<- [Back to Examples Index](/llm/examples.md) # How much does a kitchen cosmetic refresh cost in Vancouver? ### Real Vancouver kitchen refresh estimate A kitchen cosmetic refresh in a Vancouver pre-1990 detached home was estimated at **$6,693 CAD** for the mandatory scope (range $5,300-$8,100). This estimate covers professional cabinet painting prep and spray-painting of the existing cabinet fronts and frames, drilling and patching for new owner-supplied cabinet hardware, demolishing the existing laminate countertops, fabrication and installation of a new quartz countertop with a 4-inch matching backsplash, plumbing disconnects and reconnection of an owner-supplied undermount kitchen sink and faucet, disconnecting and reconnecting a slide-in electric range, a pre-1990 WorkSafeBC-compliant asbestos and lead survey, and post-project cleanup and construction waste disposal. The sink, faucet, electric range, and cabinet hardware are owner-supplied; the quartz countertops and plumbing supply parts are contractor-supplied. Two possible additions were kept separate from the mandatory scope: a faucet stabilizer plate and a drainage line re-pipe, each triggered only if conditions are discovered during the work. --- ## Key Project Facts | Fact | Details | | :--- | :--- | | **Location** | Vancouver, BC (East Vancouver, FSA V5K) | | **Property type** | Detached house, built before 1990 | | **Cabinets** | Existing cabinets, professionally spray-painted | | **Countertops** | Quartz with matching 4-inch backsplash | | **Owner-supplied** | Undermount sink, faucet, electric range, hardware | | **Permits** | None required (cosmetic-only same footprint) | | **Estimated project cost** | $6,693 CAD | | **Possible Additions** | Faucet stabilizer plate or drain line re-pipe | --- ## Project Phases ### 1. Asbestos survey and site protection - **Includes:** Pre-1990 asbestos and lead survey (sample collection and lab analysis) and site protection (dust barriers and floor protection). - **Why this phase matters:** WorkSafeBC regulations mandate a hazardous materials survey for pre-1990 structures before any demolition or substrate disturbance. ### 2. Disconnects and demolition - **Includes:** Plumbing disconnects of the sink and faucet, electrical disconnect of the electric range, and demolition and disposal of the existing laminate countertops. - **Why this phase matters:** The plumbing and electrical appliances must be safely disconnected before the laminate countertops are removed and cabinet painting begins. ### 3. Cabinet spray-painting and hardware - **Includes:** Prepping, patching, priming, and spray-painting the existing cabinet fronts and visible frames, and drilling and installing new cabinet hardware. - **Why this phase matters:** Reusing the existing cabinet boxes and spray-painting the doors provides a high-end look at a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry. ### 4. Quartz countertop installation - **Includes:** Supply, fabrication, templating, and installation of the new quartz countertop with a matching 4-inch quartz backsplash strip. - **Why this phase matters:** Countertops are the main material driver in this cosmetic refresh, replacing old laminate with durable quartz. ### 5. Plumbing reconnection and supply kit - **Includes:** Installing the owner-supplied undermount sink and faucet, reconnecting the drainage, and supplying a new PVC P-trap kit. - **Why this phase matters:** Ensures the sink and faucet are properly sealed to the new quartz countertops and leak-free. ### 6. Range installation and cleanup - **Includes:** Installing the owner-supplied electric slide-in range, post-project cleaning, and disposal of construction debris. - **Why this phase matters:** Finishes the kitchen refresh and leaves the space clean and ready for immediate homeowner use. --- ## Cost Breakdown | Phase | Labour Cost | Material Cost | Total Cost | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Asbestos survey and site protection** | $500.00 CAD | $400.00 CAD | $900.00 CAD | | **Disconnects and demolition** | $173.25 CAD | $0.00 CAD | $173.25 CAD | | **Cabinet spray-painting and hardware** | $540.00 CAD | $250.00 CAD | $790.00 CAD | | **Quartz countertop installation** | $520.00 CAD | $3,300.00 CAD | $3,820.00 CAD | | **Plumbing reconnection and supply kit** | $242.15 CAD | $117.76 CAD | $359.91 CAD | | **Range installation and cleanup** | $340.00 CAD | $310.00 CAD | $650.00 CAD | | **Total estimated project cost** | **$2,315.40 CAD** | **$4,377.76 CAD** | **$6,693.16 CAD** | *Note: The mandatory scope totals $6,693.16 CAD, combining $2,315.40 in labour and $4,377.76 in contractor-supplied materials. Materials are the main driver because the contractor supplies the quartz countertops and backsplash ($3,417.76), while the range, sink, and faucet are owner-supplied. Phase totals group the source line items into logical buckets.* --- ## Possible Price Changes - **Faucet stabilizer plate:** The faucet feels loose on a water-damaged MDF substrate behind the sink area once the old countertop is removed. A plumber installs a stabilizer plate to reinforce the sink deck. This example keeps that separate from the mandatory scope at approximately **$175-$300 CAD**. - **Drainage line re-pipe:** Deteriorated or clogged drain lines under the kitchen sink are found beyond simple snaking. A plumber re-pipes the drainage from the trap arm. This example keeps that separate from the mandatory scope at approximately **$300-$500 CAD**. - **Different scope or site conditions:** The homeowner decides to replace the cabinet boxes, relocates appliances, chooses custom paint finishes, or has positive asbestos test results. The scope would need a fresh estimate instead of using this project as a final price. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is $6,693 the average cost of a kitchen cosmetic refresh in Vancouver? No. It is the estimate RenoFiz produced for this specific Vancouver detached house with existing cabinet spray-painting and new quartz countertops. Another home can have different cabinet conditions, room sizes, or countertop materials. ### What was included in this estimate? The mandatory scope included pre-1990 asbestos testing, site protection, plumbing and range disconnects, laminate countertop demolition, cabinet spray-painting, quartz countertops and backsplash, sink and faucet installation, range reconnection, hardware installation, and cleanup. ### What was not included in the $6,693 mandatory scope? The estimate kept two possible additions separate: faucet stabilizer plate ($175-$300) and drainage line re-pipe ($300-$500), totalling up to $635 CAD. These apply only if on-site conditions trigger them. The sink, faucet, range, and hardware are owner-supplied. ### Does this page confirm current Vancouver permit rules or fees? No. Cosmetic kitchen refreshes with no layout changes, framing modifications, or new electrical/plumbing runs typically do not require permits in Vancouver. Verify current requirements with the authority having jurisdiction before starting work. ### What does a professional still confirm before the work is booked? A general contractor and the painting/plumbing trades confirm cabinet face condition, exact countertop measurements, owner-supplied range and sink specifications, asbestos testing details, and final price before booking. ---