Kitchens in Hamilton, Price & Budgeting
Real-Life Hamilton Kitchen Renovation Case Studies: How Neighbors Spent Their Money and What They Learned
06
Jun
Jun
Below are three real-world kitchen renovation case studies from Hamilton homeowners. Each example shows how much neighbors spent, what choices they made, and the lessons they learned—so you can better plan your own project.
Case Study 1: Durand Condo “Cosmetic Refresh” (~$12,500)
1.1 Home & Goals
- Location: Durand Neighbourhood, Hamilton
- Home Type: Second-floor, 2-bedroom condo (approx. 800 ft²)
- Existing Kitchen: 10×12 ft galley layout with dated cabinets, laminate counters, and original vinyl flooring
- Goals:
- Modernize without changing layout
- Improve durability and resale appeal
- Keep total under $15,000
1.2 Scope of Work & Costs
| Item | Details | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Refacing | New shaker-style door fronts + repaint existing boxes + install new hardware | $4,500 |
| Countertops | Remnant quartz (2 cm) cut to size, single under-mount stainless sink cutout | $1,200 |
| Backsplash | 12×24 cm subway tile (white), pro installation | $800 |
| Flooring | Luxury vinyl plank (LLVP) throughout kitchen and adjoining hallway (60 ft²) | $1,200 |
| Appliance Swap (DIY) | Purchased mid-range stainless fridge and dishwasher on sale; installed themselves | $1,200 (materials only) |
| Lighting & Electrical Upgrade | Replaced old fluorescent fixture with LED pot lights (4 × cans); electrician labour | $900 |
| Painting & Trim | Repaint walls and ceiling (low-VOC paint); new flat-panel baseboards | $800 |
| Plumbing Adjustments | New faucet, re-seal sink, reattach plumbing lines (no relocation) | $400 |
| Miscellaneous (Permit & Extras) | No building permit; one electrical inspection fee + unexpected drywall patching | $300 |
| Total | $12,300 |
1.3 Timeline
- Design & Material Selection: 2 weeks
- Cabinet Refacing + Countertop Install: 1 week
- Flooring & Backsplash: 1 week (overlapping)
- Painting & Finishing Touches: 3 days
- Total Project Duration: ~4 weeks (non-consecutive; staggered around tenant schedule)
1.4 What They Learned
- Refacing Saved Thousands:
Refacing existing cabinet boxes cost less than half of full replacement, delivered a “like-new” appearance, and preserved the footprint—critical in a tight condo. - DIY Appliance Swap Is Tricky:
Installing a new fridge and dishwasher themselves saved labour costs (approx. $800). However, they underestimated the weight and alignment challenges, eating up a weekend of frustration. Lesson: hire a pro if you lack experience. - Choose Remnant Quartz Carefully:
Buying a remnant slab saved $500 vs. full custom, but required precise measurements. They ordered the slab slightly undersize to allow for on-site adjustments, ultimately fitting perfectly. - Pack in Overlap When Scheduling Trades:
Staggering the counter and backsplash installers reduced downtime. The backsplash team finished half a day before cabinets were done, allowing painting to begin immediately. - Buffer for Hidden Expenses:
They set aside $1,500 as contingency but only spent $300. Still, having a buffer prevented stress when a small drywall crack needed patching during backsplash removal.
Case Study 2: Stoney Creek Bungalow “Mid-Range Gut Renovation” (~$45,000)
2.1 Home & Goals
- Location: Stoney Creek (Rural-Urban Fringe)
- Home Type: Single-storey bungalow (approx. 1,200 ft²) built in 1978
- Existing Kitchen: 11×14 ft with partial wall separating it from formal dining; builder-grade cabinets, laminate counters, dated vinyl flooring
- Goals:
- Open concept by removing half-wall between kitchen and dining
- Replace cabinets, counters, flooring, appliances, and lighting
- Upgrade plumbing and electrical to modern code
- Achieve a mid-level finish without hitting $60K
2.2 Scope of Work & Costs
| Item | Details | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Structural (Wall Removal) | Removed 6-ft non-load-bearing half-wall; patched drywall, painted ceiling/trim | $1,500 |
| Electrical Rough-In & New Wiring | Rewired kitchen circuits for island lighting, pot lights (6 × cans), under-cabinet LED strips | $3,200 |
| Plumbing Relocation | Moved sink 4 ft for new island; rerouted PEX supply/drain, new vent tie-in; install new faucet | $2,800 |
| Cabinetry (Semi-Custom) | 12′ perimeter + 4′ island; painted maple, soft-close hinges, pull-out pantry pull-outs | $9,000 |
| Countertops (2 cm Quartz) | Engineered quartz on perimeter + island; waterfall edge on island (30 sq ft total) | $4,500 |
| Backsplash (Ceramic Tile) | 3×6″ subway tile, dark grout; full backsplash run | $1,200 |
| Flooring (Engineered Hardwood) | 7″ oak-veneer planks, 125 ft²; installed + sanding/finishing | $3,800 |
| Appliances (Mid-Range) | Stainless fridge, gas range, dishwasher, under-cabinet hood; installed by contractor | $6,000 |
| Lighting Fixtures & Installation | 3 pendants over island, under-cabinet LED, recessed cans (6 ×); labour + materials | $1,800 |
| Painting & Trim Carpentry | Painted walls, ceiling, trim (low VOC); new crown moulding over peninsula area | $1,200 |
| Permit & Inspection Fees | Building permit (non-structural), electrical, plumbing inspections | $1,200 |
| Contingency & Unexpected | Mold remediation under old sink (detected at demo), minor subfloor repair | $2,800 |
| Total | $37,000 |
2.3 Timeline
- Demolition & Structural Changes: 1 week (including mold remediation)
- Rough-Ins (Plumbing, Electrical): 2 weeks
- Cabinet & Countertop Installation: 1 week
- Flooring & Backsplash: 1 week
- Finishes (Paint, Lighting, Trim): 1 week
- Total Project Duration: ~6 weeks (full gut renovation)
2.4 What They Learned
- Half-Wall Removal Worth Every Dollar:
Removing that half-wall (just $1,500) completely transformed sightlines and made the space feel 30% larger. They realized an open concept paid off in daily enjoyment and improved resale. - Always Test for Mold Early:
During demolition, they discovered mold under the old linoleum. Because they had budgeted a 10% contingency ($3,700), they covered remediation ($2,800) without derailing the project. Testing at demo is crucial. - Choose Durable Flooring for High-Traffic Areas:
Engineered hardwood was pricier than LVP ($3,800 vs. $2,500 for comparable coverage), but they preferred the long-term look and durability. Their advice: if you plan to stay 10+ years, invest in hardwood. - Island Sink Relocation Adds Value (and Cost):
Moving the sink to the island cost $2,800 but opened up the perimeter wall for full-height pantry cabinets. That choice provided both aesthetics and practicality—worth the expense for them. - Mid-Range Appliances Balance Quality & Price:
Instead of premium brands, they chose reliable mid-range models (LG fridge, Whirlpool gas range), saving $2,000 compared to high-end brands but still enjoying 5-year extended warranties.
Case Study 3: West Mountain Estate “High-End Custom Kitchen” (~$120,000)
3.1 Home & Goals
- Location: West Mountain (Upper West Hamilton)
- Home Type: Custom two-storey estate home (approx. 3,500 ft²) built 2005
- Existing Kitchen: 18×20 ft with outdated custom cabinetry, 10-year-old granite, poorly laid tile floor
- Goals:
- Full structural reconfiguration—create a large center island with seating for six
- Replace all cabinets with floor-to-ceiling custom walnut, integrated appliances
- Marble perimeter counters + quartzite island with waterfall edge
- Heated stone flooring + professional appliances (Miele, Sub-Zero, Wolf)
- Smart lighting, built-in coffee station, hidden “mess-zone” backups
3.2 Scope of Work & Costs
| Item | Details | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Structural (Load-Bearing Wall Move) | Removed 14′ load-bearing wall; installed 18″ LVL beam supported on steel posts; engineer + permit | $8,500 |
| Electrical & Smart Home Integration | Full smart wiring (Lutron Caséta), under-cabinet LED, recessed lighting (12 × LED cans), wired speakers | $6,500 |
| Plumbing & Gas Lines | Dedicated gas line (3/4″) to Wolf range, custom coffee station plumbing, pot filler | $5,500 |
| Custom Cabinetry (Walnut, Floor-to-Ceiling) | 25′ perimeter + 8′ island; inset doors, soft-close drawers, pull-out spice racks, integrated panels | $28,000 |
| Countertops | Marble perimeter (Calacatta Gold, bookmatch), 3 cm quartzite “Blue Celeste” island waterfall | $12,000 |
| Flooring (Heated Limestone Tile) | 300 ft² honed limestone + radiant heating under tile | $10,000 |
| Appliances (Professional-Grade) | Sub-Zero Pro 48 fridge, Wolf dual-fuel 48 range, Miele dishwasher, Miele built-in coffee station | $35,000 |
| Backsplash & Accents | Custom glass backsplash (seamless), hand-painted accent tile above range | $3,000 |
| Millwork & Trim | Built-in walk-in pantry, hood surround, crown moulding, paneled fridge panels, floating shelves | $5,000 |
| Lighting Fixtures (Designer Pendants) | Four hand-blown glass pendants, under-cabinet puck lights, concealed toe-kick lighting | $4,000 |
| Painting & Finishes | Venetian plaster accent wall, stained millwork, low-VOC paint | $2,500 |
| Permit & Inspection Fees | Full building permit, gas, plumbing, electrical, structural inspections | $2,500 |
| Contingency (10%) | Hidden structural issues, custom millwork adjustments | $10,000 |
| Total | $120,000 |
3.3 Timeline
- Design & Permit Phase: 8–10 weeks (custom drawings + engineering + city approvals)
- Demolition & Structural Work: 2 weeks
- Rough-Ins (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC): 3 weeks
- Cabinet & Countertop Fabrication/Installation: 4 weeks (custom walnut & stone)
- Floor-Setting & Smart Wiring: 2 weeks (including floor heat testing)
- Finishes (Backsplash, Lighting, Paint, Trim): 3 weeks
- Total Project Duration: ~5 months (including lead times for custom materials)
3.4 What They Learned
- Lead Times Dominate Scheduling:
Custom walnut cabinets took 8 weeks to build; marble slabs had a 6-week lead. They blocked 3 months from demo to finish just for fabrication. Lesson: finalize design early, lock in slab orders, and coordinate cabinet shop schedules. - Smart Home Extras Pay Off:
Installing Lutron Caséta controls and integrated speakers cost $6,500, but they now operate lighting, shades, and music from phone or voice. The convenience and future-proofing factored heavily into their ROI—especially when entertaining. - Radiant Heat Is a Luxury Upgrade:
At $10,000 for heated limestone, they emphasized comfort and winter warmth. They estimate it adds 2% to home value in West Mountain and noticed a 10% drop in winter heating bills with insulated subflooring. - Professional-Grade Appliances Require Custom Millwork:
Integrating a 48″ Sub-Zero fridge behind custom panels cost an extra $3,000 (vs. a freestanding model). They felt the seamless look was worth the premium, but caution it added several weeks to timelines. - Contingency Buffer Saved the Project:
During demo, they discovered a 20-year-old vent hood duct was asbestos-wrapped. Safe abatement cost $4,000—covered entirely by the 10% contingency. Without it, they would have hit budget overrun.
4. Key Takeaways from All Case Studies
- Allocate a 10–15% Contingency
- Every homeowner encountered surprises—mold under floors, asbestos in ducts, or mismatched subfloors. A dedicated contingency protected budgets.
- Phased vs. All-In-One Projects
- Durand condo paced work over 4 weeks to minimize disruption. Stoney Creek bungalow grouped trades tightly to finish within 6 weeks. West Mountain estate required 5 months due to custom lead times. Match your timeline to complexity.
- Prioritize Layout & Structural Decisions Early
- Whether removing half-walls (§2) or moving plumbing (§2 & §3), decisions required permits, engineer sign-off, and often extra fees. Early planning prevents costly mid-project changes.
- Choose Materials Based on Longevity & Resale
- Durand neighbors prioritized cost savings and a 10-year minister, opting for remnant quartz and refaced cabinets. Stoney Creek opted for hardwood floors they plan to keep 15+ years. West Mountain invested in limestone and professional appliances, anticipating 20+ years of use and increased home value.
- DIY vs. Professional Labor
- Small DIY tasks (appliance swaps in Case 1, painting in Case 2) saved money. Yet structural, mechanical, and custom-millwork phases always required licensed professionals. Know when skill level meets the task.
- Leverage Local Resources & Sales
- Case 1 scavenged remnant quartz from a local stone yard; Case 2 timed hardwood sale at a Stoney Creek floor outlet; Case 3 ordered custom appliances during a February appliance promo. Keep an eye on Hamilton-area promotions and salvage opportunities.
5. Recommendations for Your Hamilton Kitchen Reno
- Define Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-To-Haves
- If your budget is under $15K, focus on cosmetic and functional improvements (refacing, remnant counters).
- Over $50K budgets allow deeper structural work and luxury finishes—remember lead times.
- Hire Licensed, Insured Trades
- Plumbing, electrical, and structural work encountered in these case studies all required permits and code compliance. Always verify WSIB clearance and insurance.
- Stage Work to Minimize Living Disruptions
- Case 1 owners used a corner of the living room as a make-shift kitchenette. Case 2 rented a small portable kitchen cabinet. Plan temporary meal solutions.
- Plan for Showroom & Demo Day Deals
- Hamilton kitchen showrooms often hold “Demo Day” sales in late winter—Cabinet and appliance stock clears at 15–25% off. Schedule your project timeline to capture those savings.
- Consult a Realtor or Designer for Resale Insights
- In Durand, mid-range quartz and refacing aligned with local buyer expectations. In Stoney Creek, open concept bungalows sell faster. In West Mountain, buyers expect high-end appliances and radiant floors. Tailor your scope to your neighborhood.
By studying these Hamilton case studies—ranging from a $12,300 condo refresh to a $120,000 luxury gut renovation—you’ll understand real cost breakdowns, common pitfalls, and best practices. Whether you’re aiming to sell in two years or live in your upgraded kitchen for decades, careful planning, local market research, and realistic budgeting will ensure a successful Hamilton kitchen renovation.
