Costs
Kitchen Renovation Cost in Calgary
Updated 3 min read
The short answer
A full kitchen renovation in Calgary ranges from $30,000 for a straightforward cabinet-and-countertop refresh to $80,000+ for a complete layout change with custom cabinetry, new flooring, and electrical relocation. The cabinetry typically accounts for 35–45% of the total, countertops 10–15%, labour 25–35%, and everything else fills the remaining budget.
Cost ranges by renovation scope
| Scope | Typical range | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet refresh | $15,000–$25,000 | Same layout, new doors/drawer fronts, new hardware, paint or reface |
| Cabinet replacement, same layout | $25,000–$45,000 | New cabinets in existing layout, new countertops, new backsplash, new fixtures |
| Full renovation, same footprint | $40,000–$65,000 | New cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, appliances, plumbing fixtures |
| Layout change or island addition | $55,000–$90,000+ | All above plus structural work, electrical relocation, gas line, permits |
Where the money goes
| Category | Budget share | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry | 35–45% | $10,000–$35,000+ | Largest single cost; custom vs stock is the biggest variable |
| Countertops | 10–15% | $3,000–$8,000 | Laminate to quartz; templating delay is unavoidable |
| Labour | 25–35% | $8,000–$25,000 | Demolition, installation, tiling, plumbing, electrical |
| Appliances | 10–15% | $3,000–$12,000 | Range, hood, dishwasher, fridge; buy before cabinets |
| Flooring | 5–8% | $1,500–$4,000 | LVP, tile, or hardwood; LVP is most practical for kitchens |
| Lighting and electrical | 3–5% | $1,000–$3,000 | Under-cabinet, pot lights, outlets, dedicated circuits |
| Plumbing | 3–5% | $800–$3,000 | Sink, faucet, dishwasher connection; moving the sink costs more |
| Permits | 1–2% | $200–$800 | Required if moving gas, electrical, plumbing, or walls |
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What moves the number most
- Cabinet specification
- Stock RTA cabinets start around $5,000–$8,000 for a full kitchen. Semi-custom runs $10,000–$20,000. Custom built-in cabinetry starts at $18,000 and can exceed $40,000. The cabinet choice alone can double or halve the total budget.
- Layout changes
- Moving a sink means new plumbing. Moving a gas range means a licensed gas fitter. Moving an electrical panel means a permit and an electrician. Moving a wall means a structural engineer. Each relocation adds $1,000–$5,000 independently.
- Countertop material
- Laminate countertops installed run $1,500–$2,500. Quartz runs $3,500–$7,000. Natural stone runs $4,000–$8,000. The templating and fabrication lead time is one to three weeks regardless of material.
- The contingency
- Every kitchen renovation should carry a 10–15% contingency for surprises: hidden water damage, subfloor repair, outdated wiring that needs updating, or a structural discovery behind a wall. Projects that start without a contingency are the ones that go over budget.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
- How much should I budget for a kitchen renovation in Calgary?
- For a full kitchen renovation with new custom or semi-custom cabinetry, new countertops, new flooring, updated lighting, and new appliances, plan for $45,000–$65,000 as a realistic middle range. Simpler refreshes with the same layout can come in under $30,000. Layout changes push above $60,000.
- Can I renovate a kitchen in phases?
- Yes, and it is often smart. Phase 1: cabinetry and countertops (the core). Phase 2: flooring. Phase 3: lighting and electrical. Phase 4: appliances. The key is that Phase 1 must be complete and functional before you stop — you need a working kitchen. Planning all phases upfront ensures each phase integrates with the final vision.
- What is the biggest waste of money in a kitchen renovation?
- Moving the layout without a strong reason. Keeping the sink, stove and refrigerator in their existing locations eliminates plumbing, gas and electrical relocation costs — typically $5,000–$15,000 in savings. A well-designed kitchen in the existing layout usually outperforms a poorly planned layout change.
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