Whether you are unsatisfied with your current kitchen or looking to maximize the value of your property, renovating your kitchen is a smart decision that offers many advantages.

However, it can sometimes be difficult to get a clear answer to the question: what does a kitchen renovation actually cost?

Cuisines ROCHON, your kitchen design specialist in Quebec, helps you make sense of your budget.

In brief

In 2026, the average cost of a complete kitchen renovation in Quebec is around $39,500.
Entry-level: starting at $21,000. Custom standard kitchen: $30,000 to $40,000. Prestige: $65,000 and up.
Resurfacing (refacing) costs approximately 40% less than a full replacement and offers an ROI greater than 80%.
A well-renovated kitchen recovers between 75% and 100% of its investment at resale.
Several financing options are available: line of credit, mortgage refinancing, Renoclimat grants.
Realistic timelines: 3 to 4 weeks (entry-level), 6 to 10 weeks (standard), 10 to 16 weeks (prestige).

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Summary

Define your budget

When it comes to kitchen renovation, the possibilities are endless! Whether you simply want to refresh your kitchen on a limited budget or design a fully custom high-end space, the cost of a kitchen renovation varies greatly.

The first step before renovating your kitchen is to establish a price range. How much are you willing to spend? Several tens of thousands of dollars separate an entry-level kitchen from a prestige one.

When calculating your budget, consider exactly what you want to change.

Sometimes, appliances are still in perfect condition and can be kept, which will save you some money.

The choice of materials is another factor that significantly affects the price, as does the size of the room.

A large kitchen with marble countertops and solid wood cabinetry will be much more expensive than a small kitchen with melamine furniture.

That said, an affordable kitchen can still be very attractive.

Consult our complete guide: Renovating Your Kitchen: Tips for a Successful Project

View of a kitchen renovation from the Villeneuve project

View of a kitchen renovation from the St-Louis project

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Average cost of a kitchen renovation in 2026

The average cost of a kitchen renovation varies depending on the factors listed above.

In 2026, the average cost of a complete kitchen renovation in Quebec is around $39,500. Here are the updated price ranges:

Entry-level / Economy: starting at $20,500. Ideal for a refresh using affordable materials (melamine, laminate countertops, keeping existing appliances).
Resurfacing (refacing): starting at $24,800. Replacement of cabinet doors and hardware without touching the carcasses. A cost-effective option that transforms the look of your kitchen at lower cost.
Custom standard kitchen: from $28,600 to $40,000. Custom cabinets, quartz or granite countertop, new flooring, and updated electrical.
Mid-range: from $42,700 to $50,000. Higher-quality materials, refined finishes, integrated lighting, and mid-range appliances.
High-end / Prestige: starting at $51,800. Premium materials (solid wood, Dekton, exotic granite), professional appliances, fully custom design.

For reference, here is a breakdown of estimated costs by renovation type:

Kitchen	Entry-Level	Resurfacing	Custom Standard
Demolition	$2,600	$1,300	$3,200
Custom Cabinets	N/A	N/A	$10,300
Pre-fabricated Cabinets	$7,800	N/A	N/A
Flooring	$1,300	$1,300	$2,600
Countertops	$1,300	$1,900	$2,600
Resurfacing	N/A	$9,700	N/A
Electrical + Lighting	$1,300	$1,300	$2,600
Plumbing	$2,600	$2,600	$2,600
Backsplash	$1,000	$1,000	$1,300
Finishing / Painting	$1,600	$1,600	$1,700
Contingency	$1,300	$1,300	$1,600
Total	$20,500+	$24,800+	$28,600+

Kitchen	Mid-Range	High-End	Prestige
Demolition	$3,200	$3,200	$3,900
Custom Cabinets	$18,400	$21,600	$28,600
Pre-fabricated Cabinets	N/A	N/A	N/A
Flooring	$3,200	$3,900	$5,300
Countertops	$5,800	$7,800	$9,700
Resurfacing	N/A	N/A	N/A
Electrical + Lighting	$3,200	$3,900	$4,500
Plumbing	$3,200	$3,200	$3,200
Backsplash	$1,900	$2,600	$3,200
Finishing / Painting	$1,900	$2,600	$3,200
Contingency	$1,900	$2,600	$3,200
TOTAL	$42,700+	$51,800+	$64,800+

*Please note that the prices above are for reference purposes only. Many factors can affect the total cost of your kitchen renovation.

Add to these figures the cost of appliances if you plan to replace them. Appliance prices vary widely, ranging from $2,000 to over $10,000 depending on quality, design, rarity, and features.

Please note that ROCHON – kitchens and bathrooms does not perform ancillary work (demolition, flooring, electrical, plumbing). However, we work in partnership with reputable general contractors.

Need an accurate estimate for your kitchen? Speak with a ROCHON designer for a realistic budget tailored to your project.

Resurfacing: a cost-effective alternative worth considering

If your cabinet carcasses are still in good condition, resurfacing (refacing) is an option that deserves your attention. This technique involves replacing only the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, while keeping the existing structure intact.

Advantages of resurfacing:

Costs approximately 40% less than a full cabinet replacement.
Installation takes only a few days, compared to several weeks for a complete renovation.
Return on investment (ROI) is often greater than 80%.
Less waste sent to landfill: a more environmentally responsible choice.

Resurfacing is particularly relevant if you like the current layout of your kitchen but feel the cabinet appearance is dated. A ROCHON designer can assess whether this option suits your project.

Need inspiration? Browse our kitchen renovation ideas and discover our tips for renovating on a small budget.

View of the kitchen counter in the Montcalm project

Resale value: an investment that pays off

The kitchen is often the deciding factor in a property sale. In Quebec, a well-executed kitchen renovation allows homeowners to recover between 75% and 100% of their investment at resale.

Key figures to keep in mind:

Minor renovation ($10,000 to $25,000): ROI of 85% to 100%. This is often the best cost-benefit ratio.
Major renovation ($30,000 and up): ROI of 75% to 90%. The investment is largely recovered, but be careful not to over-invest.
Cabinet resurfacing offers an ROI often greater than 80%, with minimal investment.

A common pitfall: over-improvement. If your property is worth $400,000 and you invest $80,000 in the kitchen, you risk exceeding your neighbourhood’s price ceiling. Make sure your investment is proportional to the value of your property. The Appraisal Institute of Canada recommends dedicating 10% to 15% (maximum 25%) of your home’s value to kitchen renovation.

Learn more: Which renovations increase the value of your home?

Vue de la nouvelle cuisine du projet Du Lac

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Realistic timelines: how long does a kitchen renovation take?

The duration of a kitchen renovation depends on the scope of the project and the availability of materials. Here are realistic estimates:

Refresh / resurfacing: 1 to 2 weeks. Replacement of doors, hardware, and painting.
Entry-level renovation: 3 to 4 weeks. New pre-fabricated cabinets, countertops, and flooring.
Custom standard renovation: 6 to 10 weeks. Custom cabinets, countertops, electrical, plumbing, and finishing.
Prestige renovation: 10 to 16 weeks. Full design, materials ordered to specification, high-end finishing.

Factors that can extend timelines: delivery times for custom cabinets (4 to 8 weeks), discovery of hidden issues (mould, non-compliant electrical), supply chain delays for imported materials, and subcontractor availability (plumber, electrician).

ROCHON tip: always plan for an additional 1 to 2 weeks as a buffer, and ensure your designer coordinates all trades from the very beginning.

The most costly renovation mistakes to avoid

After years of guiding renovation projects, here are the mistakes we see most often:

Not setting aside a contingency budget: always reserve 10% to 15% of the total budget for surprises (hidden plumbing issues, non-compliant electrical, mould behind walls).
Choosing materials before finalizing the layout: the functional design of your kitchen (work triangle, storage, circulation) should be finalized before selecting materials.
Neglecting lighting: poorly planned lighting can make even the most beautiful kitchen impractical. Plan for task lighting under cabinets, ambient lighting, and general overhead lighting.
Over-investing relative to the neighbourhood’s value: do not exceed 15% to 25% of your property’s value.
Not checking required permits: in Quebec, certain plumbing, electrical, and structural work requires municipal permits. Your general contractor can guide you.
Skipping a professional designer: a kitchen specialist like ROCHON optimizes every dollar invested by maximizing storage, ergonomics, and the aesthetics of your kitchen.

Avoid costly surprises: work with a ROCHON kitchen specialist to plan your renovation the right way.

Financing your kitchen renovation in Quebec

Since this is a significant expense, the question of financing is important.

While you may use your savings or credit card for certain expenses, several more advantageous options exist for covering renovation costs.

A personal loan or a line of credit are options worth considering for their more favourable interest rates compared to credit cards.

For a renovation, you may also consider a mortgage refinancing loan if that makes sense for your situation. This option allows you to repay over a longer period. You could also add the cost of a kitchen renovation to your current mortgage.

Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each financing option based on the amount to spend, the interest rate, and your repayment capacity.

Grants and financial assistance available in 2026

Although grants generally do not cover the full cost of a kitchen renovation, certain aspects of your project may be eligible:

Renoclimat Program (Government of Quebec): still active in 2026, it offers grants for insulation improvements, replacement of energy-efficient doors and windows (up to $3,750 for insulation, $150 per opening).
LogisVert Program (Hydro-Quebec): up to $6,700 for the installation of heat pumps. If you are taking advantage of the renovation to improve your heating system, this is the ideal time.
Renoclimat Adaptation: a new stream with $425 million over five years, aimed at protecting homes against the effects of climate change.
Municipal assistance: each city, borough, or regional county municipality (RCM) may offer targeted grants. Check with your municipality before beginning work.

Hiring a kitchen specialist or doing it yourself?

The temptation to renovate your kitchen yourself is understandable — you hope to save on labour costs. However, this approach carries significant risks.

Advantages of hiring a professional kitchen specialist like ROCHON:

Optimized design: a designer maximizes every square inch while respecting ergonomic principles (work triangle, standard heights, storage zones).
Access to suppliers: kitchen specialists have access to materials and prices that the general public cannot obtain.
Trade coordination: your designer coordinates the various trades (cabinetmaker, plumber, electrician) to avoid delays and scheduling conflicts.
Warranty and follow-up: a professional kitchen specialist provides a warranty on their work and ensures follow-up after installation.

DIY may be suitable for small cosmetic projects (paint or hardware), but for a complete renovation, working with a professional will prevent costly mistakes and a result that does not meet your expectations.

Discover our kitchen renovation service in Quebec

Ready to get started? Call us or book an appointment with a ROCHON designer for a personalized consultation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Quebec?

As mentioned, the cost of a kitchen renovation in Quebec varies depending on a large number of factors.

It is difficult to estimate a cost without knowing what you want to do with your kitchen, the materials you wish to use, and so on.

The Appraisal Institute of Canada recommends devoting 10% to 15%, or up to 25%, of your home’s value to a kitchen renovation.

Despite costs that may seem high, it is an investment that can significantly increase the value of your home or condo.

How can I renovate a kitchen at a lower cost?

Ready to invest in your renovation but looking to make a few strategic choices to save money?

To renovate a kitchen at a lower cost, you could, for example:

Keep your existing appliances: if needed, you can replace them later.
Choose affordable and versatile materials that mimic higher-end finishes.

Ask yourself what you truly need to change and resist temptations that will drive up the bill.

Be strategic in your choices and seek advice from experts.

How long does a kitchen renovation take?

The duration varies depending on the scope of the project. A refresh or resurfacing can be completed in 1 to 2 weeks. An entry-level renovation takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks. For a custom standard kitchen, allow 6 to 10 weeks, and up to 10 to 16 weeks for a prestige project. Always plan for an extra 1 to 2 weeks as a buffer for unexpected delays.

Is a permit required to renovate a kitchen in Quebec?

If you are only making cosmetic changes (cabinets, countertops, paint, flooring), no permit is generally required. However, as soon as you modify the electrical, plumbing, or structure (moving a wall, adding a window), a municipal permit is necessary. Electrical and plumbing work must be carried out by professionals licensed by the Quebec Construction Act authority (Regie du batiment du Quebec, RBQ).

Is it better to renovate or move?

This question depends on several factors: the cost of renovations vs. the cost of moving (notary fees, land transfer taxes, real estate agent commission, moving costs), your attachment to your neighbourhood, availability on the real estate market, and the potential of your current property. As a general rule, if the renovation cost exceeds 30% to 40% of the property’s value, it may be wiser to consider moving. A ROCHON designer can help you assess the potential of your current kitchen.