Kitchen renovation in Montreal: Where does your money go?

Where Does Your Money Really Go in a Kitchen Renovation?

Renovating a kitchen in Greater Montreal often represents an investment of tens of thousands of dollars, generally between $20,000 and $60,000 depending on the size, quality, and complexity of the work. Understanding where each dollar is allocated helps you prioritize, make informed choices… and avoid unpleasant surprises.

In this article on kitchen design, we present a complete "typical" kitchen budget in percentages for a mid-range renovation, without going into ultra-luxury or the absolute low end. The figures vary from one project to another, but the structure remains the same.

1. Cabinets: 30 to 40% of the budget

Cabinets are almost always the largest expense in a kitchen renovation. In a complete mid-range renovation, cabinets often represent between 30% and 40% of the total budget, depending on whether you choose prefabricated cabinets, custom-made cabinets, or materials such as melamine, thermoplastic, wood, or lacquer.

Why so much?

• They are the most important and visible element in the room.

• Manufacturing, quality hardware (hinges, drawer slides), and installation labor significantly impact the final cost.

Specifically, in a $40,000 kitchen, it's not uncommon to see $12,000 to $16,000 spent solely on cabinets.

2. Countertops: 10 to 15% of the budget

Countertops are the next highest cost item after cabinetry. Depending on the material—laminate, quartz, granite, solid surface, porcelain—they generally account for between 10% and 15% of the total budget.

Some guidelines:

• Laminate or other budget-friendly materials: closer to 8–10%.

• Quartz or other popular stone in Montreal: often around 12–15% of the budget.

On a $40,000 project, this can easily represent between $4,000 and $6,000 for countertops.

3. Plumbing: 5 to 10% of the budget

Plumbing is less visually significant, but it is crucial for functionality and compliance. For a standard kitchen renovation, plumbing (moving or adding lines, sink, faucets, connections) often accounts for 5 to 10% of the budget.

The percentage increases if:

• The sink or dishwasher is moved to another wall.

• A water line is added for a refrigerator or a kitchen island with a sink.

In a kitchen costing around $40,000, this can represent between $2,000 and $4,000.

4. Electricity and Lighting: 5 to 10% of the Budget

Electricity and lighting are often underestimated, even though they contribute to safety, comfort, and ambiance. In a kitchen renovation, this category includes dedicated circuits, coded outlets, general lighting, recessed lighting, under-cabinet lighting, appliance connections, etc.

This typically represents 5 to 10% of the overall budget:

• Lower budget if the existing layout is maintained.

• Upper budget if the entire system is modernized, including the addition of recessed lighting, dimmers, and extra outlets.

On a $40,000 budget, this often amounts to between $2,000 and $4,000.

5. Finishes: Flooring, Backsplash, Paint (10-15%)

Finishes give the kitchen its final look, and their cost adds up quickly. For a complete kitchen, flooring, backsplash, paint, and small decorative details often represent between 10% and 15% of the budget.

In practice:

• Flooring (ceramic, quality vinyl, wood): a significant portion of this budget.

• Backsplash (ceramic, panels, glass): several thousand dollars depending on the surface area and price range.

• Paint and wall finishes: a smaller portion, but not to be overlooked.

On a $40,000 project, this item often ranges between $4,000 and $6,000.

6. General Labor and Project Management: 15% to 25%

In addition to the costs associated with the components themselves, a significant portion of the budget is allocated to overall labor: demolition, preparation, coordination, installation, adjustments, site protection, and cleanup. Depending on the complexity, this item can represent 15% to 25% of the total cost.

The more extensive the demolition, structural repairs, or work on older buildings typical of Greater Montreal, the higher this proportion will be.

7. Unforeseen Costs: 5 to 10%... Never Forget It

The "unforeseen costs" category is one that many homeowners would rather ignore, but it's essential. Professionals often recommend setting aside 5% to 10% of the kitchen budget to cover unforeseen expenses: mold behind cabinets, non-compliant electrical wiring, plumbing repairs, structural corrections, etc.

On a $40,000 project, setting aside a contingency of $2,000 to $4,000 prevents the project from stalling or having to cut corners on the quality of the finishes at the last minute.

Example of a Cost Breakdown for a $40,000 Kitchen

Here is a simplified example of a mid-range kitchen costing approximately $40,000, similar to what is commonly seen in Quebec:

• Cabinets: 30–40% → $12,000 to $16,000

• Countertops: 10–15% → $4,000 to $6,000

• Plumbing: 5–10% → $2,000 to $4,000

• Electrical/Lighting: 5–10% → $2,000 to $4,000

• Finishes (flooring, backsplash, paint): 10–15% → $4,000 to $6,000

• Labor/Management: 15–25% → $6,000 to $10,000

• Contingencies: 5–10% → $2,000 to $4,000

These percentages can sometimes exceed 100% if you're aiming for the highest quality across the board, hence the importance of prioritizing: cabinetry, layout, and plumbing/electrical work first; then finishes and decor options.

How to Use These Percentages for Better Planning

These ratios don't replace a detailed quote, but they're an excellent starting point to confirm whether your expectations align with your budget. They also allow for more effective discussions with a contractor or kitchen designer: you arrive prepared, with a clear idea of ​​what you're willing to invest in each area.

For a future article or piece of content, you could offer a downloadable budget template where people enter their total amount and automatically see the suggested breakdown by category (cabinets, countertops, plumbing, etc.).

For more information

Lineaire, General Contractor, can also provide information about your project, with its team of carpenters and joiners. You can contact them through their website: www.lineaireconstruction.com or on social media @lineaire.entrepreneur.general

Kitchen Renovation in Montreal