WHAT DOES IT COST TO RENOVATE MY KITCHEN IN 2025?
Let’s break down the real costs in Hamilton and the GTA
Let’s put this out there first: kitchen renovations aren’t cheap. But they should be worth it.
If you’ve been putting it off because you’re scared of the price, you’re right but you’re not alone. A lot of homeowners delay kitchen work for years because they “just want to get a few quotes first.” But without the right information, most quotes are confusing. It’s hard to compare apples to apples. The prices are all over the place. And most people just think they’re being ripped off when they see these drastic price differences.
Here’s what we can tell you after building over 400 kitchens: the cost depends on what you want, what you need, and what you’re not thinking about yet.
Let’s break it down the way no one else does.
THE BIGGEST COST DRIVER: THE DESIGN
Everyone wants a “magazine kitchen.” Big island, built-in appliances, pot filler, fancy lighting, clean finishes. But no one tells you how fast those wishlist items add up.
Here’s the thing most websites won’t tell you:
- ✓ We actually tell you the truth up front.
- ✓ We protect your budget like it’s our own.
- ✓ And we finish strong, no matter what.
A kitchen renovation isn’t just about cabinets and tile. It’s about how you live.
Choose someone who respects your time, your vision, and your investment.
FINAL THOUGHT
Ready to stop guessing and start planning?
Let’s talk.
- · The cabinets alone can cost more than your entire kitchen did 10 years ago
- · Layout changes (like moving the sink or stove) can double your plumbing and electrical costs
- · Fancy finishes = custom labour = slower timeline
- · Appliance panels cost money — and no, they’re not included
- · You don’t need the most expensive materials… you need the right ones. So don’t ask for solid wood kitchens and spray them so they’re painted. You might as well use MDF.
SO… WHAT’S THE REAL COST IN 2025?
For a full gut kitchen renovation in Hamilton or the GTA, here’s what most homeowners are paying today:
Investment Properties (Bare Minimum / White Shaker or Flat Panel Thermofoil):
💰 $15,000 – $25,000
- · White Shaker Cabinet Doors or White Flat Slab Doors
- · Only 1 base cabinet with drawers
- · Laminate or Builder-grade quartz countertops
- · Plumbing/electrical stays in place
Entry Level (Small Kitchen / No Layout Changes):
💰 $35,000 – $50,000
- · Basic cabinets (no custom)
- · Mid-tier quartz countertops
- · No structural changes
- · Plumbing/electrical stays in place
Mid-Range (Most Popular):
💰 $55,000 – $80,000
- · Semi-custom cabinets
- · Upgraded quartz or stone counters
- · Layout improvements
- · Premium tile, lighting, and finishes
- · Minor structural work (like opening up a wall)
High-End / Designer Kitchen:
💰 $90,000 – $150,000+
- · Custom millwork throughout
- · High-end appliances with paneling
- · Major layout rework or wall removal
- · Hidden lighting, built-in details, premium flooring
- · Everything designed for long-term resale and ROI
WHAT IMPACTS THE PRICE THE MOST?
If you’re trying to understand why your quote is $50K and your friend’s is $80K, here’s what usually makes the biggest difference:
- · Size of your space: more cabinets = more cost
- · How old your house is: older homes = more surprises
- · Scope clarity: the less defined the plan, the more you’ll pay in changes later
- · Material choices: using the same quartz countertop as backsplash will cost you an additional $5,000 – $20,000
- · Prep and permits: structural changes like removing a wall, requires a permit. Which takes more time and money, but protects your investment
5 RED FLAGS WHEN REVIEWING A KITCHEN QUOTE
“We can do it for 25k” 🚩 Translation: they’ll cut corners or ghost you halfway through.
No clear allowance for finishes 🚩 You’ll end up paying extra at every stage. Meet the contractor and pick the specific kitchen you want. The upcharges will be crazy.
No line item for demo, disposal, or cleanup 🚩 If they skip it in the quote, they’ll skip it on-site.
Cash deal push 🚩 That’s not a “discount”. That’s no insurance, no warranty, and no recourse. Think long and hard about this. Do you really want this?
They say yes to everything 🚩 A real pro will say “no” when your ideas don’t make sense, because their job is to protect your time and money.
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE WHEN YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT TEAM
- ✓ They help you design to your lifestyle, not just for looks
- ✓ They walk you through the cost before it shows up on an invoice
- ✓ They tell you what’s worth upgrading, and what’s not
- ✓ They bring in trades who actually show up
- ✓ They make decisions with you, not for you
ASK THIS QUESTION BEFORE YOU SIGN ANYTHING
“How do you handle scope creep during a kitchen project?”
If they don’t have a clear process, you’re going to get burned. If they explain their change order system and Selections process then give you specific stories of how they’ve avoided issues before, that’s who you want.
RENOVATING IN HAMILTON? HERE’S WHAT YOU GET WITH NEWFORE:
We’ve done over 400 kitchens across Hamilton, Burlington, GTA, Niagara and Toronto. We’ve seen every kind of layout, finish, and client concern. But the reason people refer us is simple:
We actually tell you the truth up front. We protect your budget like it’s our own. And we finish strong, no matter what. A kitchen renovation isn’t just about cabinets and tile. It’s about how you live. Choose someone who respects your time, your vision, and your investment. Ready to stop guessing and start planning? Let’s talk.
START YOUR RENOVATION PROJECT TODAY
We can help you with your home improvement project, just ask us for a quote!
