Updated September 2026. These are the ranges we quote in Parksville and Qualicum Beach in 2026, based on our own completed kitchens. What your kitchen lands at depends on its scope, so treat the bands below as a starting point and book a free consultation if you want a fixed written number.
Kitchen renovation cost by scope (2026)
| Scope | What it includes | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | cabinet refacing, new counters, hardware, paint | $15,000–$45,000 |
| Mid-range full renovation | new cabinets, counters, flooring, lighting, minor layout changes | $45,000–$80,000 |
| High-end / custom or structural | walls moved, custom cabinetry, premium finishes | $80,000 and up |
We based these 2026 figures on kitchen remodels we completed in Parksville and Qualicum Beach. We use these price ranges to build your estimate, keeping our pricing transparent from the start.
Most of the kitchens we quote land in the cosmetic-to-mid-range bands. The rest involve custom cabinetry or moving a wall, which pushes past $80,000.
What moves the price
- Cabinet construction — stock vs. semi-custom vs. fully custom cabinetry is usually the single biggest line item.
- Countertop material — laminate, butcher-block, quartz or natural stone span a wide price range.
- Layout change — moving a sink or removing a load-bearing wall adds engineering, an engineered beam and permits.
- Appliance package — a 4-piece builder set vs. a premium suite can differ by $10,000 or more.
- Behind-the-wall work — an older house often needs electrical rough-in or plumbing updates once we have the walls open.
How long does it take?
- Design and planning: a few weeks.
- On-site construction: 4–8 weeks for a standard kitchen, and 10–12+ weeks when it involves custom cabinetry or layout and structural changes.
What makes island prices different?
Two things move our numbers. Ferry and freight add to what materials land at, and the pool of skilled cabinet and stone trades on this side of the water is smaller. We work on many homes built in the 1970s and 1980s. On every job, we choose hardware and finishes that resist coastal salt air. We budget for the older wiring or plumbing we find once demolition starts. A good share of what we quote here also includes aging-in-place upgrades such as barrier-free layouts and drawer banks, because plenty of our clients intend to stay in the house.
Do renovation permits affect cost?
If your plan moves a wall or a drain, we pull the building permit and arrange inspections. An electrician pulls the electrical permit for any circuit work. Permit fees are a minor cost, and qualified trades required for permitted work are included in our price ranges. Our permit guide has the detail.
We visit your home in person before giving you a fixed price, so we can assess your layout accurately.
How we calculate your fixed written quote
- In-home consultation. We spend about an hour measuring the space, hearing what you want and giving you a realistic range.
- Design and material list. You get layout and cabinet drawings and a fixed material list to approve.
- Fixed written quote. One number covering design, cabinetry, counters, trades, permits and finish.
- Build and handover. A week-by-week schedule, and the inspections booked.
Common kitchen renovation cost questions
What is the cheapest way to renovate a kitchen here?
Keep the existing layout, reface or paint the cabinet boxes, and replace counters, sink, backsplash and lighting — a cosmetic refresh that starts near $15,000.
How much are custom cabinets on their own?
Custom shaker cabinets for a standard 10×12 kitchen typically run about $28,000–$42,000 installed, before counters or appliances; the exact figure depends on wood, finish and hardware.
Does an open-concept conversion cost more?
Yes — removing a load-bearing wall adds an engineered beam, permits and drywall, typically $28,000–$50,000 on top of a standard remodel. That puts those projects in the high-end band above $80,000.
Is the quote really fixed?
It is fixed for the scope you agree to. If we find something genuine behind the walls we show you before demolition goes further and price it openly.
You can learn more in our renovation permit guide, compare options for full kitchen remodels, or read about kitchen renovations in Qualicum Beach.