- Refresh (same layout): about $15,000 to $40,000
- Mid-range full renovation: about $35,000 to $75,000
- High-end or open-concept kitchen: $65,000 to $100,000+
- Construction time: 4 to 8 weeks, plus 2 to 6 weeks for design and lead times
The kitchen is the room where a renovation pays off most in daily life, and also where budgets slip most easily. Between cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing and electrical, the final bill can vary fivefold. This guide helps you see which tier your project falls into and what really drives the price in Toronto.
The three kitchen price tiers in Toronto
| Tier | What is usually included | Typical budget |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | Same layout. New countertop, backsplash, cabinet fronts or paint, hardware, lighting. | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Full renovation | New cabinets, quartz countertop, appliances, new floor, pot lights, plumbing and electrical upgrades. | $35,000 – $75,000 |
| High-end / open concept | Layout change, wall removal, custom cabinets, integrated appliances, premium stone or quartz. | $65,000 – $100,000+ |
These ranges overlap on purpose: two kitchens of the same size can land in different tiers depending on material choices.
Where your money goes
In a full renovation, the split often looks like this (rough orders of magnitude):
- Cabinets and hardware: about 30%. This is the biggest item. Expect $200 to $400 per linear foot for semi-custom, and $500 to $1,200 for custom.
- Installation labour: about 15%.
- Appliances: about 15%, much more if you choose high-end integrated models.
- Countertop: about 10%. Quartz usually runs $50 to $150 per square foot for the material, plus fabrication and installation.
- Flooring, drywall, lighting, design: the rest of the budget.
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What really changes the price
Moving the sink or the range
Keeping the plumbing where it is is one of the best ways to control the budget. Moving a sink or adding an island with a sink often adds $2,500 to $5,000, depending on access to the pipes.
Opening up to the living room: removing a load-bearing wall
Open-concept kitchens are in high demand in Toronto. If the wall is load-bearing, you need a structural engineer, a beam (often steel), temporary shoring and a building permit. In Toronto, the whole job usually runs $6,000 to $20,000, finishing included. A non-load-bearing wall costs much less, but only a professional can confirm that it isn't load-bearing.
The electrical panel
A modern kitchen draws a lot of power: induction, wall oven, dishwasher, under-cabinet lighting. Older homes sometimes need a 200 A panel. In Ontario, all electrical work must be reported to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
Materials and appliances
For the same size, going from standard to custom cabinets, or from regular to integrated appliances, can double the budget. This is often where you can make trade-offs without hurting the result.
How long does the work take?
For a full renovation, expect 4 to 8 weeks of construction. Add 2 to 6 weeks beforehand for design, any permit, and delivery of cabinets and countertop (the countertop is only templated once the cabinets are installed).
A real example: our open-concept kitchen in Forest Hill took 7 weeks, from removing the load-bearing wall to the final inspection.
Our tips to keep your budget under control
- Set your tier before choosing materials. Choosing is easier within a clear frame.
- Keep the layout if you can. It is the biggest saving.
- Invest in what you touch every day: countertop, faucet, soft-close drawers.
- Ask for a quote itemized by category, not a single total, so you compare like with like.
- Insist on a written contract. In Ontario, any renovation contract over $50 must be in writing and state the price, schedule and payment terms.
Frequently asked questions
Does a kitchen renovation need a permit in Toronto?
Replacing cabinets, countertops or flooring does not need a permit. A permit is required if you remove or add a wall, create a new opening or change the plumbing. Electrical work must be reported to the ESA.
Is quartz worth the price?
For a family kitchen, usually yes: it is non-porous, needs no sealing and resists stains well. The price depends mostly on the pattern and thickness.
Can we stay home during the work?
Yes, most of our clients stay home. We protect the surrounding rooms and suggest setting up a small temporary kitchen (microwave, fridge) in another room.