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Kitchen Makeover 101: Navigating Costs and Considerations


Design by White Dahlia Design


Thinking about giving your kitchen a facelift? It's a game-changer! Whether you want to boost your home's value, make things more efficient, or just jazz up the place, a kitchen remodel is like a ticket to a whole new vibe. But let's talk cash, because, well, kitchens don't renovate themselves for free. The price tag depends on stuff like how big your kitchen is, the quality of materials you're eyeing, and how wild you wanna go with the changes.


Whether you're aiming for a subtle refresh or a total kitchen overhaul, this post has got your back. We're here to guide you through the kitchen renovation journey, whether you're thinking about small tweaks or going all-in for a massive transformation. From minor touch-ups to major revamps, we'll help you make smart financial choices every step of the way.


Let's talk numbers!



Designs by White Dahlia Design


If you're just sprucing things up with a fresh coat of paint, new countertops, and swapping out cabinet handles, that's a minor renovation. Budget-wise, you're looking at around $10,000 to $20,000. Not bad, right?


Now, if you're ready to go full-on demolition mode, tearing down walls, redoing the floors, and swapping every appliance, welcome to the major league. Costs here can skyrocket to $50,000 or more. But hey, it's a whole new kitchen we're talking about!


Pro Tip: Where you live matters. Labor and material prices dance to a different tune depending on your zip code. To get the nitty-gritty, it's wise to chat with a pro who can check out your space and drop a quote based on your wishes.


Enough chit-chat, let's break down the moolah:


Design and Planning - depends on how fancy you wanna get

$1,000 to $5,000

Demolition and Removal - out with the old, in with the new

$2,000 to $5,000

Plumbing and Electrical - let there be light and water in all the right places

$2,000 to $5,000

Cabinets and Countertops - where the kitchen bling lives

Cabinets ($4,000 to $12,000)

Countertops ($2,000 to $6,000)

Appliances - because a fridge upgrade is always cool

$5,000 to $10,000

Flooring and backsplash - where you stand makes a statement

Hardwood - 5 to $15 or more per square foot

Vynil or LVT - $2 to $7 per square foot

Ceramic or porcelain - $2 to $10 per square foot

Stone such as marble or granite - $10 to $20 or more per square foot

Decorative Trims - for crown moldings and snazzy baseboard

An extra $210 to $570

Miscellaneous Expenses - the devil's in the details

Permits, paint, hardware, and other small stuff ($1,000 to $2,000)


And voila! That's the scoop on kitchen renovations. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of where to kick things off with the pros. Plus, we're about to flaunt some of our latest kitchen reno designs – because, let's be honest, we're pretty proud of them! Get ready for a little show-and-tell. 🛠️👀


*Pricing all in Canadian Dollars


Looking for some professionals?


With so many kitchen folks out there—makers, installers—it's a real maze trying to find something that's both budget-friendly and top-notch while sticking to your deadlines. Hitting up your local home store might seem like the easiest route to your dream kitchen, but watch out! Timelines tend to go MIA, and customer service might not be the friendliest when you're in the dark about your project.


Our tip? Bring in a designer to handle the layout, style, and nail that look you've been dreaming about. Designers have the know-how and training to tackle your questions and make those necessary adjustments. And when it comes to the details like millwork, go local. Find someone with a showroom where you can check out finishes, front styles, and personalized storage options.


If you're all about online convenience and happen to be hanging out in Canada, give Swede a shot. These folks have a killer portfolio, and from our recent collabs, we've got nothing but good experiences with them. Swede's offering includes a variety of cabinet systems, finishes, and styles, but just a heads up—they lean towards the fancier side, with numbers ranging as follows:


  • Average Small-Size Kitchen: $12K - $18K

  • Average Medium-Size Kitchen - $18K - $28K

  • Average Large Size Kitchen - $29K - $45K+


On the other hand, if you are looking for a small refresh on a budget, then replacing your cabinet fronts may be more than enough! Conveniently online, Canadian brands like The Door Maker and Kitch have great tools and tutorials so you can measure the doors you need yourself, place an order on their website, and have them delivered to your door.


We understand that putting specific numbers on random project sizes can be tricky. That's why we're sharing two recent design concepts with you. These examples should give you a better idea of the scope of work and pricing:


Design Sample One – Large Kitchen Overhaul - Location: Ontario



Design by White Dahlia Design


In this project, our clients wanted a kitchen with an island, a bar, a pantry, and extra counter space for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. We kept the existing plumbing but went all out with new cabinetry, countertops, and a fresh backsplash. Modern vibes with a cozy touch.

Check out the 3D design for the full picture!



Design by White Dahlia Design


Quote One:

All cabinetry in particle board - $31K to 34K

All cabinetry in birch plywood - $31.5K to $34.5 K

Quartz countertops - $16K for all surfaces including the island with a waterfall


*Prices do not include tax and install

*Pricing all in Canadian Dollars


Quote Two:

All cabinetry in particle board + melamine - $17,300

Quartz countertops - $16K for all surfaces including the island with a waterfall


*Prices do not include tax

*Pricing all in Canadian Dollars


Design Sample Two – Smaller Kitchen Glow-Up - Location: Ontario



Design by White Dahlia Design


In this project, our clients wanted a kitchen spruce up with a new island, a pantry, and extra counter space. We kept the existing plumbing location and proposed adding new cabinetry, countertops, and a fresh backsplash. A more transitional approach for an elevated look.

Check out the 3D design for the full picture! 


Design by White Dahlia Design

Quote One:

All cabinetry in particle board - $32K to 34K

All cabinetry in birch plywood - $26K to $28 K

Quartz countertops - $13.5K for all surfaces including the island with a waterfall


*Prices do not include tax and install


Quote Two:

All cabinetry in melamine - $53K (including installation)

Quartz countertops - $8K for all surfaces including the island with a waterfall


*Prices do not include tax

*Pricing all in Canadian Dollars


The takeaway


Alright, so ballpark figure for a kitchen redo? You're looking at anything from $25,000 to $50,000 or even more, depending on what you're aiming for. The key? Plan smart, get some experienced folks on your team, and stick to that budget like it's your job. Oh, and follow a decent kitchen reno guide to keep things smooth. And let's not forget, knowing where the cash is going helps big time. Break it down, allocate wisely, and you'll be making decisions like a pro, putting the important stuff first.


On a side note, keeping up with the latest kitchen trends can spark some cool ideas. Whether it's open shelves, genius appliances, or eco-friendly materials, staying in the loop helps you cook up a kitchen that's both practical and slick. Enjoy the whole ride, and if you want to dodge any major oopsies, hit up our expert team. Scroll through some of our previous blog stuff for extra tips on 4 Things To Consider When Hiring a Contractor For Your Home Renovation or 3 Key Elements When Designing a Kitchen. You can also get some handy pro tips on Timeless vs Trendy Backsplashes to Elevate Your Home! and Knobs or Pulls: Your Guru Guide to Cabinet Hardware.


Happy renovating!


White Dahlia Design Team


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