How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Really Cost?
/Hint: It depends—but we’re going to give you real numbers, real insight, and a little real talk.
Let’s start with the truth: Asking “how much does a kitchen renovation cost?” is kind of like asking “how long is a piece of string?” The answer is—it depends. And if you’ve already Googled this question, you’ve probably seen everything from “$12,000 kitchens” (good luck with that) to “$120,000 luxury dream spaces.” No wonder you're confused.
At Multi-Trade Building Services, we believe in being real with our clients. That means honest timelines, clear expectations, and transparent pricing. So, let’s break it down—not with one-size-fits-all answers, but with real-world ranges, helpful context, and maybe a little humour to keep you sane while planning your dream kitchen.
The pricing ranges we’re sharing are based on real kitchen renovations we've completed in the Durham Region and Clarington area. But every home is different. Every layout is unique. Every homeowner has different goals, materials, and expectations.
So if you're planning a renovation, use this as a rough guide—but know that the only way to get an accurate number is to have a reputable contractor visit your home, discuss your goals, and evaluate the space.
🛠️ How to Prepare for a Kitchen Renovation
Planning your kitchen renovation is exciting—but living through it is a bit of an adventure. Here are a few things you can do ahead of time to keep your sanity (and your morning coffee ritual) intact:
1. Empty your cabinets—yes, all of them.
We know it seems obvious, but you’d be amazed how many people leave mugs, dishes, and even soup cans behind. The day we arrive with tools in hand is not the day to start packing your cereal bowls. Do it ahead of time—it’ll make everything go faster (and protect your dishes from dust and damage).
2. Set up a temporary kitchen zone.
Pick a corner of your home where you can set up a makeshift kitchen. A folding table, microwave, kettle, toaster oven, and mini fridge can go a long way. It’s not glamorous, but it’s functional.
3. Protect the rest of your home.
Renovation dust is sneaky—it’ll find its way through closed doors and around corners. We use plastic barriers and floor protection, but covering nearby furniture and sealing off adjacent rooms (like with painter’s tape and drop cloths) can help too.
4. Make peace with noise, dust, and detours.
There will be some banging, drilling, and possibly the smell of sawdust in the air. Pets and little ones might be unsettled, so plan accordingly. And while we work hard to keep your home tidy, your kitchen will be a work zone for several weeks.
5. Plan your meals ahead of time.
Don’t wait until Day 2 of the reno to realize you’ve eaten takeout four meals in a row. We’ve written a full blog on this topic with loads of creative, practical ways to stay nourished (and sane) during the chaos.
👉 Read: Six Ways to Make Meals During a Kitchen Renovation
6. Communicate with your contractor.
The more we know about your routines—when you need quiet, where the cat likes to hide, what door to use—the better we can tailor our work around your life. We’re in this together.
What Are You Actually Renovating?
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: not all kitchen renovations are created equal.
Just replacing cabinets and countertop? That’s one tier.
Adding a few pot lights and a tile backsplash? Different ball game.
Knocking out a structural wall, adding a 10-foot island, new flooring, lighting, and full layout redesign? Now we’re talking about a full renovation experience.
So let’s break it into tiers:
Tier 1: Cosmetic Uplift (Starting Around $12,000–$20,000)
Keep your cabinets. Keep your layout. But breathe new life into the space.
This tier is for homeowners who say: “My kitchen works, but it’s tired.”
Think: honey oak cabinets that date the room, chipped laminate counters, a faucet that’s a bit… leaky. You’re not overhauling the kitchen—you’re refreshing it.
What’s typically included in this price range:
Quartz or stone countertop installation (often replacing old laminate)
New tile backsplash to modernize the space
Fresh paint on the walls and ceiling
New faucet and sink (often a drop-in stainless or granite composite)
Plumbing hookup for sink and dishwasher (if needed)
Minor electrical updates (swapping light fixtures, possibly a dimmer switch)
Optional: Replacing old flooring with vinyl plank in the kitchen only
(Add $1,000–$1,800 depending on size and materials)
What’s not included:
Cabinet replacement
Layout changes
Major electrical or plumbing work
Permit requirements or structural changes
This is a great option if you're selling your home, or if your cabinets are structurally sound but visually outdated. Some clients combine this tier with cabinet painting, though we generally advise caution there—painted cabinets don’t wear the same as new ones and can chip or peel over a short period of time.
Tier 2: Cabinet Replacement Without Layout Changes ($30,000–$45,000)
The most popular renovation tier—and often the most misunderstood.
This is where most homeowners think they’re going to land. But it’s important to understand what’s really involved, because even a “basic” cabinet swap involves several trades, tight coordination, and dozens of details.
What’s included:
Cabinet removal and disposal (yes, we cart away the old ones—no dumpsters in your driveway for days)
New kitchen cabinets – typically MDF shaker-style or thermofoil
(Higher-end options like wood/stained cabinetry cost more)Quartz or stone countertops
Plumbing hookups for sink, dishwasher, and faucet
Basic electrical updates – replacing existing lights
New tile backsplash
Painting – often the full kitchen and ceiling
Project management and coordination
(You’re not juggling trades—we are.)
What affects the price?
Cabinet quality: Factory-grade thermofoil is cheaper than lacquer-finish painted MDF, which is cheaper than custom-built stained wood.
Kitchen size: A 10x10 galley kitchen will cost less than an open-concept L-shape with a breakfast bar.
Countertop material: Quartz is standard now, but different brands and finishes vary wildly in cost. Laminate countertops are much different than the ones you used to see in Grandma’s house. They are stunning now and mimic stone so if budget is a concern, a laminate countertop is a great alternative.
Lighting: If we’re keeping your existing fixture locations and just swapping them out, costs stay lower.
Want pot lights or undercabinet lighting added? That’s a price bump.Flooring: If your existing floor stays, great. If you’re adding luxury vinyl or tile, that’ll add $1,500–$3,500 depending on square footage.
This tier does not include:
Layout changes (e.g. moving your sink or stove)
Wall removals
Permit applications or inspections
Major structural work or unexpected surprises
It’s the tier for people who say:
“I don’t need a whole new kitchen… I just want it to look like I got a whole new kitchen.”
And honestly? Done right, that’s exactly what it will feel like.
💡 Thinking about renovating your kitchen?
We’d love to hear what you’re dreaming of—and help you figure out which renovation tier is right for your space and budget.
📞 Call us at 905-999-8524 or 📧 email us to start the conversation—no pressure, just honest advice.
Tier 3: Full Redesign & Reimagined Layout ($50,000–$85,000)
Goodbye, dated layout. Hello, open-concept, functional, feel-good kitchen.
This is where things start to get transformative. You’re not just replacing cabinets—you’re reworking the entire layout. Maybe your current kitchen has a peninsula that cuts off your space. Maybe it’s boxed into a corner of the house, and you want the open-concept kitchen/dining/living room that HGTV promised us all. This is the tier where we pull out the big tools—and the big ideas.
What this often includes:
Full demolition and disposal
(Cabinets, countertops, flooring, drywall if needed—it’s all coming out)Cabinet layout redesign
We reconfigure the space for better flow: longer runs of cabinetry, new island placement, relocating appliances or the sink for better efficiencyCustom or semi-custom cabinetry – often painted MDF with soft-close everything
High-end quartz countertops – possibly with waterfall edges or oversized overhangs for seating
Major electrical upgrades – rewiring for pot lights, undercabinet lighting, appliance relocation, pendant lighting, GFCI updates, etc.
Plumbing relocation – moving the sink to the island, relocating the dishwasher, new water lines or drains as needed
New tile backsplash – typically full-height, and chosen to complement your new cabinetry and counters
New flooring installation – often continuous flooring across the kitchen and adjacent spaces (luxury vinyl, hardwood, or large format tile)
Painting throughout the space
Permit applications and inspections where required
Structural changes
Including removal of one or more load-bearing walls to open up the space
This might involve installing engineered beams or even steel, and can require exterior wall access, structural engineering, and a very good crane operator.
Real life example?
We once removed three separate load-bearing walls in a single kitchen renovation to fully open up the main floor. It involved a full structural redesign with an Architectural Technologist and a beam that had to be craned in through a second-storey window. The result? A spectacular kitchen-dining-family room that took the house from cramped to stunning.
What affects the price most in Tier 3?
Number of walls removed and what’s inside them (plumbing stacks, electrical, ductwork)
Cabinetry finish – full lacquer paint or stain-grade wood adds cost
Layout complexity – moving plumbing and venting for island sinks, cooktops, or range hoods
Beam size & support posts – if multiple walls are removed or a long span is required, the beam cost (and labour) increases significantly
Scope creep – You start with “just the kitchen” and decide to redo the flooring in the hallway, the powder room, the mudroom...
This tier is ideal if your current kitchen just doesn’t work and never has. If you cook often, entertain regularly, or want to future-proof your home for aging in place or resale, Tier 3 delivers real value—not just in function and beauty, but in how your home feels every day.
Tier 4: The Luxury Dream Kitchen ($85,000–$140,000+)
This isn’t just a renovation. This is a full-blown transformation—and we love every minute of it.
This is the kitchen you’ve clipped from magazines, saved on Pinterest, and dreamed about every time you bump elbows with someone while making coffee.
Here, the word “custom” gets a workout: cabinetry, lighting design, millwork, layout, finishes. Every detail is intentional, every choice is elevated, and the result is one-of-a-kind.
This tier includes everything in Tier 3, and then some:
Fully custom cabinetry – built to fit your space exactly, with finishes like walnut interiors, integrated lighting, custom inserts, double-stacked uppers, appliance garages, and display cabinets
Professional-grade appliances – think panel-ready dishwashers, built-in wall ovens, gas ranges with commercial hoods, fridge/freezer columns
Quartz or ultra-luxury countertop materials – including waterfall edges, thick-profile islands, or even natural stone like marble or quartzite
Architectural lighting design – layered lighting plans including task, ambient, and accent lighting (pot lights, pendants, undercabinet, in-cabinet, toe kick lighting)
Built-in seating, wine racks, or display areas
Butler’s pantry or coffee bar alcove – when you have the space to add an additional prep zone
Feature walls or ceilings – shiplap, wood beams, statement tile
Multiple load-bearing wall removals – opening up the entire main floor or creating a full rear extension-style space
Full flooring installation throughout the main level (sometimes upwards of 800–1200 square feet)
Custom trim work and millwork – baseboards, crown moulding, window and door casings to match your new look
Interior decorating support or full-service design consultation
This tier is for clients who say:
“We’ve lived in this house for years. We’re not going anywhere.
Now it’s time to make it exactly what we’ve always wanted.”
And honestly? We’re always thrilled to help bring that vision to life.
🔍 Quick Comparison of Kitchen Renovation Tiers
Tier 1: Cosmetic Uplift
Budget: $12,000–$20,000
Layout Changes: ❌
Cabinets: ❌ (existing cabinets stay)
Countertop: ✅ (quartz or stone upgrade)
Electrical/Plumbing: Minor only
Structural Changes: ❌
Flooring: Optional
Tier 2: Cabinet Replacement, Same Layout
Budget: $30,000–$45,000
Layout Changes: ❌
Cabinets: ✅ (new standard or semi-custom)
Countertop: ✅ (quartz or similar)
Electrical/Plumbing: Minor updates
Structural Changes: ❌
Flooring: Optional
Tier 3: Full Layout Redesign
Budget: $50,000–$85,000
Layout Changes: ✅
Cabinets: ✅ (semi-custom or custom)
Countertop: ✅ (higher-end quartz or stone)
Electrical/Plumbing: Major upgrades
Structural Changes: ✅ (may include 1+ load-bearing wall)
Flooring: Often included across kitchen/main level
Tier 4: Luxury Dream Kitchen
Budget: $85,000–$140,000+
Layout Changes: ✅
Cabinets: ✅ (fully custom, premium finishes)
Countertop: ✅ (high-end quartz, marble, or exotic stone)
Electrical/Plumbing: Extensive work, layered lighting plans
Structural Changes: ✅ (multiple walls, large spans, steel beams)
Flooring: Full main floor coverage, premium materials
💰 Why Renovation Prices Change (and What That Means for You)
We know—when you get a quote, you want it to stay put. Unfortunately, in the renovation world, prices are a moving target. Materials, labour, and manufacturing costs change constantly, and that means renovation quotes are often only valid for a limited time.
Case in point: our quartz countertop supplier—one of the largest fabricators in North America—only honours their quotes for 30 days.
Recently, a client we quoted in February had her countertop installed in early July. The price went up by $325, simply because the 30-day window had passed. That wasn’t us increasing our markup—it was a supplier cost increase. And we had no control over it.
Here’s why this happens:
Quartz and stone prices fluctuate based on global demand, fuel costs, and even currency exchange rates (yes, really).
Cabinet material costs (especially MDF and plywood) are affected by everything from lumber tariffs to international shipping slowdowns.
Labour costs rise annually, especially in skilled trades where shortages are growing.
Surcharges and supply chain disruptions can appear out of nowhere (thanks, pandemic-era shipping chaos, we’re still not over you).
If you’re serious about renovating, we recommend:
Booking early if you want to lock in current pricing
Making decisions within your quote window
Being flexible with material options if something spikes in price unexpectedly
We’ll always do our best to honour pricing and plan ahead—but some things are simply out of our hands. That’s why we’re transparent from the start, so there are no surprises later.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Renovations
💬 Can I live in my house during the renovation?
Usually, yes! We do our best to keep the worksite tidy and safe. Just be prepared: your kitchen will be out of commission for several weeks, so plan for a temporary setup with a microwave, kettle, and maybe even a hot plate. (And stock up on paper plates—it’s not the time to try that “cook every meal at home” challenge.)
💬 What’s the biggest reason kitchen renovations go over budget?
Hands down: changes made mid-renovation. It’s incredibly common (and completely understandable) for clients to say, “While you’re here, could we also…?” Whether it’s updating a nearby powder room or adding more pot lights, these things add up. We also sometimes find hidden surprises—bad wiring, leaky plumbing, etc.—but we’ll always discuss it with you before moving forward.
💬 How long will my renovation take, really?
This largely depends on what tier you’re planning on. Cosmetic upgrades can be completed within a week, Tier 2 upgrades can take 2-3 weeks. Most other kitchen projects take 6 to 8 weeks of actual work—but that doesn’t include planning, design, cabinet lead time, or decision-making. A full layout change with structural work might take 9+ weeks, depending on complexity. (And let’s be honest—sometimes the toughest part is choosing your backsplash tile.)
💬 Can I use my existing appliances?
Yes, if they fit with the new layout and cabinetry. But older appliances might limit your design options, especially if you're switching to built-in or panel-ready models. We’ll talk this through with you during planning.
💬 Do I need permits for a kitchen reno?
Sometimes. If we’re moving plumbing, updating electrical, or removing walls (especially load-bearing ones), we’ll likely need permits and inspections. But don’t worry—we handle all of that for you. No forms, no municipal headaches—we’ve got it covered.
💬 Will this renovation increase the value of my home?
Yes—if it’s done well. Kitchen renovations have one of the highest returns on investment in the home improvement world, especially when they’re functional, well-built, and timeless. But more importantly? It increases your quality of life every single day. (That’s the kind of ROI that really matters.)
A Final Note on Everything Else That Affects Time & Cost
Each of these renovation tiers gives you a sense of what’s typically included—but here’s the truth:
Every single change you make affects time, cost, and coordination.
Add a pot filler? We’re running a new water line and possibly opening up drywall behind your backsplash.
Change the range location? Electrical and venting changes are coming.
Decide halfway through to change the paint colour on your cabinets? That might add a week or more to your timeline. (This actually happened during a kitchen reno we did last year!)
Fall in love with a gorgeous tile that takes 3 weeks to ship from Italy? We’ll wait. But so will everything else.
And then there are the mid-reno additions like:
“Can we also paint the dining room?”
“What if we redo the powder room while you're here?”
“Do you do fireplace refacing too?”
Yes, we can. But yes, it will affect your timeline and your budget.
This is why we always recommend building a 10–20% contingency into your budget—and being flexible on timelines if your choices change along the way.
We’re Not Just Renovating Kitchens. We’re Renovating Lives.
At Multi-Trade Building Services, our goal isn’t just to give you a pretty kitchen.
It’s to give you a space that makes your life easier. Happier. More you. We always say, “We’re not just in the renovation business…we’re in the happiness business.”
And if that means guiding you through tough layout decisions, helping you pick the right backsplash, or cheerleading you through countertop indecision (it’s a thing), we’re here for it.
Want to see what’s possible in your own home? Visit our Kitchen Renovations page to explore how we can help bring your dream kitchen to life.
Renovating your kitchen is a big decision, and it’s completely normal to have questions. Here are a few more reads to guide you through the process:
10 Common Kitchen Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Like a Pro
Why White Kitchens Work Even if You Think They are Boring
The Impact of Kitchen Renovations on Home Value
12 Innovative Kitchen Storage Solutions You Haven’t Thought Of
Ready to explore your dream kitchen renovation?
Whether you’re picturing a simple upgrade or a full redesign, we’ll walk you through it with care, clarity, and a whole lot of experience.
📧 info@multitradebuildingservices.com
📞 905-999-8524
Let’s talk about your space, your needs, and how we can make your renovation feel exciting (not overwhelming).
