Kitchen renovation price ranges
There is no published dataset for Richmond Hill alone; these ranges come from current Toronto and GTA cost guides, which match what York Region homeowners pay for the same scope.
| Scope | Typical cost | What it usually includes |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | $15,000 - $35,000 | Same layout; new doors or cabinet fronts, countertops, backsplash, sink, faucet and lighting |
| Mid-range full renovation | $40,000 - $75,000 | New semi-custom or custom cabinets, quartz counters, flooring, lighting, appliance install, minor plumbing and electrical |
| High-end or full gut | $75,000 - $100,000+ | New layout, custom millwork to the ceiling, large island, moved plumbing or walls, premium finishes |
Where the money goes
- Cabinets: about 30 to 40 percent of a mid-range budget. See our custom cabinet cost guide for per-foot prices.
- Labour: about 30 to 50 percent, depending on how much demolition, plumbing, electrical and drywall work the layout needs.
- Countertops: quartz runs about $75 to $150 per square foot installed; a typical kitchen has 50 to 65 square feet, or roughly $5,000 to $8,500, with extra for waterfall ends.
- Plumbing moves: relocating a sink or adding a fixture adds roughly $2,500 to $5,000 per fixture.
- Flooring, lighting, backsplash, appliances and permits make up the rest.
Do you need a permit for a kitchen renovation in Richmond Hill?
Replacing cabinets, counters and finishes in the same layout does not need a building permit; the City of Richmond Hill lists building kitchen or bathroom cupboards as work that needs no permit. A permit is needed for material alterations such as removing or moving walls, new or enlarged openings, and adding, removing or relocating plumbing fixtures or drains. Almost all electrical work, including new circuits and pot lights, needs an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) notification, filed by the licensed electrical contractor.
Xact Design Inc. handles permits and inspections for its clients as part of the project.
How long a kitchen renovation takes
- Design, selections and estimate: 2 to 4 weeks.
- Custom cabinet build: 6 to 12 weeks after the design is approved (this happens before demolition, so your kitchen stays usable).
- On site: 4 to 6 weeks for the same layout, 4 to 8 weeks for most full renovations, and 8 weeks or more with structural changes.
How to keep a kitchen renovation on budget
- Keep the sink, range and dishwasher where they are if the layout works; moving plumbing is one of the biggest line items.
- Spend on what you touch every day (drawers, hardware, counters) and save on what you don't.
- Get a written, itemized contract. Ontario's Consumer Protection Act requires a written agreement for renovation contracts and limits how far the final price can exceed the estimate without your consent.
- Ask whether the cabinets are built by the contractor or bought in; one team for design, cabinets and install means fewer hand-offs and fewer surprises.
Common questions
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Richmond Hill?
In 2026 expect about $15,000 to $35,000 for a refresh, $40,000 to $75,000 for a mid-range full renovation and $75,000 to $100,000 or more for a high-end renovation with custom millwork, before 13% HST.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen renovation in Richmond Hill?
Not for replacing cabinets and finishes in the same layout. You need a building permit for moving walls or plumbing fixtures, and an ESA notification for almost all electrical work.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
Most full kitchen renovations take 4 to 8 weeks on site. Custom cabinets are built in the 6 to 12 weeks before demolition starts.
Can I live at home during a kitchen renovation?
Usually yes. Most families set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, fridge and kettle in another room; we plan the schedule so the kitchen is out of service for as short a time as possible.
Get a price for your project
These ranges are a starting point. Xact Design Inc. gives every Richmond Hill and GTA client a free consultation and a detailed written estimate before any work begins. Call (905) 884-9224 or book a consultation.
Sources
- HomeStars: Renovation costs Toronto (2026 pricing)
- RenovationFind: Kitchen renovation costs (July 2026)
- BuildersOntario: Quartz countertop prices (October 2026)
- City of Richmond Hill: Building Permit FAQs
- City of Richmond Hill: Building Permits
- Electrical Safety Authority: Notifications and inspections
- Ontario.ca: Guide for home renovation businesses (Consumer Protection Act)