Kitchen Renovations

A typical kitchen renovation in Kitchener-Waterloo takes about 4 to 8 weeks once work begins. The exact timeline depends on the scope of the project:

- Straightforward updates (new custom cabinets, countertops, and finishes) usually take 4–6 weeks.·
- More complex remodels that involve layout changes, plumbing or electrical upgrades, or extensive finish work often take 6–8 weeks or longer.·
- Permits and inspections, if required, can add extra time before or during construction.

The sooner the planning process starts, the smoother and faster construction tends to be. Early planning gives us time to coordinate materials, selections, and subcontractors in advance—helping avoid delays once work begins

A full kitchen renovation in Kitchener-Waterloo generally ranges from $50,000-$150,000 and up. The total investment depends on the scope of work, the finishes you choose, and whether any major changes are involved.

Key factors that influence cost include:

— Cabinetry Every project includes custom cabinetry, which is the largest part of most kitchen budgets.
— Countertops and finishes High-quality countertops, tile backsplashes, and premium fixtures can affect overall cost depending on material selection.
— Layout changes Moving or removing walls, or altering the footprint of the kitchen, increases both labour and permitting expenses.
— Plumbing and electrical These often need to be updated to meet current building codes, which can add to the budget.
— Skilled labour Professional trades ensure quality, durability, and safety.

Every project is unique, so at Carbery Construction we provide detailed proposals with allowances for finishes such as tile, flooring, and fixtures. This way, you have the freedom to choose materials that fit both your style and your budget.

The best place to start is by setting your priorities. If function is most important, focus your budget on layout changes, cabinetry, and updating plumbing or electrical. If finishes are the priority, direct more of the budget toward countertops, tile, and fixtures while keeping the layout the same to manage costs.

A common guideline is to budget 10–15% of your home’s value for a kitchen renovation. This helps keep your investment in line with long-term value while giving you flexibility to design the space you want.

At Carbery Construction, we make budgeting easier by providing detailed proposals with allowances for finishes such as flooring, tile, and fixtures. This way, you know upfront how different selections may affect the final cost while maintaining control over your budget.

Not every kitchen renovation requires a permit — but certain types of work do:

— Electrical and plumbing work Often requires permits and inspections to ensure compliance with current codes.
— Structural changes Such as removing or altering walls, always require a building permit.
— Cosmetic updates Like new cabinets, countertops, or flooring typically do not.

At Carbery Construction, we handle all necessary permits and inspections on your behalf. This ensures your renovation is fully compliant with local building codes and completed to the highest standard.

We do our best to make sure you have some level of access to your kitchen during the renovation. In some cases, we may be able to keep certain appliances running or set up a small temporary space so you’re not completely without a kitchen. That said, depending on the scope of work, there will be times when the kitchen is not fully usable — such as when plumbing or electrical is being updated, or when sinks and appliances are temporarily disconnected. We always aim to minimize these disruptions and keep you updated on the schedule so you can plan ahead.