What Does a Mid-High End Kitchen Renovation Actually Cost?

One of the biggest misconceptions we see around kitchen renovations is that most people dramatically underestimate what goes into a well-executed space. Clients often come to us with inspiration images filled with custom details, integrated appliances, layered lighting, and beautiful millwork — but without a clear understanding of what those selections actually cost once everything is accounted for.

The reality is, even we were surprised by the true cost of a mid- to high-end kitchen renovation when we first started closely tracking project budgets and pricing. So we wanted to break down a realistic investment range for a mid-high end kitchen renovation and show where the budget actually goes.

(Mellow Yellow Project)

For context, this example is based on a:

• 13.5' x 18' kitchen (~250 sq.ft.)

• Full gut renovation

• No layout adjustments

• Custom cabinetry

• Mid–high end finishes

• Working with an interior designer, qualified craftspeople, and trades.

Kitchen Interior Design Starting Around $15K+

Before construction even begins, there is a tremendous amount of planning required to create a kitchen that functions beautifully and feels cohesive.

Our full-service kitchen design typically includes:

• Detailed floor plans

• Cabinet and wall elevations

• Space planning

• Appliance selection and coordination

• Plumbing fixture planning

• Lighting planning and fixture selection

• Finish and material selections

• Cabinet interior customization planning

• Gathering quotes and pricing for materials and trades

• Collaboration and coordination with trades and suppliers

• Site visits and design oversight throughout the project

Good design is what prevents expensive mistakes during construction and ensures the kitchen works as beautifully as it looks. Highly detailed kitchens require this level of oversight.

(New Beginnings Project)

Kitchen Appliances

Starting Around $15K+

This would be considered a mid-range appliance package and includes:

• 36” panel-ready refrigerator

• 30” stove/range

• Panel-ready dishwasher

• Hood insert

What many homeowners don’t realize is that this pricing reflects only the basic appliance package. Many of our clients also incorporate:

• Microwave drawers

• Integrated speed ovens and/or coffee machines

• Beverage refrigerators

• Wine storage

• Warming drawers

Integrated and panel-ready appliances increase costs quickly, but they also create a much more seamless and elevated kitchen experience.

(By The Bay Project)

Custom Cabinetry

Starting Around $50K+

Cabinetry is typically the single largest investment in a kitchen renovation — and for good reason.

This level of cabinetry includes:

• Fully custom construction

• Inset cabinetry

• Solid 3/4” plywood cabinet boxes

• Solid dovetail drawer construction

• Soft-close hardware

• Interior storage customizations

• Professional installation

The details matter here. Storage planning, cabinet proportions, interior organization, and construction quality all have a major impact on how the kitchen functions day-to-day.

(Vintage Vogue Project)

Countertops

Starting Around $8–10K+

Countertop pricing typically includes:

• Stone fabrication

• Templating

• Delivery

• Installation

  
  

Selections like thicker profiles, bullnose edges, and full or partial-height splashes can significantly increase pricing depending on the material selected.

Plumbing Fixtures

Starting Around $3K+

For our example, this allowance only includes:

• Double bowl sink

• Kitchen faucet

However, many clients choose to add additional features, especially if they have a large enough footprint for a pantry:

• Pot fillers

• Prep sinks and faucets

• Filtered water faucets

These upgrades can increase costs quickly, especially when selecting premium plumbing brands, which we don’t recommend down grading on. 

(Highbank Project)

Decorative Lighting

Starting Around $3.5K+

Lighting is one of the most overlooked investments in a kitchen renovation, yet it has one of the biggest impacts on how a space feels.

This allowance would at the very least typically include:

• Island pendants 

• Dining fixture (in open concept floor plans)

• Wall sconces

Lighting costs vary tremendously depending on scale, materiality, and brand selection. Decorative lighting is often where personality and warmth are introduced into a kitchen and shouldn't be left to boring pot lights.

Kitchen Hardware

Starting Around $1.5K+

Hardware pricing includes:

• Cabinet knobs and pulls

• Appliance pulls

Panel-ready appliances require oversized appliance pulls, which are significantly more expensive than standard cabinet hardware because they must support the weight of integrated appliance doors.

The Kitchen Renovation Costs People Forget To Budget For

One of the biggest surprises during a renovation is realizing how many “behind-the-scenes” costs exist beyond the visible finishes.

In addition to cabinetry, countertops, and appliances, you also need to account for:

• Electrical → Starting around $1.5K+

• Plumbing labour → Starting around $500.00+ (given there are no plumbing relocations, if there are this price can increase significantly).

• Flooring → Starting around $2.5K+ (price varies depending on material selected).

• Tile installation → Starting around $1.5K+

• Demolition → Starting around $1.5K+

• Disposal/bin fees → Starting around $500+

• Reframing/carpentry → Starting around $1K+

• Painting → Starting around $1.5K+

• Contractor/project management → Typically 10–15% of construction costs

• Unexpected issues behind walls → Always recommend a contingency budget

Even with conservative numbers like these, these costs add up very quickly in a full gut renovation.

(Here To Stay Project)

So… What Is a Realistic Investment for a Kitchen Renovation?

For a kitchen of this size and finish level, a realistic investment range is typically:

~$95K to 100K +

Remember this only includes our examples SOW, it does not include "the costs people forget to budget for" and this range varies depending on:

• Project scope and square footage

• Appliance brands

• Cabinet detailing

• Stone selection

• Trade complexity

• Age and condition of the home

• Construction surprises uncovered during demolition (and there are always some)

At the end of the day, a kitchen renovation is never just cabinets and countertops. The details, planning, craftsmanship, and coordination behind the scenes are what ultimately create a kitchen that not only looks beautiful — but functions beautifully for years to come.