Kitchen Renovation Planning: Your Vancouver Guide (2026)

A kitchen renovation is one of the most complex home improvement projects you can take on. There are more decisions per square foot than any other room — cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, lighting, plumbing, electrical, finishes — and in Vancouver, there are additional layers of permits, contractor availability, and condo strata rules to navigate. The difference between a renovation that goes smoothly and one that becomes a nightmare almost always comes down to planning.

This guide walks through the planning process in the order decisions actually need to happen — not a random checklist, but a logical sequence that prevents expensive backtracking.

When to Start Planning

Most Vancouver homeowners underestimate how far ahead they need to plan. Here's the reality:

Working backward: if you want to be cooking in your new kitchen by fall, you should be starting the planning process in spring. Winter months (November-February) offer the best contractor availability and occasionally better pricing, so planning in fall for a winter start can work to your advantage. For a detailed breakdown of project timelines, see our kitchen renovation timeline guide.

Setting a Realistic Budget

Before you fall in love with Italian marble and custom cabinetry, you need to know what you're working with. Here's how renovation budgets typically break down in Vancouver:

Budget Allocation by Category

The most important line item? Contingency: 15-20% of your total budget. In older Vancouver homes especially, opening walls reveals surprises — outdated wiring, water damage, asbestos, galvanized plumbing that needs replacing. That contingency isn't pessimism; it's realism. For specific dollar amounts by renovation tier, check our 2026 kitchen renovation cost guide.

Where to Invest vs. Where to Save

Not all spending is equal. After hundreds of kitchens, here's what we recommend:

• Invest in: Cabinet quality (you use them 20+ times a day), countertops (the most touched surface), and good lighting (transforms how the kitchen feels)
• Save on: Backsplash tile (mid-range looks nearly identical to premium), hardware (can be upgraded cheaply later), paint colour (costs almost nothing to change)
• Don't skip: Proper ventilation, adequate electrical capacity, quality plumbing fixtures

Choosing Your Kitchen Layout

Your layout determines how the kitchen functions for the next 15-25 years. Here are the main options and when each makes sense:

L-Shaped

The most versatile layout. Works in both open and closed kitchens, accommodates an island if there's room, and naturally creates the classic work triangle between sink, stove, and fridge. This is the most common layout we install in Vancouver single-family homes.

U-Shaped

Maximum counter and storage space. Ideal for dedicated kitchen rooms and serious cooks who want everything within arm's reach. The trade-off: it can feel enclosed, and there's typically no room for an island. Works well in larger homes in West Vancouver and the North Shore.

Galley

Two parallel runs of cabinets and countertops. Professional chefs actually prefer this layout for efficiency — everything is close. In Vancouver condos and townhomes, the galley layout is often the only option, and that's not a bad thing. Smart design and lighting can make a galley kitchen feel open and welcoming.

Open Concept with Island

The most requested layout in Vancouver renovations right now. Removing the wall between kitchen and living space and adding an island creates a social, multi-functional space. Be aware: open concept renovations often involve structural changes (supporting beams, load-bearing wall removal) that add $5,000-$15,000 to the budget and require engineering and permits.

Selecting Materials and Finishes

Material decisions need to happen in a specific order because some items have long lead times and others depend on what you've already chosen:

1. Cabinets first. They set the tone for everything else and have the longest lead time (6-10 weeks for custom). Cabinet colour and style drive your countertop, backsplash, and hardware decisions.
2. Countertops second. Choose material and colour once you've seen cabinet samples in your kitchen's lighting. Visit a slab yard for granite or quartz to see full slabs, not just small chips.
3. Appliances third. Size matters — you need exact dimensions before cabinet layout is finalized. Measure twice. A 36-inch range needs a 36-inch opening, not 35.5.
4. Flooring fourth. The floor needs to coordinate with cabinets and countertops but doesn't constrain them. Ordering can happen in parallel with other selections.
5. Backsplash and hardware last. These are the accent pieces that tie everything together. Wait until you have cabinet and countertop samples in hand before committing.

Finding the Right Contractor

The contractor you choose will be in your home for 4-10 weeks. This is a relationship, not just a transaction. Here's what to look for:

Must-Haves

• Valid BC contractor's licence and WorkSafeBC coverage
• Liability insurance ($2M minimum)
• Detailed written quotes with line-item breakdown
• References from at least 3 recent kitchen projects
• Clear communication about timeline and payment schedule

Red Flags

• Asking for more than 10-15% deposit up front
• No written contract or vague scope of work
• Quote significantly lower than others (corners will be cut)
• Unable or unwilling to provide references
• Pressuring you to decide quickly

Get 3 detailed quotes minimum. Compare scope, not just price — the cheapest quote often means exclusions that become expensive change orders later.

Vancouver-Specific Planning Considerations

Permits

Most kitchen renovations in Vancouver require permits for plumbing changes, electrical upgrades, and especially structural modifications. Budget $500-$3,000 for permits and 2-6 weeks for processing. Your contractor should handle this, but always confirm it's included in the scope of work. Skipping permits creates real problems at resale — home inspectors check for permitted work.

Condo Strata Rules

If you're renovating a condo kitchen in Burnaby, Richmond, or downtown Vancouver, start with your strata council. You'll typically need to submit renovation plans for approval, which can take 2-6 weeks. Work hours are usually restricted to 8am-5pm weekdays. Elevator bookings, loading dock access, and noise restrictions all need to be coordinated in advance. Factor an additional $2,000-$5,000 in strata-related costs into your budget.

Older Home Considerations

Vancouver homes built before 1980 frequently contain asbestos in flooring, ceiling texture, and pipe insulation. Testing costs $200-$500 and should be done before any demolition. Removal costs $3,000-$15,000 depending on scope. Homes from this era may also need electrical panel upgrades ($2,500-$4,000) to safely handle modern appliance loads.

Your Kitchen Renovation Planning Checklist

Use this as a sequential guide — each step should be completed before moving to the next:

1. Define your goals. What's driving the renovation? More storage, better flow, updated look, increased home value? Be specific.
2. Set your total budget. Include 15-20% contingency. Be honest about what you can afford — it's better to do a great mid-range renovation than a stretched high-end one.
3. Research and shortlist contractors. Start this early — good contractors in Vancouver book out months ahead.
4. Get 3 detailed quotes. Compare scope, timeline, and payment terms alongside price.
5. Finalize layout and design. Work with your contractor or a designer to lock down the floor plan before ordering anything.
6. Select and order cabinets. This is the longest lead-time item. Order immediately once design is finalized.
7. Choose countertops and appliances. Visit showrooms and slab yards. Get exact measurements for appliance openings.
8. Apply for permits. Your contractor should handle this, but confirm it's in process.
9. Select flooring, backsplash, and hardware. These are the fun accent decisions — make them last so they complement everything else.
10. Prepare for construction. Set up a temporary kitchen area, protect adjacent rooms, and plan for meals out during the demo phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to plan a kitchen renovation?

Allow 2-4 months from first consultation to construction start. The biggest variable is cabinet lead time (6-10 weeks) and permit processing (2-6 weeks). Starting the planning process 3-4 months ahead of your target start date gives comfortable buffer.

Do I need a permit for a kitchen renovation in Vancouver?

Almost certainly, if you're doing anything beyond cosmetic changes. Plumbing relocation, electrical upgrades, structural modifications, and gas line work all require permits in Vancouver and surrounding municipalities. Cosmetic-only updates (paint, hardware, countertop replacement with no plumbing changes) typically don't.

Can I live in my home during a kitchen renovation?

Yes, and most of our clients do. Set up a temporary kitchen in another room with a microwave, toaster oven, electric kettle, and a table for prep. Budget extra for takeout during the first two weeks when demolition and rough-in work make the kitchen completely unusable. By week three, you'll have a routine down.

Should I hire a kitchen designer or use my contractor's design?

For mid-range to high-end renovations, a dedicated kitchen designer ($2,000-$5,000) can optimize your layout, catch problems before construction, and help navigate the overwhelming number of material options. For smaller projects or cosmetic refreshes, your contractor's design experience is usually sufficient.

What's the most common planning mistake?

Choosing materials before finalizing the layout. We see homeowners fall in love with a specific countertop slab or cabinet style before knowing if it works with the layout that makes functional sense. Design the space first, then dress it up with materials that fit the plan.

Ready to Start Planning?

The planning phase is where great kitchen renovations are won or lost. We've guided hundreds of Vancouver homeowners through this process — from first sketch to final walkthrough — and we'd love to help you get started. Whether you're renovating in Surrey, Port Moody, Squamish, or anywhere across the Lower Mainland, contact us for a free consultation. We'll walk through your space, talk through your goals, and help you build a realistic plan.