Floors, counters, cabinetry and appliances – there’s a seemingly endless number of components that go into creating the kitchen of your dreams. As a result, it’s no secret that kitchen renovations tend to be high on the list of most expensive home improvement projects. As with any project, there are always ways to save without sacrificing the quality of your space. Here are HomeStars’ tried and true tips for cutting costs but not quality during your kitchen renovation.
Cabinets
Most homeowners find that after appliances, cabinets are the most expensive feature of their kitchen renovation. High-quality custom cabinets will typically cost starting around 10 thousand dollars. That being said, if you’ve decided to preserve the layout of your pre-existing kitchen and more storage isn’t a priority, you could save hundreds on cabinetry.
One option is to paint your existing cabinets. Transitioning your cabinets from dark to light or vice versa can give your space an entirely new feel, especially when combined with updates to other aspects of the space, such as countertops, flooring or even just hardware. Refinishing your cabinets will usually cost between $800 and $5,000 with the help of an expert. Canadian homeowners report spending an average of $3,600 on refinishing their cabinets.
Another possibility is to replace the central panels of certain cabinets. Adding glass or stamped sheet metal to your cabinets can drastically improve the look of older panels. This is a relatively inexpensive way to add a unique flair to your kitchen design. If you need new cabinets installed, homeowners report spending anywhere from $5000 to $20,000. This depends on the type of cabinets you purchase and how complex the installation will be.
Floors
Over the past five years, open-concept spaces have become more and more popular. One of the few drawbacks of this layout is the fact that floors need to be consistent throughout the space. It’s harder to justify splurging on expensive hardwood or tile in certain spaces when you can’t balance out the cost with cheaper materials in other areas. Luckily, there are now many beautiful and cost-effective options on the market.
For many homeowners, laminate flooring is the first option that comes to mind when seeking a cheaper alternative to hardwood, and for good reason. Not only is the material itself cheaper to buy, but installation costs are around 50% lower than hardwood. Laminate flooring is also more durable, more moisture-resistant, and easier to clean than hardwood, which is incredibly important in high-traffic areas like your kitchen. Consult a flooring expert to determine the best quality and style for your kitchen – luckily, there is no shortage of colours and styles to choose from.
Alternatively, you could go with less conventional Luxury Vinyl Flooring. Like laminate, this material uses high-quality images to imitate more expensive natural materials. Typically costing between $3 to $5 per square foot, LVF is a fantastic option for homeowners looking to redo large areas on a budget. Contact a flooring expert to determine which option is best for your new kitchen.
Countertops
Though purchasing a natural stone countertop is tempting, today, there are endless options of man-made alternatives that won’t break the bank. One particularly popular option is Quartz. Quartz countertops are not only less expensive than natural stone, but they are also non-porous, durable, and easy to clean. With hundreds of styles on the market, a countertop specialist will be able to find a match for your favourite natural stones.
Beyond quartz, there are dozens of other cost-effective countertop options. High-end laminate can mimic a huge variety of marble, granite and of course, wood patterns. If you’re looking for something different, try a glazed or tempered glass countertop. These options are extremely resilient and can brighten a room considerably. On the other end of the colour spectrum, natural soapstone is a fantastic option for homeowners looking to take their countertops to the dark side.
With all of these options on the market, take the time to carefully review your options with a specialist before you splurge on a marble or granite slab. Depending on the material you end up selecting, you can expect to pay between $1000 and $6000 for countertop installation in Canada.
Appliances
Unless you plan on keeping your old appliances, appliances will typically account for 20% of the total cost of a kitchen renovation. That being said, there are a number of little-known ways to save on this part of your project.
First and foremost, make sure you look into utility rebates. If you’re purchasing an Energy Star appliance, use their website’s rebate finder to determine if you qualify. You can also save money by buying more than one appliance from the same retailer. If you buy three or more appliances together, you could reduce the total cost of your appliances by up to 20%.
Finally, consider hiring your own pro to install your new appliances. Retailers charge high rates to send out their own servicemen for installation. Depending on how much work is involved in the installation, homeowners report spending between $150 and $1000 for basic appliance installation. Shop around for quotes on HomeStars to ensure you’re getting a fair installation price.
Below are the average costs of Kitchen Planning & Renovation services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Calgary | $14,539 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $15,181 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Hamilton | $20,005 | $200 | $50,000 |
| Oshawa | $23,931 | $1,700 | $45,000 |
| Ottawa | $20,816 | $400 | $50,000 |
| Toronto | $13,483 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $11,342 | $250 | $50,000 |
*Costs based on 1533 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
These tips will help you keep your project on track and on budget. By mixing and matching top-of-the-line and cost-effective materials, your kitchen will look great and your wallet will feel good, too. Get your project underway by contacting a kitchen specialist today!
Article updated June 2022
