A kitchen remodel is one of the few home improvement projects that consistently pays for itself — or comes close. In Durham Region's real estate market, the right kitchen renovation returns 75–90% of what you spend, and makes your home sell faster and at a higher price.
But "the right renovation" is the key phrase. Not every dollar you put into a kitchen comes back at resale.
The ROI Numbers for Durham Region
Real estate data for the GTA and Durham Region shows clear patterns:
| Renovation Type | Typical Cost | ROI | Net Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor refresh (cosmetic) | $15,000–$25,000 | 80–90% | $12,000–$22,500 |
| Mid-range with prefab cabinets | $25,000–$45,000 | 80–90% | $20,000–$40,500 |
| Mid-range with custom cabinets | $40,000–$60,000 | 65–75% | $26,000–$45,000 |
| Major upscale | $65,000–$100,000+ | 55–70% | $35,750–$70,000 |
The sweet spot: a mid-range renovation with prefab cabinets. You get modern aesthetics and function that buyers want, at a price point that doesn't overcapitalize for your neighbourhood.
Notice the pattern — as you spend more, the percentage return drops. A $90,000 kitchen in a $600,000 home rarely makes sense for resale alone.
Where Your Kitchen Budget Has the Biggest Impact
Not all upgrades move the needle the same way. Here's what buyers in Ajax, Oshawa, Whitby, and Pickering are looking for:
High-impact (spend here):
- Modern cabinets — dated cabinets are the #1 thing that makes a kitchen look old
- Stone countertops — quartz or granite signals quality to buyers
- Updated appliances — stainless steel, matching, functional
- Good lighting — under-cabinet, recessed, and pendant over islands
- Clean backsplash — subway tile or simple stone runs
Low-impact (save here):
- Ultra-premium appliances (buyers won't pay extra for a $12,000 range vs. a $3,000 one)
- Exotic materials that match your taste but not the market's
- Structural changes that don't fix an actual layout problem
- Custom cabinetry when prefab delivers the same look at half the price
How to Avoid Overcapitalizing
The biggest mistake homeowners make: spending more on the kitchen than the neighbourhood supports.
General guideline: Spend 5–15% of your home's current value on a kitchen remodel.
For Durham Region in 2026:
- $500,000 home → $25,000–$75,000 kitchen budget
- $700,000 home → $35,000–$105,000 kitchen budget
- $900,000 home → $45,000–$135,000 kitchen budget
Stay at the lower end of that range if you're renovating primarily for resale. Move toward the higher end if you're staying 5+ years and want to enjoy the upgrade yourself.
Work With Your Home's Style
A modern minimalist kitchen in a 1970s colonial-style home looks wrong — and buyers notice. The renovation should match the overall character of the house.
Traditional homes → Shaker-style cabinets, warmer finishes, crown molding Contemporary homes → Flat-panel doors, clean lines, handleless or minimal hardware Transitional homes → Mix of both — the most flexible (and marketable) approach
Our design team at Floor and Bath Design sees this daily. We recommend finishes and styles that complement your home's architecture — not fight against it. See how this works in our project portfolio.
Prioritize Your Renovation for Maximum Value
If budget is limited, tackle upgrades in this order:
- Cabinets — the single biggest visual element. Prefab cabinets give you a fresh look at the lowest cost.
- Countertops — the second thing people touch and notice. Quartz is the sweet spot for price and durability.
- Backsplash and paint — high visual impact for relatively low cost.
- Lighting — often overlooked, but buyers respond strongly to well-lit kitchens.
- Appliances — mid-range stainless steel. Matching matters more than brand.
- Flooring — last, if the current floor isn't is damaged or visually jarring.
This order follows the typical kitchen budget breakdown and puts your money where buyers will see it first.
Get a Plan Before You Spend
Bring your goals — resale, personal enjoyment, or both — to a free consultation at FBD. We'll walk through your kitchen, identify what buyers in your neighbourhood value, and build a renovation plan that maximizes your return.
35+ years of Durham Region renovations means we see what moves homes here — and what doesn't.
Floor and Bath Design · 109 Old Kingston Road, Unit 4, Ajax ON · 905-683-0079
Frequently Asked Questions
How much value does a kitchen remodel add to a home in Durham Region?
A mid-range kitchen renovation with prefab cabinets returns 80–90% of the cost in Durham Region. On a $35,000 renovation, that's $28,000–$31,500 in added home value — plus a faster sale.
What kitchen upgrades have the highest ROI?
New cabinets, stone countertops, and updated appliances give the highest return. These are the first things buyers see and touch. Lighting and backsplash are low-cost upgrades with outsized visual impact.
Is it worth remodeling a kitchen before selling?
If your kitchen is visibly dated (20+ years old), yes. A dated kitchen is the #1 reason buyers negotiate lower prices or skip a listing. A targeted renovation ($25,000–$45,000) typically pays for itself through a higher sale price and shorter time on market.
Should I choose custom or prefab cabinets for resale value?
Prefab. Buyers can't tell the difference between well-installed prefab and custom cabinets. The 40–45% savings on cabinets lets you upgrade countertops, appliances, and lighting — which collectively have more impact on perceived value.
How much should I spend on a kitchen remodel relative to my home value?
5–15% of your home's current value is the standard guideline. For a $700,000 Durham Region home, that's $35,000–$105,000. Stay at the lower end for resale-driven renovations; go higher if you're staying long-term.
Can a kitchen renovation help sell a home faster?
Yes. Homes with updated kitchens sell 2–3 weeks faster on average in the Durham Region market. Buyers increasingly expect modern kitchens — a dated one extends your days on market and invites lowball offers.