Kitchen renovation cost ranges
| Scope | Typical cost (2026) | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | $30,000 to $55,000 | New counters, backsplash, sink and faucet, paint, hardware, some lighting |
| Mid-range full renovation | $55,000 to $110,000 | New cabinets, stone, flooring, lighting, appliances installed, minor layout changes |
| Premium custom | $110,000 to $200,000+ | Custom millwork, slab backsplash, layout and wall changes, panelled appliances, pantry |
Toronto guides quote similar mid-range figures, from about $40,000 to $65,000 for a standard full renovation. Smaller towns can come in somewhat lower on labour, but materials cost the same everywhere.
Where the money goes
- Cabinetry is usually the largest single cost, often a third of the budget or more for custom work
- Labour: demolition, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tile and finishing
- Counters and backsplash: quartz, quartzite, porcelain or marble
- Lighting and electrical: new circuits, recessed and under-cabinet lighting
- Flooring, ventilation and appliance installation
- Permits, engineering and contingency, especially for wall removal
The changes that cost the most
- Removing a load-bearing wall: engineering, a beam, posts, a permit and drywall repairs
- Moving the sink or range: new plumbing, venting and gas or electrical runs
- Full-height slab backsplashes and waterfall islands: more stone and fabrication
- Custom millwork such as hidden pantry doors and panelled appliances
Timeline
- Design and pricing: 2 to 6 weeks
- Cabinet build and ordering: 6 to 10 weeks (we order as soon as the design is signed)
- On site: 6 to 10 weeks for a full renovation
Do you need a permit?
Not for cabinets, counters and finishes. You do need one to remove or alter a wall, move plumbing, or add electrical circuits, and electrical work must be done by an ECRA/ESA licensed electrical contractor.
How to keep a kitchen on budget
- Keep the plumbing where it is, if the layout allows
- Spend on the things you touch every day: drawers, hardware, the sink, the counter
- Use slab stone where it shows and simpler tile where it does not
- Get a fixed price with every line item, and an allowance line for what is behind the walls
Sources
- Caliber Contracting: Kitchen renovation cost guide, Kitchener-Waterloo (2026)
- Wealth North: How much does it cost to renovate a house in Canada
- Three Birds Renovations: Kitchen renovation cost 2026
Last updated October 2026 by NEUE. Market figures change; your project gets its own fixed price after a site visit.
Questions, answered
A mid-range full kitchen renovation in Ontario typically costs $55,000 to $110,000 in 2026. A refresh runs about $30,000 to $55,000, and a premium custom kitchen $110,000 or more.
Cabinetry is usually the largest single cost, followed by labour and countertops.
Usually 6 to 10 weeks on site, plus 6 to 10 weeks for custom cabinets to be built.