The short answer: most Durham Region kitchen renovations land between $25,000 and $65,000 in 2026. But "good" depends on what you're trying to accomplish, the size of your kitchen, and how much of the layout you're changing.
Here's how to figure out the right number for your project.
Kitchen Renovation Costs by Project Size
Not every kitchen renovation needs the same budget. Here's what Durham Region homeowners are spending right now:
| Project Level | Budget Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | $15,000–$25,000 | New cabinet doors/refacing, countertops, paint, updated hardware, new backsplash |
| Mid-Range Reno | $25,000–$45,000 | New prefab cabinets, stone countertops, new appliances, updated lighting, new flooring |
| Full Renovation | $45,000–$65,000 | Layout changes, custom or premium prefab cabinets, high-end appliances, structural work |
| Luxury/Custom | $65,000–$100,000+ | Full gut, relocated plumbing/electrical, premium everything, architectural features |
Prices reflect 2026 Durham Region market rates. Your project may vary.
Where Your Kitchen Budget Goes
Understanding the breakdown helps you make smarter trade-offs:
Cabinets: 30–35% of total budget This is the single biggest line item. Prefab cabinets can cut this number by 40–45% compared to custom — freeing up thousands for other upgrades.
Labour: 20–25% Includes demolition, installation, plumbing, electrical, and finishing work. More complex layouts (moving walls, relocating plumbing) push labour costs higher.
Countertops: 10–15% Laminate starts around $30/sq ft. Quartz runs $60–$100/sq ft. Natural stone (granite, marble) ranges from $80–$150/sq ft installed.
Appliances: 15–20% A mid-range appliance package (fridge, range, dishwasher, range hood) runs $5,000–$10,000. Professional-grade appliances can double that.
Flooring, Backsplash, Lighting: 10–15% Often underbudgeted. A proper backsplash and lighting package can change the entire feel of the space.
Contingency: 10–15% Older Durham Region homes (especially pre-1980) can hide surprises behind walls — outdated wiring, water damage, code issues. Budget for the unexpected.
How to Get More Kitchen for Your Money
The biggest lever most homeowners overlook is cabinet selection. Here's the math:
A $50,000 kitchen with custom cabinets might allocate $20,000 to cabinetry. That same $50,000 with premium prefab cabinets drops the cabinet cost to $12,000 — putting $8,000 back into your budget for upgrades that actually show.
Where to redirect those savings:
- Upgrade from laminate to quartz countertops
- Add under-cabinet and in-cabinet lighting
- Step up to a professional-grade range or fridge
- Install heated flooring (a real differentiator at resale)
- Add pull-out organizers and specialized storage
Peter from Floor and Bath Design notes: "The homeowners who get the most from their budget are the ones who spend strategically — not the ones who spend the most. We've built $35,000 kitchens that look and function better than $60,000 kitchens down the street."
Kitchen Renovation ROI in Durham Region
If resale value factors into your decision, here's what the numbers say:
- Minor kitchen renovation: 75–85% ROI
- Mid-range renovation: 70–80% ROI
- Major renovation with prefab cabinets: 80–90% ROI
- Major renovation with custom cabinets: 65–75% ROI
The sweet spot for ROI is the mid-range renovation ($25,000–$45,000) with prefab cabinets. You get the visual impact and modern function that buyers want, at a price point that doesn't overcapitalize for your neighbourhood.
Planning Your Kitchen Renovation Budget
A few practical steps before you commit a number:
- Get a realistic baseline — Walk through your kitchen and list everything you want changed. Separate "must have" from "nice to have."
- Know your home's value — A common guideline: spend 5–15% of your home's value on a kitchen renovation. A $700,000 Durham Region home suggests a $35,000–$105,000 range.
- Factor in your timeline — Staying in the home 5+ years? Invest in what you'll enjoy daily. Selling within 2 years? Focus on visible upgrades with high ROI.
- Get multiple quotes — But compare apples to apples. A $28,000 quote using builder-grade materials isn't the same as a $35,000 quote with premium prefab cabinets and stone countertops.
- Talk to a designer early — A free consultation with FBD can identify where your budget works hardest, before you commit to anything.
Ready to Set Your Kitchen Budget?
Bring your ideas — and your questions — to a free consultation at Floor and Bath Design. We'll walk through your space, talk through your priorities, and give you a realistic budget range based on what you actually want.
No pressure. No commitment. Just 35+ years of Durham Region renovation know-how applied to your kitchen.
Floor and Bath Design · 109 Old Kingston Road, Unit 4, Ajax ON · 905-683-0079
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Durham Region in 2026?
Most kitchen renovations in Durham Region run $25,000–$65,000 in 2026. A basic refresh (new doors, countertops, paint) starts around $15,000. A full gut renovation with layout changes can exceed $65,000 depending on scope and material choices.
What's the cheapest way to renovate a kitchen?
Refacing existing cabinets, replacing countertops and hardware, adding a new backsplash, and updating lighting. This approach keeps the existing layout and plumbing, which avoids the most expensive labour costs. Budget: $15,000–$25,000.
Are prefab cabinets worth it for a kitchen renovation?
Yes. Premium prefab cabinets save 40–45% compared to custom, with comparable quality — dovetail joinery, soft-close hardware, and multi-stage finishes. That savings can fund upgrades to countertops, appliances, or flooring that have a bigger visual impact.
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Durham Region?
A mid-range kitchen renovation typically takes 4–8 weeks from demolition to completion. A refresh (no layout changes) can finish in 2–3 weeks. Full gut renovations with structural or plumbing changes may take 8–12 weeks.
Should I renovate my kitchen before selling my home?
A mid-range kitchen renovation ($25,000–$45,000) with prefab cabinets returns 80–90% at resale in Durham Region. If your kitchen is visibly dated and you're selling soon, a targeted renovation often pays for itself through a higher sale price and faster sale.
What should I renovate first in my kitchen?
Start with cabinets and countertops — they take up the most visual space and have the biggest impact on how the kitchen looks and feels. Then address flooring, backsplash, and lighting. Appliances can be upgraded independently if budget is tight.
How do I find a reliable kitchen renovation contractor in Durham Region?
Look for established companies with local references, a physical showroom, and verifiable project portfolios. Floor and Bath Design has served Durham Region since 1989 with 6 Best of Houzz awards. Check our testimonials and project portfolio to see past work.
Can I renovate my kitchen in stages?
Yes. A phased approach works well if budget is limited. Start with the highest-impact items (cabinets, countertops) and add upgrades (backsplash, lighting, appliances) over time. A designer can plan the full vision upfront so each phase builds toward the finished result.