Kitchen Pricing Guide

How Much Does It Cost To Renovate Your Kitchen?

The answer to this question can vary greatly depending on the specifics of your project. Kitchens can be one of the most expensive and sophisticated rooms in your home to renovate because of all the design options you have. Whether you want to modernize the cabinetry, update your island, increase your storage or all of the above. This article will serve as a general guide, providing you with essential factors to consider when determining the total cost of your new kitchen.

The first factor to remember is that all costs will be relative to what you want to accomplish in your new kitchen, which can mean prices can vary considerably. When budgeting, the 3 factors you need to consider are the age of your home, the size of the kitchen and the quality of the materials and finishes. If you're looking for a ballpark figure, Our kitchens ranges from $55k to $120k+. These figures incorporate our all-inclusive services, covering everything from professional kitchen design and installation to project management and warranties.

The Three Levels of Kitchen Renovation

The first step in renovating your kitchen is deciding which level of kitchen will be best for you. Let's look at the three-level of kitchens and the most common materials and finishes in each.

Basic Kitchens - $45k to $65k

Our basic kitchens aim to preserve the existing footprint of your kitchen. While breathing new life into its overall appearance and usability, these budget-friendly upgrades include entry-level cabinetry, standard countertops and simple sinks and hardware. Additional features include ceramic tile backsplash and stock lighting. Everything in the kitchen will be upgraded, though the layout and plumbing will remain unchanged.

This level of kitchen is best if you want to update your space on a limited budget or if you're planning to sell your home in the near future but don't want to spend a lot on it. Many of our clients choose this option for properties in their investment portfolios.

Midrange Kitchens - $65k to $95k

Our mid-range kitchens combine the luxury of high-end kitchens while limiting the extravagant details. For this level, the upgrade will be considerably better than the basic option and will include; semi-custom cabinetry with versatile sizing and door options, a semi-custom island, natural stone or quartz countertops, ceramic/porcelain tile backsplash, better hardware, spacious sink with matching faucet, cabinet lighting, complementary baseboard and casing and harmonious accessories for the perfect finishing touches.

Moderate adjustments to the kitchen layout can be made, such as moving the sink or electricals, but the overall layout will essentially stay the same. If you want to overhaul the floor plan entirely, the total cost will increase significantly. This kitchen level is best if you want a fantastic kitchen without extravagant accents, splurges or overspending. The majority of our clients go for the mid-range kitchen for their primary residence.

High-end Kitchens - $120k+

Our high-end kitchens are the most prestigious, one-of-a-kind, custom-built kitchens. Every feature in this kitchen is designed specifically for you, using high-end materials such as custom cabinetry with built-in sliding shelves and custom interior accessories. This level also includes; natural stone countertops with matching backsplash, custom designed kitchen island with an incorporated second sink or hob, a high-end undermount sink with designer faucet, built-in garbage disposal and water filtration system.

At this level, floorplans can be completely overhauled, and you can put things exactly where you want - you may even want to knock through into adjacent rooms for more space.

You will also get premium accessories throughout with luxurious finishing touches such as custom cabinet hardware, beadboard finish, crown mouldings, leaded glass windows, authentic baseboard and casing and other architectural details to ensure your kitchen is an absolutely outstanding space in terms of both appearance and usability. A high-end kitchen is best for you if you want to have everything you ever dreamed of in your one-of-a-kind kitchen, with no expense spared.

5-15% Rule

The 5 to 15 percent rule means your kitchen renovation should cost no less than 5 percent of your home’s value and no more than 15 percent. Here’s what that looks like. For example, if you own an $800,000 home, the lowest number you likely want to spend on your new kitchen will be $40,000 (5 percent). But you probably wouldn’t want to exceed a budget of $120,000 (15 percent).

Spend less than 5 percent, and you may decrease the value of your home. However, investing more than 15 percent of your home’s value could put you at risk of lowering your ROI when you sell your home. Obviously, there are exceptions to every rule, but when you’re trying to set a budget for your kitchen renovation, the 5 to 15 percent rule is a good place to start.

Conclusion

Determining which of the three levels your kitchen renovation falls into is essential. Then, you can start looking at different styles, materials and amenities. It might be worth splurging on the highest-end finishes if you plan to stay in your home for five years or more. The above costs can vary considerably and are dependent on the finishes you select. Remember to put aside an additional 10% of your budget for unforeseen expenses to cover any issues that may arise during the renovation.

If you need any help or further guidance, schedule an appointment with our kitchen designer below and she will assess your goals, ideas and budget to steer you towards something that will work for you.

What are the Main Factors that Impact The Cost?

Changing the Layout and Configuration – It costs less to renovate a kitchen if you don’t change the location of things like sinks, dishwashers, stoves, ovens, refrigerators, lighting, etc. Changing the location of these things require extra plumbing, electrical and gas line costs for your new kitchen. However, if the configuration and layout of your existing kitchen aren’t working for you, these additional costs may be worthwhile.

Upgrades Electric to Gas Utilities – Going from an all-electric kitchen to a kitchen with a gas stove and ovens increase the total cost of your project. Also, if your home has not had its electrical system upgraded in a while, you may need to “heavy up” and add electrical circuits to meet building code and to handle today’s appliances.

Quality of Design, Installation, and Construction – Regardless of all other considerations, there is almost always a cost difference between a low-level design with poor craftsmanship for the installation when compared to a carefully thought out kitchen design that is built with care and high-quality craftsmanship.

When renovating your kitchen involves moving walls, removing or adding doors or windows; the design and quality of construction will also impact cost, sometimes considerably. But sometimes these costs are worth the investment. They can both make your kitchen and home better to live in.

Project Management and Client Service – At MKC Renovations, we typically charge more than one that doesn’t provide professional project management and attentive client service. It’s because it takes a higher calibre of staff members and managers to provide this. BUT, the small cost for this higher level of service, provides you with an enormous advantage.

This is because a basic standard company with no project management, and a lower customer service level, often leads to higher, hidden and unexpected costs. These costs come in the form of you spending more time dealing with problems, the likelihood of more delays, surprise costs, and headaches.

Renovation Permit - Typically kitchen renovations do NOT need a permit when the work consists of minor cosmetic upgrades. However, electrical and plumbing permits may be required and in some situations, the city of Calgary will require a building safety approval (building permit). If the renovation is extensive and the design does not meet land use bylaw specifications you will also require planning approval (Development Permit).

At MKC Renovations, we’ll take care of all the permits including the plan review, inspections, and fees. Additional fees may occur if your home is in a historic neighbourhood. Without the right permits, it could be challenging to sell your home later.