Kitchen Renovation Cost in Vancouver (2026 Guide)

If you're a Vancouver homeowner researching kitchen renovation costs, you already know this isn't a weekend project or a small line item. A kitchen remodel is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your home — and in a city where labour and materials run 15-25% above the national average, getting realistic numbers up front matters.

This guide covers what Vancouver homeowners actually pay in 2026, broken down by budget tier, individual components, and the specific factors that push costs up or down in our market. All figures reflect current Lower Mainland pricing based on our project experience.

Average Kitchen Renovation Costs in Vancouver (2026)

Here's an honest look at what different levels of kitchen renovation cost in the Greater Vancouver area:

These ranges reflect complete, professionally managed projects including design, materials, labour, and permits. They don't include appliances you supply yourself.

Cost Breakdown by Component

Understanding where your money goes helps you make smarter decisions about where to invest and where to save. Here's how a typical mid-range Vancouver kitchen renovation breaks down:

Cabinets (30-40% of Budget)

Cabinetry is almost always the single largest expense. In Vancouver, expect to pay $10,000-$20,000 for semi-custom cabinets and $25,000-$50,000+ for fully custom millwork. If your existing cabinet boxes are solid, refacing ($5,000-$12,000) can deliver a dramatic change at a fraction of the cost.

Countertops (10-20% of Budget)

Quartz remains the most popular choice in Vancouver kitchens, running $80-$150 per square foot installed. Granite offers similar pricing with more natural variation, while laminate ($30-$50/sq ft) is a solid budget option. For a standard-sized kitchen, expect $3,000-$10,000 depending on material and edge profiles.

Flooring (8-12% of Budget)

Luxury vinyl plank ($5-$10/sq ft installed) has become incredibly popular for its durability and water resistance. Hardwood runs $12-$25/sq ft, while tile sits in the $8-$18/sq ft range. For a 150 sq ft kitchen, budget $1,500-$4,000.

Appliances (10-20% of Budget)

A mid-range appliance package (fridge, range, dishwasher, hood fan) runs $5,000-$12,000 in Vancouver. Professional-grade appliances can easily push past $25,000. Energy-efficient models qualify for BC Hydro rebates, which can offset some of the cost.

Plumbing & Electrical (10-15% of Budget)

If you're keeping the sink and appliances in the same location, plumbing costs stay manageable ($2,000-$4,000). Moving the sink across the room? That's $5,000-$10,000+ in plumbing alone. Electrical upgrades for new lighting, outlets, and potentially a panel upgrade typically run $2,000-$6,000.

Backsplash & Finishing (5-8% of Budget)

Tile backsplash installation runs $1,500-$4,000 depending on material and complexity. Paint, trim, hardware, and final detailing add another $1,500-$3,000. These finishing touches are often where design really comes together.

Costs by Vancouver Neighbourhood

Where you live affects what you'll pay. Here's what we see across our service areas:

West Vancouver tends to run highest due to the luxury market and access challenges. Condo kitchens across the metro area may cost less in materials but often add costs for strata coordination, elevator booking, and restricted work hours.

What Drives Kitchen Renovation Costs Higher in Vancouver?

Labour Rates

Skilled tradespeople in Vancouver charge $80-$120+ per hour, compared to $65-$90 nationally. With a shortage of workers projected through 2029, rates are trending upward. A full kitchen renovation typically involves a carpenter, plumber, electrician, tiler, and painter — labour alone often accounts for 35-45% of the total project cost.

Condo vs. House

Condo renovations in Vancouver come with extra logistics: strata approval timelines, restricted working hours (typically 8am-5pm weekdays), elevator bookings, loading dock reservations, and parking fees. Shared plumbing stacks mean you can't always move the sink "just a little." These factors can add $3,000-$8,000 to a project.

Older Home Surprises

Many Vancouver homes built before 1980 contain asbestos, knob-and-tube wiring, or galvanized plumbing. Asbestos removal runs $3,000-$15,000 depending on scope. An electrical panel upgrade from 100A to 200A costs $2,500-$4,000. Always budget 15-20% contingency for older homes.

Permits

Vancouver requires permits for most kitchen renovations involving structural, plumbing, or electrical changes. Budget $500-$3,000 for permits depending on scope, plus 2-6 weeks for processing time. Skipping permits can create major problems when you sell.

Smart Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Quality

• Keep the existing layout. Moving the sink, range, or fridge means moving plumbing, gas lines, and electrical — the single biggest cost multiplier in a kitchen renovation.
• Reface instead of replace cabinets. If your cabinet boxes are in good condition, new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware can transform the look for 40-60% less than full replacement.
• Choose mid-range materials strategically. Invest in the countertop and hardware you touch every day; save on the backsplash tile and paint colours you can update later.
• Time your renovation wisely. Winter months (November-February) are slower for contractors, and you may find better availability and occasionally better pricing.
• Supply your own appliances. Shopping appliance sales, especially Boxing Day and long weekends, can save thousands compared to contractor-sourced appliances.

Return on Investment

In the Vancouver real estate market, kitchen renovations typically return 65-85% of their investment at resale. Mid-range renovations ($35,000-$65,000) tend to deliver the strongest ROI because they appeal to the broadest range of buyers. High-end custom kitchens may not recoup their full cost, but they significantly improve saleability and time on market.

The non-financial return is just as important. A kitchen that works well and looks great improves your daily life in ways a spreadsheet can't capture. You'll use it every single day — it's worth investing in getting it right.

How to Budget for Your Kitchen Renovation

Here's our recommended approach for Vancouver homeowners:

1. Define your scope. Are you doing a cosmetic refresh, a mid-range update, or a full gut renovation? This sets your budget range.
2. Add 15-20% contingency. Especially for homes built before 1990, surprises behind the walls are common.
3. Get 3 detailed quotes. Compare scope, not just price. The cheapest quote often means corners being cut. Ask what's included and what's not.
4. Plan material selections early. Custom cabinets can take 6-10 weeks to arrive. Backordered countertop slabs can delay your project by months.
5. Factor in temporary kitchen costs. You'll be without a kitchen for 4-8 weeks. Budget for extra meals out or set up a temporary prep area with a microwave and toaster oven.

Get a Free Kitchen Renovation Estimate

Every kitchen is different, and online guides can only get you so far. We provide free, no-obligation consultations where we walk through your space, discuss your goals, and give you an honest estimate based on your specific situation — not a generic range pulled from a national database.

Whether you're in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, or anywhere across the Lower Mainland, contact us to start planning your kitchen renovation with real numbers.