What Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in 2023? Toronto vs. Montreal

Are you considering a kitchen renovation but feeling unsure about the costs? You’re not alone. Renovating a kitchen can be expensive, but it’s also one of the best investments you can make in your home. It can not only improve the functionality of your space but also increase the value of your home. Let’s break down kitchen renovation costs so that you can make an informed decision and plan your budget accordingly.

How much does it cost to renovate a kitchen?

Kitchen renovation costs typically range from $18,000 to $60,000, depending on the extent of your project. Of course, the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, and your location will impact the total cost. Here’s what we typically see customers in Toronto and Montreal paying for a full kitchen renovation (not including new appliances).

Greater Montreal
Economic	$19,000+
Resurfacing	$23,000+
Standard custom	$26,500+
Mid-range	$40,000+
High-end	$48,000+
Luxury	$60,000+

Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Economic	$23,000+
Resurfacing	$27,000+
Standard custom	$32,000+
Mid-range	$47,500+
High-end	$57,500+
Luxury	$72,000+

*Note that many factors can influence the total cost of renovations, including the scope of the work, labour costs, selected materials, protective measures, and the length of the project (faster = higher cost).

Consequences of COVID-19 on the construction and renovation sectors

Why do the prices vary so much?

If you’re only changing your cabinets, expect your kitchen renovation costs to be on the lower end of the spectrum. However, if you’re thinking about changing your layout, installing recessed lights, or removing a wall, you’ll need specialized professionals to move plumbing and electrical work. This will affect the price accordingly.

Why is it more expensive to renovate in Toronto?

Everything is more expensive in Toronto and, unfortunately, the renovation industry isn’t immune to this reality. At the same time, a renovation will add more value to your house, so there’s a silver lining to the extra expense.

Can I get a quote for my kitchen renovation project?

Our Renovation Advisors have thousands of projects under their belt, so they can assess the scope of your project and let you know what a reasonable budget would be. If you’re ready for an in-depth estimate, we can refer up to three 53-point Verified Contractors, including specialists (kitchen contractors), to compete for your project.

Who do I need to hire for my kitchen renovation?

When it comes to a kitchen renovation, it’s important to hire a team of professionals that can bring your vision to life. Here are the most common tradespeople that will be working on your project.

Kitchen designer

If you’re looking to create a beautiful, functional, and personalized space that you and your family will love for years to come, then you’ll want to find a good kitchen designer. They’ll assess your needs and desires and translate them into a practical and functional design. Expect to discuss the layout, materials, finishes, appliances, and your budget.

Cabinetmaker

A cabinet maker can play a vital role in your kitchen renovation process by providing custom cabinets that perfectly fit your kitchen space and design. They’ll work with you to create high-quality cabinetry using the materials, finishes, hardware, extras (like soft-close drawers) you love.

Quality	Typical Cost (per linear foot, installed)
Stock/MDF	$72 – $240
Semi-custom hardwood	$144 – $600
Custom hardwood	$360 – $1,200

Countertop manufacturer

Choosing the right countertop material is essential in the kitchen. A countertop manufacturer can not only help you choose the right one based on your budget, lifestyle, and design preferences but also assist with the installation process. Whether you opt for laminate or natural stone, they’ll ensure that you have a beautiful countertop that complements your kitchen design.

Material	Typical Cost (per square foot, installed)
Laminate	$30 – $72
Quartz	$72 – $240
Hardwood	$54 – $300
Marble	$102 – $360
Granite	$72 – $300
Stainless steel	$108 – $215

Electrician
An electrician is a must-have for any kitchen project, no matter the size. Besides the obvious elements such as lighting, you’ll also need several power outlets as well as new appliances wired and installed. Expect to be charged anywhere from $84 to 115 per hour.

Plumber
A licensed plumber is one of the most crucial trades for a kitchen renovation. They will install your kitchen sink, faucet, taps, and new fridge with a water/ice dispenser. Expect them to charge hourly rates ranging between $180 and $240.

Kitchen backsplash installation specialist

Installing a new backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen, giving it a fresh and modern upgrade. A specialist can help you choose the right materials, colours, and patterns that will match your kitchen design. They’ll also ensure that the backsplash is installed correctly and looks great for years to come.

Tiler

If you’re going with a more traditional or classic backsplash, then it may be better to hire a tiler instead. They’re skilled in working with different types of tiles, such as porcelain, ceramic, and mosaic, and will install them correctly. They can also suggest tile patterns, layouts, and materials that fit your desired aesthetic.

General contractor
If you are looking for an expert to manage the entire project for you, then a dedicated kitchen contractor is the perfect professional for you. These general contractors can manage and coordinate all of the above trades, saving you a lot of time and headaches.

Does my kitchen contractor need to be licensed?

This will depend on which province your property is in and the work being performed. Many elements of a kitchen renovation require plumbing and electrical work, which requires licensing no matter where you are.

In Toronto, a general contractor will require a Metro Building Renovators Licence, while electricians and plumbers require Certificates of Registration.

In Montreal and the rest of Quebec, every contractor, general or specialized, will require a relevant RBQ licence.

Hiring the right tradespeople

To make sure a pro is right for your project, you should verify a few things in advance.

• Are they properly licensed?
• Are they insured to work in my home?
• How long do they estimate the job will take?
• Will they provide a detailed and written quote?
• Will they include everything in the initial quote or will I end up with a bunch of extra charges?
• Do they have references I can call and even visit to ensure they’re legitimate?
• Can I see genuine examples of their work?

Getting your dream designer kitchen for less

The materials you choose largely impact your kitchen renovation cost. For example, countertop materials range from relatively inexpensive laminate to high-end stainless steel. Similarly, the cheapest cabinet doors available are often melamine. On the opposite end of the spectrum you have glossy white 2-pack polyurethane doors, which can easily cost four times as much.

Other cost-savings tips

• Check out designer laminates for a budget-friendly alternative to stainless steel. They look the part without carrying the same price tag and are quite durable. If you want something that’ll still look good after years of use, opt for textured or patterned laminates.
• Love the rolled edges and glossy appearance of polyurethane but not the price? We’re with you. Opt for thermofoil cabinets – they’re indistinguishable from polyurethane and are a fraction of the cost.
• Granite lovers can also grab cheaper alternatives to achieve their desired aesthetic. Consider laminate lookalikes and engineered stone or quartz countertops to add that bit of luxury.
• Want a new look but can’t afford to replace all of your cabinetry? Whether you want that antique feel or a trendy matte paint, there are lots of budget-friendly professional cabinet finishes to choose from.

Quality kitchen cabinetry: What to look for to save in the long run

You really don’t want to cut corners with your kitchen cabinetry. Most cabinets are made of water-resistant MDF, and it’s what you should expect in custom or flat-pack kitchen kits. And, ideally, the backing will be more resilient than the 6 mm vinyl-coated backs that come with cheaper products. That said, the real difference is in the quality of the drawer construction.

• The cheapest drawers tend to have flimsy bottoms that are built into grooves along the bottom edges of the melamine or vinyl-wrapped drawer sides. They will inevitably buckle and break under even a moderate load.
• Higher-grade drawers are more sturdily constructed and fitted with quality, durable drawer runners designed for long-life use.
• The best quality drawers are metal-sided drawer systems.

Most door hinges look very much alike but can differ significantly in quality. If you’ve ever had kitchen doors that sag and bind, you’ve most likely had poor quality hinges installed. Most kitchen companies will be more than happy to offer you better hinges if they don’t come as a standard feature. You will have to pay a bit more for them, but they’re worth it.

For more information, visit our kitchen renovations page or speak to an Advisor at 1-888-670-9742.