot. However, a kitchen remodels cost can be anywhere between $16,400 and $65,620. or $97-$326 per square foot.
If the scope of your kitchen renovation project is small, you can expect your kitchen upgrade costs to fall in the lower end of this range. For example, if your renovation project is limited to painting the walls, refacing cabinets, installing new tiles (floor and backsplash), and upgrading the sink, this would be considered a small renovation project. However, if you are going for a complete overhaul of your kitchen, you will likely spend over $40,000 to install custom cabinets, hardwood floors, granite counters, and top-of-the-line appliances. Renovation experts advise homeowners to spend about 5-15% of the value of their home on a kitchen reno.
How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Toronto?
Having a clear vision for your kitchen renovation project is very important and will help you set your budget appropriately. One of the most asked questions is how much does a kitchen renovation cost? You’ll need to establish your budget for the project so you can determine what types of materials you can afford and the contractors you need to hire. A kitchen is a central part of your home and you don’t want to get stuck in the middle of a project because you ran out of money. Avoid delays by spending enough time planning and setting your budget. If you get this step right, it will save you a lot of headaches later.
New kitchen prices vary. For a minor renovation, you can expect to spend about $16,000-$25,000. An average size renovation project will cost about $25,000-$39,000, and an extensive kitchen renovation will cost $40,000 and above. Another important thing you should remember with your budget is to set aside approximately 15% to 20% of your total budget for unforeseen problems like plumbing, electrical or structural issues that need to be corrected.
Which Trades Will You Need for Your Kitchen Renovation & Remodeling?
Your kitchen renovation project will require multiple trades. Each has a critical role to play at various points during the project, and each has a separate fee for their services.
Kitchen Designer
The scope of your kitchen renovation project will determine whether you need an architect or if consulting a kitchen designer will be the best choice. If you are working on a small to the mid-range project, having a kitchen designer may be most appropriate. Their role in the project is to ensure that the end result falls in line with your vision for your new kitchen.
The kitchen designer manages the entire renovation. They may charge a one-time consulting fee, however, in most cases, kitchen designers will charge a certain percentage of the total kitchen renovation cost. On average, the one-time consultation fee is about $565, and if you’re paying a percentage of the kitchen remodel cost, it’s usually about 10-20% of the total cost of the project.
Cabinet Maker
You will need to factor in a carpenter if you will be installing custom-built cabinets. If you decide to buy cabinets that are already in stock, you won’t have to consider the cost of hiring a carpenter. Carpenters usually cost about $90 per hour. Keep in mind that the materials are a separate expense. Finding a carpenter within your budget is important and there are many places where you can request a quote or ask for recommendations. It’s best to compare quotes to make sure you get the best deal for your project.
A Countertop Manufacturer
Countertops contribute significantly to the look of your kitchen and overall design. A countertop manufacturer will have an array of countertop designs for you to choose from. There are a number of materials to choose from like quartz, granite, marble, etc. The cost of the countertops will depend on the material. For example, a quartz countertop may cost about $65-$130 per square foot installed.
An Electrician
You may not need an electrician if you are not making any changes to the layout of your kitchen. An electrician is necessary if you are changing the layout in such a way that you need new outlets and lighting fixtures. Electricians usually charge by the hour and you can ask for recommendations from people you know who have used their services. Electricians usually charge between $84-$110 per hour with materials being an additional expense.
A Plumber
This is often a surprise to some homeowners who don’t anticipate the need for a plumber for their kitchen renovation. Anytime you are dealing with pipes and water, you will likely need a plumber. You can ask a general contractor to recommend somebody they have worked closely with and can attest to the quality of their work. Plumbers charge by the hour typically within the range of about $71-$84 per hour with materials being an additional charge.
A Specialized Backsplash Installer
Your selection for tile backsplash should complement the design of your kitchen. The average cost for backsplash installation is typically between $25 and $65 per square foot. On average, you can expect to spend about $1150 on your tile backsplash. Some homers may find themselves paying upwards of $2,500 to install backsplash while others spent just a few hundred dollars.
A Tiler
You will need an experienced tiler to lay the tiles on your kitchen floor. It may cost you anywhere from $45-$150 per hour. Typically, quotes will depend on square metre rates, which can be anywhere from $15 per square foot to $35 per square foot with $25 per square metre being the average.
A General Contractor
This is the person who is going to oversee your entire project. This is particularly necessary if you have a large project. This is a great idea because of the number of other trades involved in the renovation.
A general contractor works closely with all of the other trades involved and makes sure that everybody does their job right. They also ensure that the kitchen renovation costs stay within your budget. With a general contractor managing your project, a large portion of the stress associated with renovation projects is lifted. General contractors typically charge 10-20% of the total cost of renovating the kitchen.
Cost by Size
The size of your kitchen is one of the primary factors that determine the cost of a new kitchen.
- A small kitchen (less than 70 ft.² ) will cost an average of $16,500-$26,000.
- A mid-sized kitchen (between 100 and 150 ft.²) will cost an average of $19,500-$52,000.
- A large kitchen (200 ft.² or more) will cost about $45,000-$78,000 or more
Cost of Typical Elements in Kitchen Renovation
The various elements commonly associated with kitchen renovations can differ based on the size of the kitchen. The typical features include:
- Appliances
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Flooring
- Faucet
- Sink
- Backsplash Installation
- Painting or Wallpaper
The table below shows what you can expect to spend based on kitchen size.
| Feature | Small Reno | Mid-Range | Major Reno |
| Install an appliance | $130-$260 per appliance | $200-$400 per appliance | $520-$780+ per appliance |
| Install cabinets | $130-$260 per cabinet | $260-$390 per cabinet | $390-$650 per cabinet |
| Install countertops | $260-$650 | $400-$1,300 | $1,300-$3,200 |
| Install flooring | $780-$1,300 | $1,300-$1,900 | $1,900-$3,900 |
| Install a faucet | $162-$260 per faucet | $260-$390 per faucet | $300-$750+ per faucet |
| Install a sink | $130-$325 | $250-$520 | $520-$780 |
| Backsplash installation | $150-$521 | $500-$1,040 | $1,043-$1,500 |
| Painting / wallpaper | $130-$260 | $260-$520 | $520-$780 |
Cost of Appropriate Permits for Kitchen Renovation Project
A kitchen renovation project requires a number of permits before any construction can be done. You will need a permit for demolition or any changes that alter the current layout or size of the kitchen, electrical wiring or plumbing. On average, the permits will cost anywhere from $1800-$5500.
Quality Kitchen Cabinetry – What to Look for It to Save in The Long Run
On the surface, many kitchen cabinets look durable and it can be hard to tell the difference between quality cabinets and others that are poor quality. To determine whether you are buying quality kitchen cabinetry, here are some tips you can look out for:
- The front portion of the cabinet should be made of solid wood and have very few imperfections, if any. That means there shouldn’t be any sanding marks or any irregularities in the colour or grain.
- The sides of the drawers should be made of hardwood with a width of over 1/2 an inch.
- The side panels and floor panels should also be at least 1/2 an inch thick.
- The shelves should be supported by metal brackets – instead of plastic ones – and should be adjustable.
Kitchen upgrade costs may seem overwhelming, but keep in mind that investing in your home will pay off in the long run. Take your time in selecting the contractors you hire. Having the right people can make all the difference. By hiring the right contractors for your project. Our experts at Moose Kitchen and Bath are happy to answer any questions you have about kitchen renovations.