Small Kitchen Makeover Costs in London ON | Budget-Friendly Ideas for 2025

The Numbers, the Variables, and What You Actually Get for Your Money

If you live in London, Ontario, and your kitchen is on the smaller side (under 100 sq ft), you might think a makeover still requires a six-figure investment. The truth is, small kitchens can be renovated thoughtfully for a fraction of what a full-gut, large kitchen remodel costs—especially if you focus on budget-friendly strategies. In 2025, small kitchen makeovers in London can range from roughly $3,000 (cosmetic refresh) to $20,000 (strategic, high-impact updates). This guide will break down typical cost tiers, outline exactly what is included at each level, and share practical tips to keep your project within a modest budget.

Quick Overview: Average Small Kitchen Makeover Costs in London ON (CAD)

These ranges reflect real quotes from London-area contractors, as well as local materials pricing as of late 2024 and early 2025. Let’s unpack what each tier entails so you can decide which budget bracket best suits your needs.

Cosmetic Refresh ($3K–$7K)

A cosmetic refresh focuses on surface-level updates—what you see when you walk in—without altering plumbing, electrical, or major layouts. For a small kitchen, this is often the most cost-effective way to achieve a “new kitchen” feel.

What’s Included

• Fresh Coat of Paint
  Repaint walls, ceiling, and trim in a light, neutral colour to maximize the feeling of space. Expect to pay $300–$600 for professional labour and materials.
• Cabinet Refacing or Painting
  Instead of replacing cabinets, you can either refinish/paint existing cabinet doors ($800–$1,500) or apply pre-cut thermofoil door fronts ($1,500–$3,000, depending on cabinet count and configuration).
• New Cabinet Hardware
  Swap dated knobs and pulls for new brushed nickel or matte black hardware. A set for a small kitchen costs $100–$300, installed.
• Budget-Friendly Countertop
  Replace a worn laminate countertop with a new laminate sheet in updated colour or pattern. Installed cost: $1,200–$2,500 (including removal of the old surface).
• Backsplash Accent
  Install a small-area backsplash (8–10 sq ft) of easy-to-install mosaic tile or peel-and-stick backsplash. Materials + labour: $400–$800.
• Basic Lighting & Fixtures Swap
  Replace under-cabinet fluorescent fixtures or a dated ceiling light with a new LED fixture ($200–$500 total). Swap out the faucet for a modern single-handle unit ($200–$400).
• Minor Repairs & Touch-Ups
  Fill small gaps, re-caulk sink perimeter, tighten loose doors, and repair minor shelving damage—$300–$600 in labour.

Who It’s For

• Homeowners on a Tight Budget
  You want to refresh your kitchen’s look within $3K–$7K without changing cabinets, plumbing, or layout.
• Renters or Short-Term Owners
  You plan to stay 1–3 years and simply want a cleaner, updated appearance before selling or moving.
• DIY Enthusiasts
  If you’re comfortable painting cabinets or tile backsplash yourself, you can shave $1,000–$2,000 off labour costs.

Warning: Cosmetic-only makeovers do not address underlying issues—rotting subfloor, outdated wiring, or malfunctioning plumbing. Have a professional inspect if your kitchen is over 15 years old.

Mid-Range Update ($7K–$15K)

If your small kitchen needs more than just a surface facelift—perhaps better storage organization, a new sink location, or upgraded fixtures—but you still want to stay under $15K, this mid-range tier strikes a balance between cost and impact.

What’s Included

• New Stock or RTA Cabinets
  Replace your old cabinet boxes with affordable stock or ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets in standard sizes. Expect $2,500–$5,000 installed for a small 8×10 kitchen if you choose builders-grade white shaker or flat-panel doors.
• Countertops Upgrade
  Instead of basic laminate, install a butcher block top ($1,200–$2,500) or entry-level engineered quartz ($2,500–$4,000) for greater longevity.
• Simple Layout Reconfiguration
  Move the sink cabinet by one base-cabinet width (e.g., shifting the sink to align with a window). Limited plumbing rerouting ($800–$1,500 additional). No structural changes.
• Tile Backsplash (Partial Wall)
  20–25 sq ft of ceramic or porcelain tile from counter to bottom of cabinets. Materials + labour: $1,200–$2,000.
• Upgraded Fixtures & Appliances
  Replace the sink with a stainless steel undermount or drop-in ($400–$800) and faucet with a pull-down model ($250–$500). Upgrade the range hood to a slim under-cabinet or integrated unit ($500–$1,000).
• Lighting & Electrical
  Install two to three recessed LED cans ($300–$600 total) and add under-cabinet LED strips ($200–$400). Ensure electrical panel and circuits can handle new appliances ($300–$600 for minor upgrades).
• Flooring Refresh (Partial)
  If existing flooring is worn, install 50–60 sq ft of vinyl plank or ceramic tile over current substrate. Costs: $800–$1,500 installed.
• Professional Labour & Permits
  Includes licensed plumber, electrician, and general labour for a 1–2 week timeline. Building permits typically not required for cosmetic and minor layout updates but verify with London’s building department.

Who It’s For

• Homeowners Seeking Function & Aesthetic
  You want improved storage (e.g., a pull-out pantry unit), a modern look, and minor layout tweaks without a full-scale renovation.
• Growing Families
  Even a small kitchen can benefit from better storage organization—installing deeper drawers or cabinet organizers (additional $200–$500) keeps things neat.
• Investors & Short-Term Landlords
  You aim to boost rental value or resale appeal by offering a “new-ish” kitchen in a compact footprint.

Tip: In London’s smaller bungalows or condos, mid-range updates in the $10K–$12K bracket often recoup up to 70% of the investment in resale value—provided finishes are neutral and durable.

High-Impact Budget Makeover ($15K–$20K)

For a small kitchen that needs a near complete overhaul—new cabinets, upgraded counters, full reconfiguration within the existing footprint—plan to invest $15K–$20K. You’ll get substantially improved function and style, approaching the feel of a larger kitchen.

What’s Included

• Semi-Custom or High-End Stock Cabinets
  Install semi-custom cabinets in a small footprint—e.g., a 10 linear-foot run of painted maple or MDF shaker cabinets with soft-close hardware. Expect $6,000–$10,000 installed for cabinetry alone, including a few extra accessories (built-in spice rack, under-sink pull-out bin).
• Premium Countertops
  Choose engineered quartz (2 cm or 3 cm thickness) in a light-coloured pattern. For a small 30 sq ft run, expect $3,000–$4,500 installed.
• Full Layout Reconfiguration
  Shift plumbing to allow for an island or peninsula addition (if space permits), incorporate a small island with storage ($2,000–$3,500 including countertop). Relocate sink and dishwasher, reroute hot/cold lines ($1,500–$2,500).
• Tile Backsplash (Full Height)
  30–35 sq ft of subway tile, large-format porcelain, or a decorative mosaic accent wall. Materials + labour: $1,800–$2,500.
• Upgraded Appliances
  Replace refrigerator, range, and dishwasher with mid-tier energy-efficient models ($3,000–$5,000 total). Include a slim hood fan above the range ($700–$1,200).
• High-End Fixtures & Smart Features
  Install a touchless faucet with pull-down sprayer ($400–$700), under-mount LED cabinet lighting ($300–$500), and an integrated charging station or smart USB outlets ($200–$400).
• Flooring Replacement (Full)
  Replace 80–100 sq ft of flooring with new ceramic tile or luxury vinyl plank. Installation: $1,500–$2,500.
• Professional Labour & Permit Fees
  Full labour package for plumber, electrician, tiler, carpenter—2–3 week timeline. Minor permit for plumbing relocation ($200–$400) if pipes are exposed.

Who It’s For

• Design-Driven Homeowners
  You want a visually striking small kitchen with open shelving, contrasting island, and custom storage solutions—$15K–$20K budget can achieve a near-custom look.
• Tech-Savvy Families
  Smart lighting, touchless faucets, and charging outlets add convenience in a compact space.
• Resale-Focused Investors
  High-impact updates in a small kitchen, if done right, can deliver over 80% recoup on resale—particularly in 2025’s tight London market.

Note: Because small kitchens have less square footage, you get more “kitchen per dollar” when you make impactful choices (e.g., quartz countertops, semi-custom cabinetry) rather than stretching a larger budget across a big space.

Cost Factors That Can Move the Needle Up or Down

Things That Increase Cost

1. Custom Cabinetry & Unique Layouts
   • Semi-custom cabinetry in odd angles or designer finishes (two-tone cabinets, glass doors, veneers) can add $1,000–$3,000 even in a small kitchen.
2. Appliance Relocation & Plumbing Reroute
   • Moving the sink or dishwasher requires new plumbing runs (hot, cold, drain) and possibly new venting. Expect $1,000–$2,000 depending on distance.
3. Structural Modifications
   • Removing or altering a load-bearing wall to open into adjacent space—rare in small galley or L-shaped kitchens—but if required, costs escalate by $5,000–$10,000 for engineering and framing.
4. Premium Materials & Finishes
   • Imported tile backsplash, exotic butcher block, or high-end quartz patterns can each carry a 10–20% surcharge over standard materials.
5. Expedited Timelines
   • Contractors in London, ON often impose a 10–15% rush fee if you need to complete a project within 2 weeks instead of a typical 3–4 week window.

Things That Reduce Cost

1. Maintaining Existing Layout & Footprint
   • Keeping sink, range, and fridge in place avoids plumbing, electrical, and gas line rerouting—saving up to $2,000–$3,000.
2. Selecting Stock or RTA Cabinets
   • For a small kitchen, stock RTA cabinets ($3,000–$5,000 installed) provide a significant saving compared to semi-custom ($6,000–$10,000+) or custom.
3. DIY-Approachable Tasks
   • Homeowners comfortable with painting walls, stripping cabinet doors, or installing backsplash tile themselves can save $1,000–$2,500 in labour.
4. Simplified Material Choices
   • Choosing 2 cm quartz over 3 cm can reduce material cost by $10–$15 per sq ft. Opting for a simple tile pattern rather than intricate mosaic saves $5–$10 per sq ft.
5. Bundling Scope of Work
   • Combining cabinetry, countertop, and backsplash installation with one general contractor often yields package discounts (5–10% off combined labour).
6. Using Remnant Slabs
   • If your perimeter run is under 25 sq ft, ask for quartz or granite remnants at 20–40% off standard pricing.

How to Plan a Small Kitchen Makeover Budget Wisely

1. Measure & Layout Accurately

• Square Footage & Run Lengths: Measure countertop run length, identify corners, and measure wall-to-wall if replacing flooring.
• Account for Wasted Space: In small kitchens, even a 1″–2″ filler or undercut for uneven walls can add to cost. Note that RTA cabinet box depths (e.g., 24″ base, 12″ wall) must align precisely.

2. Prioritize “Must-Haves” and “Nice-to-Haves”

• Must-Haves: Functional lighting, durable countertops, reliable workspace, and code-compliant electrical/plumbing.
• Nice-to-Haves: Open shelving, decorative hardware, smart outlets, undercabinet lighting. Allocate a fixed budget (e.g., $2,000) for nice-to-haves and adjust if necessary.

3. Solicit 2–3 Detailed Quotes

• Itemization: Each bid should list labour by trade (carpenter, plumber, electrician, tile setter) and material allowances (e.g., $4/sq ft for tile, $25/linear foot for quartz edge).
• Supply-Only vs. Installed: Get separate quotes for supply-only cabinetry or countertops uninstalled—sometimes hiring a local installer ($40–$60/hr) can be cheaper.
• Warranty & Timeline: Confirm each contractor’s warranty (minimum one year for labour) and realistic schedule (2–4 weeks for a small kitchen).

4. Build in a 10–15% Contingency

• Hidden Issues: Subfloor rot under vinyl, minor electrical upgrades for additional outlets, or discovering non-code plumbing. Anticipate $500–$1,500 extra.
• Material Upgrades: If you decide mid-project to switch from laminate backsplash to tile, allocate 10–15% for material cost differences.

5. Account for “Invisible” Costs

• Permit Fees (if Required): Minor plumbing relocations may need a permit in London, ON. Fees are $200–$400.
• Disposal & Haul-Away: Unless included, budget $200–$500 to remove old cabinets, countertops, and debris.
• Appliance Delivery & Hookup: Some delivery services charge $100–$200; appliance installation (electric or gas) can cost $150–$300 per unit.

6. Time Purchases and Work Phases

• Off-Season Discounts: Late fall/early winter (November–January) often sees lower contractor demand—negotiate a 5–10% discount.
• Bundle Jobs: Schedule cabinetry, countertop, and backsplash in a continuous workflow (no gaps) so labour is efficient and avoids “down days” where trades wait for others.
• Shop Remnant Sales: Ask local fabricators for remnant quartz/granite slabs in January or February when stock clears for new orders.

Final Thoughts: Small Kitchen, Big Impact

Even though your kitchen footprint may be under 100 sq ft, a carefully planned makeover can dramatically improve function, aesthetics, and home value—often for $3K–$20K, depending on your desired outcome:

• Keep It Simple ($3K–$7K): Focus on paint, cabinet refacing, laminate counters, and new hardware. Ideal for cosmetic refreshes or rental turnovers.
• Upgrade Strategically ($7K–$15K): Replace cabinets with stock or RTA cabinetry, install butcher block or entry-level quartz, add a partial tile backsplash, and upgrade fixtures. Great for long-term homeowners seeking better functionality.
• Go High-Impact ($15K–$20K): Invest in semi-custom cabinets, premium quartz, full-layout tweaks, new appliances, and integrated lighting. Achieve a near-custom look at a fraction of a large kitchen’s cost.

By understanding London, ON pricing in 2025, you can make informed choices tailored to your budget. Measure carefully, get multiple quotes, and focus on improvements with the highest return on investment—functional storage, durable surfaces, and modern lighting. When you leverage budget-friendly materials (laminate, remnant slabs) and DIY-friendly tasks (painting, tiling accent walls), your small kitchen makeover can feel like a major transformation—without the major price tag.