Ah, the kitchen renovation – a dream for many that is often paired with confusion and a steady headache!

As you might have guessed, one of the most common questions I get asked is “How much does a kitchen renovation cost?”, and I like to make the following comparison, because I like analogies and, well… cake!

The cost of a kitchen renovation is like a cake recipe (yum) – there’s no set amount and it all depends on the ingredients you use. But don’t worry, there are ways to bake up a beautiful kitchen without breaking the bank.

So put on your kitchen gloves and get ready to have all your burning kitchen renovation cost questions answered!

Wondering if you should hire an interior designer for your kitchen renovation? (Pssst… you should!)

What Kind of Things Impact a Kitchen Reno Cost?

First up, let’s talk about the two main types of kitchen renos – full and partial.

A full kitchen reno involves replacing everything from the flooring to the cabinets, whereas a partial kitchen reno only replaces certain elements.

Regardless of whether you decide to move forward with a full or partial kitchen renovation, there are some important aspects that impact budget - some of which are often overlooked.

The Obvious

The easiest items to remember to factor into your budget are usually the ones that are glaring you in the face!

Demo

If your kitchen reno requires demolition, the cost of the demo can vary depending on the size of your kitchen and the amount of work required.

Materials

When it comes to materials, the sky’s the limit. You can choose anything from budget-friendly laminate countertops to high-end marble. The same goes for cabinets – you can opt for basic, ready-to-assemble options or custom cabinetry made to fit your kitchen’s unique space.

Since the options are endless, it’s important to think about your budget and what you’re willing to spend.

Labour

Labour can be a bit tricky to narrow down, as costs typically vary depending on where you live, the scale of the renovation, and the project’s complexity.

The Not-So-Obvious

Unlike demo, materials, and labour, the following kitchen renovation considerations can be easily forgotten about, and therefore, are often not included in budgets:

• Permits
• Site measurements and analysis
• Drawings and renderings
• Unexpected issues (uncovering faulty wiring, leaky pipes, mould, etc)

These extras can all add to the cost of your kitchen renovation, so it’s critical that they are factored in when you are planning your budget.

Don’t Forget About Time

A kitchen renovation can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the scale of the project - and that’s if everything chugs along swimmingly without a hitch… wishful thinking!

Common events that add to the length of a kitchen renovation project include:

• Making decisions
• Finding finishes and materials
• Shopping and purchasing
• Dealing with order issues
• Scheduling trades and contractors
• Receiving and inspecting product
• Rectifying deficiencies

And remember, the longer the project takes, the more you pay – in money, time, and your space being disrupted.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Analysis

If you live in Calgary, Alberta and are interested in renovating your kitchen, here is a rough cost breakdown of what you can expect.

***Note: The following analysis consists only of estimates based on my experience that are intended to provide a baseline understanding. Costs are subject to variation project-to-project per the previously mentioned factors.

• Small kitchen reno = $35,000 - $50,000+
  • Assumptions: Utilizing IKEA or similar with no layout changes, updating existing features with standard appliances
• Mid-sized kitchen reno = $60,000 - $80,000+
  • Assumptions: Small layout changes (not to plumbing), updates to mid-range standard cabinetry and appliances
• Large kitchen reno = $100,000 - $130,000+
  • Assumptions: Custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, new layout

Check out this contemporary dining room for some kitchen inspo!

So What’s the Verdict?

As you can see, the average cost of a kitchen renovation can range anywhere from $35,000 for a partial renovation to upwards of $130,000 for a full renovation.

Though the end result will be a beautiful and functional kitchen that will add value to your home, a kitchen renovation can be a pricey affair, so it’s important to consider every detail and plan for your investment accordingly.

If you’re feeling ready, then don your apron - it’s time to cook up a kitchen renovation!

Want to get your dream kitchen without breaking the bank? Contact MMID today to help with your planning and budgeting!