The cost of renovating a kitchen in Mississauga, Toronto and the GTA

Renovating your kitchen can be a pricey endeavour, but very much worth it – after all, it’s one of the rooms in your home you spend the most time in, so why not make sure it’s stylish and functional?

According to Easy Renovation, which specializes in home renovations in the GTA, the cost of kitchen renovation in Toronto, Mississauga and other GTA cities depends on several factors: Labour costs, materials used, the size of the kitchen, layout changes, and installation of new fixtures.

Depending on these factors, the average price of a kitchen renovation will typically range from $12,000 to $40,000.

Here’s a quick rundown on everything that will affect the renovation cost:

Labour costs

Renovating a kitchen requires the help of various experts who will charge you for their time and labour, such as:

• Designer: If you want to remodel your kitchen with a certain aesthetic or style, it’s best to work with a kitchen designer, who can help you get down to the specifics of what you need to make your vision come true. Designers who are overseeing the entire project will typically charge around 10% to 20% of the total renovation cost, while designers offering a one-time consultation may charge about $300 to $400.

• General contractor: Those looking for a simple renovation may instead choose to work with a general contractor, who will oversee the project and work closely with the other experts involved like your plumber, electrician, and carpenter. General contractors typically charge 10% to 20% of the total renovation cost.
• Plumber: A good plumber is vital to ensure the kitchen’s water supply lines work properly and that any leaks have been repaired before new furniture and fixtures are installed. Plumbers usually charge $70 to $90 per hour, plus the cost of any additional materials needed.
• Electrician: An electrician is necessary, especially if you’re having new lights and outlets installed, to ensure everything is checked for safety and properly fitted. Electricians usually charge $85 to $110 per hour, plus the cost of any additional materials needed.

• Carpenter: You’ll need a carpenter if you’re having counters and cabinets built according to size and specification. Carpenters typically charge around $90 per hour, plus the cost of any additional materials needed.

Material costs

Choosing the right materials for the renovation is key – higher quality materials will drive up costs, but will ensure your kitchen is built to last. There are several things to consider:

• Electrical system: The kitchen’s electrical system includes wiring, lighting, and appliance connection points. You may also want additional customizations for controls and separation, based on your desired design. The ceiling cost of a high-end electrical system is around $1500 to $2500.
• Drywall: Major drywall replacements may cost around $800, while minor patchworks and modifications (like installing a new, smaller wall) would likely cost about $400.
• Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC): A proper HVAC system is essential for any kitchen, but prices will be much lower if you already have a good exhaust duct and kitchen hood. Installing a new range hood and exhaust duct will cost around $1200 to $1500, while minor modifications (no roof adjustments) will cost $600 to $800.
• Plumbing system: Renovating a kitchen usually involves installing a new sink or moving an existing one, and existing plumbing may need to be adjusted and fitted with new accessories like valves and traps. The plumbing may cost around $800 to $1800, depending on how much work needs to be done.

• Flooring: Installing new flooring typically costs around $15 to $25 per square foot. Depending on the size of the kitchen and the material chosen, that could add up to anywhere between $1800 to $3500.
• Countertops and backsplash: Countertops are usually replaced during renovation as they’re often the most worn part of the kitchen, and will cost around $100 to $200 per square foot, depending on the size and material. The backsplash will cost around $300 to $600, depending on the size and the tiles chosen.

Size of the kitchen

As you might expect, renovation costs will go up the bigger the kitchen is, sometimes increasing the price far above average. Here’s a rough estimate of the cost, depending on the size of your kitchen:

• Small kitchen (less than 70 square feet): A small kitchen, such as one in a small house or condo unit, may cost you around $6,500 to $26,000 depending on what you want to upgrade. Those with smaller kitchens typically prioritize custom-built storage, cabinets and counters, and space-saving layouts.
• Medium-sized kitchen (100 to 150 square feet): A 10×10 kitchen will typically cost $19,500 to $25,000 in renovation cost, while 12×12 kitchens are usually around $26,000 to $52,000. Homeowners of medium-sized kitchens may want to adjust the layout of their counters and cabinets to open up the space or add new lighting fixtures.
• Large kitchen (200+ square feet): Renovations for large kitchens will typically cost $40,000 to $78,000, but can get as high as $100,000 or more for high-end appliances and materials. In these larger kitchens, labour costs alone will drive up costs because contractors will need to hire additional workers to complete the project on time.

There’s much to consider when renovating your kitchen, which is why Easy Renovations is eager to help out as an expert in the home renovation industry, specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and condos.

Their team of professionals takes care of all the building and installing – simply let them know your plans for your kitchen and your budget, and their project manager and designers will handle everything for you in a way that keeps you completely satisfied.

Contact them today to get a free estimate.

For more info, visit Easy Renovation’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages.