We’ve all heard the stories. You were told that your dream kitchen renovation would cost “X”.

However, with the project nowhere near finished and the estimated amount drawing near, you get the sinking feeling that the actual costs will be closer to double what you’d hoped.

So how much does it cost to renovate a kitchen on average?

We are going to be upfront with you now:

• For a home in Calgary, a kitchen renovation is going to cost between $100 and $325 per square foot and anywhere between $20,000 and $100,000 in total.
• A good mid-range estimate would be around $30,000 to $40,000 (not including appliances) for a small to medium-sized kitchen but it depends on so many factors that these numbers mean little until we sit down and talk about what you really want.
• A word to the wise: if you’re quoted under $15,000, be wary of the small print in the renovation contract unless it’s a relatively minor project.

Simply sending details of the size of your kitchen to a renovator and hoping to receive a meaningful quote is not realistic.

Here are all the factors to consider when you’re pricing your kitchen renovation project so that no surprises come back to bite you on your bum.

Factors to consider when costing a kitchen renovation

The basic questions to ask yourself before even calling a kitchen renovator for a quote are:

1. What is the extent of the project?

Is a complete overhaul required? A totally new kitchen with the guts ripped out of the old one with new tiling, cabinets, windows, benchtops, appliances and so on?

Maybe you’re changing the layout entirely?

Or you just need a facelift and some cosmetic improvements?

This is the single biggest factor to consider – what is the extent of the project that you’re planning?

2. What’s the size of your kitchen?

It won’t surprise you that the size of your kitchen is also a basic consideration for cost.

Larger kitchens may require more structural work, more cabinets, more tiling, more plumbing work, more materials, and so on.

3. Is structural work required?

Some kitchen renovations require moving walls and restructuring flooring not only in the kitchen area but beyond.

Remodelling a kitchen for a more open-plan design is a popular choice and may require extensive building work, as well as HVAC and electrical work.

Moving walls may require windows and doors to be re-done and some plumbing work is usually a basic necessity too.

If these factors affect your renovation, you can expect costs to start climbing significantly.

4. What are your preferences for fixtures/fittings/materials?

A huge factor in costing a kitchen renovation is your choice of fixtures, fittings, and finishes.

The variation in costs between the most expensive choices and the least expensive is so great that it can easily double the overall costs of the renovation.

So, until we sit down and discuss your options, it is practically impossible to provide a meaningful quotation.

How do you budget for a kitchen remodel costs?

Let’s break down the major costs involved in most kitchen renovations.

The following table shows the proportion of the budget generally taken up by various aspects of the project so that you are clear about where the major costs will arise.

Budget Breakdown

Source: Homestar

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

As you can see, the most expensive elements of a kitchen renovation project are usually the cabinets, countertops, and other hardware. This usually accounts for almost 40 percent of the total project cost.

Appliances, ventilation requirements, installation costs, and flooring are the other major cost elements of the project, in most cases.

Labour costs

If you’re hiring us, we’ll look after the complete team of professionals required to complete the project. If not, then you may have a series of invoices from various professionals to cover the labour costs, including:

• Architect fees: for major renovation projects involving structural changes
• Designer fees: any major remodel of a kitchen will require an interior designer’s services
• Plumber fees: plumbing work (usually charged by the hour) is required for most kitchen renovations
• Electrician fees: if you are changing the kitchen layout or lighting, electrical work will likely be required
• Carpenter fees: custom-made cabinetry will require the services of a professional carpenter

Are there any budget-conscious solutions?

It’s never advisable to cut corners with a home renovation project.

It may make sense to wait a while longer, save a little extra and go for quality rather than rushing into it and trying to renovate your kitchen on a tight budget. Alternatively, find a suitable payment plan to work some clever financing into your plans.

That being said, there are some sensible choices you can make that will help your budget go further.

For instance, rather than selecting entirely new cabinetry to install or custom-making new cabinets, refurbish the existing ones. Rather than rushing out and ordering appliances, wait for sales at certain times of the year.

Could you get a similar look and feel from your countertop with a slightly lower-priced material?

A lot can be achieved with a fresh paint job and some minor improvements like refacing cabinets, upgrading the sink and installing a new tile backsplash if you are restricted by budget concerns.

Get value for money with your kitchen renovation

The kitchen is the heart of the home for good reason. More than a place to cook and eat, for many Calgary families it’s the only time of day they get together and discuss what’s going on in their lives.

A renovation project can make this time a little more special – or provide fresh impetus for hosting parties, dinners, and celebrations.

Kitchen remodels also increase the value of your home and produce one of the highest returns on investment of any home renovation project.

The stakes are high. The average cost to redo a kitchen is significant. It’s vital to get the right advice and to use experienced local professionals. Discuss your Calgary renovation project with us at Litwiller.