What is the cost of kitchen remodeling in Calgary?
Calgary kitchen remodels can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000. The factors that contribute to this include how extensive your changes will be and how big your space is.
It also depends on which contractor you pick, of course. Fortunately, in Calgary, there are many reliable contractors who can achieve your goals.
Before you reach out to any contractors, though, it’s best to consider all the factors that will contribute to your overall costs.
Table of Contents
The Cost of Different Parts of Your Kitchen Remodel
When remodeling your kitchen, you need to account for the cabinetry, plumbing, walls, ceilings, countertops, appliances, flooring, and lighting. This will encompass both your budget and your design.
For each section of your kitchen, you must consider the cost of replacement and the actual materials that will be used in the new installations. Each area will have its own factors you must consider.
Appliances
When you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, it’s actually a good idea to choose appliances first. Your refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher should be picked out so you can plan your layout around them.
The average refrigerator can cost anywhere from $750 to $3,000. Some of the top-rated models according to Consumer Reports include the Frigidaire FFHT1425VV and the Whirlpool WRT106TFDW.
Stoves can cost $400 to $2,500 based on how basic or high-end you want to go. The price will also depend on whether you get electric, gas, or induction.
The best gas range according to Good Housekeeping is the LG LSGL6337F Smart Slide-In Gas Range. Alternatively, the Bosh HEI8056C is a great electric option and the GE Profile PHS930SLSS is a wonderful induction range.
Finally, you can choose between a portable dishwasher or a built-in one. Expect to shell out $600 to $1,400 for a dishwasher.
A good budget dishwasher is the Maytag MDB7959SKZ. If you’re willing to go extra for that smarthome touch, the Miele G 7566 SCVi SF is a solid choice.
All of the options we’ve mentioned well take into account energy preservation and aesthetic appeal, so they’re great for both style and substance.
Other secondary appliances like your microwave, pressure cooker, coffee maker, and things of that nature will be easier to add on after you’ve figured out the kitchen’s design.
*Costs calculated from checking popular stores like Best Buy and Canadian Appliance
Wall and Ceiling
Wall and ceiling costs vary quite a lot. For walls, cost can usually be figured by painting fees, with the usual price being $3 to $4 per square foot.
Aside from that, you may have to factor in the cost of a backsplash. It is reported that Canadians can expect to spend $1,200 to $3,200 for backsplash installation.
This takes into account labor, size of the installation, and material. The most common choice for backsplash material is ceramic tile because it can have different patterns and is easy to clean.
You can expect to pay at least $200 for a 30 square-foot installation using ceramic. More expensive options include granite, glass, stainless steel, and aluminum.
At any rate, if you’re replacing your walls or ceiling, you need to consider pipes, electrical wiring, and any ventilation already in place. You also need to make sure you can actually remove these for new construction.
Walls, doors, and windows usually don’t take up the most out of your budget because there are usually minimal changes to be done in this arena. Again, it’s because you need to take existing circuitry and your home’s layout into account.
Plumbing, Sinks, and Faucets
For kitchen renovations, you’ll often see sinks and faucets getting updated to match existing plumbing systems. You can expect to pay around $300 to $3,000 to get a new sink and faucet and have it installed with pipes refitted.
If you are picking a new area for your sink that didn’t have pipes connected to it or are choosing a sink that is in a different style than your old one, you’ll like need to replace the pipes to actually get it connected to your plumbing system.
Although it isn’t necessary for your sinks and faucets to match your cabinet hardware, you may still want to consider the overall kitchen aesthetic when choosing the build and finish of these parts.
More than the looks, you also need to think about function. What is the most comfortable way to use a sink the way you prefer?
The sink itself can be styled with an apron front, the most traditional drop-in style, bar-style, wall-mounted, or in the corner of your countertop. The most popular materials used in kitchen sinks are stainless steel, fireclay, and granite composite.
For faucets, there are deck and wall-mounting options, or you can stick to the traditional sink-mounted form. Then, you’ll also need to think about picking the type of handle, unless you want to get a hands-free faucet installed.
For a solid starting point, a 20-gauge 15 x 15 bar sink will cost about $130 on its own. Then, you’ll factor in $100 to $200 for labor costs.
Cabinets and Hardware
When installing kitchen cabinets, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $1,500 per foot. If you’re simply adding hardware, you will likely be paying per knob or pull.
Usually, cabinets and hardware can take up the biggest portion of your budget if you decide to do a big overhaul. The labor and materials used to make them will likely take up a significant bulk of your budget.
Calgary has many reliable contractors that specialize in kitchen cabinets. They should be able to find you the right materials and design that will fit safety standards as well as your own personal vision.
You can either buy cabinets or get custom ones constructed. The most reliable material you can opt for is engineered wood, as it is durable and easy to beautify.
If you’re interested in getting custom cabinets designed and installed, a great option is M & L Custom Cabinet Construction. They’ve been operating in Calgary for almost two decades and are great with both simple and complex designs.
Should you be in the market for something more affordable yet still reliable and efficient, you can get ready-made cabinets and simply have them refinished, refaced, and installed. A great company specializing in finishes and painting for cabinets is New Look Cabinets and Interiors.
Your cabinets take up the most visual space and serve many primary functions in the kitchen. It’s best to scrimp on this part since you’ll see them a lot and they will store your tools, cookware, and smaller appliances.
Countertops
Kitchen countertops will cost you around $20 to $250 per square foot, depending on the material you choose. You need to consider durability, timelessness, and your budget when choosing the right one for your kitchen.
Calgary has plenty of great sources for countertops. They will give you a selection of materials to choose from and give you a quote for both the cost of each slab and the labor that will go into cutting, fitting, and even installation.
When picking a countertop surface, you shouldn’t just think about looks. While style is obviously a major component in your remodel, you also want to think about longevity.
Think about how easy the material is to clean and how long it can last. You should also consider its strength and resistance to force, stains, and temperature changes.
You can’t discount those factors because your countertops are the places where you’ll be doing a lot of the hard and messy work in the kitchen. Great options that feel both classy and durable are granite, marble, and quartz.
**Based on estimates from HomeGuide, converted from USD to CAD
Flooring
The cost of flooring for your kitchen will range from $650 to $20,000 depending on the material you use. This doesn’t account for installation and cutting, which will be estimated by the flooring contractor you choose to work with.
Your kitchen floor is just as important as any other part, so it’s not something you should scrimp on. When setting your budget, you should prioritize how durable a material is since you’ll be walking around it a lot.
Aesthetically, it contributes to the overall vibe of the room. More importantly, though, a good floor will ensure your safety and can actually last a long time without needing repairs.
The cheapest material you can find that is still stain and mildew-resistant is cork flooring. The most expensive choice you can get is terrazzo, which is a composite material built to last a lifetime.
Secondary factors in picking your flooring are color and personalization. It’s nice to get a tile or material that you can play around with, so that you can get an installation that you’ll love for years to come.
***Based on HGTV reports and pricing from popular flooring brands like Cancork, Wayfair, and Ceratec
Lighting
To know how much light your kitchen needs, you need to calculate the lumens required for your space.
A general kitchen space that is 100 sq. ft. usually needs around 4,000 lumens. The cost will depend on whether you will use surface, recessed, or cabinet lighting.
You need to think about both task lighting and ambient lighting for the general brightness of the room as well as sections where you’ll do most work. After all, lighting ties the whole kitchen together both functionally and aesthetically.
Recessed lighting is a popular choice for kitchens because it’s classy and not in your face. With proper installation, it should still provide proper illumination.
If you’re going to put in pendant lighting or other fixtures, you can expect to pay around $500 to $1,000 for installation. Of course, it will cost less if you’re simply buying lamps and plugging them in.
The biggest thing to consider here is the circuitry in this section of your home. You will need to reach out to an electrician to get your wires checked and install any lights.
Calgary has many licensed electrical services that specialize in installation and wire management.
A really reliable option is Enerpro Electrical Services, Inc. Their service line is open 24 hours and they are really experienced in lighting replacements.
Another great option for recessed lighting and energy efficient solutions is The Electrical Connection, which is available at all hours. They even frontload kitchen upgrades, so you know you’re in good hands.
Quick Tips for Making Your Kitchen Remodel Budget
- Figure out how long you can afford to have your kitchen in downtime. Having it unavailable can lead to other costs, like having to order out or eat out.
- Speak to multiple kitchen remodeling contractors so you can get different bids. There will be variations and you want to inspect what each one offers so you can get the best-value offer.
- Note that different contractors will likely provide different estimated times for the project’s completion. You should expect this project to take around six to twelve weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the changes. Check each contractor’s record and referrals to see which ones stick to their schedules.
- When you’re just starting out, set a timeline. This can simplify the process and identify which experts you need to reach out to first.
