Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen renovations vary more than almost any other room — the range between a cosmetic refresh and a full custom build is significant. As a general guide:

• Light refresh (new countertops, fixtures, paint, appliances): $20,000–$35,000

• Mid-range renovation (new cabinetry, tile, plumbing updates, layout work): $40,000–$75,000

• Full custom renovation (custom cabinetry, structural changes, high-end finishes): $80,000–$150,000+

Cabinetry alone can account for 30–40% of a kitchen budget, so material choices have a big impact on where you land in that range. The best way to understand your number is to walk through the space together.

A mid-range kitchen renovation typically takes 6–10 weeks for construction. More complex projects involving layout changes, custom cabinetry orders, or structural work can extend that timeline.

One of the most common causes of delays is material lead times — custom cabinetry and specialty appliances can take 8–12 weeks to arrive. We factor this into your schedule before work begins so that everything is ready when it needs to be, and the project moves without unnecessary stops.

Cosmetic updates — like replacing countertops, painting, or swapping appliances — typically don't require a permit. However, permits are generally required when the scope includes:

• Moving or adding plumbing (relocating a sink, adding a dishwasher connection)

• Electrical upgrades or new circuits

• Structural changes such as removing walls or widening openings

We handle permitting on your behalf and are familiar with the requirements across municipalities in the North Shore and Greater Vancouver. All licensed trade work is coordinated and managed by us.

Yes — and it's often worth considering. Layout changes can dramatically improve how a kitchen functions day to day. Moving a sink, opening up a wall, or reconfiguring the work triangle are all common requests we handle.

That said, layout changes do affect cost and timeline more than surface-level updates. Moving plumbing and electrical requires permits and licensed trades, and structural changes, like removing walls, need to be assessed carefully. We'll talk through what's realistic and what it involves during the on-site consultation.

The most common culprits are layout changes added mid-project, material upgrades after the quote is finalized, and hidden conditions discovered once walls are opened — old plumbing, inadequate electrical capacity, or water damage are all things we see regularly in older Greater Vancouver homes.

We flag potential risks at the quoting stage and build as much clarity into the scope as possible upfront. If something unexpected comes up during the build, we'll explain what we found and present your options before proceeding.

Cabinetry and countertops are generally where quality pays off most — they're the most used surfaces in the room and the hardest to replace later. A quality cabinet box with soft-close hardware will outlast a cheaper alternative by years. Appliances are worth investing in if cooking is important to your household. Where you can often save without much visible impact: interior cabinet organizers (add these later), decorative hardware (easily swapped), and backsplash tile (a mid-range tile installed well looks just as good as a premium one).

It depends on the condition of your current kitchen and the expectations of buyers in your area. In the Greater Vancouver market, an outdated kitchen can be a meaningful barrier for buyers — but a full renovation isn't always the right move before a sale. Sometimes a targeted refresh (new countertops, paint, hardware, updated lighting) delivers strong visual impact at a fraction of the cost of a full reno. We can help you think through what makes sense for your situation and give you an honest picture of what the work would involve.