Kitchen Renovations in Calgary & Okotoks
Design-build kitchens led by Red Seal craftsmanship—planned clearly, built cleanly, finished beautifully.
If your kitchen feels cramped, dated, or just doesn’t work for how your family actually lives, we’ll help you redesign it with better flow, smarter storage, and durable finishes that hold up to real life.
✅ Layout + design + selections
✅ Cabinetry (new or refacing)
✅ Concrete, quartz, or stone countertops
✅ Lighting, electrical, ventilation & plumbing coordination
✅ Flooring, backsplash, paint, trim & finishing
✅ Permit guidance + inspection coordination (when required)
Trusted in Calgary & Okotoks
+50 Five-Star Reviews
Licensed & Insured
Full Written Warranties
Red Seal Trades
✔ Itemized, no‑pressure estimates
✔ Clean, respectful jobsite
✔ Permit‑aware planning
At Elevation Renovations, we provide high-quality renovations throughout Calgary, Okotoks, and the Foothills—
without the layers of management, sales staff, and overhead that drive up costs at large renovation companies.
We’re a small, owner-led team. That means the people planning your renovation are the same people overseeing the work.
coordinating trades, and checking the details on site. Fewer handoffs. Clear communication. Better value for your budget.
Our clients appreciate that they’re paying for skilled work and careful planning.
not a showroom, sales commissions, or unnecessary administrative layers.
A Kitchen Remodel Built for Real Life in Calgary & Okotoks
Kitchens aren’t just “a room.” They’re where mornings start, homework happens, coffee gets made, and friends gather around the island.
Our job is to design a kitchen that’s:
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easy to move through (no traffic jams)
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easy to clean (materials that don’t punish you)
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easy to use (lighting, storage, and layout that make sense)
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built to last (proper prep, proper install, no shortcuts)
If you’re planning a larger main-floor transformation, we can coordinate your kitchen with a full Home Renovations plan so everything feels cohesive.
If you are looking to just reface your kitchen as you like the layout, you can see kitchen cabinet refacing in Calgary here.
We also do modern kitchen renovations, and you can see a case study here.
What We Build
Kitchen Layouts & Space Planning
We design kitchens around function first—then we make it beautiful.
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Islands, peninsulas, and seating zones (made for how you host)
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U-shaped, L-shaped, galley, and open-concept layouts
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Work zones (cook / prep / clean) with clear walkways
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Pantry upgrades: walk-in pantries, tall pull-outs, appliance garages, coffee stations
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Better appliance placement and clearances (so it all fits and works)
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Want to see real examples? Explore the Renovation Portfolio.
Cabinetry, Storage & Built-Ins
We offer:
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New cabinets (custom or semi-custom)
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Cabinet refacing (when the boxes are solid and the layout still works)
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Soft-close hinges and slides
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Storage upgrades that actually change your daily life:
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pull-out garbage and recycling
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spice drawers
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tray dividers
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corner solutions
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mixer lifts
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deep pot drawers
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If you’re deciding “refacing vs replacing,” we’ll give you a clear recommendation based on layout goals, cabinet condition, and budget.
Countertops, Backsplashes & Feature Surfaces
Countertops and backsplashes are where your kitchen starts to feel “new.”
Options we install and coordinate:
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Custom concrete countertops (including optional integrated sinks) via Concrete Countertops Calgary & Okotoks
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Quartz and natural stone (templating + pro installation)
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Backsplashes: ceramic, porcelain, stone tile
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Seamless, minimal looks using Microcement & Venetian Plaster
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If you want the “statement kitchen” look without a million grout lines, we’ll guide you toward finishes that match your style and maintenance tolerance.
Lighting, Electrical & Ventilation
Lighting is the fastest way to make a kitchen feel expensive—if it’s planned properly. We build layered lighting plans, including:
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pot lights + ceiling layout
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under-cabinet task lighting
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island pendants (proper spacing + height)
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toe-kick night lighting (a game-changer for evenings)
We also coordinate:
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code-compliant electrical upgrades and dedicated circuits where needed
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appliance integration (panel-ready, microwave drawers, etc.)
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range hood ducting and exterior venting guidance (and makeup-air guidance where applicable)
Flooring, Paint, Trim & Finishing Details
Kitchen floors take a beating—especially in Calgary winters.
We install and coordinate durable options like:
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LVP/LVT
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tile
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engineered hardwood (when appropriate for the space)
We also finish the space with:
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low-VOC paints
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durable trim finishes
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clean transitions and tight lines that make the kitchen feel “done,” not “almost done.”
Kitchen Services
Kitchen renovations are an amazing upgrade to dated builder-grade cabinets, but when renovating, you can save money if you add custom built-ins or cabinet refacing by combining the projects as one.
Our Kitchen Renovation Process in Calgary & Okotoks
We keep kitchen renovations simple: clear scope, clear pricing, clean work, and consistent communication—so you’re never guessing what happens next.
1) Free consult and measurements
We confirm your goals (function, storage, style), measure the space, and talk through budget ranges for Calgary & Okotoks kitchens.
4) Ordering + schedule confirmation
We confirm lead times (especially cabinetry/counters), then build a realistic schedule—so trades, inspections, and installations are sequenced properly.
2) Layout planning and selections
We refine the layout (workflow, island spacing, storage), then help you choose cabinets, counters, lighting, flooring, and backsplash options that match your style and maintenance tolerance.
5) Cabinet-Kitchen
Build phase
Demo → rough-ins (electrical/plumbing/venting) → drywall/patching → flooring → cabinets → counters → backsplash → finishing. We protect floors, manage dust, and keep the site tidy.
3) Drawings when needed + itemized estimate
If the project includes layout changes, we lock in the plan with drawings (cabinet layout, key dimensions, and rough-in notes). You get an itemized estimate so you can adjust materials/scope before committing.
6) Final walkthrough + touch‑ups
We do a full walkthrough, handle deficiency touch‑ups, and leave the space clean—so your kitchen is truly “move‑in ready.”
Want to see finished results? Portfolio
Renovation Resources: After your project is finished, protect your investment with our Post‑Renovation Maintenance Checklist (Calgary & Okotoks)—what to do in the first 30 days, seasonal upkeep, and how to keep finishes looking new.
Are modern kitchen contractors do an amazing job and have the experience you need.
Kitchen Renovation Blueprints & Planning
When drawings matter
(and why they save you money)
For kitchens that involve layout changes, walls, structural work, or full reconfiguration, we produce clear plan documents that map:
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cabinet elevations + island dimensions
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appliance clearances
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electrical plans (lighting, outlets, under-cabinet runs)
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plumbing fixture locations and relocations
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framing notes for wall removals or new openings
Blueprint-style planning keeps trades aligned, streamlines inspections, and reduces “surprise costs” mid-project.
Kitchen decisions that lock your budget early
Most kitchen renovation cost overruns don’t come from “luxury finishes.” They come from a handful of early decisions that are hard—or expensive—to undo later. Here are the ones we walk through carefully with every client before design moves forward.
1. Layout decisions define cost exposure
Once plumbing, gas, and major electrical are moved, the project enters a different risk category. Scope expands, inspections increase, sequencing tightens, and contingency requirements rise.
We do not treat layout changes casually. When layouts change, they are costed, scheduled, and approved with full visibility before construction begins—not discovered mid-build. Once construction begins, layout changes are no longer design decisions—they are change orders that affect schedule, cost, and trade sequencing. For this reason, we do not proceed into demolition without confirmed layouts, approved drawings, and written scope alignment.
4. Cabinet layout controls value and build complexity
Cabinet footprint determines:
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Storage efficiency
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Labour scope
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Installation sequencing
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Long-term usability
Finish selection affects appearance; layout determines performance. We design cabinetry from a functional standpoint first, then allocate finish budgets where they make sense.
2. Appliances are fixed inputs, not placeholders
Appliances determine:
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Cabinet dimensions
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Electrical loads
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Venting requirements
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Clearances and code compliance
Finalizing cabinetry before appliances is a common cause of rework, delays, and added cost. We lock appliance specifications early so cabinetry, electrical, and ventilation are built correctly the first time. When appliance specifications change after cabinetry is ordered, the result is rework, delays, and avoidable cost increases that cannot be absorbed later in the project.
5. Lighting and electrical are part of the construction scope
Lighting is not an accessory item. Task zones, appliance lighting, and ambient light must be coordinated with ceilings, cabinetry, and electrical rough-ins.
Treating lighting as an afterthought leads to visible compromises, patched finishes, and change orders. We plan lighting as part of the core build. All lighting locations and electrical requirements are finalized during design so rough-ins are completed correctly before walls and ceilings are closed.
3. Island size is a functional decision, not a visual one
Islands affect circulation, workflow, appliance access, and seating ergonomics. Oversized islands routinely create daily usability issues and limit how a kitchen performs.
We size islands based on clearance requirements, traffic patterns, and door swing conflicts—not trends or renderings. Poorly sized islands routinely require post-install modifications or permanent compromises to circulation and appliance access.
We treat island dimensions as fixed construction elements and finalize them before cabinetry is released for fabrication.
6. Refacing is evaluated structurally, not cosmetically
Cabinet refacing is only appropriate when cabinet boxes, layout, and storage already function well. When those conditions aren’t met, refacing delays inevitable replacement and often increases total cost over time.
We recommend refacing only when it makes structural and functional sense—not as a default cost-saving measure. If cabinetry condition or layout does not meet structural and functional standards, we will recommend replacement rather than proceed with a solution that compromises performance or longevity.
How this protects clients
Kitchen renovations require discipline.
Our process prioritizes:
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Defined scope before demolition
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Decisions made in the correct sequence
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Coordination between trades
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Clear accountability for outcomes
This is how timelines stay intact, budgets remain controlled, and projects finish without escalation.
See what are kitchen contractors in Calgary did here on this Poliform kitchen
Material & Labour Cost
in Calgary & Okotoks
Cost Breakdown by Component in Calgary & Okotoks Kitchens
Cabinets
(Usually the #1 Budget Driver in Calgary & Okotoks)
Typical cabinetry ranges (installed) we see across Calgary & Okotoks:
• Custom cabinetry: $15,000–$30,000+
• Semi-custom (ex: IKEA / Kitchen Craft tier): $8,000–$15,000
• Cabinet refacing: $5,000–$10,000
What pushes cabinet costs up in Calgary/Okotoks kitchens:
• more drawers and organizers (biggest value upgrade)
• tall pantry towers, appliance garages, and crown details
• large islands with custom hood surrounds
• premium finishes (paint/stain/custom colours)
Cost-saver: keep the existing layout if it works—layout changes add time and trade costs.
See real kitchens: Portfolio.
Need a better understanding of kitchen renovation costs Calgary?
Plumbing + Electrical (The “Hidden” Category That Adds Up)
Typical trade ranges in Calgary & Okotoks kitchens:
• New wiring, outlets, lighting: $2,000–$5,000
• Sink relocation or gas line work: $1,000–$2,000
Common upgrades we plan for in Calgary/Okotoks kitchen remodels:
• under-cabinet lighting + extra pot lights
• dedicated circuits for dishwasher/microwave/fridge
• GFCI/AFCI protection and code-friendly island outlets
• upgraded ventilation/range hood power
• shutoffs, new drains, and clean hookups
Permits/inspections may apply depending on what’s changing.
Biggest cost jump: relocating the sink/range (more labour + patching + inspection coordination).
Countertops
(Big Visual Impact, Big Price Range)
Typical countertop totals (project ranges) in Calgary & Okotoks:
• Laminate: $1,500–$3,000
• Quartz: $4,000–$6,500
• Granite: $5,000–$8,000
For a true “statement surface” (popular for islands in Calgary and Okotoks), concrete pricing is typically:
• Standard: $135–$175 / sq. ft.
• Premium polished: $175–$225 / sq. ft.
• Artistic/specialty: $225–$295+ / sq. ft.
Learn more: Concrete Countertops.
Price drivers: square footage, seams, cutouts, and waterfall ends. Counters are templated after cabinets—so cabinet changes can affect timing.
Maintenance note: quartz is low upkeep; granite may need sealing; concrete is professionally sealed.
In Calgary & Okotoks, waterfall ends and extra cutouts are the biggest countertop add-ons.
See finishes: Kitchen Renovation Portfolio.
Flooring (Calgary Pricing That Often Tracks Closely in Okotoks)
Flooring pricing in Calgary often tracks closely in Okotoks—prep and transitions matter as much as the material.
Common ranges in Calgary & Okotoks:
• LVP/LVT materials: $3–$9 / sq. ft.
• LVP/LVT install: $1.50–$3 / sq. ft.
• Prep/leveling (if needed): $1–$2 / sq. ft.
• Removal (if needed): $0.50–$2 / sq. ft.
• Tile materials: $5–$25 / sq. ft.
• Tile labour: $5–$15 / sq. ft.
• Hardwood installed: ~$10–$16 / sq. ft.
Tip: budget extra if floors need levelling or new transitions into adjoining rooms.
Related: Home Renovations.
See finishes: Portfolio.
Appliances (Often Homeowner-Supplied, But Needs Budget Space)
Typical appliance package ranges we see in Calgary & Okotoks:
• Mid-range package: $4,000–$7,000
• High-end package: $8,000–$15,000
What can increase appliance cost (and installation complexity) in Calgary/Okotoks kitchens:
• built-in / panel-ready fridges & dishwashers
• gas range vs electric (plus venting requirements)
• upgrading the range hood and ducting
• adding water lines (ice maker, espresso, pot filler)
• cabinet mods for microwave drawers/built-ins
• trim kits + custom panels (built-in look)
• extra circuits / 240V runs + panel capacity checks (ranges/ovens)
• delivery/haul-away + tight-access installs (stairs, turns, condos)
Tip: choose appliances early—cabinet sizing, rough-ins, and circuits depend on it.
Backsplash (Small Area, High Detail Work)
Backsplash labour is precision-heavy in Calgary & Okotoks:
• $20–$40 / sq. ft. (installation labour)
Tile/material costs vary widely—benchmark:
• ~16 sq. ft. backsplash tile/material is often ~$400–$600 (higher with premium tile)
What increases backsplash cost in Calgary/Okotoks kitchens:
• mosaics/herringbone and lots of cuts
• full-height splash behind the hood
• outlets/switches needing clean cut-ins
• uneven walls that require extra prep
• premium tile choices (porcelain, stone, handmade)
Low-grout option: Concrete countertops, or see how amazing Venetian plaster and micro cements perform.
Kitchen Renovation Planning Resources
Planning a kitchen renovation involves more than choosing cabinets and finishes. Understanding costs, timelines, and permit requirements upfront helps avoid delays and budget surprises.
Explore our detailed resources for Calgary homeowners:
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Kitchen Renovation Cost in Calgary
Learn realistic price ranges, cabinet costs, labour factors, and permit considerations before setting your budget.
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Kitchen Renovation Timeline Calgary
See how long a kitchen renovation actually takes, including planning, permits, inspections, cabinetry lead times, and construction phases.
👉 These guides are part of our Kitchen Renovations Calgary process, designed to help homeowners plan with clarity and confidence.
Kitchen cabinet refacing in Calgary is another option if you think a full redo isn't necessary. We also do built-in cabinetry to complement your kitchen or kitchen refacing.
Kitchen Lake View Calgary 2024
Kitchen Renovation Timeline
Most kitchens have two “timelines”:
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Planning + selections + ordering (often the hidden part)
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Construction time (the part happening in your home)
Typical timeline range
Most kitchens run 6–12 weeks depending on:
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scope (refresh vs full gut)
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cabinet lead times
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permit/inspection timing (if required)
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complexity (structural, specialty surfaces, etc.)
We’ll give you a realistic timeline up front—and we communicate clearly if anything affects sequencing.
Want a More Detailed Kitchen Renovation Timeline?
Every kitchen renovation follows a different path depending on scope, permits, and material lead times. For a full breakdown of each phase—from planning and permitting to cabinet installation and final inspections—explore our Kitchen Renovation Timeline Calgary guide.
👉 This resource explains how long a kitchen renovation typically takes and what factors can affect scheduling, so you can plan with confidence.
Permits & Inspection Guidance
We also help you understand when permits are actually required versus when they aren’t—so you’re not paying for unnecessary approvals or facing surprises later. From coordinating licensed trades to ensuring work meets Alberta building codes, our team stays ahead of compliance requirements from day one. The result is a smoother renovation process, fewer delays, and the confidence that everything behind the walls is done right.
Our role extends beyond paperwork—we manage the permitting and inspection process as part of overall project execution, assessing scope changes, coordinating licensed trades, and sequencing inspections to align with construction milestones. By addressing compliance requirements upfront and maintaining clear communication with municipal authorities in Calgary and Okotoks, we minimize delays, avoid costly rework, and ensure every renovation meets current building codes and safety standards.
Here's a Calgary permit guide and checklist- Calgary permit guide
Why Calgary & Okotoks Homeowners Choose Elevation Renovations
You’re not just hiring a contractor—you’re hiring the process.
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Owner-led, design–build renovation approach
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Transparent, itemized estimates (easy to compare and adjust)
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Single point of contact for schedule, trades, and updates
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Clean, safe jobsites with dust management and daily tidying
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Specialty finishes coordinated in-house (concrete, microcement, Venetian plaster)
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Built for longevity—not “good enough for the photos”
Want to see the quality? Start here: Renovation Portfolio
Real Calgary & Okotoks Kitchen Renovation Examples
Here are real recent examples that help Calgary and Okotoks homeowners “place” their own budget:
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Mahogany, Calgary — Full kitchen remodel + new island + lighting: $68,000 (7 weeks) Porfolio
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Cimarron, Okotoks — Cabinet reface + quartz + backsplash: $42,000 (4 weeks) Blog Post on Kitchens
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Altadore, Calgary — Full gut + luxury finish + built-in appliances: $96,000 (10 weeks) Portfolio
Kitchen Renovation FAQ for Calgary & Okotoks
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Calgary or Okotoks? Most projects land in three bands: refreshes ($18k–$30k), mid-range remodels ($40k–$65k), and full gut redesigns ($70k–$100k+). Cabinetry and layout changes (moving plumbing/electrical) are usually the biggest cost drivers. How long does a kitchen renovation take in Calgary and Okotoks? A refresh is often 2–4 weeks, a mid-range remodel 4–6 weeks, and a full redesign 6–10+ weeks. Ordering cabinets/counters and scheduling inspections can add time before demolition. Do I need permits for a kitchen renovation in Calgary or Okotoks? Maybe. Permits/inspections are common when you change electrical, plumbing, gas, ventilation, or structure. If you’re keeping the layout and only updating finishes, permits may not be required—but we confirm based on scope. Can we stay in our home during the kitchen renovation? Usually yes. Expect a few disruptive days (demo, flooring, countertop install) and a short period without a sink or full cooking setup. We use floor protection and dust control to keep your Calgary/Okotoks home livable. Is cabinet refacing worth it, or should we replace cabinets? Refacing can be a great value if the cabinet boxes are solid and the layout still works. If you want better storage or a new island, or the boxes are worn/damaged, replacement typically delivers a better long-term result. What countertop material is best for Calgary & Okotoks kitchens? Quartz is popular for low upkeep. Granite gives natural variation but may need periodic sealing. Concrete can create a custom statement surface and is professionally sealed—see Concrete Countertops Calgary & Okotoks. What makes kitchen renovation costs increase fastest? Moving plumbing or gas, adding electrical circuits, removing walls, custom cabinetry, waterfall edges, and premium appliances are the biggest add-ons. Keeping the existing layout is the simplest way to control budget. When should we pick appliances and finishes? Choose appliances early so cabinet sizes, clearances, and circuits are correct. Finalize finishes before ordering to avoid delays and change orders. Do you help with design, drawings, and trade coordination? Yes. We help with layout planning, selections, drawings (when needed), and full trade coordination so your kitchen is built cleanly and code-compliantly in Calgary and Okotoks. How do I get an itemized kitchen estimate? Book a free consultation, and we’ll confirm your goals, measure, and discuss finish levels. You’ll receive an itemized estimate with options so you can adjust the scope and materials before committing.
Kitchen renovations are systems projects, not finish upgrades
A kitchen renovation concentrates more trades, decisions, and cost exposure into a single room than any other space in the home. Cabinetry, appliances, electrical, plumbing, ventilation, lighting, and structural considerations all intersect—often within tight tolerances and long material lead times. When kitchens fail, they fail because decisions were made out of order, scope wasn’t controlled, or systems weren’t coordinated.
We manage kitchens as controlled construction projects, not design exercises.
1. Scope and layout are defined before demolition
Kitchen costs and timelines are largely determined by layout decisions — particularly plumbing, gas, electrical, and structural changes. Once demolition begins, these decisions are no longer flexible.
We do not proceed into demolition without confirmed layouts, approved drawings, and written scope alignment
4. Lighting and electrical are planned as construction elements
Task lighting, appliance lighting, and ambient light must be coordinated with cabinetry, ceilings, and rough-ins. Adding lighting late leads to visible compromises and change orders.
All lighting locations and electrical requirements are finalized during design so rough-ins are completed correctly before walls and ceilings are closed.
2. Appliances are fixed inputs, not placeholders
Appliances dictate cabinet dimensions, ventilation requirements, electrical loads, and clearances. Treating them as interchangeable late in the process creates rework and delays.
We finalize appliance specifications before cabinetry is released so all systems are coordinated correctly from the start.
5. Islands are sized for circulation and use, not trends
Island dimensions affect walkways, appliance access, seating comfort, and traffic flow. Oversized islands routinely create permanent usability issues.
We size islands based on clearance requirements and daily use patterns, and we lock dimensions before cabinetry fabrication.
3. Cabinetry is designed for function before finish
Cabinet layout determines storage efficiency, usability, installation complexity, and long-term performance. Finish selection affects appearance, but layout determines how the kitchen actually works.
We design cabinetry around workflow, storage needs, and clearances before allocating budget to finishes.
6. Refacing vs. replacement is a structural decision
Cabinet refacing is only appropriate when cabinet boxes, layout, and storage already function well. When they don’t, refacing delays necessary replacement and often increases long-term cost.
If cabinetry condition or layout does not meet functional standards, we recommend replacement rather than proceeding with a compromised solution.
What this means for clients
Kitchen renovations succeed when decisions are made in the correct order and systems are coordinated before construction begins. Our approach prioritizes scope control, sequencing, and accountability so timelines remain predictable, budgets stay controlled, and the finished kitchen performs as intended.
What happens next?
1) We reply within 1 business day
2) Quick 15-minute phone consultation
3) On-site visit + clear, itemized estimate
4) No pressure—you decide how to proceed
5) We respect your time and your home.