Kitchen Renovations in Regina: Costs, Timelines, Permits & What to Expect in 2026
A complete guide for Regina homeowners planning a kitchen renovation. Get realistic costs, timelines, permit information, expert advice, and answers to the questions homeowners ask before hiring a contractor. See real Oakridge projects in our Eastview kitchen renovation case study and Pappas Crescent main-floor renovation case study.
Updated September 2026
$40,000 – $70,000
Typical full kitchen renovation in Regina
4–8 Weeks
Typical construction timeline
Permits May Be Required
Depending on the scope of your project
3-Year Warranty
On all Oakridge Remodeling workmanship
How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Regina?
A full kitchen renovation in Regina typically requires a budget of approximately $40,000 to $70,000, while major renovations involving structural changes, relocated plumbing, custom cabinetry, large islands, or significant layout changes can reach $60,000 to $100,000 or more.
Smaller kitchen renovations that keep the existing layout and focus on cabinets, countertops, flooring, backsplash, paint, and lighting may be completed for less. At the other end of the spectrum, a kitchen that becomes part of a larger main-floor renovation can easily exceed $100,000. The final cost depends far more on what is changing than on the kitchen’s square footage alone.
$20,000–$35,000
Limited Renovation
Updates to an existing layout: cabinets, counters, flooring, paint and limited trade work.
$40,000–$65,000
Full Renovation
New cabinetry, quartz, backsplash, lighting, flooring and complete finishing.
$60,000–$100,000+
Major Remodel
Layout changes, islands, relocated plumbing, structural work and upgraded electrical.
$90,000–$150,000+
High-End / Main Floor
Premium finishes or a kitchen that becomes part of a larger main-floor renovation.
Featured Kitchen Renovation Project
Compact Character-Home Kitchen Renovation
This real Oakridge project transformed a compact Regina galley kitchen with improved cabinetry, updated services and a completely refreshed finish while respecting the character of the home.
What Makes a Kitchen Renovation Expensive?
The three biggest factors in most kitchen renovations are cabinetry, layout changes, and trade work.
1. Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinetry is often one of the largest individual costs in a kitchen renovation. Price depends on the number of cabinets, cabinet height, door style, finish, interior accessories, drawer quantity, pantry cabinets, islands, crown moulding, decorative panels, appliance panels and custom modifications.
A wall full of drawers costs considerably more than simple base cabinets with doors. Tall pantry cabinets and full-height uppers also increase cost, but they can dramatically increase usable storage. The goal should be to spend cabinet dollars where they improve storage, workflow and durability.
2. Changing the Kitchen Layout
Keeping the existing layout is usually cheaper, but it is not always smarter. Many older Regina homes were designed around kitchens that were separated from dining and living spaces. Some have limited counter space, poor lighting, narrow entrances, very little storage or appliance locations that no longer make sense.
If you are already replacing the entire kitchen, ask whether the current layout actually works. Improvements can include opening the kitchen to an adjacent room, adding an island, moving the refrigerator, creating a pantry wall, moving the sink beneath a window, improving countertop space beside the range or creating better seating.
Should You Remove a Wall During a Kitchen Renovation?
Removing a wall can completely change a kitchen, but whether it makes sense depends on the house. Before removing a wall, the contractor needs to determine whether it is load-bearing, carrying roof or floor loads, concealing plumbing or electrical, containing HVAC or connected to other structural components.
Removing a structural wall can require engineered specifications, temporary support, new posts, beams, framing changes and permits. This is why wall removal should be evaluated before cabinetry is ordered.
Do You Need a Permit for a Kitchen Renovation in Regina?
Not every kitchen renovation in Regina requires a building permit. Replacing existing cabinets, fixtures or appliances is generally cosmetic. A permit may be required when the project involves moving or adding walls, structural alterations, changing window or door openings, relocating or adding plumbing, or other alterations covered by Regina’s residential permit requirements.
Electrical and gas work can also have separate regulatory and inspection requirements. If your renovation changes the structure, walls, plumbing, electrical systems or major openings in the home, determine permit requirements before construction begins.
How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take in Regina?
A kitchen renovation should be considered in two phases: pre-construction and construction.
Pre-Construction: Often 6–12+ Weeks
Before demolition begins, the project may require measurements, layout development, cabinet design, material selections, cabinet ordering, countertop selections, plumbing fixture selections, appliance specifications, electrical planning, engineering, permit applications and trade scheduling.
Construction: Commonly 4–8 Weeks
A typical sequence may include site protection and demolition; structural or framing changes; plumbing and electrical rough-in; inspections where required; insulation and vapour barrier repairs; drywall; ceiling and wall preparation; priming and initial painting; flooring; cabinet installation; countertop templating and installation; backsplash; finish plumbing and electrical; appliance installation; trim; touch-ups and final walkthrough.
Can You Live in Your House During a Kitchen Renovation?
Usually, yes. However, homeowners should assume they will be without a normal kitchen for a significant portion of the project. A temporary kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, air fryer or toaster oven can make the renovation much easier.
Is It Worth Moving Plumbing in a Kitchen?
Moving plumbing is worthwhile when it significantly improves the layout. It usually does not make sense to relocate a sink simply because another location looks slightly better. But if moving the sink allows the kitchen to gain a large island, substantially more counter space, a better appliance configuration or a completely improved floor plan, the additional cost can be justified.
What Countertop Is Best for a Kitchen Renovation?
For many full kitchen renovations, quartz is one of the most common countertop choices because it provides a good combination of appearance, durability, colour options and relatively low maintenance.
Laminate
Laminate remains one of the most cost-effective countertop materials and can make sense for lower-budget renovations, secondary suites and projects where countertop cost needs to be minimized.
Quartz
Quartz works well in a broad range of kitchens and offers extensive colour and pattern choices. Pricing varies with slab selection, thickness, edge profile, fabrication and total square footage.
Granite and Natural Stone
Natural stone provides unique variation because each slab is different. Maintenance requirements and characteristics vary by material.
What Flooring Works Best in a Regina Kitchen?
Luxury Vinyl Plank
LVP is popular because it is water-resistant, durable, available in many styles and suitable for many main-floor applications.
Tile
Tile remains extremely durable and water-resistant. Its disadvantages are that it can feel colder and harder underfoot.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood can create a warmer, more premium appearance and works particularly well when homeowners want continuous flooring through the kitchen, dining area and living space.
Kitchen Lighting Should Be Designed, Not Added Later
A good kitchen often uses general lighting, task lighting such as under-cabinet fixtures, decorative lighting such as pendants, and natural light. Electrical planning should happen before drywall. Waiting until cabinetry has been installed to decide where outlets, pendants, switches or under-cabinet wiring should go creates unnecessary complications.
Should You Add an Island?
An island can provide additional countertop space, drawers and storage, seating, sink or dishwasher location, electrical outlets, garbage and recycling storage and serving space. But forcing an oversized island into a small kitchen can make the entire room worse. The goal is not the biggest island possible; it is an island proportioned correctly for the room.
What Are the Biggest Kitchen Renovation Mistakes?
Spending Everything on Finishes
Premium quartz and expensive fixtures cannot fix a bad layout. Function should come first.
Ordering Cabinets Too Early
Structural decisions, appliance dimensions, plumbing locations and final measurements should be established before cabinetry goes into production.
Forgetting Appliance Specifications
Appliances affect cabinet openings, electrical requirements, plumbing, ventilation, clearances and countertop dimensions. They need to be selected early.
Not Planning Enough Electrical
Modern kitchens use significantly more electrical devices than kitchens did decades ago. Countertop appliances, induction ranges, refrigerators and dishwashers all need to be considered.
Choosing the Lowest Renovation Price
Renovation estimates are only comparable when they include comparable scopes. The total scope matters more than the number at the bottom of the first page.
How Should You Choose a Kitchen Renovation Contractor in Regina?
Ask who manages the project, who handles electrical and plumbing, who is responsible for permits, whether the scope is detailed, how changes are handled, what warranty is provided and whether the contractor routinely completes full kitchen renovations.
What Does Oakridge Remodeling Handle During a Kitchen Renovation?
Depending on the project, Oakridge Remodeling coordinates demolition, framing, structural modifications, engineering coordination, permit requirements, electrical, plumbing, drywall, painting, flooring, cabinet installation, countertops, backsplash, trim, doors, appliance installation, final finishing and project management.
Oakridge Remodeling is a five-time consecutive Consumer Choice Award winner in Regina’s Home Renovation category, including 2026. Our renovation work is backed by a three-year workmanship warranty.
Planning a Kitchen Renovation in Regina?
A successful kitchen renovation starts long before demolition. Determine your realistic budget, decide whether the existing layout works, select appliances early, evaluate potential structural changes, and make sure the entire project is being priced—not simply the cabinets and countertops.
For a typical full kitchen remodel in Regina, homeowners should begin planning around $40,000 to $70,000, with larger layout changes and premium projects commonly exceeding that range.
On This Page
- Kitchen renovation costs
- What makes kitchens expensive?
- Removing walls
- Permits in Regina
- Renovation timelines
- Living through a renovation
- Moving plumbing
- Countertops
- Flooring
- Kitchen lighting
- Kitchen islands
- Common mistakes
- Choosing a contractor
- About Oakridge Remodeling
Ready to Renovate Your Kitchen?
Get expert advice, a detailed estimate and a renovation plan tailored to your home.
Why Homeowners Choose Oakridge
- 5-time consecutive Consumer Choice Award winner
- Full-service kitchen renovations
- Experienced licensed trades
- Detailed scopes and clear communication
- 3-year workmanship warranty