Kitchen Renovations in Montreal - as a licensed General Contractor serving the Greater Montreal Area, Renonovak manages everything from structural open-concept changes to high-end custom cabinetry. We strictly adhere to RBQ regulations and provide expert coordination of specialized trades for a seamless experience. Call us today and get an estimate!
What services are included in a kitchen renovation?
As a general contractor, we provide a full-service that covers every technical and aesthetic aspect:
- Demolition & Debris Removal – safely stripping the old kitchen while protecting the rest of your home from dust and damage.
- Structural Modifications – removing load-bearing walls to create an open-concept living space, which often requires the installation of steel or LVL beams.
- Plumbing – relocating sink drains, installing new water lines for refrigerators/ice makers, and upgrading old galvanized pipes to PEX or copper.
- Electrical Upgrades – installing dedicated circuits for high-power appliances (oven, dishwasher, microwave), adding GFCI outlets for safety, and setting up smart lighting systems.
- Subfloor & Floor Leveling – ensuring the base is perfectly flat before installing hardwood, large-format tiles, or luxury vinyl.
- Custom Cabinetry Installation – precision mounting of base and wall units, ensuring everything is perfectly level and plumb.
- Countertop Templating & Fitting – expert installation of Quartz, Granite, or Marble surfaces with seamless joins.
- Backsplash Tiling – precision tile work, from classic subway tiles to intricate mosaic patterns.
- Professional Painting & Finishing – final coats of moisture-resistant paint and the installation of baseboards, trim, and hardware.
Kitchen renovation is one of the most common home services, and we are commited to provide the best result that we can for all our clients.
What are the best materials for kitchen cabinets?
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): Ideal for painted finishes. It is stable and does not expand or contract as much as solid wood, making it a favorite for modern, slab-style kitchens.
Polyester/Thermoplastic: These offer high resistance to scratches and moisture. They are cost-effective and come in various textures that mimic real wood grain.
Solid Wood: While prestigious and beautiful, wood is sensitive to humidity. In Montreal, it requires a climate-controlled environment to prevent warping over time.
Plywood Boxes: For the highest quality, we recommend plywood over particle board for the cabinet boxes themselves, as plywood holds screws better and is more resistant to occasional water exposure.
Quartz vs. Granite – Which countertop should I choose?
For most Montreal homeowners, Quartz has become the gold standard. It is an engineered stone that is non-porous, meaning it never needs to be sealed and is highly resistant to bacteria and stains from wine or oils. Granite, on the other hand, is a natural stone. It offers a unique look as no two slabs are identical, and it is exceptionally heat-resistant – you can place a hot pot directly on it. However, granite requires periodic sealing to remain stain-resistant. If you prefer a more “industrial” or “chef-style” kitchen, stainless steel or butcher block are options, though they require significantly more maintenance to keep them looking pristine.
How do I optimize lighting in my kitchen?
A common mistake in kitchen design is relying on a single overhead light source. A professional kitchen renovation utilizes “layered lighting”:
- Ambient Lighting: Recessed “pot lights” installed in the ceiling provide general illumination for the entire room.
- Task Lighting: LED strips installed under the upper cabinets are essential. They eliminate shadows on your workspace, making chopping and cooking safer and more efficient.
- Accent/Decorative Lighting: Pendant lights over a kitchen island or inside glass-front cabinets add character and focal points to the design.
- Natural Light: If the layout allows, we often suggest enlarging windows or adding glass doors to bring in more natural light, which significantly increases the perceived size of the space.
Kitchen Remodeling - Gallery
How long does a typical kitchen renovation take?
A full-scale kitchen renovation typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks once construction begins. This timeline includes several distinct phases:
- Demolition and Rough-in (Week 1-2): Removing old materials and updating the “bones” (plumbing, electrical, and structural framing).
- Flooring and Walls (Week 2-3): Installing subfloors, tiles, and closing up drywall.
- Cabinetry Installation (Week 4-5): This is the most transformative phase, where the kitchen starts to take shape.
- Countertop Measurement and Install (Week 5-7): Once cabinets are in, we measure for countertops. There is usually a 1-2 week lead time for cutting the stone.
- Finishing Touches (Week 8): Installing the backsplash, connecting the sink and appliances, and final painting.
Kitchen remodel cost
The total Kitchen remodel cost is never a fixed number because it is entirely dependent on the specific requirements of your project. We pride ourselves on providing affordable and competitive rates for high-quality workmanship in the Montreal area.
Several key factors will influence your final estimate:
- Structural Scope: Removing load-bearing walls or moving major plumbing lines to change the layout will increase the investment compared to a “pull-and-replace” project.
- Material Selection: The price gap between basic laminate and custom-veined marble, or between stock cabinets and hand-crafted custom cabinetry, is significant.
- Appliance Integration: High-end, built-in appliances require custom framing and specific electrical configurations.
- Square Footage: Larger kitchens naturally require more flooring, more linear feet of cabinetry, and larger countertop slabs.
At Renonovak, we work with you to prioritize the elements that matter most, ensuring you get a luxury feel without unnecessary expenses. We provide detailed, transparent quotes so you know exactly where your budget is being allocated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step in a kitchen renovation?
Planning a successful kitchen remodel starts with a deep dive into functionality rather than aesthetics. Before looking at paint swatches, you must evaluate the “Kitchen Work Triangle” – the distance between your stove, sink, and refrigerator. In Montreal’s older homes, layouts are often cramped or inefficient. The first step involves a structural assessment to see if walls can be moved to create better flow. You must also determine your storage needs; for instance, do you require a pantry, or is an oversized island with built-in drawers more practical for your lifestyle? This phase also involves assessing your current electrical and plumbing systems to ensure they can handle modern, high-voltage appliances and new sink placements.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen renovation in Montreal?
In the province of Quebec, and specifically across Montreal boroughs like the West Island, Plateau, or Laval, permits are generally required for any work that modifies the structure, plumbing, or electrical systems. Minor cosmetic changes like painting cabinets may not require one, but a full renovation does. Working with a licensed contractor is vital because we ensure that all work meets the strict standards of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Failure to obtain a permit can lead to fines, issues when selling your property, or the refusal of insurance claims in the event of a flood or fire. We handle the technical documentation needed to satisfy municipal inspectors, ensuring your investment is fully protected and legal.
What electrical and plumbing upgrades are necessary?
Modern kitchens are power-hungry. During a renovation, we often need to upgrade the electrical panel to accommodate dedicated circuits for high-draw appliances like induction cooktops, dishwashers, and microwave drawers. In Quebec, “GFCI” (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are mandatory near water sources to prevent electrical shocks. For plumbing, we inspect the “stack” and drain lines, especially in older Montreal duplexes. Moving a sink or adding a dishwasher where one didn’t exist before requires expert rerouting of pipes and ensuring proper venting to prevent odors and slow drainage.
Why is an open-concept kitchen better for home value?
The trend toward open-concept living remains strong in the Montreal real estate market. Removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining or living room creates a social hub and allows for better light penetration. However, many of Montreal’s traditional homes feature load-bearing walls. As a licensed General Contractor, we assess these structures and, if necessary, install steel or LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams to support the upper floors. This not only improves the “lifestyle” value of your home but significantly increases its resale appeal to future buyers.
What specific locations do you cover?
We are committed to providing reliable kitchen renovation services throughout the entire Greater Montreal Area. Our dedicated teams ensure quick response and quality service across many major regions, such as:
- Montreal (All Boroughs)
- Laval
- Longueuil
- South Shore Montreal
- North Shore Montreal
- Châteauguay
- West Island
If you are located in or near these areas, you can count on us for fast and expert kitchen renovation solutions.
97% Customer Satisfaction Rate
4,000+ Projects Completed
3,000+ Homes Served
85% Repeat & Referral Client Rate