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Kitchen Renovation Cost in Calgary: What to Expect | Kavaleer Renovations

Written by Kyle Clandfield | Dec. 21, 2023

Kitchen renovations are among the most popular home upgrades. They offer an incredible return on investment. That's why many are left wondering about how much a kitchen renovation costs. But what is the price of that return, and what does a kitchen renovation cost in Calgary? If you have questions, Kavaleer Renovations has the answers. 

We'll guide you through the many considerations, including prices, materials, budgets for custom kitchen renovations in Calgary, and much more!

What to Consider When Looking for a Quote for a Kitchen Renovation

So much goes into determining the cost of kitchen renos in Calgary. Let's take a closer look at the factors that will impact the final price of your Calgary kitchen renovation. 

The Extent of the Project

The scope and extent of your renovation are among the biggest considerations. Whether you're:

  • Overhauling the entire kitchen.
  • Making a few necessary changes to improve function and usability.

Your decisions here will affect the cost of your kitchen renovation in Calgary.

If you're considering only making some changes, existing cabinetry, appliances or finishes could be refurbished and integrated with new components to reduce the project's cost. But often times, retrofitting and reusing existing cabinets carries additional costs like refinishing, modifications and matching old with new.  

You should be able to speak with your kitchen renovation contractor in Calgary. They can help you determine what can be reused and if there would be any cost savings, or if it's better to start with a blank slate. 

The Size of Your Kitchen

The size of your kitchen will play a big role in the renovation cost. 

Of course, if you're expanding your space, that price will go up a bit more. You'll probably need more elements like cabinets, countertops, tiles, and flooring. 

Often, creating a more usable and functional kitchen involves expanding the size and a thoughtful builder like Kavaleer can provide some advice on how best to stretch your renovation budget. 

Need for Structural Work

Rehauling your entire kitchen and making structural changes is expensive. It will cost more than a few simple upgrades. A structural change requires architectural drawings, labour, and extra materials. Completely redesigning your kitchen and modifying your homes layout can pay off but it will certainly increase costs.

This is because, in addition to structural and framing changes, things like plumbing, HVAC and electrical will need to be addressed. Also, existing finishes like flooring may need to be changed to accommodate the new layout.  

Personal Preferences

Another factor influencing kitchen renovation costs in Calgary is your personal preferences and vision for the space. The finishes, fixtures, and materials you choose will affect the price of your remodel. 

Choosing higher-end products and materials for your kitchen can sometimes even double the cost of the project. Luckily, you can speak with us to determine which materials match your vision and don't break the bank.

Starting off with a desired budget in mind is the first step towards designing a kitchen, with finishes and features, that pair well with your budget. 

Understanding the Difference Between an Estimate and a Proposal or Building Contract

When it comes to kitchen remodels, it's important to distinguish between an "estimate" and a proposal or building contract. 

An estimate is our initial guess at the potential cost of your project. It’s based on our experience with similar projects and the basic details you’ve provided so far. These may not reflect the actual costs. 


While estimates can be a helpful starting point, they can also be misleading if used to make final decisions. Some contractors might give you an estimate and not explain how much more planning is required. Later, you'll be surprised with additional costs and decisions to make. One simple unanswered detail, can have an impact on multiple components of your project. This happens because an estimate doesn’t involve the same level of detail and planning as a quote/proposal.

A contract-ready proposal comes after a thorough evaluation of your project. It includes detailed pricing, planning, and firm cost commitments. It also shows clearly defined inclusions and exclusions. Contractors who provide such proposals have spent significant time understanding your needs. 

They have obtained real quotes from their vendors. While this service often comes with a fee, it aims to give you a final price. This minimizes unexpected costs and changes down the line.

Key Factors Influencing Kitchen Remodel Costs

Several key things can affect how much a kitchen remodel costs:

  • Cabinet materials and finishes. The materials and finishes you choose for your cabinets greatly affect the cost. The quality of the drawer boxes and the number of drawers versus hinged doors also matter.
  • Specialty millwork and hardware. Custom woodwork and hardware, such as pull-outs, slides, and fancy handles, add cost.
  • Countertop and backsplash materials. The type and design of your countertops and backsplashes can impact your budget.
  • Flooring considerations. Changing the kitchen layout might require refinishing or replacing the flooring in other parts of your home. This could also require extra carpentry and painting.
  • Appliances and fixtures. The specs of your appliances will affect the design of your cabinets. They will also affect the electrical and plumbing work needed. Also, lighting fixtures and their layout will add more costs.
  • Hood fan and ventilation. High-power hood fans might need extra work, like connecting to the furnace system or for higher power fans: a make-up air system will be required for building code compliance.
  • Structural work. Structural changes, such as removing load-bearing walls, can increase costs. This is because of the required mechanical, electrical, or plumbing work, etc. 

By understanding these factors, you can better plan your kitchen remodel and set realistic expectations for your budget and the final result.

Kitchen Renovation Cost in Calgary

So far, we've covered the factors impacting kitchen renovation costs in Calgary. Let's now examine the actual prices.

In Calgary, the total cost of a kitchen renovation can vary depending on the scope and scale of your project. Smaller updates can start at $55k while larger scale remodels can exceed $150k. 

For example, a mid-range kitchen renovation likely involves an investment of $55,000 to $85,000. This reflects a basic facelift of a kitchen with new cabinets, counters, and backsplash. Yet, it may not cover appliances or extensive custom work.

On the higher end, luxury kitchen renovations can average between $95,000 and $150,000 or more. These projects often feature premium materials like custom cabinetry and state-of-the-art appliances.

However, many factors determine the final price. You won't have an accurate figure until you consult with a contractor. You should also be cautious of low quotes—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So, always read the fine print in your renovation contract. This will ensure the costs align with your expectations and needs.

Understanding the Price Gap: Basic vs. High-End Kitchens

The cost difference between a basic kitchen remodel and a high-end kitchen reno can be large. 

Sometimes, the pricing can even exceed $150,000, as you now know. Many factors drive this price variation. These factors range from the choice of appliances to the level of custom finishes. Below, you will find a breakdown of key elements that contribute to this price disparity:

  • Appliance package. A basic appliance package might cost between $8,000 and $12,000. In contrast, a high-end selection can soar above $60,000. Premium brands, smart technology, and specialized appliances usually account for this significant increase.
  • Countertops. Basic countertops, such as laminate or entry-level quartz and granite, can start around $5,000. On the other hand, high-end selections like quartzite, marble, or porcelain slabs can range from $12,000 to $15,000 or more.
  • Cabinets. The choice of cabinetry impacts the budget. Basic options often involve prefinished materials or painted cabinetry. Conversely, high-end kitchens feature custom-sized cabinets with premium finishes and wood, stain vs. paint, and intricate details.
  • Electrical work. A basic remodel might use existing circuits and lighting configurations. However, a high-end kitchen or a full scope remodel may require a complete rewire. This could involve adding new circuits, updating circuits to modern electrical standards,  custom lighting, and advanced smart home integrations.
  • Millwork and special finishes. In a basic remodel, millwork might include standard baseboards and minimal painting. High-end kitchens could include custom millwork, plaster hood shrouds, and specialty finishes. They could also have bespoke staining and detailed craftsmanship.
  • HVAC considerations. A basic kitchen might include rough-ins for a standard hood fan. Conversely, a high-end kitchen could feature a powerful ventilation system. These come complete with air systems and custom grilles or registers.
  • Backsplash. Basic kitchens often have standard tile backsplashes but high-end kitchens could have specialty tiles, solid surface backsplashes that match the counters or complex patterns.
  • Flooring. A basic remodel might keep existing flooring. A high-end kitchen often involves refinishing or replacing floors throughout the space. Sometimes, this can extend into adjacent rooms for a cohesive look.
  • Structural changes. Basic kitchen remodels avoid structural alterations. Yet, a high-end project may include new windows, strengthening joists, moving or removing walls, and other significant structural upgrades to transform the space entirely.

Creating a Budget for Your Kitchen Renovation

Creating a budget is the first and most crucial step in your Calgary kitchen remodel. Here's what to consider when calculating the bottom line.

Determine Your Must-Haves and Nice-To-Haves

You need to differentiate between your must-haves and features you would like to have.

If you're renovating your kitchen to make it more accessible for people with mobility issues, those features will be your priorities. They are must-haves. Also, if you have a professional chef, you'll need a professional-grade gas range and expansive countertops. These are also must-haves.

On the other hand, if you enjoy entertaining in your kitchen and want to make floorplan changes, you can consider this a nice-to-have. Custom cabinetry is another good example of a nice-to-have.

Deciding Where to Splurge and Where to Save

As you now know, the materials, fixtures, fittings, and finishings you choose will impact the final cost of your kitchen renovation. Depending on your personal preferences, there will be many areas where you'll have to decide whether to splurge or save.

For example, you can choose durable LVP for your floors instead of tile or hardwood. Mixing paint grade with some stain grade cabinets can offer cost savings over full wood cabinets throughout. Figure out what's important to you, as these details will impact the bottom line.

Investing in a Forever Home or Boosting Resale Value

If you are in your forever home, your kitchen renovation is about investing in your lifestyle and everyday enjoyment. Your budget should allow you to create a kitchen you'll love for years.

However, if you're planning a remodel to boost resale value, you might want to make a different decision. You might not want to invest in custom, luxurious materials, as they won't cover most of their cost. Instead, consider cost-effective but durable upgrades. These look just as good and make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

What's more, when remodeling to resell, it's best to stick with neutral tones, as bold ones might deter buyers. These decisions will impact how quickly and for how much you can sell your home.

Why Choose Kavaleer Renovations

Are you looking for someone to hire for a kitchen remodel in Calgary? When considering the kitchen renovation cost in Calgary and how to get the most out of your remodel, we can help.

At Kavaleer Renovations, we have a team of professionals who can bring your vision to life. We can help with planning and design, and we offer quality workmanship to guarantee that we knock your expectations out of the park.

Want to learn more about our process and how we can help make your kitchen renovation a smooth and stress-free experience? You can request your consultation from Kavaleer Renovations here today!