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Home renovation projects are popular among Canadians as a means of updating their home and one of the most popular is the kitchen renovation. The kitchen is often described as the heart of the home and updating it for greater functionality, energy efficiency, or even simply for aesthetic purposes, can have several benefits.  But what does a kitchen renovation cost?

What Are Your Remodeling Plans?

Renovating the kitchen of your North Vancouver home comes with many advantages. It provides an opportunity to give yourself more space, make the area more comfortable and usable, change your appliances, and even just update visually. It also adds considerable value to your home if you anticipate reselling it.

The more ambitious your renovation plans, however, the more you can expect to pay. If your budget is tight, you need to consider what you need to change, what you want to change, and what you can do without.

A primary concern for any remodel is the overall kitchen renovation cost.  This can vary considerably based on the size and extent of the renovation and what you hope to accomplish. This article will discuss some of what to expect from different types of remodels, along with some budgeting strategies.

How Much Should You Budget?

Several factors will affect the total cost of your remodel, such as the size of your kitchen, what you want to change, the materials used, and more. Often, a remodel will include new cabinetry and counters, as well as new flooring. Many choose to add new appliances as well during their remodel.

A standard-size kitchen will usually be between 150 and 175 square feet, though some may be 200 or more. The scope of the renovation could run anywhere from about $85 per square foot for a small kitchen with modest upgrades, to $200 per square foot or more. The average across Canada, according to many experts, is approximately $31,000, or about $195 per square foot.

Types of Kitchen Remodels

Some remodels are quite simple, effectively freshening up the kitchen’s appearance, while others are more involved. We will consider three levels of remodelling, with low-, mid-, and high-range remodels in Vancouver homes.

Low-range Remodels

Low-range kitchen remodels tend to be focused on budget-friendly and cosmetic updates. They often feature surface-level changes such as repainting the cabinets, replacing outdated fixtures, and perhaps updating appliances. Common choices include laminate countertops and inexpensive flooring options. The goal is usually to refresh the look of the kitchen without resorting to some of the more expensive changes included in other remodels. This type of remodel will often cost between $21,000 and $25,000.

Mid-range Remodels

Mid-range remodels strike a balance between the expense of more significant updates and the budget-conscious approach of low-end remodels. Possible choices include semi-custom cabinetry, new flooring, and durable, stylish quartz or granite countertops. Another popular objective in mid-range remodels involves switching to energy-efficient appliances or improving kitchen storage.
This level of remodelling is more significant than a lower-end one and typically enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of the kitchen. Mid-range remodels may start at about $25,000 and go as high as $65,000.

High-range Remodels

Those opting for high-end remodels tend to choose top-of-the-line materials and significant changes. They often feature premium appliances, including smart appliances and depending on the size of the budget, may include hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, and a complete reworking of the kitchen floor plan for greater functionality or space. A high-end remodel may start as low as $50,000 and can easily reach $150,000 or more.

Understanding Kitchen Renovation Costs

Several factors go into determining the final cost of your remodel, including:

Materials and Finishes

The quality of materials and finishes used in your remodel has a considerable impact on the overall cost. High-end materials such as natural stone countertops or hardwood flooring have a much higher price tag than budget-friendly options, though you can expect greater durability and longevity.
When choosing materials for your renovation, you must consider your priorities and find a balance between aesthetics and cost.

Labour Costs

Labour costs vary according to the size of the project and the type of work you are doing. Costs may include contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other professionals. It is worth obtaining multiple quotes from reputable contractors to make informed decisions that could save you money on labour.  Recently, getting qualified tradespeople in Vancouver, particularly in West or North Vancouver, has been a challenge for some companies that are not based here.

Appliances

The price of appliances will vary based on brand name and features, but you may be able to save by purchasing them as a package deal. High-end, energy-efficient appliances will add considerably to your budget, but mid-range appliances with fewer features can help you save without significantly compromising functionality.  If you are flexible or your timing is right, getting a good deal on appliances – whether on clearout or a “Black Friday Sale” on the appliances that work for your new kitchen can be a good way to reduce the budget significantly.

Permits and Design Fees

Generally speaking, you will need a permit only when modifying the layout of your home, as when removing walls, making this more of a concern for high-end remodels. It is still a good idea, however, to inquire with your municipality before starting work on your home.

Kitchen Renovation Budgeting Strategies

To help you with budgeting and determining the overall kitchen renovation cost, here are a few things to consider:

Prioritize Your Needs

What are your priorities for your renovation? If you are primarily concerned with functionality, or new appliances, that is where you should allocate the majority of your budget. This will help you to get the greatest possible value for the money spent.

Set a Realistic Budget

Review your financial situation and set a realistic budget based on your spending capacity and the level of remodelling you wish to undertake. Keep in mind that you should factor in an emergency fund of roughly 10-20% of the overall cost to cope with any unexpected expenses that might arise.
Having a clear budget from the beginning—and committing to sticking within it—will help you avoid overspending.

Obtain Multiple Quotes

Multiple quotes from several reputable contractors and suppliers will help you find top value for your money but remember that the lowest price is not automatically the best choice. Be sure to carefully review the reviews and reputation of the professionals you are considering.

Consider Phased Renovations

A limited budget doesn’t necessarily limit you to only the cheapest options. Consider undertaking the remodel in stages, starting with the most urgently needed changes, and continuing with other aspects as you are able. This way, you can keep an eye on your kitchen renovation cost and spend as you have the money available.

Kitchen Renovation Cost in your Vancouver Home

Remodelling your kitchen provides you with many benefits, from enhanced functionality and energy conservation to increased home value, or even simple personalization and aesthetics. Even with a modest budget, you can make changes that give your kitchen new life.

Shakespeare Homes is an award-winning custom home & renovation company. We have decades of experience with kitchen renovations of experience If you are in North or West Vancouver and are planning a Kitchen Renovation, we would be happy to talk to you about what you envision, offer any advice we can based on our experience, and provide you with a competitive quote for your home or kitchen renovation.

At Shakespeare Homes, we can work with you to come up with a quote that suits your needs and budget. Contact Shakespeare Homes today to discuss your kitchen renovation.

Home Renovation Cost Savings:  Renovations are an excellent means of adding value to your house if you plan on selling, but even if you don’t wish to sell, renovations can make your home more comfortable and functional. One common issue with renovations, however, is the tendency to let them get out of control, which can end up costing you a lot more than you had originally intended.
Here are some home renovation cost saving tips to keep more money in your wallet, or help your bathroom, Kitchen, or home renovation dollar go further in North Vancouver:

Create a Budget and Stick to It

We’ll start with the most obvious: you need to have a firm idea of what you can spend and then, most importantly, you must stick to it no matter what temptations you face. Having a budget doesn’t mean doing everything as cheaply as possible, it means determining what you can spend and where you want to spend it.
If you start with a spreadsheet that includes all your anticipated expenses, you can visualize where your money is going and make adjustments to prioritize the things you want most.

Take Your Time

It’s exciting to redo your home, or even just a single room. You will no doubt want to jump right in, anxious to see the results. But take your time and enjoy the planning stage. If you are planning to do several rooms, start with one or two to avoid getting overwhelmed.

Rushing often leads to regret but aside from that, starting small means you are better able to deal with unexpected expenses. If you are working on multiple rooms at once and something goes wrong, it might be beyond your budget to deal with.  Planning, and

Do It Yourself

This isn’t for everyone but if you are able to do some of the work yourself, it’s one of the easiest ways to save money. Even if you don’t consider yourself very handy, you can help to prepare the workspace. After all, when you are paying workers by the hour, every bit of work that you can do will save you time and thus money.
Of course, if you have the skills to do more than the basic tasks, this will save you even more.

Reuse Materials When Possible

Renovating your kitchen doesn’t have to mean changing every part of it. Updating your cabinets can be done by refacing or even replacing the doors while leaving the rest of the cabinet body as-is. Even if you can’t reuse any existing materials, you may be able to find something suitable in salvage yards, or in leftover materials from a friend or neighbour’s project.

Watch for Sales

Some of your big costs are going to be finishing materials, fixtures, and appliances.  Knowing what you want ahead of time and watching prices can be key to home renovation cost saving while still ensuring you get what you want.   If you are planning in advance for a renovation, that might allow you to take advantage of the sales that come up at certain times of the year. Black Friday, appliance sales and other sales events can provide you with some serious savings.

Keep the Same Layout

Changing the layout of a room to relocate a sink or bathtub can be expensive. Moving a wall or window can be even more so. Unless you are making significant changes to improve a room’s functionality, you might want to consider leaving the existing footprint untouched.

These are just a few tips to help keep your expenses down when renovating your home. There are numerous hacks that you can take advantage of to save money while still getting the result you want. Keep an eye out for cost-saving opportunities and you’ll be much more likely to stay within or even below budget.

Talk To An Expert

When you have done hundreds of home renovations, you learn a few things, including where to save and where saving money might be a mistake in the long run.  Renovation and building contractors who have been working in North Vancouver for a long time also have great connections with local, and sometimes not so local suppliers, and will know where to get the best materials at the best price. As major buyers, they may even have the inside track on sales or discounts that regular consumers will not get.

If you are planning a home renovation in North Vancouver, West Vancouver or Burnaby, please don’t hesitate to talk to the team at Shakespeare Homes. We would happy to discuss your vision and how we can help you save money when you renovate your home.