A kitchen renovation is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home and one of the most significant investments. It’s the heart of the home, a space used daily, and when done well it can dramatically improve how your home functions and feels. But one of the first questions homeowners ask is also the hardest to answer:
How much does a kitchen renovation actually cost?
The short answer: it depends. The more helpful answer: understanding what goes into the cost and what factors influence it overall puts you in control of your budget and your outcome.
The Average Cost of a Kitchen Renovation
Based on recent projects, a kitchen renovation for an average 300 sq. ft. kitchen typically falls around $80,000 (before taxes). This represents a full renovation that includes demolition, new cabinetry, updated electrical and plumbing, flooring, finishes, appliances installation, and project management.
While every kitchen is unique, this number provides a realistic starting point for homeowners planning a mid-range, well-executed renovation.
Where the Money Goes: A Realistic Cost Breakdown
A kitchen renovation isn’t just about cabinets and countertops. Behind the scenes, many skilled trades, materials, and coordination efforts come together to deliver a finished space.
Here’s a simplified look at how costs are commonly distributed:
- Cabinetry: $30,000
- Quartz Countertops: $7,500
- Laminate Flooring: $2,500
- Tile backsplash: $1,800
- Electrical & lighting: $3,500
- Plumbing & fixtures: $2,500
- Demolition & disposal: $1,800
- Framing adjustments: $1,500
- Drywall, insulation & vapour barrier: $2,500
- Interior paint & finishing: $5,500
- Appliance installation & completion work: $2,500
- Site coordination, management, site protection & safety: $6,000
- Overhead & profit: $12,500
These numbers reflect the reality of a complete renovation and not just the visible finishes, but the planning, coordination, warranties, and professional oversight that protect your investment.
What Can Increase or Decrease the Cost of Your Kitchen Renovation?
While averages are helpful, your final cost will depend on several key variables.
1. Your Layout Changes
Keeping plumbing, gas, and electrical in their existing locations helps control costs. Moving sinks, stoves, or walls adds additional labor, materials and will increase your budget.
2. Cabinetry Choices
Cabinetry is often the single largest expense. Stock or semi-custom cabinets in standard finishes are more cost-effective, while fully custom cabinetry, specialty storage, and unique finishes increase costs quickly.
3. Material and Finish Selections
Being flexible with materials can significantly impact your budget:
- Consider choosing vinyl or laminate flooring instead of hardwood
- Using quartz on main surfaces while opting for a simpler backsplash
- Selecting popular cabinet colours instead of custom paint or stains
That said, some areas are worth investing in.
Tip: Avoid cutting corners on plumbing fixtures. Lower-quality fixtures often lead to leaks, repairs, or early replacement and costing more over time.
4. Age and Condition of the Home
Older homes may require:
- Hazardous material testing
- Electrical or plumbing upgrades to meet current codes
- Structural corrections once walls are opened
These hidden conditions are common and not always predictable, without investigation
Understanding Overhead and Profit: How Cost- Plus Works
At Coleridge Construction, we work as a cost-plus general contractor, meaning the actual costs from trades and suppliers are passed directly on to you, along with a clearly defined markup for overhead and profit. This gives you full visibility into where your money is going. Overhead covers the real costs of managing a professional renovation: scheduling, vehicle and tools insurance, safety, warranties, office support and support systems, while profit allows us to stand behind our work and invest in long-term quality. Much like dining at a restaurant versus cooking at home, you’re not just paying for materials, but for expertise, consistency, and experienced oversight that leads to better results.
Helpful tips when it comes to budgeting for a renovation:
Know Your “Why” Before You Set Your Budget
Before selecting finishes, take time to define why you’re renovating.
Are you:
- Improving functionality for a growing family?
- Updating an outdated kitchen?
- Planning to stay long-term or preparing for resale?
Your “why” becomes your decision filter overall helping you determine where to spend and where to save.
Set Clear Priorities: Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
Successful kitchen renovations start with clarity.
Create two lists:
- Must-haves: Non-negotiables that achieve your goals
- Nice-to-haves: Features you’d love if the budget allows
Clear priorities help guide decisions throughout the renovation and prevent budget creep.
Be Honest About Your Budget Comfort Zone
Every homeowner has a comfort range. Knowing it early matters.
Think in two numbers:
- Your comfortable budget range
- Your absolute maximum
Being upfront allows your contractor to design solutions that align with your goals while guiding you toward choices that respect your limits.
A Well-Planned Kitchen Is an Investment
A kitchen renovation isn’t just about beautiful finishes, it’s about thoughtful decisions, professional execution, and long-term value. Understanding where costs come from and what influences them allows you to renovate with confidence.
When planned properly, your kitchen renovation won’t just look great, it will work better for your lifestyle and stand the test of time.
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation and want a clearer picture of what it could look like for your home, Coleridge Construction is here to help. Our team guides you through the process with clear pricing, thoughtful planning so you can make confident decisions and end up with a kitchen that truly works for your lifestyle.
