What Is The Most Expensive Part Of A Kitchen Renovation In Ottawa?

Written by

ogcadmin

Published on

January 24, 2025

Cabinets are the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation in Ottawa, accounting for 30% to 45% of your budget. These costs vary depending on the size, type and materials used to make the cabinets.

Kitchen Renovation Tier	Total Cost Range	Cabinetry Cost Range (30-45%)
Basic Renovation	$50,000 - $75,000	$15,000 - $33,750
Mid Tier Renovation	$75,000 - $100,000	$22,500 - $45,000
Luxury Renovation	$100,000 - $150,000+	$30,000 - $67,500+

The next two most expensive parts of a kitchen renovation in Ottawa are countertops and appliances, accounting for 10% to 12% and 9% to 17% of your budget, respectively.

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Breakdown Of Cabinetry Cost

Depending on the type of cabinet chosen - stock, semi-custom, or custom - the percent of your renovation budget will vary.

Cabinet Type	Percent of Total Budget
Stock	15% - 30%
Semi-Custom	25% - 35%
Custom	30% - 40%

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Stock Cabinets: Budget-Friendly Option

Stock cabinets are the most affordable choice, consuming the smallest percentage of the total kitchen renovation budget. They are pre-made, standardized, and ideal for homeowners looking to save money while still achieving a functional kitchen design.

Semi-Custom Cabinets: Balanced Flexibility

Semi-custom cabinets offer a balance between cost and customization. They provide more flexibility in design and functionality compared to stock cabinets, making them a popular choice for homeowners with a moderate budget allocation.

Custom Cabinets: Premium Investment

Custom cabinets are the most expensive option, representing the highest level of personalization and quality. They can account for up to 40% of the total kitchen remodeling budget, making them a significant investment for those seeking a truly tailored design

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Cost Of Countertops in Kitchen Renovations

The cost of countertops in kitchen renovations varies significantly based on the material chosen and the overall renovation budget. Countertops typically account for 10-12% of the total kitchen renovation cost. Here's a breakdown of countertop costs for different renovation tiers:

Renovation Tier	Total Cost Range	Countertop Budget (10-12%)	Potential Countertop Materials
Basic Renovation	$50,000 - $75,000	$5,000 - $9,000	Laminate, Ceramic Tile, Budget Granite
Mid Tier Renovation	$75,000 - $100,000	$7,500 - $12,000	Granite, Quartz, Butcher Block
Luxury Renovation	$100,000 - $150,000+	$10,000 - $18,000+	High-end Granite, Marble, Custom Quartz

For basic renovations, homeowners might opt for more affordable materials like laminate ($8 to $27 per square foot) or ceramic tile ($1 to $15 per square foot).

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Mid-tier renovations could include materials like granite ($10 to $140 per square foot) or quartz ($15 to $70 per square foot).

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Luxury renovations might feature high-end materials like marble ($15 to $190 per square foot) or custom quartz options.

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The average cost for countertop installation is around $3,155, with most people spending between $1,883 and $4,477.

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However, this can vary significantly based on the chosen material and kitchen size. For instance, a basic 50 square foot countertop area might cost between $2,500 and $4,500 for granite or quartz.

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It's important to note that while some materials like laminate are more budget-friendly upfront, they may not last as long as more durable options like granite or quartz. The choice of countertop material should balance initial cost with long-term durability and maintenance requirements.

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Cost Of Appliances In Kitchen Renovations

Lastly, appliances account for a large portion of your kitchen renovation budget, but will vary depending on the quality of appliances you selected.

Renovation Tier	Total Cost Range	Appliance Budget (9-17%)	Potential Appliance Options
Basic Renovation	$50,000 - $75,000	$4,500 - $12,750	Entry-level to mid-range appliances
Mid Tier Renovation	$75,000 - $100,000	$6,750 - $17,000	Mid-range to high-end appliances
Luxury Renovation	$100,000 - $150,000+	$9,000 - $25,500+	High-end to luxury appliances

Kitchen appliances are available at various price points and quality levels, typically categorized into three tiers: basic, mid-range, and luxury. Here's an explanation with examples for each level:

Basic Appliances

Basic appliances offer essential functionality at affordable prices. They're suitable for budget-conscious consumers or rental properties.

Examples:

Refrigerator: Whirlpool 18 cu. ft. Top Freezer
Range: GE 30-inch Electric Coil Top Range
Dishwasher: Amana Built-In Dishwasher
Microwave: Magic Chef Countertop Microwave

Mid-Range Appliances

Mid-range appliances provide a balance between cost and features, offering improved performance and additional functions.

Examples:

Refrigerator: LG French Door Refrigerator with InstaView
Range: GE Profile 30-inch Smart Slide-In Gas Range
Dishwasher: Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher
Microwave: Panasonic Inverter Microwave Oven

Luxury Appliances

Luxury appliances offer top-of-the-line performance, advanced features, and premium designs for discerning homeowners.

Examples:

Refrigerator: Sub-Zero 48-inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Range: Wolf 48-inch Dual Fuel Range with 6 Burners and Griddle
Dishwasher: Miele G 7966 SCVi AutoDos Dishwasher
Steam Oven: Gaggenau 400 Series Combi-Steam Oven

Key differences between tiers include build quality, energy efficiency, advanced features (e.g., smart connectivity), and design aesthetics. Luxury brands often offer professional-grade performance and customization options not available in lower tiers.

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Conclusion

Cabinetry is the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation in Ottawa, accounting for 30% to 45% of the total budget. Depending on the type chosen—stock, semi-custom, or custom—cabinetry costs can range from $15,000 to $67,500+, with custom cabinets representing the highest investment for a truly tailored design. Countertops and appliances follow as the next largest expenses, typically accounting for 10% to 12% and 9% to 17% of the total budget, respectively. These costs vary widely based on materials, quality, and project scope.

For countertops, options range from budget-friendly materials like laminate, costing $8 to $27 per square foot, to luxury options like marble or custom quartz, which can exceed $190 per square foot. Appliances also span a range of tiers, from entry-level models for budget renovations to luxury options like Sub-Zero refrigerators and Wolf ranges for high-end projects.

Ultimately, the total cost of a kitchen renovation in Ottawa falls between $50,000 and $150,000+, with cabinetry often taking the largest share. Strategic planning and prioritizing high-impact upgrades are essential for managing these expenses and achieving a functional, aesthetically pleasing kitchen. By balancing cost, quality, and durability, homeowners can create a space that aligns with their needs and budget while maximizing long-term ROI.

For expert guidance and to ensure a smooth renovation process, partnering with Ottawa General Contractors can make all the difference. Our team specializes in delivering high-quality results, tailored designs, and professional execution to help you make the most of your investment. Contact us today to start planning your dream kitchen!

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