When it comes to home improvement projects, kitchen and bathroom renovations are some of the most popular choices for Canadian homeowners. These spaces are not only essential for daily living but can also significantly impact the value and appeal of a home. If you’re considering renovating your bathroom or kitchen this year, you should have an idea of how much to budget. That’s easier than it sounds, because costs can vary depending on factors like materials, type of customization and where you live in Canada. We looked to Montreal-based RenoQuotes.com and HomeStars to get a general idea of how much these types of renovations will cost.
Kitchen Renovation Costs
Kitchen renovations tend to be more expensive than bathroom upgrades due to their larger size and the complexity of these projects. According to HomeStars, smaller renos can cost between $16,000 and $35,000 with the average price sitting at roughly $31,000. Not surprisingly, smaller, simpler renovations are more affordable than changing the entire layout. If price is a factor, determine what you absolutely need to update before adding other components, if budget allows. Expect a small kitchen reno to cost between $13,000 and $19,000, a medium sized reno to cost between $20,000 and $40,000 and a major reno to cost upwards of $40,000.
Here’s a sampling of average kitchen element prices, according to RenoQuotes.com:
- Kitchen counter: Prices vary based on the material you’re using. Expect to pay $5 to $30 per square foot for laminate, $60 to $230 for slate and $0.60 to $36 for tile.
- Cupboards and drawers: It’s hard to nail these costs down, but assume around $200 per unit for top cabinets, $275 for lower cabinets and close to $1,000 for a kitchen island. Want drawers? Add about $40 each.
- Kitchen sink: Stainless steel and resin sinks are the cheapest, starting around $90. Expect to pay at least $120 for stone or ceramic. Those prices are just for the sinks, not the parts you’ll need to connect them.
Bathroom Renovation Costs
The cost of a bathroom renovation in Canada depends on the scope of the project and the materials used. In general, according to HomeStars, you can expect to spend about $7,500 to $20,000 on a bathroom renovation. The average cost is just over $13,000.
A sampling of average bathroom element prices, from RenoQuotes.com:
- Bathtub: The price of a new tub depends on the type you want. For a plain tub, expect to pay between $250 and $750. If you want some bells and whistles, you’re looking at $1,800 and the top-end models can reach nearly $6,000. A free-standing tub ranges from around $850 to over $2,000.
- Showers: If you can live without a tub, then you can save by opting for a stand-alone shower. RenoQuotes says a low-end shower costs about $250. If you want something high-end, be prepared to pay as much as $2,000.
- Toilets: A standard toilet will cost you $300 to $400. Fancy toilets range from about $500 to $650.
- Bathroom sink: A bottom-end sink can be found for under $100. A round or square model will cost as much as $250. Eyeing a pedestal sink? Add $120 to $400 to your budget.
- Bathroom vanity tops: Budget $6 to $30 per square foot for laminate and $50 to $180 per square foot for granite.
Related: Bathroom Vanity Designs That Will Inspire You to Renovate
Flooring Renovation Costs
You might be thinking about updating flooring as part of your bathroom or kitchen renovation project. Here again, size and materials will determine the overall cost, so it’s really up to what you decide. That said, here’s everything you need to know about the cost of renovating floors.
Other Cost Factors
As we mentioned off the top, when estimating the cost of your bathroom or kitchen renovation, it’s crucial to consider these three main factors that will heavily impact the final quote:
- The size of the renovation, as larger spaces typically require more material and labour, leading to higher costs.
- The materials (such as fixtures, tiles, countertops and cabinets) can significantly impact the total expenditure. If you opt for unique or personalized features, the degree of customization may lead to increased expenses.
- The reno location will also influence the price of materials and labour.
These factors, together with the range of costs noted above, means the actual cost of your renovation is really dependent on your overall budget. Start there and then work backward. Or, if you don’t feel the need to DIY, give your friendly neighbourhood contractor a call. They can provide an accurate estimate of the costs involved and offer alternatives based on your budget. And the best part? When done right, a kitchen or bathroom renovation will add so much value to your home.
