The kitchen is usually the most expensive room in the house to renovate, and the one with the widest range of prices. Two kitchens the same size on the same Etobicoke street can come in $50,000 apart, depending on the layout, the cabinets and what's inside the walls.
This guide covers what a kitchen renovation typically costs in Toronto, Etobicoke and Mississauga in 2026, where the money goes, and what drives the final number. These are typical ranges drawn from current GTA pricing, not quotes.
Typical 2026 kitchen renovation costs in the GTA
Here is how kitchen projects commonly break down in Toronto and the GTA, before 13% HST:
| Project type | Typical range (before HST) | What it usually includes |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | $10,000 to $25,000 | Paint or reface cabinets, new counters, backsplash, hardware, lighting |
| Basic renovation, same layout | $20,000 to $40,000 | New stock cabinets and counters, flooring, sink and faucet, limited trade work |
| Mid-range full renovation | $40,000 to $75,000 | Semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, new flooring, lighting, appliances |
| High-end or layout changes | $75,000 to $150,000 and up | Custom cabinetry, moved plumbing or walls, premium stone and appliances |
Condo kitchens usually fall somewhere around $25,000 to $60,000, with building rules and elevator bookings adding time. For a typical family kitchen in a Toronto house, many full renovations land in the mid-range tier.
Is a small kitchen renovation cheaper?
Yes, but not in proportion to the size. A small kitchen renovation in Toronto still needs a sink, appliances, electrical, a countertop and a crew. A galley kitchen might save you on cabinet boxes and flooring, but it won't cut the cost in half.
Where the money goes
These are rough 2026 GTA planning figures for common parts of a kitchen. They overlap with the tiers above, so don't add them together:
- Cabinets and countertops: about $12,000 to $45,000 and up
- Appliances: about $6,000 to $20,000
- Flooring: about $4,000 to $12,000
- Plumbing and electrical: about $4,000 to $12,000
- Backsplash, sink, faucet and lighting: about $2,500 to $9,000
- Labour: often 35 to 50% of the total
Cabinets are where the budget swings most. Stock, semi-custom and fully custom cabinetry can differ by tens of thousands of dollars for the same kitchen.
What drives kitchen costs in GTA homes
Keeping or changing the layout
Keeping your sink, range and fridge where they are is the easiest way to control cost. Moving the sink to an island means new drain and vent lines, and usually a permit. Moving a gas range means a licensed gas technician. Each change is doable, but it adds trades and time.
Opening up a wall
Many Etobicoke bungalows from the 1950s and 60s have a closed-off kitchen at the back of the house, and opening it to the dining room is one of the most common requests. If the wall is load-bearing, you need a structural engineer, a building permit, a new beam and inspections, plus drywall, ceiling and floor patching afterwards. Depending on the span and what runs through the wall, this can add tens of thousands of dollars on its own, so price it early.
Electrical in older homes
Modern kitchens need several dedicated circuits for appliances, counter outlets and lighting. Older Toronto and Etobicoke homes may have a small electrical panel or even knob-and-tube wiring still in the walls. Upgrading is often part of a kitchen project. In Ontario, that work must be done by a Licensed Electrical Contractor and filed with the Electrical Safety Authority.
Appliances and ventilation
Appliances can be a modest line item or a major one. A standard stainless package keeps costs down, while built-in or panel-ready appliances need custom cabinetry around them. A proper range hood vented to the outside is worth budgeting for, and in older homes the duct run to an exterior wall can take some planning.
Countertops and finishes
Laminate is the budget option, quartz is the most common mid-range pick, and natural stone sits at the top. Full-height backsplashes, waterfall ends and large islands all add fabrication and install time.
Kitchen renovation cost in Mississauga vs Toronto
Kitchen renovation cost in Mississauga is broadly similar to Toronto and Etobicoke. Mississauga has a lot of 1970s and 80s homes and semis where the layout is sound but the finishes are tired, which often suits a same-layout renovation. Older Toronto homes are more likely to need wiring, plumbing or structural work, which pushes the budget up.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
A same-layout kitchen renovation often takes about 4 to 8 weeks of on-site work. Custom cabinets can have lead times of several weeks, so ordering early matters. If you're removing a wall or moving plumbing, add time for engineering and permits before work starts. Most homeowners can stay in the home during a kitchen renovation. Setting up a temporary kitchen with a fridge, microwave and kettle in another room makes those weeks much easier.
How to set a realistic kitchen budget
- Decide the layout first. It drives nearly every other cost.
- Choose your cabinet tier early. It's the biggest swing factor.
- Keep a contingency of 10 to 20%. Older homes sit at the higher end.
- Order long-lead items early. Cabinets, appliances and stone slabs can hold up a job.
- Compare scope, not just price. An itemized quote shows what is and isn't included.
Planning a kitchen renovation in Etobicoke or Toronto
Levand Construction is a general contractor based in Etobicoke, handling kitchen, bathroom, basement and full interior renovations across Toronto, Mississauga and the GTA. We start with a site walk and help you get a free quote with an itemized scope. Our own crew does the build with regular updates, and we finish with a full walkthrough so nothing gets signed off until you're satisfied. Our renovation services include permitting and code compliance with the city, and you can browse our recent projects for examples.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average kitchen renovation cost in Toronto?
In 2026, many full kitchen renovations in Toronto fall between about $40,000 and $75,000 before HST for mid-range finishes. Basic same-layout renovations can come in around $20,000 to $40,000, while custom kitchens with layout changes often run $75,000 and up.
How much does it cost to renovate a kitchen in Ontario?
Costs vary across the province. In the GTA, a cosmetic refresh typically starts around $10,000, and full renovations commonly range from $20,000 to well over $75,000 depending on layout, cabinets and trade work.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen renovation in Toronto?
Replacing cabinets and counters in the same layout generally doesn't need a building permit. Removing or altering walls, and adding or relocating plumbing, generally does. Electrical work is filed separately with ESA by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
Plan on about 4 to 8 weeks on site for a same-layout kitchen, plus any lead time for cabinets. Wall removals and plumbing changes add time for engineering and permits.
Can I stay in my home during a kitchen renovation?
Usually, yes. The work is contained to the kitchen area, and most families set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in the house.
Planning a kitchen renovation in Etobicoke, Toronto or Mississauga? Call Levand Construction at (647) 390-7633 or request a free quote.
