2021 Kitchen Renovation Cost in Toronto

Kitchen renovations are a smart move for any homeowner. First of all, who doesn’t want a beautiful and functional kitchen? It’s the heart of the home where you make family memories and entertain loved ones. Second, a kitchen renovation is virtually guaranteed to increase your home’s value when you put it on the market years from now.

Coming up with a budget and determining how much your dream kitchen costs can be a daunting task. You can easily pay anywhere from $15,000 to $100,000, but we’ve done the math for you. Here’s a look at the average costs of renovating a kitchen:

Average Cost of a Kitchen Remodel

There are many factors to determine the total cost of a kitchen remodel. Changing the layout, moving appliance hook-ups and the quality of materials used in your cabinetry, flooring or countertops will all affect your final budget.

Overall Cost of a Kitchen Renovation (Cost Breakdown)

Every kitchen remodelling job is different, so you need to look at the individual parts of the project to understand the final price tag. Just remember, no matter your budget, it’s important that your new kitchen meets your needs so you’ll be happy with it for many years to come.

The Electrical System

The price of electrical can vary greatly and you should always hire a professional for this kind of work. Think about setting aside 5% of your overall budget for electrical work and know that you’ll be paying somewhere between $50 and $100 per hour. The electrician will determine your need for additional lighting and outlets or if any wires need to be moved. Do you live in an older home? Brace yourself to possibly pay a little more. Older wiring and electrical panels often need an upgrade to keep up with the demand of today’s modern appliances.

Kitchen Drywall

If you’re doing a kitchen remodel, it’s worth installing some new drywall. Years of grease and moisture may have caused harmful mould to grow. Our drywall experts will use the very best drywall with mould-resistant technology that will protect your walls from damage and serve as a solid backdrop for your new cabinetry and backsplash. Typically, new drywall costs $1.50 per square foot, but this cost goes up depending on the type of drywall used for the job.

Plumbing

Set aside another 5% of your overall budget for plumbing costs. You need to hire a professional for this important part of the job. Especially in an older home, some pipes will likely need replacing. You’ll also have to factor in the cost of a new sink and fixture, ranging anywhere from $200 up to $1,000, depending on the model and functionality. Moving the position of appliances will also increase the overall cost of your project. Laying down new piping for your ice-making fridge, for example, starts at $400.

Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are the stars of the show in most kitchens because cabinetry is the first thing you notice when you walk into the room. Cabinets that appear old and worn out can bring down the overall look of your kitchen, and in turn, the value of your home. Expect to pay anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000 for new cabinets depending on which style you go for.

• Pre-made cabinets are available at any home improvement store. It’s the most affordable option at $75 to $150 per linear foot, however, your design and size choices are quite limited.
• Semi-custom cabinets allow a little more room for customization. You can opt for bigger doors, deeper cabinets and drawers of various sizes, but be prepared to shell out a little more cash. These cabinets will cost between $100 and $900 per linear foot.
• Fully custom cabinets are at the high-end of any kitchen remodelling project. You will pay about $1,500 per linear foot. You’ll get exactly what you want, made the way you want it.

However, there are some cost-saving options for homeowners to consider. Often, cabinets are in very good condition but they just need refinishing.

• You can hire a professional to refinish your cabinets. They will sand and re-paint or re-stain everything to make it look brand new. All this work can be done for a price as low as $1,500.
• Refacing cabinets is another option. You can choose the materials you want for a completely different look. Many homeowners prefer this method because you often don’t even have to remove the cabinets to take on this project, but you will pay more money for refacing, starting at about $3,000.

Backsplash & Flooring

Almost every kitchen these days has a backsplash. It’s a fun way to show a pop of colour if you’re going with a mostly white scheme along with black or stainless steel appliances. The standard ceramic tile will run you about $10 per square foot while stainless steel is a bit more at $25 per square foot.

Many homeowners want to replace their kitchen floor during a remodel. This project can cost you anywhere from $1,400 to $5,000 in the Greater Toronto Area. Again, this final price depends on many things including the quality of materials you choose and the size of your kitchen. Vinyl is the cheapest option and it still looks great. However, many people looking to increase the value of their homes will opt for granite or hardwood. It should be noted that while hardwood looks fantastic in a kitchen, moisture is the enemy and this material has been known to warp and buckle over time.

Countertops

After cabinets, countertops are the most popular item to renovate in a kitchen. There are many factors to consider including size and materials, but you can expect to spend anywhere between $2,000 and $4,500 for installation. Granite is very popular, but it comes with a higher price tag. That’s why some homeowners opt for a concrete countertop instead because it’s just as durable, but it comes at a lower price point.

After cabinets, countertops are the most popular item to renovate in a kitchen. There are many factors to consider including size and materials, but you can expect to spend anywhere between $2,000 and $4,500 for installation. Granite is very popular, but it comes with a higher price tag. That’s why some homeowners opt for a concrete countertop instead because it’s just as durable, but it comes at a lower price point.

Factors That Determine A Kitchen Renovation Cost

Kitchen Size

Small kitchen renovations range from $5,000 to $20,000 and involve upgrading certain elements of your existing kitchen. Small is defined as less than 75-square-feet. This is a good option for the budget-conscious homeowner and someone who isn’t afraid to tackle a DIY job.

The bigger your kitchen, the more money you’ll spend. Medium-sized kitchen renovations range from $15,000 to $40,000 and apply to kitchens measuring anywhere from 100-175-square-feet.

Large kitchen remodels deal with at least 200-square-feet of space and could cost the homeowner up to $100,000. These big projects tend to involve more custom items including cabinetry, countertops, island seating and luxury appliances.

Quality of Materials Used

The biggest determining factor of your kitchen remodelling’s final cost is the quality of materials you choose to build your cabinets and countertops. Check out the tables below to get an idea of what different supplies will price out at.

Cabinetry Materials Cost Breakdown:

Material	Standard Cost (Per Linear Foot, Installed)
Stock/MDF	$60 to $200
Semi-custom Hardwood	$120 to $500
Custom Hardwood	$300 to $1,000

Countertop Materials Cost Breakdown

Material	Standard Cost (Per Square Foot, Installed)
Laminate	$25 to $60
Quartz	$65 to $200
Hardwood	$45 to $250
Marble	$85 to $300
Granite	$60 to $250
Stainless Steel	$90 to $180

Kitchen Design Plan

You need a kitchen design plan before you start. Try to decide every detail beforehand, right down to the cabinetry hardware, to stay on budget. Consider hiring a kitchen designer. An experienced one can help you get the most out of your space.

Why Do the Prices Vary so Much?

Everything depends on how much you’re changing about your current kitchen. If you are just resurfacing your countertops and changing cabinets, your costs won’t be that high. However, once you start taking down walls, reconfiguring the plumbing and moving electrical work, the price will jump accordingly because you’ll need to bring in additional professionals to get the job done correctly and safely.

What Trades Will You Need For Your Kitchen Reno?

• A General Contractor
• A Kitchen Designer
• A Countertop Manufacturer
• An Electrician
• A Plumber
• A Tiler
• A Cabinetmaker
• A Specialized Backsplash Installer

Quality Kitchen Cabinetry – What To Look For

Saving money on your kitchen renos is smart and encouraged, but when it comes to cabinets, cheaper is never better. Almost all cabinetry is made from water-resistant MDF (medium-density fibreboard). Anything less quality than this material isn’t worth your time. Look at the rear of the cabinets to ensure they are sturdy all the way around. Any vinyl backing should be more than 6mm thick.

The drawers are where you’ll really be able to determine the quality of the cabinetry.

• Cheap drawers have flimsy bottoms that are built into slots along the bottom edges. It won’t take long for these to buckle under the pressure of everyday use.
• Better drawer choices are ones fitted with special runners, sturdily constructed for long-term use.
• If you want the best quality drawers, look for ones with metal-sided rail systems.

Also, remember that not every door hinge is created equal. They may all look the same but settle for an inferior product and within a few years, those cupboard doors will start sagging and bending. If good hinges don’t come standard, your kitchen renovator will be happy to upgrade these for you. It’s an added cost, but worth it in the long run.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start designing and building your dream kitchen with the kitchen renovation experts at Torino Construction. We are the Greater Toronto Area’s most trusted name in kitchen remodelling. Call us today for a free consultation so we can start creating the beautiful and functional kitchen you deserve.