Kitchen Renovation Cost Guide

Below are some of the key drivers that can influence costs, and our recommendations to get the best value for your budget; 

• Cabinetry
• Countertops + Backsplash
• Plumbing + Electrical
• Functionality
• Other Factors

Cabinetry: 
Reface vs Replace vs Renovate. 
Should you start with a blank slate, or work with your existing cabinetry materials?

Cabinets 

Ultimately, this comes down to the Condition and Layout of your existing cabinets. If they are in poor condition, with the edge banding flaking off and the melamine or veneer peeling, then they should probably be replaced. Check under your sink, that's usually the first to show wear-and-tear.

Now is also the time to make improvements to your layout, especially when it comes to awkward corners and other functional improvements. 

You do have the option of adding or replacing some cabinets, while keeping others. This could let you convert open cabinets to drawers, extend uppers to reach the ceiling, or adding a pantry, while still saving budget for other improvements. 

If you are adding new cabinets, there are options for cabinetry materials, with plywood cabinets being more expensive and durable, while most people are happy with melamine-covered particleboard.  

If you do decide to work with existing cabinets, it is usually advisable to professionally paint the edge facings, in durable cabinetry paint, to match the new door faces.

Door Faces

If you have painted or stained door / drawer faces, then repainting them is an option (or, in some cases, re-staining them a darker colour). But bear in mind that you cannot change the door profile, and this can be a very labour intensive process. Depending upon your door construction, it might also be difficult to upgrade hinges and hardware. 

When evaluating new doors and drawer faces, there are a number of options for Material Finishes; Thermofoil is an inexpensive option, but does not have the premium look or durability of some other options. Melamine, PET and Acrylic finishes, in either solid colours or faux wood finishes, are very durable and good value, and are usually used in modern flat/slab doors. Painted doors, made with an MDF core, give you maximum flexibility on both colour selection and profile. And wooden doors, in 5-panel stained construction or wood veneer, provide a timeless look and premium finish. 

Gables

A gable is a finished piece at the exposed end of a cabinet that matches the door face. It's not necessarily a huge cost, but can make a huge difference to the look of your finished kitchen. 

Our Recommendation

Refinishing your door faces and reusing cabinets can be a tempting way to save money and create a fresh look - especially if you are trying to create a quick fix to sell or rent a property.  

But if it doesn't solve the functional issues in your kitchen or address larger concerns, then you might be getting better value, and longer durability, by investing in all-new cabinetry, with improved hardware and finished gables.  

Our Klever Kitchens designer will work with you to explain your options and address your priorities. 

Countertops + Backsplash Costs: 
How to balance durability, maintenance and visual appeal against costs. 

Laminate 

Sometimes also referred to as Formica or vinyl, this is a budget-friendly option in which a synthetic material is glued to a particleboard countertop core, or for backsplashes, sheets are glued to the wall. There are lots of options for colours, including faux-stone looks, but laminate can scratch, burn or chip in high-traffic areas, and shows a seam at the edge.

For backsplashes, these budget-friendly options might also include peel-and-stick tiles, vinyl or metal sheets that would be applied directly over  

Butcher Block 

Butcher block countertops are thick, durable slabs made from strips of solid hardwood (like maple, oak, walnut) glued together, offering a warm, natural, and textured surface ideal for food prep and adding rustic or modern style to kitchens. Often used on islands as an affordable accent. Costs can vary depending upon materials, but generally a more affordable choice. 

Tile

Tile is a popular and timeless choice for backsplashes, and come in a very wide variety of styles, materials and cost ranges. Classic porcelain subway tiles can be an inexpensive option, as can sheets of penny tiles and mosaics. Artisanal patterns and handmade exotic tiles can add a striking focal point for the kitchen, but can drive costs up. Remember to factor in the cost of installation. 

Typically used for backsplashes, tiles can be used for countertops, but that is pretty rare lately. 

Quartz

Quartz is an engineered stone used for both countertops and backsplashes, made by combining quartz crystals and resin. It is nonporous, highly durable, and requires no sealing which makes for easy maintenance. And many patterns are 'printed', which means the look is more predictable than natural options. 

Prices can vary quite significantly, from lows of around $40 to over $ 120 / sq. ft. for some premium name brands. Lower cost options can have a higher resin content, which can discolour or yellow more easily and more prone to chipping. 

Natural Stone

On the higher end of the cost scale, you have a variety of natural stone options including Granite, Marble, Quartzite or Soapstone, which can be used for both countertops and backsplashes. Virtually all natural stone will also require sealing or some degree of maintenance, but it does provide a very distinctive look and feel which is difficult to replicate in a synthetic material - especially for a traditional kitchen style like Mediterranean or Classic style. 

Exotic Options

For a more unique look, or particular use case, you can also choose from Acrylic options like Corian, porcelain, polished concrete, or even stainless steel, which can provide an industrial chic vibe. From a budgeting perspective, these are likely to be in the higher end of the cost range. 

Our Recommendation

Engineered quartz is one of the most practical options for many kitchen renovations because it combines durability, low maintenance and a wide range of finishes, and it doesn't need to break the bank.  

It's durable, low maintenance, and provides a stunning, contemporary look when paired with a wrap-up backsplash, and maybe even an eye-catching waterfall. Good quality quartz can be as low as $ 60 / sq. ft. 

For most mid-range renovations, quartz offers one of the strongest combinations of appearance, durability and maintenance. Spend more when a specific colour, pattern or finish is important to the overall design; otherwise, premium branding alone doesn't necessarily create better value.

Plumbing & Electrical: 
How much should you budget? 

You do not want to cut corners on these vital and highly skilled tasks, but there are ways that you can manage costs as well; 

Layout changes  

Moving the sink or stove, adding utilities to an island, or removing a wall or bulkhead can add thousands to the cost of your renovation, particularly if you have to move plumbing or electrical lines from the floors above or below. 

Significant layout changes are sometimes required to achieve your desired outcome, but consider them carefully before deciding. Your Klever Kitchens designer will help explain the pros-and-cons. 

Updated Materials

It's tempting to save costs by not changing the plumbing configuration under the sink, reusing existing fixtures, and working with existing electrical components. But unless you are just doing a quick cosmetic update, it's usually a good use of your budget to clean up the plumbing, add GFCI outlets, and update the plumbing fixtures. Depending on your project and selections, this should only add $ 1-2 K to your budget.  

Service Upgrades

Hopefully you don't need to upgrade your electrical panel or run additional lines to your kitchen. But this might be necessary for older homes, if you are adding additional appliances, or having tripping breakers. These upgrades can potentially add a few thousand dollars to your budget.  

Lighting

Adding under-mounted task lighting to your upper cabinets, pot lights and a ceiling light can add $ 1,000 or more to the budget, but if you are already paying a day rate to have an electrician make a service call, then make the most of their time by having them install additional lighting. 

This can be one of the best functional improvements you can add to improve the use and feel of your kitchen.  

Our Recommendation

Unless it's absolutely necessary, try to avoid significant layout changes which can drive up costs. That will save budget for things that will make a difference to improve your day-to-day use of your kitchen; better lighting, more outlets, and new plumbing fixtures! 

Kitchen Access, Storage & Organization Costs: 
What does it cost for more storage and easier access

Drawers + Pull-Outs

For most homeowners, drawers are easier to use than lower open cabinets, while pull-outs make better use of deep shelves by bringing stored items within reach, and allow you to increase storage capacity by eliminating half-shelves and dead space in your cabinets. 

Costs vary depending upon component parts, size and warranty but generally range from $ 250 for budget friendly options to $ 500+ for premium, custom built options. 

Organizational Tools

You might want to consider adding Garbage solutions, Spice racks and drawers, Divider Shelves, Cutlery inserts. These provide great bang-per-buck solutions that can make a huge difference to the functionality of your kitchen. 

Corner Solutions

Unless you have a galley kitchen, corners are often a challenge and waste of space in your kitchen. There are a number of available Blind corner solutions that can make better use of the dead zone in the hidden part of your corner cabinet, or Corner Cabinet solutions such as Glide Arounds or Lazy Susans, that can provide better access. 

Costs vary, but you should budget $ 1-2 K for each corner, and it is much better to work these into your initial design layout, so you don't end up with a frustration dead space.  

Our Recommendation

This is where many clients apply more of their budget and get very valuable results; you should definitely consider adding as many drawers and pull-outs as possible - ideally with soft-close rails - that can bring items within easy reach, and actually increase storage capacity by eliminating dead space in your cabinets and pantry. 

Incorporating these upgrades into your kitchen renovation can be a lot less expensive, and more effective, than having to retrofit them later. 

This is an area where it's easy to run up the budget on lots of shiny toys, so it helps to work with your Klever Kitchens designer to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck. 

Other Factors: 
Hidden Kitchen Renovation Costs to Budget For;

Condo Costs

Unfortunately, condo renovations can cost more than single family homes; board approval requirements can add project management time and fees; working hour restrictions, parking access and elevator booking can add time to the project, and condo-rated plumbing materials and other costs can start to add up. 

Flooring

The flooring material itself does not necessarily have to break the bank, as there are many good options for laminates, engineered hardwood and tile that offer excellent value and durability. But make sure you have discussed any potential costs for removing the existing flooring, reinforcing the subfloor, and managing transitions. In some cases, this can cost more than the new floor itself. 

Appliances

New appliances can add anywhere from $ 5 - 15 K or more to a project. But it's crucial to have them selected before you finalize any cabinet layout or kitchen design. 

Our Recommendation

Work with your Klever Kitchens designer to make sure you have worked through all the possible cost implications, and ensure you have a clear and thorough understanding of the budget and estimate, to ensure that there are no surprises during your renovation!