How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Winnipeg

While there are many different reasons to renovate your kitchen, the factors that affect costs tend to be the same. These include changes to square footage, what finishes you choose, or whether the cabinets are included in the renovation. When it comes down to it, the whole process and price tag can feel overwhelming. The good news, it doesn’t have to.

With this handy guide and the cost of kitchen renovations in Winnipeg, you can get the right price for your budget. While there is typically an average cost, you’ll get the most accurate kitchen renovation estimate from an experienced and trustworthy renovation company.

Budget tips and breakdown

Under-budgeting invites just as much risk as not budgeting at all. Part of knowing how much to spend, or what to spend it on, comes down to knowing when to spend and when to save. To start, are you renovating to sell or to update for yourself? If the renovation is personal, a good range is to spend upwards of 25% of your house’s cost. Over the years that you stay and enjoy the space, it’ll add major value and boost future resale.

If you plan to sell, then narrow down the cost to 10% to 15% of your home’s value. Keep in mind that those numbers are a general rule of thumb and may be affected by where you live. With renovations to sell, keep the focus on the future buyer. Talk to a realtor for some advice on what kitchen features are currently popular in the housing market.

Kitchen renovations in Winnipeg can recoup between 70% to 80% of the cost. Whether selling or updating, that recoup makes it well worthwhile either way.

Cost breakdown

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, kitchen renovations in North America can be further broken down as follows:

Cabinets and hardware: 29% ($8,704)

*Installation: 17% ($5,102)

Appliances and ventilation: 14% ($4,201)

Countertops: 10% ($3,001)

*Installation includes things like appliances, cabinets, countertops, sinks, flooring, or backsplash.

These percentages cover the bulk of a kitchen renovation. At the same time, lower is associated with floors (7%), walls and ceilings (5%), doors and windows (4%), and faucets and plumbing (4%).

Another great rule of thumb is to add on a contingency plan in case of emergencies or unexpected repairs. In general, an additional 5% to 10% of the budget should cover most costs.

Key things that will impact cost

No matter the home or kitchen, some common factors will affect the overall cost of kitchen renovations in Winnipeg. Breaking down a major renovation into different stages can help ease the stress of a single major overhaul. It also helps further breakdown the cost, so you can plan how much or little to do at once.

Size of the room

This both relates to the current size of the kitchen and whether you have plans to change the layout. A renovation in a larger kitchen will require more labour and materials to renovate. Smaller kitchens will obviously need less, unless a wall is being knocked out. That work will need more labour and likely mean more materials to fill the new space.

Based on Canadian contractor estimates, here are some kitchen renovation costs:

Small kitchen average cost (<70 square feet): $6,500 – $26,000

Medium kitchen average cost (100-150 square feet): $19,500 – $52,000

Large kitchen average cost (200+ square feet): $40,000 – $78,000

The scale of work

Before settling on a full or partial renovation, stop to think about what your kitchen needs. Full renovations include major work like tearing out old cabinets, gutting the kitchen, and maybe expanding the space. The idea is a top-to-bottom overhaul for a completely new kitchen.

Partial renovations are the least expensive option and focus on specific changes. These include things like new appliances and more efficient cabinets or just new flooring and countertops. Only the parts of the kitchen renovation in Winnipeg that need changing are renovated. If your budget doesn’t allow for a full renovation, then partial renovations can still be visually and cost-effective.

Materials and fixtures

Once the planning and layout plans are settled, the final part of a renovation is the actual materials. As mentioned before, cabinets and countertops can both easily tip a budget depending on the material. Custom cabinets are a luxury and worthwhile addition, but they also come with a much higher price tag. While marble countertops are popularly considered in kitchens, granite or quartz is much more cost-effective and just as suitable. Unless a high-end material is worth the cost, you can still get the luxury look without the luxury cost.

Fixtures and faucets are worth the extra cost to ensure a quality new addition. While it’s tempting to cut costs on cheaper alternatives, it won’t pay off long term. Quality fixtures will last for years, so invest now to save later.

How much will renovation companies cost?

Hiring a professional to help isn’t so much of a ‘should you do it’ question and is more of a recommended step. Despite the temptation to DIY, a professional has the skills and experience you need. They’ll ensure every penny put into the renovation serves to boost your home’s value and makes it a worthwhile, long-term investment. If your renovation is to sell, buyers will definitely notice and value a professional’s work over DIY work.

What that in mind, who exactly should you hire to help with kitchen renovations in Winnipeg? Is a handyman enough, or do you need a full-service general contractor for the job? What about a designer or architect? Depending on the scope of your renovation, different hired help can be necessary or just an extra benefit.

General Contractor

Contractors specialize in a field of work and have certification and training to qualify their experience. General contractors may specialize in multiple fields of work, like various renovation projects and home improvement. A general contractor will also be in charge of a small team, called subcontractors, that they bring on and supervise for the job. For a kitchen renovation in Winnipeg, that likely includes plumbers, flooring installers, painters, tile installers, electricians, and others.

A key benefit of a general contractor is that they act as the project manager for the entire renovation. In that, they manage the team, oversee the work, and take care of handling and applying for any necessary permits. They’ll also be your point of contact during the process, which can help take away a lot of the stress.

A contractor can also be hired for similar handyman services like installation services or helping with small remodels. You will also sign a contract with a contractor, so you get insurance coverage and guarantees for the job. With a contractor, you get their expertise in design ideas, construction, work, management, and more. All in all, it makes their service worth every penny.

Cost

General contractor prices vary much more than a handyman as they act as project overseers. Their service fees include handling permits, hiring trade workers, supervising those workers, and often design work.

Average charge: Canadian general contractors estimate the average charge for their services is 10 to 20% of your total project cost

Handyman

Hiring a handyman can save costs, but it comes down to the project in question. Most handymen are hired for jobs or projects that homeowners don’t have the time to handle themselves. Small projects like paint touch up or drywall repair, or bigger ones like installing new appliances. Before hiring a handyman, find out what their skill sets are and how much the work will cost. In the case of a kitchen renovation, the scale of work involved may not be suited to some handyman companies while others can oversee large-scale renovations. It depends on the company you hire.

Cost

Handymen either charge by hour by charge a flat fee depending on the project. Things like installing a new sink or faucet may be a set price, compared to doing minor repairs, which could be hourly. It’ll also depend on if the handyman you hire is an independent worker or if they are part of a company. Professional, more specific services like plumbing or electrical may also cost more for a handyman with those specific skills.

These prices are based on Canadian handyman service estimates:

Set job prices

Small job average (1-2 hours): $100 – $200

Medium job average (2-4 hours): $200 – $400

Large job average (4+ hours – days): $400+

Keep in mind that these figures are general averages across Canada. Within specific cities, these figures can change, depending on the handyman or company.

Designer or architects

Architects and kitchen designers generally work in the same way by planning and designing your kitchen. The difference is how they go about that work and what renovation plans you have in mind.

For layout changes, like moving walls or changing floor plans, work with an architect. They will know which wall is load-bearing, what layout is the best for the space, or help with long-term kitchen use goals. An architect deals with the physical structure of the home and turns those ideas into blueprint drawings. Generally, an architect will work with a contractor to create the plans and then have the contractor implement those designs. If you plan to work with an architect and designer, the architect comes first.

Many renovation companies will also include these services and include the cost in an estimate. If you hire a separate architect, some Winnipeg companies may require that you bring in the drawings beforehand.

Interior designer

As with an interior designer, a kitchen designer helps with the space’s visual aesthetics. They’ll help choose countertops, backsplash, flooring, new paint colours, light fixtures, and more. Their goal is to reflect your style while improving the overall function of kitchen renovations in Winnipeg. Visual flow and physical flow in a kitchen are both just as important, making hiring both professionals a beneficial choice.

A general contractor with years of experience can likely help with some design advice and suggestions. Kitchen renovation companies often include design services, which will be included in any services and cost estimates. Working with the same designer in the company can help make it easier to keep renovation plans and designs on track.

Cost

Architect fees will depend on how involved they are in the renovation project and process. They may charge an hourly fee or a percentage of the project if overseeing the entire thing. As such, budgeting carefully for an architect is important. Decide early if you need one or if your general contractor can handle the work.

Most architects charge either an hourly rate or a set percentage from the total project. As such costs can vary depending, so get a few estimates before you choose. In residential projects, architects may have a price range between $130 to $200 per hour. Keep in mind as well that no all kitchen renovations will need an architect. Only if you are taking out walls or drastically changing the layout will one be needed.

Designers

Kitchen designers likewise may charge a percentage of the project or a flat fee if it’s a one-time consultation. Most interior designers are hired to help with the entire project, but sometimes a single consultation session can be enough for kitchen renovations in Winnipeg. In-house design fees for a set percentage are typically around 4% of the total renovation cost, but that will depend on the renovation company. Many interior designers can also help with creating drawings for the project.

Whoever you decide to hire, make sure they are fully qualified. Years of experience and positive reviews are a good way to get an idea of their skills and work quality. Make sure to get multiple estimates as well before settling on just one company. Once you have a match, have everything put on paper, from estimates to actual plans. That will help with accountability and prevent any miscommunication.

Cost-saving tips

There are ways to get the look of an updated kitchen without blowing your budget or spending extra. The great thing about a kitchen is that every part of it has an option to save money without sacrificing appearances.

Cabinets

Cabinets, for example, if they are in good condition, don’t have to be replaced. Replacing should be done if they are beyond repair or if you are extending the kitchen and tearing out the old cabinets. Instead, consider refacing or repainting them to get that fresh, new look for kitchen renovations in Winnipeg.

Refacing cabinets involves stripping the hardware, doors, and drawers and applying a new look with a veneer. The physical structure and location of the cabinets stay, but the exterior is transformed. Repainting is similar but involves sanding the cabinets and stripping the old look. New paint colours or stains are then applied for a fresh appearance.

Countertops

Unless you are picking a high-end countertop to suit your home chef needs, don’t feel you have to follow current trends. Countertops have a nearly endless range of options, styles, and prices to match. Marble and natural stone are popular choices but have high-end costs. Instead, quartz, butcher block wood, or even recycled glass countertops are just as stunning. They also cost much less, so they are a great alternative when cutting costs. Each material is just as robust and durable against stains, cuts, or impact, so they’ll last in your kitchen for many years.

Fixtures and faucets

As far as small but mighty goes, kitchen fixtures and faucets play a big visual role. Adding a touch of colour, like brass faucets on the sinks and coloured cabinet handles, adds a lot of quality. Pulldown faucets with gooseneck spouts look both elegant and are practical. You can easily clean dishes or the sink or fill pots after the kitchen renovations in Winnipeg.

Adding colours adds a subtle focal feature around the room that does a lot to tie together the overall design and colour scheme. With faucets, focus your spending on a quality pick that will last for years. Design-wise, even average-costing choices come in a range of styles and colours for easy customization.