Scratched countertop, outdated cabinets, cramped space, a style that clashes. Have you been putting off your kitchen renovation for a while now? You’re not alone: plenty of other homeowners across Quebec feel the same way! It’s one of the most popular renovation projects (and one of the most profitable) for adding character to a property. But before you dive in, ask yourself the right questions: How much does it cost? What should you plan for? How can you avoid unpleasant surprises and unexpected costs?
Discover everything you need to know to enjoy the kitchen of your dreams without blowing your budget!
What is the cost of a kitchen renovation in Quebec in 2026?
The answer to this question varies a lot depending on the changes you want to make. The bill can range from a simple refresh to a full replacement!
To give you a better idea of the costs to expect for your kitchen renovation, here are price ranges representative of the Quebec market in 2026, based on the scope of work planned.
These figures include materials and labour. They vary based on the size of the kitchen, the region of Quebec and the desired level of finish.
Quick case study
To update his 200 sq. ft. kitchen, Martin chose mid-range thermoplastic cabinets, a quartz countertop, luxury vinyl flooring with a ceramic-tile look, and new recessed lighting, all while keeping the existing layout.
Estimated total budget: between $38,000 and $45,000.
Kitchen renovation — entry-level
For this type of partial renovation, estimated at $15,000 to $30,000, homeowners typically choose:
melamine cabinets;
a laminate countertop;
standard ceramic flooring;
basic appliances.
It’s a smart choice for modernizing your kitchen on a tight budget or for preparing your home for sale in the short term.
Kitchen renovation — mid-range
Typically ranging from $30,000 to $55,000, this is the most common type of renovation among Quebec homeowners. It combines style and durability with:
thermoplastic cabinets;
a quartz countertop;
large-format ceramic or porcelain tile;
built-in, recessed lighting.
It’s often the best balance of cost, durability and everyday comfort.
Kitchen renovation — high-end
As the name suggests, this type of renovation doesn’t compromise on material quality or finish. Beyond $60,000, you can expect:
solid wood, custom-built cabinets;
a granite, marble or premium quartz countertop;
natural stone;
built-in appliances and a chef’s hood.
This type of project usually involves a layout change, which adds plumbing and electrical costs.
What are the main factors that affect the cost of a kitchen renovation?
Your kitchen renovation budget depends on a number of variables that can affect the final bill.
Kitchen size
The larger the kitchen, the higher the total cost of the work, since more materials, labour and time are needed. A 20-by-10-foot kitchen will therefore generally come with a higher bill.
Good to know
Small kitchens (10 by 10 feet, for example) aren’t necessarily much cheaper to renovate. A large share of the cost, such as planning, demolition, plumbing, electrical work and contractor mobilization, stays roughly the same no matter the size.
The result: the cost per square foot is often higher in a small kitchen, even though the total project cost remains lower than for a larger kitchen.
Layout
It’s likely one of the most underestimated factors when it’s time to plan the cost of a kitchen renovation. Yet keeping the current location of the sink, dishwasher, electrical panel or refrigerator helps you avoid plumbing and electrical work that can significantly inflate the budget.
Key takeaway
Keep your kitchen’s current layout if it still works for you: it’s the first way to save money on your kitchen renovation project!
Choice of materials and finishes
The price gap between melamine kitchen cabinets and custom solid-wood ones can easily reach $20,000. The same goes for countertops: laminate costs two to three times less than quartz or granite.
In short, choosing materials is one of the most decisive choices in any kitchen renovation budget.
Labour costs and specialists involved
General contractor, kitchen designer, plumber, electrician… a kitchen renovation often calls on several trades. Labour actually accounts for 30% to 40% of the total budget, making it one of the most important costs to consider in your planning.
Pro tip
Hire licensed contractors to plan every detail of your project.
Related work to plan for
Certain costs tend to get overlooked in the initial estimate, even though they can add up to several thousand dollars.
This includes items such as:
flooring replacement;
painting the walls and ceiling;
electrical upgrades (adding circuits);
installing a range hood vented to the outside.
Pro tip
Set aside a financial cushion of 15% to 20% of your total budget to absorb these unexpected costs. For a $40,000 budget, that means setting aside an extra $6,000 to $8,000.
How much do the main kitchen elements cost?
The cost to redo a kitchen varies a lot depending on which elements are involved in the project. To help you plan better, here are the main cost items in a kitchen renovation, with price ranges representative of the 2026 market.
Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are usually the biggest expense, and prices vary widely depending on the type.
Cabinet type | Price range |
|---|---|
Melamine (entry-level) | $5,000 to $12,000 |
Thermoplastic (mid-range) | $12,000 to $22,000 |
Custom solid wood (high-end) | $25,000 to more than $50,000 |
Good news: If your cabinet boxes are in good condition, you can update your cabinets without redoing everything. Replacing the doors, repainting them or changing the hardware can be enough to transform the look of your kitchen. These upgrades typically cost $3,000 to $8,000 and often save 40% to 60% compared with a full replacement.
Countertops
The materials you choose for your kitchen countertops affect both your budget and the style of the room. Here are installed prices observed on the market in 2026.
Material | Price range |
|---|---|
Laminate | $1,500 to $3,500 |
Quartz | $4,000 to $9,000 |
Granite | $4,500 to $10,000 |
Marble | $7,000 to more than $15,000 |
Backsplash
Often overlooked, the backsplash is nonetheless an excellent element to consider for adding character to your kitchen at a lower cost. In ceramic or mosaic tile, expect to pay $800 to $3,000, depending on the surface area and level of finish.
Flooring
Your choice of flooring also has a big impact on your budget and your style.
Material | Price range |
|---|---|
Luxury vinyl (LVP) | $3,000 to $6,000 |
Ceramic | $4,000 to $8,000 |
Hardwood | $6,000 to $12,000 |
Island
A kitchen island represents an investment of $3,000 to $15,000, depending on its size, materials and built-in features (storage, sink or electrical outlets).
It’s one of the elements that most transforms how a kitchen looks and functions.
Lighting, sink and faucet
Recessed or LED lighting can cost $1,500 to $4,000, while the sink and faucet can run $800 to $3,500. These two elements are often underestimated during a kitchen renovation, even though they contribute enormously to the ambiance and the final result.
Summary table of budget items
Item | Budget-friendly | Mid-range | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
Cabinets | $5,000 to $12,000 | $12,000 to $22,000 | $25,000 to more than $50,000 |
Countertop | $1,500 to $3,500 | $4,000 to $9,000 | $7,000 to more than $15,000 |
Flooring | $3,000 to $5,000 | $4,000 to $8,000 | $6,000 to $12,000 |
Backsplash | $800 to $1,500 | $1,500 to $3,000 | $2,500 to $5,000 |
Lighting | $800 to $1,500 | $1,500 to $4,000 | $3,000 to $7,000 |
Island | _ | $3,000 to $8,000 | $8,000 to more than $15,000 |
Labour | 30% to 40% of total budget | 30% to 40% of total budget | 30% to 40% of total budget |
How can you reduce the cost of your kitchen renovation?
Renovating your kitchen smartly means knowing where to make the right trade-offs. Here are four concrete strategies for lowering your bill without sacrificing quality.
Keep the same plumbing and electrical layout: this is likely the most effective and least costly tip to put into practice. Keeping the sink, dishwasher or refrigerator in their current spot could save you $10,000 to $15,000.
Reface rather than replace your cabinets: sometimes all it takes is new doors, new drawer fronts or new hardware to transform your kitchen’s look for a fraction of the price!
Choose materials with the best value for money: choosing entry-level quartz instead of marble, luxury vinyl instead of hardwood, or ceramic instead of natural stone can significantly lighten the bill without hurting the final result.
Get at least three different quotes: doing so often saves 10% to 20% on the total cost of the project and makes sure the prices you’re quoted match market standards.
Good to know
RenoAssistance by Desjardins connects you, free of charge, with contractors who go through a 360° verification process, hold a licence and specialize in kitchen renovation in Quebec. Compare up to three quotes, free of charge and with no obligation.
What unexpected costs should you plan for?
Even the best-planned project can hold surprises. Here are some common unexpected costs, often invisible before work begins:
corroded or poorly installed plumbing pipes ($1,000 to $5,000)
necessary electrical upgrades ($1,500 to $4,000)
mould or moisture behind the cabinets (cost varies depending on the extent)
a damaged subfloor that needs replacing ($1,500 to $4,000).
The best way to prepare for this is to build a financial cushion into your kitchen renovation budget.
Learn more
Working with the right contractor is a good way to ensure the work is done properly. Here are 16 questions to ask your contractor before signing, as well as what to consider when choosing a reliable contractor.
How can you get a realistic estimate for your kitchen renovation project?
Before signing anything, it’s worth following a structured four-step process.
Define your budget and priorities: set your maximum budget and identify your non-negotiables (cabinets, countertops, layout, etc.) before contacting a contractor.
Prepare a list of your needs: list the work you want done (what you want to keep or replace, along with your material and style preferences).
Shop around for quotes: compare several equivalent quotes, including the cost of materials and labour, as well as timelines and warranties. RenoAssistance by Desjardins lets you compare up to 3 quotes for your renovation project, free of charge.
Compare offers on an equal footing: the lowest price isn’t necessarily the best choice. Be sure to check what’s included, the RBQ licences and references before making your decision.
So, are you ready to get started?
The cost of a kitchen renovation project can be significant. But this kind of investment can greatly transform your everyday life, on top of increasing the value of your property. Knowing the real costs upfront and turning to the right resources puts all the odds in your favour for a successful project, on time and on budget.
