Cost Of Kitchen Renovation Toronto

Whether you are looking to renovate your kitchen entirely or only thinking of installing new cabinets, you need to get an estimate of how much you may be spending on average. In Toronto, renovation prices are not exempted from the high living costs in general. However, a kitchen renovation is an investment worth taking the plunge.

Read on as I reveal the average cost of kitchen renovation in Toronto, as well as the factors that cause it to vary.

Average Kitchen Renovation Cost In Toronto

When you first think of kitchen renovation, there are a few questions to answer: How much is the average cost? Is it necessary to hire a professional for the renovation? How much will the building permit be? The answers to these questions can help you choose the suitable material, labor, and projects that impact your kitchen.

On average, a complete kitchen renovation in Toronto can cost anywhere between $15,000 to $35,000 for an area of under 400 sq. ft. (excluding appliance installment). However, if the kitchen is bigger and higher-end material is used, the costs can exceed $60,000. 

Here is a quick look at the average cost for various mini projects included in kitchen renovations.

*The average costs can vary greatly depending on the material, kitchen design, and surface area covered.

Electrical System

The electrical costs include light fixtures and wiring and appliance connections if needed, which can all boil down to anywhere between $1500 and $2500 for moderate quality fixtures. Remember that you may have to include upgrades to comply with electrical safety codes.

Appliance Installation 

Your kitchen is home to appliances like ovens, refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers. For proper installation, hiring a pro is necessary, and this can set you back about $913 on average and go as high as $5000.

Backsplash Installation 

There are various materials and designs to choose from for backsplash, which ultimately decide the total costs of installation. Popular choices include tile, wood, and stone with metallic, wallpaper, mirror, steel finishes. While on average, you should pay around $2700, remember that better backsplash material prevents your kitchen walls and cabinets from moisture and mold.

Cabinet Installation or Resurfacing

This is the most significant expense when it comes to kitchen renovation and usually amounts to approximately 40% of your total cost. Different cabinet materials vary significantly in price, and if you are looking for custom cabinets to be installed, you will have to pay premium costs.

Cabinets made of solid wood can also cost as high as $450.

A more budget-friendly option would be to resurface the cabinets rather than replace them. This can bring down the cost to almost half of what you pay for new cabinets.

Kitchen Flooring 

Flooring material and installation both determine the final cost when budgeting. However, smaller spaces like kitchens often prove challenging to get an accurate estimate. On average, you will pay anywhere between Over $10 and upto $25 for the installation per sq. ft.(material included).

Vinyl and wood are two popular options in Toronto. Depending on the kitchen size, you can pay upto $1500 in total.

Kitchen Drywall or Painting 

You may not need a new wall during a kitchen renovation, but even simple patchwork in Toronto can cost you upto $400. However, in the event of drywall replacement or a new wall, the cost can go upto $800 on average.

On the other hand, the average cost of painting kitchen walls is over the $2000 mark. You will have to use non-toxic paint to avoid safety hazards and hire a professional to protect your cabinets and flooring from splatter.

Kitchen Plumbing 

Kitchen renovations often include changing the position of the sink or installing a new one. You may also choose to change taps or related accessories. The general cost for such remodeling will be around the $1800 mark, beginning from $800.

HVAC System

The Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is essential for a good working kitchen. However, it can cost an additional $1200 - $1500 since it may be required to modify your roof. If your exhaust duct and kitchen hood only need a few minor changes rather than new installations, it can decrease the cost to $600 and $800.

Countertops

Another considerable expense while remodeling your kitchen is replacing countertops. While laminated countertops are cheaper, they do not last as long as some pricier options like natural and engineered stone. You can expect to pay anywhere between $100 to $200 per sq. ft for fabrication and installation.

Factors Affecting Kitchen Renovations Costs

Three significant factors determine how much you need to invest in kitchen modeling.

1. Kitchen Size: The bigger the kitchen, the more you have for paint, cabinetry, and countertop installation.
2. Material Quality: The quality of the material used during renovation can affect the cost considerably. However, one thing to keep in mind is that even though you pay more upfront, quality material lasts you for years, ending up cheaper in the long run.
3. Kitchen Design: A sole design will cost less in fittings, light factors, cabinet and countertop installations than a more elaborate one.

Do You Need To Get a Permit For Kitchen Renovations?

Home improvement projects such as kitchen renovations often require a building permit, which you can apply for through the City of Toronto website.

Depending on the type of alteration (whether structural or cosmetic), you may or may not need a building permit. However, the best course of action is to contact a municipality staff to understand whether you need the permit, and if you do, then what kind of plans and documents you need to submit for approval.

The permit fee has to be paid upfront. As of 2022, the minimum payment for all work is $198.59. Inspections (mandatory to be scheduled by the permit holder) will cost $85.79 hourly.

Pay Less For Your Dream Kitchen: 3 Money Saving Tips

Here are a few tips to save money as you build your dream kitchen:

1. Hire professionals rather than taking up DIY projects to ensure consistent, reliable, and long-lasting work. You will also save valuable time and avoid costly mistakes.
2. Make necessary updates and do the renovations in steps rather than one go.
3. Use quality materials. Paying more upfront will ensure your remodeling lasts your years instead of requiring constant fixes.

The Bottom Line

Kitchen renovations can be time-consuming and are usually hefty on the pocket, but think of them as an investment made to the most used space in your home.

Depending on the kind of remodeling you take on, kitchen renovations can cost anywhere between $15000 to $60000 (maybe even more). Ensure you get quality material and hire the right tradesman for a renovation job that will last you a long time. Get in touch to get a custom quote for the best price.