How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Vancouver?
Generic cost ranges don't tell you why one kitchen project costs $6,700 and another costs $31,600. See two real, itemized Vancouver projects and see how a scoped estimate changes everything.
Why a single number can't answer this question
A vague range like "$15,000 to $60,000" doesn't tell you anything about your specific kitchen. RenoFiz builds a scoped, itemized estimate for every project, so instead of a guess, you get two real Vancouver projects — one cosmetic refresh, one full renovation — with every line item shown.
Below are two real RenoFiz estimates for Vancouver kitchen projects: a cosmetic refresh with cabinet painting and new countertops, and a full gut renovation with new cabinetry, appliances, and flooring. They show two very different project types — and how RenoFiz builds a custom, itemized estimate around your actual scope, not a generic range.
$6,693
How much does a kitchen cosmetic refresh cost in Vancouver?
RenoFiz estimated $6,693 CAD for a kitchen cosmetic refresh in Vancouver (range $5,300–$8,100). Includes professional cabinet painting, quartz countertop with backsplash, undermount sink and faucet installation, new electric range, and pre-1990 asbestos/lead testing.
View full estimate$31,657
How much does a full kitchen renovation with additional appliances cost in Vancouver?
RenoFiz estimated $31,657 CAD for a full single-family kitchen renovation in Vancouver (range $25,300–$38,000). Includes semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, LVP flooring, track and under-cabinet LED lighting, new dishwasher installation, WorkSafeBC asbestos testing, and building/trade permits.
View full estimateTwo project types — yours will be different.
| Comparison | Smaller project: Kitchen cosmetic refresh | Larger project: Full kitchen renovation |
|---|---|---|
| Property type | Detached house (pre-1990) | Detached single-family house (1978-1990) |
| Kitchen scope | Cosmetic kitchen refresh with new countertops | Full gut kitchen renovation (224 sqft) |
| Cabinets | Professional spray-painting (existing cabinets) | Contractor-supplied semi-custom mid-range cabinetry |
| Countertops | Contractor-supplied quartz with 4-inch backsplash | Contractor-supplied Quartz (with 4-inch backsplash) |
| Total project cost | $6,693.16 | $31,656.88 |
What Vancouver Homeowners Should Know
- Permits for kitchen renovations in Vancouver
Full kitchen renovations involving structural changes, new electrical circuits, or plumbing modifications require building, electrical, and plumbing permits in Vancouver. Cosmetic-only refreshes (painting, countertops, same-footprint) typically do not.
- Pre-1990 asbestos testing
Homes built before 1990 in BC may trigger mandatory hazardous material testing before disturbing flooring, countertops, adhesives, or wall texture. Budget $400–$750 for testing and up to $3,000 for abatement if materials test positive.
- Cabinet lead times are significant
Semi-custom and custom cabinetry typically takes 4–8 weeks from order to delivery. Factor this into your renovation timeline — especially if your kitchen will be out of service.
- Appliance coordination
Adding or relocating appliances (dishwasher, range, fridge) requires new electrical circuits, plumbing rough-ins, and potentially gas lines. Owner-supplied appliances shift more cost to labour; contractor-supplied includes material markup.
- The hidden costs in older Vancouver homes
Post-war Vancouver homes (1940s–1980s) frequently hide surprises behind walls and under floors: asbestos in tile and texture, outdated wiring, galvanized plumbing, or rot from historical leaks. Budget a 10–15% contingency.
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