How much does a full kitchen renovation cost in Toronto?

Hi, I'm Chris. I've been a General Contractor for 25 years, and I'm here to help you scope and budget your kitchen renovation.

From your photos, you've got a space with real character — the classic built-in hutch and center island, the distinctive cast-iron radiator, and the tiled counters. Loads of potential here!

Since a full kitchen reno touches nearly every major trade, we'll walk it step by step so nothing slips. We'll take the scope in order of trade complexity, biggest first:

1. Cabinets & Built-ins (the main runs, the island, and that built-in hutch)
2. Flooring (tile removal and new install)
3. Countertops (demolishing the tiled counters, templating, and setting new slabs)
4. Tile & Backsplash (new backsplash tile and substrate prep)
5. Appliances (disconnects, installs, and service connections)
6. Plumbing (sink, faucet, and under-sink shutoffs/drains)
7. Electrical & Lighting (the beam fixture, under-cabinet lighting, and outlets)
8. Walls & Paint (removing the wallpaper border, wall prep, and fresh paint)

Crucial Early Checks

Before we get into detail, two things in your photos raise important regulatory and safety points:

• The Radiator: it tells me your home runs on a hot-water (hydronic) system and likely has some age. If it was built before 1990, Canadian rules require a hazardous-materials survey (for asbestos) before we disturb any tile, plaster, or drywall substrate. If before 1978, we also follow lead-safe work protocols.
• Logistics: whether it's a detached house, townhouse, or condo changes our plan for deliveries, bin placement, and utility shutoffs quite a bit.

To get started and dial in the local context, a few questions first:

Question: What is your postal code?

Question: What year (or rough decade) was your home built?

• Pre-1978
• 1978 - 1990
• Post-1990

Question: Is your home a detached house, townhouse, or a condo/apartment?

• Detached House
• Townhouse
• Condo/ Apartment

Question: Keeping the exact kitchen layout (including the island), or redesigning/moving things around?

• Keep the same layout
• Redesign/ Move major elements

Question: How would you like to handle measurements?

• I have rough dimensions (I will type them below)
• No dimensions - please estimate from my photos

Thanks for the details — that's exactly what I need to start locking in the logistics.

Since you'd like me to estimate dimensions from your photos, here's my starting baseline:

• Kitchen Floor Area: ~224 sqft (assuming roughly a 14ft x 16ft room).
• Cabinets to Replace: ~18.5 linear feet of base cabinets (the sink run, the peninsula, and the hutch) and ~10 linear feet of uppers (over the sink and above the hutch).
• Small Island to Demolish: ~4.5 linear feet (we'll pull it entirely and carry the new floor straight through).
• Countertops: ~44.4 sqft of surface (replacing the tiled tops on the main runs, the bar peninsula, and the hutch).
• Walls to Paint: ~480 sqft of wall (covering the wallpaper-border removal, patch prep, and full repaint).

⚠️ Toronto / Ontario Safety & Regulatory Note

Because your home dates to 1978–1990 and you're in Toronto, Ontario's OHSA (O. Reg. 278/05) strictly requires a hazardous-materials survey (asbestos testing) before we disturb any drywall joint compound, vinyl/tile flooring, tile mortar, plaster, or adhesive. It's a non-negotiable step to protect the crew and your home, so we've built a dedicated testing step into the process.

Let's move to Z2 (Major Decisions) and Z3 (Specifications) for your Cabinets and Flooring, plus the Z4 condition of that Radiator:

Question: What quality grade (standard, mid-range, premium) are you targeting for the new cabinets?

• Standard (budget-friendly, stock sizes, basic finishes)
• Mid-range — semi-custom, plywood build, durable finishes
• Premium (fully custom, luxury hardwoods, specialty storage/hardware)

Question: Who will source the new cabinetry and hardware?

• Contractor-supplied — we design, source, and deliver them to you
• Owner-supplied (you purchase and coordinate delivery of your chosen cabinets; we handle installation)

Question: Which new flooring material would you like installed?

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) — water-resistant and very durable
• Tile (ceramic or porcelain - requires backer-board substrate prep)
• Engineered Hardwood (classic look, needs transition profiling)
• Laminate (budget-friendly, wood-look click flooring)

Question: Do you already have a hazardous-materials (asbestos) report, or should we include a sampling and testing fee?

• We need testing — add an environmental-consultant testing fee to the estimate
• We already have a clean asbestos/hazmat report

Question: How should we handle the hydronic radiator by the window during the reno?

• Leave the radiator where it is, paint around it, and run flooring up to it
• Have plumber temporarily drain and remove radiator to allow seamless flooring and wall painting, then reinstall
• Permanently remove the radiator (Note: requires capping lines or rerouting the heating loop)

We've locked the cabinetry plan (mid-range, contractor-supplied) and your flooring pick (LVP flowing around the protected, kept-in-place radiator). Pulling that small island is really going to open the room up!

On to the next set: Countertops, Tile Backsplash, and Appliances.

For decorative items like counters, backsplash tile, and appliances, homeowners often like to shop their own styles/models and have us handle delivery and install. Let me ask how you'd like to split it:

Question: What material would you like for the new countertops?

• Quartz — tough, non-porous, a very popular mid-to-premium pick
• Granite — natural stone with unique patterns; needs periodic sealing
• Laminate — wallet-friendly, endless colours, clean profile
• Butcher Block — warm wood look; needs food-safe upkeep

Question: Who will source the countertop material?

• Contractor-supplied — we source, template, fabricate, and set the slabs
• Owner-supplied — you buy the slab from a fabricator you choose; we template and set it

Question: Who will source the backsplash tile and grout?

• Owner-supplied — you buy the tile and grout; we provide the thinset/backer board and install
• Contractor-supplied — we provide standard ceramic/porcelain tile and your choice of grout

Question: Which appliances are being replaced, and how are they sourced?

• Swap the fridge, range, and hood — all Owner-supplied
• Swap the fridge, range, and hood, and ADD a dishwasher — all Owner-supplied
• Swap every appliance — Contractor-supplied
• Keep the existing appliances — just disconnect and reconnect

Question: What ventilation/range hood are you planning over the stove?

• Under-cabinet range hood — uses existing ducting or recirculates
• Wall-mounted chimney-style hood — exposed stainless duct cover
• Over-the-range (OTR) microwave combo

Understood! A matching 4-inch Quartz backsplash is a great, low-maintenance choice that ties right into the counters. We've updated the plan to skip the tile-setter trade for the backsplash entirely, folding it into the countertop fabrication.

And adding a dishwasher is a fantastic upgrade! Since the kitchen doesn't have one now, we've updated the required permits and Bill of Process so that:

1. Our Plumber taps into the water and drain under the sink to feed the new dishwasher.
2. Our Electrician runs two new dedicated 15A circuits — one for the new dishwasher and one for the new over-the-range (OTR) microwave.

Let's wrap the last details on your Sink & Faucet, Electrical & Lighting, and finishes:

Question: Who supplies the new kitchen sink and faucet, and what style are you after?

• Owner-supplied undermount sink and faucet — standard with Quartz; we install/connect
• Contractor-supplied undermount stainless sink with a standard single-handle pull-down faucet
• Owner-supplied drop-in sink and faucet — rests on the countertop rim

Question: How should we handle the lighting on the ceiling wood beam?

• Swap the old fluorescent for a modern track-lighting run along the beam
• Keep the wood beam and wire in 4-6 recessed pot lights in the surrounding drywall ceiling
• Take out the wood beam, patch the drywall, and add recessed pot lights throughout
• Keep the existing fixture — leave the ceiling lighting alone

Question: Adding under-cabinet LED accent lighting beneath the new upper cabinets?

• Yes — includes the low-voltage driver, rough-in wiring, and LED tape strips
• No — stick with the main ceiling lighting

Question: Want us to upgrade all countertop outlets to code-compliant GFCI outlets?

• Yes — strongly recommended for safety in a 1978-1990 home reno
• No — leave the existing outlets as-is

Your project estimate

Project summary

A complete kitchen remodel for a detached 1978-1990 single-family home in Toronto. It removes the old island, installs contractor-supplied mid-range cabinets and quartz counters/backsplash, adds a brand-new dishwasher (with new electrical/plumbing runs), and sets lighting (OTR microwave circuit, track lights, LED tape). Upfront Ontario's OHSA (O. Reg. 278/05) asbestos testing is included. The cast-iron radiator stays put, with LVP cut around it.

Estimate range

$23,815 - $35,775 This is a starting ballpark, not a final price.

Estimated work

Item	Details	Range
Site Protection & Radiator Prep	Protect the kitchen floors, cabinet areas, and the existing cast-iron radiator with heavy-duty dust barriers and floor protection.	$215 - $355
PM & Multi-Trade Coordination	GC project management, multi-trade sequencing, scheduling, and oversight for the reno.	$665 - $1,095
Building Permit Filing & Fee	Prepare, file, and coordinate the Building Permit with the City of Toronto.	$275 - $440
Asbestos & Hazmat Testing	Prepare and coordinate the pre-1990 Ontario OHSA (O. Reg. 278/05)-mandated hazardous-materials testing for plaster, drywall, tile, and adhesives.	$395 - $690
Safe Utility Shutoff	Safely shut off the water and electrical services to the kitchen before demo.	$38 - $57
Disconnect Plumbing Services	Disconnect the existing kitchen sink, faucet, and dishwasher water supply and drain lines.	$71 - $145
Disconnect Electrical Services	Disconnect the existing kitchen range, lighting, and countertop-outlet connections.	$99 - $170
Cabinet & Countertop Demolition	Demo the existing base/upper cabinets (28.5 lft), wood-trimmed tile counters (44.4 sqft), and small center island (4.5 lft).	$685 - $1,120
Tile Floor Demo	Demo the existing kitchen tile floor down to the subfloor substrate (224 sqft).	$475 - $810
Subfloor Assessment & Leveling	Prep and level the subfloor for luxury vinyl plank; assess condition and apply self-leveling underlayment (224 sqft).	$970 - $1,505
LVP Flooring Install	Install new Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), cutting carefully around the existing cast-iron radiator (224 sqft).	$1,770 - $2,855
Rough-In Dishwasher Plumbing	Rough in the hot-water line, drain line, and shutoff valves for the new dishwasher location.	$265 - $435
Plumbing Permit Filing & Fee	Prepare, file, and coordinate the Plumbing Permit for the dishwasher addition.	$325 - $510
New Circuits & Electrical Rough-In	Install two new dedicated 15A circuits for the dishwasher and OTR microwave, and run rough-in wiring for the under-cabinet LED tape.	$640 - $1,035
Electrical Permit Filing & Fee	Prepare, file, and coordinate the Electrical Permit for the dedicated circuits and lighting.	$245 - $390
Supply Semi-Custom Plywood Base Cabinets	Supply the semi-custom plywood base cabinets (18.5 lft).	$5,900 - $8,900
Supply Semi-Custom Plywood Upper Cabinets	Supply the semi-custom plywood upper cabinets (10 lft).	$2,500 - $3,900
Supply Cabinet Hardware	Supply basic cabinet knobs and drawer pulls (count estimated from 28 door/drawer fronts).	$175 - $275
Cabinet Installation Labour	Install the new mid-range contractor-supplied base, upper, and pantry/hutch cabinetry.	$665 - $1,095
Supply & Install Quartz Counters	Supply and install the contractor-supplied Quartz slab (44.4 sqft), including template, fabrication, and undermount sink cutouts.	$4,185 - $6,375
Supply 4-Inch Quartz Backsplash Strip	Supply the matching 4-inch Quartz backsplash strip along the back run and hutch walls (14 lft, converted to square feet).	$400 - $650
Track Lighting Install	Install the track lighting system along the wood beam.	$250 - $420
Under-Cabinet LED Tape	Supply and install under-cabinet low-voltage LED tape lighting (10 lft).	$370 - $595
Undermount Sink Install	Install the owner-supplied undermount kitchen sink and reconnect the drain lines.	$145 - $260
Kitchen Faucet Install (Flat Rate)	Install the owner-supplied kitchen faucet.	$120 - $215
Supply PVC P-Trap Kit	Supply the standard PVC P-trap kit for the sink reconnection.	$12 - $18
Install Owner-Supplied Appliances	Install and reconnect the owner-supplied appliances: freestanding fridge, range, new dishwasher, and OTR microwave.	$260 - $405
Wallpaper-Border Removal & Prep	Scrape and prep the walls to remove the old wallpaper border before painting.	$215 - $355
Kitchen Painting & Materials	Paint the walls, ceiling, and trim, working carefully around the radiator (480 sqft of wall paint area).	$370 - $570
Final Clean & Haul-Away	Do the final cleanup, post-construction wipe-down, and final inspections.	$430 - $670
Supply Sink Shut-Off Valves	Supply standard plumber shut-off valves and braided supply lines for the sink reconnection.	$25 - $45
Supply Faucet Supply Lines	Supply standard plumber braided supply lines (pair) for the faucet.	$14 - $22
Supply Sink Basket Strainer	Supply a basic basket strainer for the undermount sink.	$45 - $70

Cost summary

Category	Range
Materials	$16,575 - $25,010
Labour	$7,150 - $10,765
Total	$23,815 - $35,775

What is included

• Safe-work prep, dust barriers, floor protection (including guarding the cast-iron radiator), and mobilization.
• Mandatory Ontario OHSA (O. Reg. 278/05) pre-1990 hazardous-materials survey (asbestos testing) for drywall, adhesive, tile, and plaster.
• Safe shutoff of water, electrical, and gas utilities to the kitchen.
• Disconnect the sink, faucet, and dishwasher water/drain lines.
• Disconnect the range, oven, and lighting electrical connections.
• Demolish and remove the existing cabinets, hutch, and tile counters, and fully remove the small island.
• Demolish and remove the existing tile floor down to the subfloor.
• Assess the subfloor and apply underlayment or leveling compound as needed.
• Install new Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) throughout the kitchen, cutting neatly around the kept-in-place hydronic radiator.
• Rough in the new plumbing under the sink for the added dishwasher.
• Run dedicated electrical circuits for the new dishwasher and the new OTR microwave, and rough-in wiring for the under-cabinet LED tape.
• Install the new mid-range contractor-supplied base, upper, and pantry/hutch cabinetry.
• Template, fabricate, and install the new Quartz counters (with undermount sink and cooktop cutouts) plus the matching 4-inch Quartz backsplash strips.
• Install the track lighting along the wood beam, wire/mount the low-voltage drivers, and fit the under-cabinet LED tape.
• Install the owner-supplied undermount sink and faucet, and reconnect the drain lines.
• Install and reconnect the owner-supplied appliances: fridge, range, new dishwasher, and OTR microwave.
• Remove the wallpaper border, patch drywall, prime, and paint the walls, ceiling, and trim, working carefully around the radiator.
• Do the final inspections, clean the kitchen surfaces, and haul the remaining debris away.

Permits or inspections

Item	Why it may be needed
Building Permit (Interior Reno)	A full kitchen remodel with cabinet replacement, layout tweaks, and multiple trades.
Electrical Permit (Circuits & Lighting)	For the disconnects/reconnects, new dedicated circuits for the dishwasher and OTR microwave, and the LED lighting drivers.
Plumbing Permit (Sink & Dishwasher)	For modifying and reconnecting the sink and faucet and adding the brand-new water and drain connections for the dishwasher.

Possible add-ons

These items are not included in the estimate range above. They may change after an on-site review.

Item	Trade	Possible range	What would confirm it
Abatement and hazardous-waste disposal of asbestos-containing materials if lab testing comes back positive for vinyl mastic or drywall compound.	General Contractor	$2,000 - $3,000	The asbestos lab survey comes back positive for hazardous materials.
Repair or replace hydronic radiator valves or piping if active leaks or serious rust are uncovered during floor work.	Plumber	$350 - $550	Active radiator leaking or serious corrosion is found when the protection comes off.
Substantial drywall patching and skimming if wallpaper-border removal badly damages the underlying drywall.	General Contractor	$275 - $425	Drywall substrate damage found after wallpaper removal that needs full skim-coating.

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