General information. Reno Rise focuses on basement renovations and legal secondary suites. This page describes work that independent professionals carry out; Reno Rise does not perform it. Dollar figures and timelines on this page are illustrative planning ranges from general industry information; they are not quotes, may be out of date, and have not been independently verified by Reno Rise.
Quick answer: kitchen remodeling in the GTA typically runs $22,000 to $65,000, with most mid-range projects landing around $38,000. See the full kitchen renovation cost guide for a line-by-line breakdown.
Your kitchen is the room every other renovation decision gets compared to, which is exactly why a dated one bothers you more than it should. Cramped counters, cabinets that were never quite right, and lighting built for a different decade all add up until the room just stops working for how you actually cook.
Kitchen remodeling changes the layout, footprint, or function of the space rather than just its finishes. That's the piece that separates a real remodel from a cosmetic swap, and it's also what determines whether your project needs a permit and a few extra weeks.
What Kitchen Remodeling Actually Involves
Professionals typically start by mapping how you actually move between the sink, stove, and fridge, since that workflow matters more to daily use than almost any finish choice. From there, the scope typically covers: cabinetry, whether stock, semi-custom, or fully custom, countertop and backsplash material, electrical upgrades for dedicated appliance circuits and under-cabinet lighting, plumbing relocation if the sink or dishwasher is moving, ventilation sized for your range, and new flooring where the layout changes expose old subfloor.
Illustrative Cost Ranges
Kitchen remodeling cost tracks closely with cabinetry choice and whether the layout is changing. Here's what each tier generally includes.
Reface or replace stock cabinets, quartz or laminate counters, new tile backsplash, same footprint, same appliances.
Semi-custom cabinetry, quartz or granite counters, full tile flooring, minor layout adjustments, new appliances.
Fully custom cabinetry, natural stone counters, layout changes, premium appliances, structural or plumbing moves.
Broken down by category, a typical project spends roughly:
| Category | Illustrative GTA Range | % of Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Cabinetry | $10,000 – $28,000 | ~35% |
| Countertop Installation | $3,000 – $11,000 | ~15% |
| Tile Installation (Flooring) | $2,200 – $7,000 | ~10% |
| Backsplash Installation | $800 – $2,800 | ~5% |
| Appliances, Labour & Finishes | $6,500 – $22,000 | ~35% |
How the Process Runs
Every kitchen remodel follows the same three phases, regardless of scope.
Design & Layout
Workflow, cabinetry, and finishes locked in, with a permit filed if plumbing, gas, or a wall is moving.
Demo & Rough-In
Old cabinetry and finishes removed, electrical and plumbing rough-in updated for the new layout.
Cabinetry & Finishes
Cabinets, counters, backsplash, and flooring installed, then a final walkthrough before they call it done.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing cabinets before the layout is finalized, which locks in dimensions before you know if they actually fit the workflow.
- Underestimating electrical capacity for modern appliances like induction ranges or double ovens.
- Skipping proper ventilation sizing for a gas range, which fails inspection and leaves lingering odours and grease buildup.
- No contingency budget for what's behind existing walls in older GTA homes, like outdated wiring or plumbing that needs replacing anyway.
- Ordering custom cabinetry before final measurements are confirmed, which is the single most common cause of remodel delays.
When Kitchen Remodeling Isn't the Right Fit
A full remodel isn't always the right call, and they'd rather tell you that than sell you more scope than you need.
If your cabinet boxes are still square and solid and you just want a different look, refacing or repainting through the painting and finishing service costs a fraction of full replacement. If your layout already works and the kitchen just feels tired, a finish-only refresh gets you most of the visual upgrade without touching plumbing or electrical. And if your budget is under roughly $15,000, custom cabinetry usually isn't realistic yet; a phased plan through the design and planning service can sequence the work so you're not stuck with a half-finished kitchen.
“Got a quote within a day and the crew showed up when they said they would, every single time. The kitchen went from 1998 to something they actually want to cook in.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does kitchen remodeling cost in the GTA?
Most GTA homeowners spend $22,000 to $65,000 on kitchen remodeling, with a typical mid-range project landing around $38,000. Basic refreshes start near $16,000. Full custom rebuilds with a new layout can pass $100,000.
Is kitchen remodeling the same as kitchen renovation?
Not quite. A renovation typically restores or updates what's already there without moving walls or plumbing. A remodel changes the layout, footprint, or function of the space. Remodels cost more because they include the permits and structural work renovations skip.
Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen?
Not for a same-layout cabinet and finish swap. A permit is required if you're moving a sink, gas line, or load-bearing wall, or adding new electrical circuits for appliances.
How long does a kitchen remodel take in the GTA?
A basic refresh takes 2-3 weeks. A mid-range remodel typically runs 6-8 weeks. Anything involving a layout change, permits, or structural work can stretch to 10-14 weeks.
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