A finished basement is a luxury to have but even more so when there’s a kitchen included. Suddenly you have twice the space when it comes to dining and entertaining, plus a space for renters. While a basement renovation can be costly, the price is offset by the value it adds to your home. Making repairs or starting renovations for your basement can be tricky to budget and plan. Even more so when adding to or designing a whole new kitchen, kitchenette, or wet bar. To get you started, we’ve rounded up the average costs of 5 easy basement kitchen projects. Please be advised that these costs are based on average costs related to small kitchen repairs and renovations.
1. Plumbing
In order to add kitchen features to your basement, you need to have plumbing in place. If you have existing drains and pipes from a laundry sink or an existing bathroom, then you have a head start. However, keep in mind that you may be required to update this plumbing if it is not up to code. If you do not have existing plumbing, then you will have to plumb your basement. This can be easily done if you have plumbing access that is accessible from the upper floor, but it can become costly if the plumber is required to add new pipes. The average cost of updating plumbing in your basement for a kitchen ranges from $500-$1000 per appliance. The average cost is based on what appliances you are adding, if you have to move the existing plumbing, or if you have to add new plumbing entirely.
Below are the average costs of Plumbing services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Barrie | $2,330 | $100 | $14,000 |
| Calgary | $1,846 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $1,723 | $100 | $40,000 |
| Hamilton | $1,550 | $100 | $32,500 |
| Oshawa | $1,020 | $100 | $25,000 |
| Ottawa | $1,118 | $100 | $48,000 |
| Toronto | $1,442 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $2,115 | $100 | $45,000 |
*Costs based on 8637 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
2. Wet Bar
The most basic feature of a basement kitchen is the addition of a wet bar. A wet bar refers to a bar area that has a sink with running water. Wet bars are great for preparing and storing food and drinks. Adding a wet bar to your basement allows you to be able to separate yourself from your everyday kitchen while entertaining guests. People tend to gravitate towards where the food and drinks are, typically the kitchen, so over-time kitchens get run down. Having the ability to use a seperate space for occasions allows you to prevent early wear and tear of your everyday space.
The average cost of adding a wet bar into your basement is anywhere from $2000-$12,000. This cost is based on the type of appliances and materials that you choose, how big the area is, and the cost of plumbing associated. If you want to add a wet bar to your basement, consult with a general contractor who will be able to coordinate the moving parts for this project.
3. Countertops
Whether you’re adding a full kitchen or just a wet bar, you’ll need countertops. If you have a pre-existing countertop and are looking to repair or update it, the average cost is about $200-$800. The cost is dependent upon the amount of counter space needed and the material used. When deciding on what material to use, it is important to think about the future. While a cheaper quality material will save you upfront, it may actually end up costing you more down the road in maintenance and repair fees. Think about your intended use for this space and if you should splurge or save.
4. Cabinets
Cabinets are another great amenity for your basement kitchen as they provide useful hidden storage. Cabinets experience wear and tear unlike other parts of the kitchen, being opened and closed everyday. If your cabinets are falling apart and are in need of a complete update, then you should budget for an average cost of $100-$200 per cabinet. However, if your cabinets are still functioning fine, then repainting or resurfacing them is a great option to save you money.
If you are up for this alternative option, it can cost you anywhere from $100-$200, depending on the size and materials used. If you are looking to hire someone it will be more expensive as you have to account for the labour required. Depending on the size of your space, you can pay up to $1000 to have your cabinets repainted. If you want some inspiration, check out our round up of Kitchen Cabinet Trends 2019.
5. Appliances
Having access to a secondary kitchen in the basement is a great convenience. You have double the space for storage and to prep meals, plus you can easily entertain downstairs. Updating your existing appliances or adding new appliances costs on average $100-$300 per appliance. The price will vary depending on the size and model of the appliance. If your basement kitchen is not your main kitchen, you can save by purchasing smaller appliances. This will save you space and money. Think about what you will be using the space for and then buy the appropriate appliances.
Adding a kitchen to your basement has its perks. In addition to upping your resale value, a secondary kitchen provides double the amount of storage and aids in the ease of entertaining. If you want to add a kitchen to your basement, start with these easy projects. Connect with a kitchen renovation specialist, plumber or general contractor on HomeStars to get your project started today.
Article Updated June 2022
