Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide
Most kitchen remodels fall in the tens of thousands, while a full bathroom remodel is usually smaller but still a five-figure job in many markets. Single upgrades such as a countertop, a vanity or a tub-to-shower conversion cost much less than a full gut. What drives the total is scope, not square footage: keeping the layout is far cheaper than moving plumbing and walls.
Cabinets, counters and tile make up a big share of the budget, and labour for plumbing, electrical and tile sits on top. What is found behind the walls can add cost, particularly in older homes with worn supply lines, rot around tubs or outdated wiring.
Use the ranges below to see whether a quote is in a reasonable range, not as a price list. A written quote after a visit is the only number that applies to your room.
Typical price ranges
- Kitchen remodel, most projectsUS$15,000 to US$45,000
Mid-range cabinets, counters and flooring, with the layout mostly unchanged.
- Large or high-end kitchen remodelUS$65,000 and up
Layout changes, custom cabinets, premium counters and appliances.
- Bathroom remodelUS$6,000 to US$30,000
From a small bath with the layout kept to a larger room with new tile and fixtures.
- Tub-to-shower conversionUS$1,500 to US$10,500
From a basic prefabricated shower to tiled walls and custom glass.
- Countertops, quartz (installed)US$55 to US$150 per sq ft
Standard quartz, edge and cutouts included, before demolition.
- Countertops, granite (installed)US$40 to US$150 per sq ft
Standard granite slabs, installed with common edge profiles.
- Countertops, laminate (installed)US$10 to US$80 per sq ft
Postformed or custom laminate, from basic to higher-end finishes.
- Cabinet refacingUS$1,500 to US$13,000
Existing boxes kept, new doors and drawer fronts.
- New kitchen cabinetsUS$6,000 to US$60,000+
A full kitchen from stock cabinets to fully custom.
- Bathroom vanity replacementUS$450 to US$3,800
Vanity, top, faucet and labour on existing plumbing.
Typical 2025-2026 ranges from published US cost guides, including Angi, Fixr, Remodeling Cost vs. Value data (Zonda), This Old House, Block Renovation, Homeyou, LawnStarter, HomeStars and Inch Calculator. Many are contractor or marketing sites and their figures differ widely. Canadian quotes are in Canadian dollars and vary by market, so treat these as broad starting points.
What drives the cost
- Scope and layout
- Keeping fixtures where they are costs far less than moving a sink, toilet, range or wall.
- Cabinet and finish level
- Stock, semi-custom and custom lines, and painted versus laminate doors, change the biggest line item.
- Countertop and tile material
- Laminate, quartz, granite and stone tile sit at different prices, and patterns take longer to set.
- Hidden conditions
- Rot, old wiring, uneven floors and failed waterproofing appear once the room is opened.
- Appliances and fixtures
- Mid-range and premium appliances, faucets and toilets vary widely in price and in installation needs.
- Permits and building rules
- Permits, inspections and condo approvals add time and sometimes fees.
- Local labour market
- Metro areas and busy seasons tend to cost more than smaller towns.
- Timeline and living arrangements
- Phasing work so you can keep a kitchen or bathroom can add days to the schedule.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Keep the plumbing and the layout where they are when the current plan works
- Choose mid-range cabinets and a standard edge, and put the budget into the parts you touch every day
- Decide finishes before demolition so allowances do not turn into change orders
- Reface or refinish sound cabinets instead of replacing every box
- Compare written quotes with the same scope, line by line, rather than by total alone
Cost questions
How much should a kitchen remodel budget be?
Many guides place typical projects in the tens of thousands, with a big gap between a finish update and a layout change. Set aside a cushion for hidden problems, then get written quotes for your exact room.
Is a bathroom remodel cheaper than a kitchen remodel?
Usually yes, because the room is smaller, but the cost per square foot is high. Waterproofing, tile and plumbing make a small bathroom more expensive than its size suggests.
Does moving plumbing cost a lot?
It is one of the main cost drivers because it means cutting floors or walls, and often a permit. Keeping the sink, toilet and shower positions saves money.
What should a remodel contingency be?
Many planners set aside a share of the budget for surprises. The amount depends on the age of the home and how much is opened up, so ask the specialist what is realistic.
Get a written price for your job
Fill out the quote form with your city and the room you want to change. A local specialist follows up to visit, measure and give you a written quote. Free to request, no obligation.