Short answer
Published Metro Vancouver guides put a mid-range full kitchen renovation at roughly $35,000 to $90,000, with most falling between $50,000 and $80,000. A cosmetic condo refresh that keeps the cabinets can be $8,000 to $18,000, and a high-end custom kitchen runs $85,000 to $185,000 or more. Cabinets, countertops and any wall or plumbing changes decide where a project lands.
These are typical ranges compiled from published Metro Vancouver cost guides, not a quote from us. Use them to set a budget, then get an itemized quote for your own kitchen.
Kitchen renovation cost by scope
| Scope | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic condo refresh (cabinets kept) | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Refresh or basic renovation | $15,000 – $45,000 |
| Mid-range full renovation | $35,000 – $90,000 |
| High-end or custom | $85,000 – $185,000+ |
| Full condo kitchen (80–120 sq ft) | $28,000 – $55,000 |
Ranges combine the figures published by Vancouver General Contractors and DELANA Interiors.
Where the money goes
- Cabinets, supply only: stock $3,000 – $10,000, semi-custom $8,000 – $20,000, custom $15,000 – $45,000 (Vancouver General Contractors; DELANA)
- Quartz countertops, installed: $4,500 – $12,000 (Vancouver General Contractors)
- Removing a load-bearing wall: $8,000 – $25,000+ (Vancouver General Contractors; DELANA)
- Island with plumbing: $2,500 – $5,000 for the rough-in, $5,000 – $12,000 complete (Vancouver General Contractors; DELANA)
- Electrical panel upgrade, 100A to 200A: $2,500 – $4,000 (DELANA)
Hidden costs in older homes
Vancouver General Contractors flags asbestos abatement ($2,500 – $8,000) and knob-and-tube wiring replacement ($8,000 – $20,000) as the two big surprises in older Metro Vancouver houses. Both are worth checking for at the estimate stage.
How long a kitchen renovation takes
Vancouver General Contractors puts a refresh at 6 to 10 weeks, a mid-range renovation at 3 to 5 months and a premium kitchen at 5 to 7 months, counting design, ordering and permits as well as construction. Custom cabinet lead times are usually the longest single wait.
Permits in Burnaby
The City of Burnaby states that replacing fixtures, cabinets and flooring does not need a permit. Plumbing, gas and electrical changes need trade permits, and structural changes such as removing a wall need a building permit. See our Burnaby permit guide.
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