How to Estimate the Cost of a Kitchen Renovation in Vancouver

So, you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen in Vancouver. The big question on everyone’s mind is always the same: what’s it really going to cost?

In Vancouver, a kitchen renovation can run anywhere from $25,000 for a simple refresh to well over $100,000 for a high-end, custom overhaul. Most homeowners we work with across Vancouver and its surrounding areas—from Burnaby and Richmond to the North Shore—find themselves in the mid-range, typically budgeting between $35,000 and $65,000 for a full remodel. Think of this as your realistic starting point for building a solid financial plan.

What a Kitchen Renovation Really Costs in Vancouver

Let's be clear: planning a kitchen renovation in Greater Vancouver is its own unique challenge. The costs here are driven by a mix of factors specific to our region—high demand for skilled trades, the price of premium materials, and the simple logistics of working in busy urban centres like Richmond, Burnaby, or New Westminster.

Vancouver's booming real estate market has a direct knock-on effect on renovation expenses. You’ll find that you’ll generally pay a premium for both materials and quality labour, and it's something you absolutely need to factor into your budget from the get-go. In fact, homeowners here often pay 20–30% more for renovations compared to other major Canadian cities. We'll break down these costs specifically for our local market so you can walk into your project with your eyes wide open.

Setting Realistic Budget Expectations

To get a handle on the numbers, it helps to break projects down into different tiers. Each level reflects a different scope of work, quality of finishes, and level of customization. Whether you're in Coquitlam, Port Moody, or West Vancouver, these categories give you a solid framework for budgeting.

Before we dive into the tiers, here's a quick summary of what you can generally expect to spend.

Typical Kitchen Renovation Budgets in Greater Vancouver

Project Tier	Typical Cost Range	Best For
Basic / Cosmetic	$25,000 – $40,000	A functional kitchen that just needs a modern facelift without changing the layout.
Mid-Range	$40,000 – $75,000	The most popular option, offering a full transformation with new cabinets, counters, and appliances.
High-End / Custom	$75,000+	A complete gut-and-rebuild, often involving structural changes for a dream kitchen.

Now, let's look at what each of those tiers actually includes.

• Basic or Cosmetic Renovation ($25,000 – $40,000): This is your refresh. If your kitchen's bones are good, this tier covers things like painting the existing cabinets, putting in a new backsplash and light fixtures, and swapping out countertops for a budget-friendly option like laminate. The key here is that the layout stays exactly the same.

• Mid-Range Renovation ($40,000 – $75,000): This is the sweet spot for most people and our most common type of project. It involves a more complete overhaul: new semi-custom cabinets, stone countertops like quartz, a full suite of new appliances, updated flooring, and modern plumbing fixtures. You might make some minor layout tweaks, but nothing that involves moving walls.

• High-End or Custom Renovation ($75,000+): This is the full-meal deal. We’re talking a complete gut, a total redesign, and often structural work like removing a wall to create that coveted open-concept living space. You can expect fully custom cabinetry, professional-grade appliances, and luxury materials like marble. This budget also covers the more complex electrical and plumbing work that comes with a major redesign.

A well-planned budget is the single most important tool for a successful renovation. It guides every decision, from material selection to the final finishes, ensuring your vision aligns with your investment.

Understanding these tiers is the first step in matching your dream kitchen with a practical financial plan. And if you're working with a smaller footprint, we have some budget-friendly tips for renovating your condo that can help you get the most out of every dollar. This initial planning is the foundation for creating a kitchen that not only looks incredible but also adds real, lasting value to your home.

Decoding Your Budget: Where the Money Really Goes

Figuring out the total cost of a kitchen renovation in Vancouver is the first step, but the real "aha!" moment comes when you see exactly where that money is going. A renovation budget isn't just one lump sum; it's a puzzle made up of many different pieces. Breaking it down helps you understand the true value of each part, especially in a competitive market like ours.

This visual gives you a quick snapshot of the typical budget ranges we see for kitchen projects across Vancouver and in surrounding communities like Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, and Coquitlam.

As the chart shows, the scope of your project—whether it's a simple cosmetic refresh or a full-scale custom transformation—is the biggest driver of the final investment.

To give you a clearer picture, let's look at how a typical mid-range budget is allocated.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Allocation

Component	Percentage of Budget	Example Cost (on a $60,000 project)
Labour & Project Management	35-45%	$21,000 – $27,000
Cabinetry	30-35%	$18,000 – $21,000
Countertops	10-15%	$6,000 – $9,000
Appliances	10-15%	$6,000 – $9,000
Flooring	5-7%	$3,000 – $4,200
Fixtures & Lighting	5-10%	$3,000 – $6,000

This breakdown highlights that materials and the skilled labour needed to install them are the two biggest factors influencing your total cost.

The 'Big Five' Material Costs

When you’re mapping out your budget, the bulk of your material costs will fall into five key areas. These are the tangible things you’ll see and use every single day, so their quality and style have a massive impact on the final price tag.

• Cabinetry (30-35%): This is almost always the single biggest expense, and for good reason. Your cabinets define the kitchen's entire look, feel, and flow. The options are vast—from affordable stock units to semi-custom and fully bespoke designs—and the final cost hinges on the material, finish, and quality of construction.

• Countertops (10-15%): As a major visual and workhorse surface, countertops matter. Popular, durable choices like quartz and granite come with a higher price tag than laminate, but they pay you back in longevity and sheer aesthetic appeal.

• Appliances (10-15%): The cost here can swing dramatically. A standard suite of good-quality appliances might run a few thousand dollars. But if you’re dreaming of professional-grade, high-end models, that line item can easily jump to $20,000 or more.

• Flooring (5-7%): Kitchen flooring has to be tough enough to handle constant foot traffic, spills, and everything in between. Your options range from cost-effective luxury vinyl plank (LVP) to timeless hardwood or elegant tile, each with its own material and installation costs.

• Fixtures & Lighting (5-10%): This category covers the finishing touches: your sink, faucet, pot lights, under-cabinet lighting, and any statement pendants. While they seem like small details, they add up quickly and are absolutely essential for creating a functional, inviting atmosphere.

With so much of your budget dedicated to cabinetry, it's a decision you want to get right. For some excellent advice on selecting the right kitchen cabinets for your home, this guide offers some really practical insights to balance style with your financial plan.

The Most Important Investment: Labour & Professional Services

Materials are a huge part of the equation, but they’re only half the story. Here in the Greater Vancouver area, from Richmond to the District of North Vancouver, skilled labour and professional services are a substantial—and arguably the most critical—part of your investment.

It’s completely normal in our local market for labour to make up 35-45% of the total project cost. This isn’t just a number; it represents the skilled, experienced tradespeople who turn a pile of materials into your dream kitchen.

That percentage might seem high at first glance, but it’s the cost of precision, quality, and peace of mind. This crucial part of your budget covers:

• Demolition and Prep: The careful, methodical removal of the old kitchen and preparing the "canvas" for the new one.
• Installation: The precise work of fitting cabinets, setting countertops, laying flooring, and installing tile backsplashes.
• Licensed Trades: Certified electricians and plumbers are non-negotiable. They ensure every wire and pipe is installed safely and to code, which is vital in municipalities like Burnaby, New Westminster, and Vancouver.
• Project Management: The behind-the-scenes coordination that keeps everything moving—scheduling trades, managing material deliveries, and handling inspections to ensure your project stays on track.

Trying to cut corners on labour is one of the riskiest moves you can make. Shoddy craftsmanship can quickly lead to expensive repairs, frustrating delays, and a finished product that just doesn't live up to your vision. The real value in a professional renovation lies in the team's skill and experience. It's the difference between a kitchen that just looks good on day one and one that works beautifully for decades to come.

Navigating Local Renovation Challenges in Vancouver

Figuring out the cost of materials and labour is a great start, but renovating a kitchen in Vancouver, Burnaby, or New Westminster brings its own unique set of local hurdles. These are the real-world challenges that can throw a wrench into your timeline and budget if you’re not prepared. Tackling them successfully requires a team with deep local roots and experience.

It’s about more than just picking the right countertops. You’ve got to navigate the maze of municipal permits and brace for the surprises often lurking inside the walls of an older home. Here’s an insider’s look at what you’ll be up against and how to plan for it.

The Permit Puzzle Across Municipalities

One of the first local roadblocks you'll hit is the permitting process, which is surprisingly different from one city to the next. The paperwork for a kitchen remodel in the City of North Vancouver won't be the same as the rules in Coquitlam or Richmond. It’s a classic case of local bureaucracy.

If you’re doing anything more than swapping out cabinets and painting, you’ll almost certainly need a permit. That means moving walls, touching plumbing, or changing the electrical layout. This isn't just red tape; it's about making sure the work is safe and meets the latest building code. A seasoned local contractor handles this entire headache for you, from the initial application to the final sign-off.

Unforeseen Issues in Older Homes

The Greater Vancouver area is full of beautiful character homes, from quaint Burnaby bungalows to historic houses in New Westminster. As charming as they are, these older properties are notorious for hiding secrets that only come out once the walls are opened up.

During demolition, it’s not unusual for us to uncover:

• Outdated electrical wiring that simply can't handle the load of modern, high-powered appliances.
• Hidden plumbing problems, like corroded pipes on the verge of leaking.
• Structural surprises such as wood rot or pest damage that have to be fixed before anything new goes in.
• Hazardous materials like asbestos, which requires certified professionals for safe removal and adds time and cost to the project.

We always advise our clients to set aside a contingency fund of 10-15% of the total budget. Think of it as an insurance policy against the unknown. It’s the single best way to ensure a surprise discovery doesn't derail your entire project.

This buffer gives you the peace of mind to deal with unexpected issues the right way, without having to sacrifice the finishes you've set your heart on.

Navigating Strata Bylaws in Condos

If you live in a condo or townhome in a dense area like Port Moody, downtown Vancouver, or Richmond, you have another layer of rules to deal with: the strata corporation. Before a single hammer is swung, you need the green light from your strata council.

Strata bylaws often have strict rules covering:

• Allowable work hours to keep noise to a minimum for your neighbours.
• How debris is removed and where materials can be delivered and stored.
• Requirements for protecting common areas like hallways and elevators from damage.
• Specific insurance and licensing that all tradespeople must carry to work in the building.

A contractor who regularly works on strata renovations knows exactly how to package a proposal for the council and will manage all the logistics to keep everyone happy. This is an essential skill for a smooth project in a multi-family building, because ignoring these rules can lead to fines or even a work stoppage order—adding a whole lot of stress and money to your renovation.

Real Vancouver Kitchens, Real Budgets

Theory and percentages are helpful, but nothing tells the story like a real project. To give you a feel for how different goals and choices impact the final cost of a kitchen renovation in Vancouver, let's look at three recent projects we've completed across the region. Each one had its own unique challenges, a different homeowner vision, and a budget to match.

We'll journey from a smart, cosmetic update in Burnaby to a full-scale luxury transformation in West Vancouver, showing you exactly where the money goes.

Case Study 1: The Burnaby Condo Refresh

The Goal: A young professional wanted to bring his 15-year-old Burnaby condo kitchen into the present day without a massive financial outlay. The layout worked, but the dark, tired cabinets and dated laminate counters made the space feel cramped and gloomy. The challenge was to create maximum visual impact while playing by the strata's rules.

The Project: This job was a masterclass in making smart, strategic upgrades. We kept the existing cabinet boxes—they were in great shape—but refaced them with crisp, white shaker-style doors and added modern matte black hardware. Out went the old laminate, replaced by a durable and bright quartz countertop. A classic white subway tile backsplash tied it all together. To finish it off, we installed under-cabinet LED strips and a new ceiling fixture, completely changing the room's ambiance.

The Budget Breakdown (Final Cost: $32,000):

• Cabinet Refacing & Hardware: $9,500
• Quartz Countertops: $7,000
• Backsplash (Materials & Labour): $2,500
• New Sink & Faucet: $1,500
• Lighting & Electrical Updates: $2,000
• Painting & Finishing: $2,000
• Labour & Project Management: $7,500

This project is a perfect example of how a focused, cosmetic approach can deliver a stunning transformation on a more modest budget.

Case Study 2: The North Vancouver Family Hub

The Goal: A growing family in the City of North Vancouver needed to overhaul their cramped, inefficient kitchen. It just wasn't working for their busy lifestyle. They envisioned a highly functional, durable space with much better storage, a smarter layout, and a big island that could double as a spot for homework and casual weeknight dinners. They wanted quality finishes that could stand up to the rigours of family life.

The Project: We took this one right back to the studs. A non-load-bearing wall came down to open the kitchen up to the dining area, instantly making the whole main floor feel larger. This allowed us to design a new U-shaped layout with semi-custom cabinetry and a generous central island. We chose hard-wearing quartz for the counters and laid durable luxury vinyl plank flooring across the main level to create a seamless, cohesive look. A full suite of new mid-range appliances completed the upgrade.

The Budget Breakdown (Final Cost: $68,000):

• Demolition & Wall Removal: $4,000
• Semi-Custom Cabinetry: $22,000
• Quartz Countertops & Island: $11,000
• New Appliances: $9,000
• Flooring: $5,000
• Plumbing & Electrical (for new layout): $7,000
• Permits, Labour & Management: $10,000

This mid-range reno shows where the costs climb when you start changing layouts and investing in quality, long-lasting materials. It's a reflection of a city-wide trend; the average cost per square foot for a kitchen renovation in Vancouver now sits between $130 and $350, a huge jump from just a decade ago.

Case Study 3: The West Vancouver Luxury Dream

The Goal: The owners of a stunning West Vancouver home wanted a true showpiece kitchen designed for entertaining. The vision was uncompromising: professional-grade appliances, fully custom millwork, and luxurious materials throughout. A key part of the plan involved removing a structural wall to create a jaw-dropping, open-concept space with uninterrupted ocean views.

The Project: This was a complex, high-end renovation that demanded architectural and engineering involvement from the start. We brought in custom-built walnut cabinetry, a statement marble waterfall island, and premium countertops. The appliance package was a chef's dream, complete with a built-in espresso machine and a wine fridge. Every detail, from the intricate lighting design to the high-end plumbing fixtures, was chosen to create a sophisticated, polished look.

This level of renovation is an investment not just in your lifestyle but in your property's long-term value. Custom features and structural changes require meticulous planning and execution by a team experienced in luxury builds.

The Budget Breakdown (Final Cost: $145,000+):

• Engineering & Structural Work: $18,000
• Fully Custom Cabinetry & Millwork: $45,000
• Marble Countertops & Waterfall Island: $25,000
• High-End Appliance Package: $28,000
• Custom Lighting & Fixtures: $9,000
• Permits, Labour & Management: $20,000+

These real-world examples really show the vast range of what’s possible. To see more transformations like these and get some ideas for your own home, feel free to explore our other kitchen renovation projects.

How Your Kitchen Renovation Pays You Back

Thinking about a kitchen renovation in Burnaby, West Vancouver, or Port Coquitlam? It’s easy to get caught up in the costs, but it's just as important to see it for what it really is: a smart investment in your property. Beyond the daily joy of cooking in a beautiful, functional space, a well-planned reno adds serious value when it comes time to sell in the competitive Greater Vancouver market.

This isn't just wishful thinking—the numbers back it up, especially here. Local industry data for 2025 shows that a kitchen renovation in Vancouver will typically recoup 75% to 90% of its cost at resale. That’s a fantastic return, and it’s noticeably higher than the national average across Canada.

To put that in perspective, a $50,000 kitchen project in a place like Richmond or Coquitlam could realistically add $37,500 to $45,000 back to your home's sale price. If you're curious, you can explore more about these national trends to see just how well our local market performs.

Upgrades That Maximize Your Return

When you’re investing for a return, not all upgrades are created equal. Some changes are surefire crowd-pleasers for future buyers, while others are more about your own personal enjoyment. If boosting your home's value is high on your list, you’ll want to focus on the elements that deliver the biggest bang for your buck.

Here’s what consistently gives homeowners in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and New Westminster the best financial returns:

• Modern Cabinetry: Nothing dates a kitchen faster than old, worn-out cabinets. Choosing a clean, contemporary style like Shaker doors in a neutral white or grey has almost universal appeal and can single-handedly transform the room.
• Durable Stone Countertops: Quartz is king for a reason. It’s stunning, tough as nails, and requires virtually no maintenance—a winning combination for any potential homebuyer.
• Quality Mid-Range Appliances: You don't need to spring for a professional-grade setup. A matching suite of stainless steel or panel-ready appliances from a trusted brand like Bosch or KitchenAid sends a strong signal of quality and reliability.
• Improved Layout and Flow: This one is huge. Knocking down a non-structural wall to open up a cramped kitchen or adding a functional island can completely change how the space feels. A kitchen that flows well is a major selling point.

Balancing Personal Taste with Resale Value

Of course, this kitchen is for you to live in and love right now. The trick is to strike the right balance between timeless choices that appeal to everyone and the personal touches that make it feel like home.

I always tell my clients to think of it this way: your cabinets and countertops are the canvas. Keep them classic and versatile. Then, you can splash your personality onto the things that are easier and less expensive to change down the road, like the backsplash, the light fixtures, or the wall colour.

This approach gives you the best of both worlds. You get a kitchen that not only elevates your daily life but also appeals to a wide pool of buyers when you decide to sell. It’s one of the smartest ways to build long-term equity in your home.

Choosing the Right Renovation Partner

You’ve planned your budget and have a vision for your dream kitchen. Now comes the single most important decision you'll make: choosing the right team to bring it to life. This choice will define your entire renovation experience, protecting your investment and ensuring the project runs smoothly, especially within the unique complexities of the Greater Vancouver market.

It’s easy to get drawn in by the lowest quote, but be careful—that’s often a huge red flag. An unusually low bid can hide things like subpar materials, uninsured labour, or a team that hasn't fully grasped the project's scope. This almost always leads to expensive "surprises" down the road. A true professional will give you a detailed, itemized estimate that clearly shows where every dollar is going. That kind of transparency is the bedrock of a good partnership.

Vetting Potential Contractors

To find a reliable partner for your project, whether you're in Burnaby, Richmond, or West Vancouver, you need to dig in and ask the right questions. Any pro worth their salt will welcome your due diligence and have clear, confident answers ready. Think of this checklist as your essential toolkit before meeting with any potential builder.

Essential Questions for Your Contractor:

• Licensing and Insurance: Are you fully licensed to work in my municipality (e.g., Richmond, Coquitlam, City of North Vancouver)? Can you show me proof of liability insurance and active WorkSafeBC coverage for your crew?
• Experience and Portfolio: Can you show me some kitchen renovations you’ve finished that are similar to mine, preferably here in the Vancouver area? Would it be possible to speak with a few of your recent clients?
• Estimates and Contracts: Will you provide a detailed, itemized quote? What, exactly, does your contract cover, and what would be considered an extra charge?
• Change Orders: What’s your process when we need to make a change or if something unexpected comes up after we’ve started? How do you document and get approval for those changes?
• Team and Trades: Do you have your own crew, or do you use subcontractors? Are all your tradespeople—like plumbers and electricians—certified and insured?

A contractor’s willingness to walk you through these points openly is one of the best signs of their professionalism. This conversation really sets the tone for the entire project.

Finding the right team is about more than just managing the build; it’s about finding a guide who can expertly navigate the whole process. To get a better feel for what this involves, learning more about the role of a general contractor in Vancouver can give you a deeper understanding of how a well-run project unfolds. Ultimately, partnering with a team that has a proven track record, clear communication, and deep local expertise is the surest way to guarantee the final cost of your kitchen renovation in Vancouver matches your expectations and delivers a space you’ll love for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you're starting to think about a kitchen renovation, a lot of questions pop up. It’s completely normal. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often from homeowners across Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, and the surrounding areas.

How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take in Vancouver?

The honest answer? It really depends on the scale of your project.

If you’re just doing a cosmetic facelift—maybe refacing cabinets and swapping out the countertops—you could be looking at a quick turnaround of one to two weeks.

For a more substantial mid-range reno, where we're replacing cabinets and appliances but keeping the layout the same, you should probably set aside four to eight weeks. But if you're planning a full gut job that involves moving walls, rerouting plumbing, getting permits, and installing custom pieces in a home in North or West Vancouver, it's wise to plan for three to five months from the first day of design to the final reveal. Timelines can shift based on things like city permit approvals and how long it takes for specific materials to arrive.

Do I Need a Permit for My Kitchen Renovation?

More often than not, yes. As soon as your project moves beyond simple cosmetic tweaks, a permit is usually required. Any work that touches your home's structure, plumbing, or electrical systems needs a thumbs-up from your local municipality, whether you're in Richmond, Coquitlam, New Westminster, or Vancouver itself.

A good, experienced contractor will handle the entire permitting maze for you. This is a crucial part of the process—it ensures everything is built to code, which protects not only your safety but also your home's long-term value.

What Is the Best Way to Save Money on My Remodel?

There are definitely smart ways to keep costs in check without cutting corners on quality. The single biggest money-saver is sticking with your current kitchen layout. Moving plumbing and electrical outlets is where costs can really start to climb.

Another great strategy is to look at high-quality stock or semi-custom cabinets. You can get a stunning, high-end look for a lot less than fully custom millwork. Finally, investing time in detailed planning with your contractor before any work begins is key. A rock-solid plan prevents those costly "while we're at it" changes that can blow up a budget. To get a ballpark figure before you even start making calls, a tool like this online Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator can be a helpful first step.

Is Renovating a Good Investment Before Selling?

Absolutely. Here in the competitive Vancouver real estate market, a beautiful, modern kitchen is a massive selling point. It’s often the room that seals the deal.

A well-executed renovation can help your home stand out, attract more serious buyers, and ultimately sell for a better price. As we’ve seen, the return on investment for kitchens in our region is fantastic. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, stick to timeless, neutral finishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes, rather than something super trendy or overly personal.

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Embarking on a kitchen renovation is an exciting prospect. Getting your facts straight is the first step to making it a success. With a clear budget and a partner you can trust, you're well on your way to creating a space that you'll love and that adds real value to your home.

Ready to take the next step? The team at Domicile Construction Inc. is here to guide you through the entire process, from the first sketch to the final walkthrough. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get a detailed estimate for your Vancouver kitchen renovation.