Metro Vancouver Renovation Cost Report (2026)

An honest, research-backed look at what kitchen and bathroom renovations actually cost across Metro Vancouver in 2026 — and what really drives the numbers.

Figures reflect current 2025–2026 Metro Vancouver renovation costs, alongside the ranges Northline plans to on full-scope projects. Every renovation is different — treat this as a planning reference, not a quote.

Kitchen renovation costs in Metro Vancouver

Kitchen pricing spans a wide range because a renovation can mean anything from a cosmetic refresh to a full custom rebuild. Across Metro Vancouver in 2026, costs cluster into three tiers:

Most Metro Vancouver homeowners land between $25,000 and $80,000, with a full mid-range kitchen averaging around $45,000–$53,000. On a per-square-foot basis, expect $500–$1,500/sq ft depending on finish level. See our full kitchen renovation cost guide for a deeper breakdown.

Northline plans most full kitchen renovations in the $50,000–$90,000 range, with custom projects above that. We sit toward the upper end by design — we take on full-scope, fully-planned projects rather than cosmetic refreshes.

What actually drives a kitchen budget

One line dominates every kitchen: cabinetry. Here is roughly how a typical mid-range Metro Vancouver kitchen budget divides up.

Because cabinetry is the largest line, the decisions that move a kitchen budget most are cabinet construction (stock vs. semi-custom vs. fully custom) and whether the layout changes — moving plumbing, gas, or walls cascades cost into every other trade.

Bathroom renovation costs in Metro Vancouver

Bathrooms are smaller but more technical — the cost lives behind the walls. 2026 Metro Vancouver ranges:

The biggest swing factor is plumbing: relocating drain lines alone typically adds $3,000–$8,000. Waterproofing, tile scope, and glass are the other major drivers. More detail in our bathroom renovation cost guide.

Northline plans most full bathroom and ensuite renovations in the $30,000–$90,000 range, focusing on full-scope work where planning and waterproofing detail matter.

The cost pressures behind 2026 pricing

Material costs have jumped

Renovation material costs are up roughly 18% since late 2024, driven partly by 2025 tariffs on imported cabinetry, aluminium, and steel. Cabinetry — already the biggest line in a kitchen — has been hit hardest.

Vancouver labour is among Canada’s highest

Skilled-trade labour in Metro Vancouver typically runs 20–30% above the national average, reflecting high demand and project complexity.

Older homes hide surprises

Behind the walls of an older home you can find outdated wiring, failed waterproofing, or non-standard framing — exactly the kind of cost that good planning surfaces before demolition rather than mid-project.

Permits, drawings, and hidden costs

Permit and documentation costs are small next to the build, but they surprise people — and they vary by municipality.

A like-for-like fixture swap usually needs no permit; moving plumbing, changing electrical, or altering structure does. Timelines differ sharply too — a permit that takes 5 weeks in one municipality can take 11 in another, which is why permit timing belongs in the plan from day one.

Why the number moves — and how to control it

Across every tier, the pattern is the same: the costliest surprises come from decisions made after demolition — a layout change, a selection swap, a condition no one checked for. The most reliable way to keep a renovation on budget is not choosing cheaper finishes; it is resolving scope, selections, and sequencing before the work begins. Our renovation planning guide walks through exactly how.

If you are already collecting quotes, the number on each one depends heavily on what it assumes. Our guide to comparing renovation quotes in Metro Vancouver shows how to line them up so you are pricing the same project.