Figuring out how to calculate the approximate cost of a kitchen renovation in Toronto can feel like a daunting task because there are so many aspects to consider. From the design fees to the materials, hardware, and installation costs, there are a lot of elements that need to be calculated to achieve your dream kitchen. Fortunately, we have demystified how to calculate and budget for a kitchen renovation project by listing and explaining the average cost per item for various project sizes and scopes.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of a small kitchen renovation in Toronto can start at $10,000
- Cabinetry is one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen renovation
- Learn how to calculate budgets for small, medium, and large kitchen renovations
How Much Do Kitchen Renovations Cost in Toronto?
An estimated kitchen renovation cost in Toronto can range from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on the size of the kitchen and the complexities of the project. For instance, a kitchen that needs gas and electrical installation, as well as plumbing work to be done, will cost significantly more than a minor kitchen revamp where cosmetic changes are made.
What Is the Most Expensive Part Of a Kitchen Renovation?
Cabinetry and hardware for kitchen renovation projects are typically the most expensive components in the overall budget and can take up as much as 30% of the total cost. The second most expensive aspect of a kitchen renovation is the design and installation of the kitchen by a professional kitchen renovation company. Appliances and ventilation are the third most expensive elements that significantly contribute to the budget of a kitchen renovation.
Cabinetry and Hardware
Cabinetry is the foundation on which installers constructed the entire kitchen. The cabinet shells or cupboard carcasses determine the layout of the kitchen, and their interiors are mostly hidden. The door and drawer fronts contribute to the look of the design and are created in colors and finishes that complement the aesthetic. Custom cabinet carcasses that are built specifically to fit a certain space will cost more than ones with standard measurements, so wherever possible use pre-made cabinet sizes to reduce the cost of your kitchen renovation in Toronto. Likewise, door and drawer fronts come in various price points too—solid wood and glass inset doors are two of the most expensive types of kitchen cabinet doors. For a budget-friendly option that still looks sleek, try flat panel MDF doors that are wrapped in melamine that mimic the look of wood.
Cabinet hardware includes all the handles, knobs, sliders, rails, hinges, and any other closure systems that are installed inside the cabinets. The “no-touch sensors” are the most expensive closures to install on drawers and doors, while soft closures are the second most expensive. These high-tech closures can add as much as an additional 5% to your overall budget, equating to between $750-$2,500 extra, depending on the size of your kitchen. To reduce the cost of your kitchen renovation, choose the standard hinges and rails instead.
Design and Installation
Hiring a professional kitchen design and renovation team is the most important aspect of a kitchen renovation’s cost in Toronto. The designers and renovators offer specialized skills and knowledge that will help you sidestep common and costly kitchen renovation mistakes that DIYers make. Avoid the mistake of choosing a designer that is not part of the construction team because this can add about 2-5% to the cost of the project. A kitchen renovation company that is based in Toronto and offers in-house design consultations can save you between $200-$3,000, especially if they have pre-made kitchen packages to choose from.
Appliances and Ventilation
Many people change their old appliances when doing a kitchen renovation, because the older versions no longer work properly or because the new kitchen aesthetic looks better with more modern appliances. Gas stoves, eye-level ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and microwave ovens are just some of the major appliances that can be installed during a condo kitchen renovation in Toronto. Smaller appliances include air fryers, stand mixers, coffee machines, and kettles that add to the decor and aesthetic. Shop around and compare prices and reviews before buying major appliances. Consult your kitchen renovation contractor to determine whether the appliance’s dimensions will fit into the proposed layout.
One of the most overlooked kitchen appliances is often the range hood, which plays an important function in kitchen ventilation and safety. Recent research investigating the effects of cooking oil fumes on human respiration determined that proper ventilation in the kitchen was essential to reduce the inhalation of harmful particulate matter (1). Invest in a high-quality cooker hood. A ducted 30-inch range hood can cost from $300 and a wall-mounted CFM convertible hood can cost about $750.
Countertops
Marble is the most expensive kitchen countertop because it is a natural stone that is extracted from stone quarries. It needs to be cut into slabs before quarry workers can ship it, which means the production and transportation of marble is very expensive. Countertops made of natural stones like marble, granite, and quartz are more hygienic because of their lower silica levels and non-porous surfaces (2). Granite and quartz countertops are slightly cheaper than marble, but they still cost a lot more than wood or stainless steel. Formica or laminate tops are the least expensive countertops and come in many colors and finishes.
To compare, Formica costs $20-$60 per square meter, while marble can cost about $50-$150 per square meter depending on the color chosen. While laminate countertops are a cheaper alternative when doing a kitchen renovation, they don’t last as long as stone tops, and their ability to absorb water, warp, and swell, if not sealed properly, makes them less hygienic.
Flooring
Flooring needs to be completed before the kitchen cabinets and appliances are installed. The most durable flooring types for kitchens are tiles and concrete because they are non-porous and easy to maintain. Polished concrete floors are the trendiest and most expensive flooring type and cost $60-$100 per square meter. Tiled floors can cost $7-$20 per square meter depending on the type of type. Hardwood floors are popular in kitchens because of their warmth and are also hard-wearing provided water is not spilled on them—they cost $11-$22 per square meter. The cheapest flooring options in kitchens are laminate and vinyl, at $10-$15 per square meter for laminate and $1-$12 per square meter for vinyl sheets.
Lighting and Electrical
Proper electrical installation is paramount in kitchen renovation projects because of the nature of the appliances and their proximity to moisture. Qualified electricians will ensure the circuits and outlets can handle the required wattage and are positioned for easy reach. Gas stoves with electric ignition switches will also need to be installed and certified by qualified gas and electric professionals. The electricians will also install both task and accent light fixtures on site and ensure they work properly.
Walls and Ceilings
A new kitchen may need to have walls installed that divide it from the other living areas. Dry-walling is a popular choice for kitchen renovations because it is easy to install and remove if necessary. Some kitchen designs include suspension ceilings for special lighting effects or to create an overhead focal point. A standard ceiling installation can cost $15-$39 per square meter, and a suspension ceiling can cost $40-$80 depending on the design and materials used.
Faucets and Plumbing
Kitchen faucets come in all sorts of styles ranging from modern to country farmhouse. You are no longer confined to shiny chrome finishes either, there are rose gold, black, brass, gold, and nickel-colored faucets that come in shiny or matte finishes. There are sprayer kitchen faucets that cost between $270-$1,000 or motion sensor faucets that cost from $600-$1,800 depending on the style and finish.
Doors and Windows
Doors and windows need to open wide to maximize ventilation in a kitchen. It is not uncommon for homeowners to replace small windows with larger ones when doing a kitchen renovation. Slider windows are cheaper than casement windows because they are easier to install, but they are less energy efficient and can dissipate heat causing the house to feel cold.
What Is a Realistic Budget For a Kitchen Remodel?
| Kitchen Renovation Components | Percentage of Total Budget | Estimate for Smaller Project | Estimate for Medium-Sized Project | Estimate for Larger Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry and Hardware | 30% | $3,000 - $5,400 | $5,700 - $11,400 | $11,700 - $15,000 |
| Design and Installation | 16% | $1,600 - $2,800 | $3,040 - $6,080 | $6,240 - $8,000 |
| Appliances and Ventilation | 13% | $1,300 - $2,340 | $2,470 - $4,940 | $5,070 - $6,500 |
| Countertops | 12% | $1,200 - $2,160 | $2,280 - $4,560 | $4,680 - $6,000 |
| Flooring | 8% | $80 - $1,440 | $1,520 - $3,040 | $3,120 - $4,000 |
| Lighting & Electrical | 5% | $500 - $900 | $950 - $1,900 | $1,950 - $2,500 |
| Walls and Ceilings | 5% | $500 - $900 | $950 - $1,900 | $1,950 - $2,500 |
| Faucets and Plumbing | 5% | $500 - $900 | $950 - $1,900 | $1,950 - $2,500 |
| Doors and Windows | 4% | $400 - $720 | $760 - $1,520 | $1,560 - $2,000 |
| Other | 2% | $200 - $360 | $380 - $760 | $780 - $1,000 |
| Total | 100% | $10,000 - $18,000 | $19,000 - $38,000 | $39,000 - $50,000 |
What Affects the Cost Of a Kitchen Renovation?
The largest contributor to kitchen renovation cost in Toronto is the type of cabinets that are installed. Custom-made cabinets required specialized skills and equipment and take longer to produce than pre-made standard sizes, making them a more expensive option. The quality of the materials used and the size of the kitchen are other major contributors to the overall cost of a kitchen renovation project.
Tips To Lower the Cost Of a Kitchen Renovation
One of the main ways to reduce the cost of cabinets in a kitchen renovation is to avoid layouts that need custom cupboards to be manufactured, and rather select a pre-made layout from your kitchen renovator’s catalog. Swapping out specialized hardware like soft closures for regular cupboard hinges and drawer runners can also lower the estimated price. Kitchen cabinet doors and drawers with bevels or raised panels are more expensive, so rather opt for doors and drawers with a flat design in melamine for a more affordable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to renovate a kitchen on a budget?
When renovating a kitchen on a budget, try swapping expensive items for cheaper alternatives. For instance, consider using open shelving on the walls instead of the more expensive wall cabinets, or opt for quartz countertops instead of marble if you want a natural stone finish. Consider investing in one or two essential appliances and adding others over time to reduce the initial cost of appliances during the kitchen renovation phase.
What is the cost per meter for a kitchen renovation?
The average cost per square meter for a kitchen renovation in Toronto can range from $110-$390 depending on the layout of the kitchen, the materials chosen, and the appliances.
Conclusion
A kitchen renovation cost in Toronto is determined by the type of design you choose, as well as the scope of the work that needs to be done to achieve your dream kitchen. The major components of the budget comprise cabinets and hardware, with kitchen design and construction fees making up about 16% of the total budget, so it is worth hiring a professional kitchen renovation company to make sure it is done right.
References
- Talha Khan Burki. (October 11, 2021). Silicosis and the countertop industry – the Lancet respiratory medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(21)00452-5/fulltext
- Yujiao Zhao & Lang Liu (January 1, 2019). Review of effluents and health effects of cooking and the performance of kitchen ventilation. Retrieved from: https://typeset.io/papers/review-of-effluents-and-health-effects-of-cooking-and-the-3ncrq9qytk