Your Ultimate Guide to a Dream Kitchen Renovation in Calgary

Tired of that cramped layout, the dated cabinets, and the countertop that’s seen better days? A kitchen renovation is more than just an upgrade; it’s about transforming the heart of your home into a space that truly works for you and your family. It’s about creating a place for morning coffee rituals, chaotic weekday breakfasts, and memorable gatherings with friends. But where do you even begin?

This guide is your roadmap. We’ll walk you through every step of a successful kitchen renovation in Calgary, from the first spark of an idea to the final, satisfying polish. We’re here to turn the overwhelming into the achievable, ensuring the journey to your dream culinary space is as smooth and rewarding as the final result.

Here is Falcon Contracting’s kitchen renovation portfolio.

Phase 1: Dreaming and Planning Your Perfect Calgary Kitchen

Every great kitchen starts not with a hammer, but with a vision. This initial phase is all about dreaming big and then channeling those dreams into a concrete plan. Rushing this stage is a common mistake that can lead to regrets down the line. A well-thought-out plan is the single most important tool for a successful renovation.

Finding Your “Why”

Before you even think about materials or appliances, ask yourself the most crucial question: why are you renovating? Your motivation will shape every decision you make.

• Is it for functionality? Perhaps your current layout is inefficient. The “work triangle” – the path between your stove, sink, and refrigerator – might feel more like a marathon route. You might be desperate for more storage to finally declutter those countertops.
• Is it for lifestyle? Are you an avid home chef who needs space for gourmet gadgets and prep work? Or maybe you’re a growing family that needs an open, inviting space for homework and casual meals. Do you love to entertain and envision a large island where guests can gather?
• Is it to update the style? Are those 1990s honey oak cabinets no longer sparking joy? Your goal might be purely aesthetic – to create a modern, sleek space or a cozy, rustic kitchen that better reflects your personal taste.
• Is it to increase your home’s value? A well-executed kitchen renovation offers one of the best returns on investment for your home in the competitive Calgary real estate market.

Understanding your primary driver helps you prioritize. If functionality is key, you’ll focus on layout and smart storage solutions. If it’s for entertaining, a large, durable island will be non-negotiable.

Gathering Inspiration for Your Culinary Space

Once you know your ‘why,’ the fun begins. It’s time to gather ideas. Look for inspiration that resonates with you and fits the character of your Calgary home.

• Online Platforms: Websites like Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram are endless sources of visual inspiration. Create dedicated boards to save images of kitchens you love. Look for recurring themes in your saved photos – are you drawn to a specific colour palette, cabinet style, or countertop material?
• Design Magazines and Shows: Don’t underestimate the power of traditional media. Home and design magazines often showcase real-world renovations with detailed product lists and clever solutions.
• Visit Showrooms in Calgary: There’s no substitute for seeing and touching materials in person. Visit local showrooms for kitchen cabinets, countertops, and appliances. This will give you a much better sense of quality, texture, and true colour than a computer screen ever could.

As you gather these ideas, start a folder or notebook. This will become your project bible, a central place to keep your inspirations, notes, and a running wishlist.

Creating a Solid Plan

Your vision needs a blueprint. This is where you translate your dreams into actionable steps. A detailed plan should include:

• A Needs vs. Wants List: Be honest with yourself. You need a functional sink and oven. You want a built-in wine fridge and a pot filler. Separating these helps immensely when it’s time to create a budget.
• A Rough Layout Sketch: You don’t need to be an architect. A simple sketch of your current kitchen and a few ideas for a new layout can be incredibly helpful when you start talking to professionals. Think about workflow. How do you move around the kitchen when you’re cooking? What are the current bottlenecks?
• Considering the Future: Think about how your needs might change over the next 5-10 years. Are you planning on staying in your home long-term? Will your family grow? Planning for the future ensures your newly renovated kitchen serves you well for years to come.

This planning phase is where the expertise of a professional renovation partner becomes invaluable. An experienced contractor can look at your wishlist and your existing space and provide realistic feedback, innovative solutions you may not have considered, and a clear path forward.

Phase 2: Mastering Your Kitchen Renovation Budget in Calgary

Talking about money can be the most daunting part of any renovation, but establishing a clear and realistic budget is essential for a stress-free project. The cost of a kitchen renovation in Calgary can vary widely, depending on the size of your space, the quality of materials you choose, and the scope of the work involved.

Understanding the Costs

A full-scale kitchen remodel is a significant investment. In Calgary, you can expect the cost to fall into a few general brackets:

• Minor Refresh ($15,000 – $30,000+): This might include painting existing cabinets, upgrading countertops to a mid-range material like laminate or butcher block, installing a new backsplash, updating hardware, and replacing one or two appliances. The layout remains the same.
• Mid-Range Renovation ($30,000 – $70,000+): This is the most common type of kitchen renovation. It typically involves replacing all cabinets with semi-custom options, installing quality countertops like quartz, new flooring, new mid-range appliances, and perhaps some minor electrical or plumbing adjustments for new lighting.
• High-End, Custom Renovation ($70,000 – $150,000+): This involves a complete transformation. Think custom cabinetry, premium materials like natural stone countertops, high-end professional-grade appliances, significant layout changes (like removing walls to create an open-concept space), and extensive plumbing and electrical work.

Where Does the Money Go? A Typical Budget Breakdown

It’s helpful to know how your budget will likely be allocated. While every project is unique, a general breakdown looks something like this:

• Cabinetry and Hardware: 30-35%
• Labour and Installation: 20-25%
• Appliances: 10-15%
• Countertops: 10-15%
• Flooring: 5-7%
• Plumbing and Electrical: 5-10%
• Lighting and Fixtures: 5%
• Backsplash: 2-3%
• Paint and Other Finishes: 2-3%

The Most Important Line Item: The Contingency Fund

No matter how meticulously you plan, surprises can and do happen, especially in older homes. You might discover hidden water damage, outdated electrical wiring, or a structural issue once the walls are opened up. That’s why a contingency fund of 15-20% of your total budget is non-negotiable.

If your total renovation budget is $50,000, you should plan for $42,500 in known costs and set aside $7,500 for the unexpected. If you don’t end up needing it, you’ll have a nice bonus for upgrading an appliance or splurging on new kitchenware. But if you do need it, you’ll be incredibly relieved it’s there.

How to Save Without Sacrificing Quality

A tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful kitchen. It just means you need to be strategic.

• Keep the Same Layout: The moment you start moving walls, plumbing, or gas lines, costs escalate quickly. Keeping your kitchen’s existing footprint is the single biggest way to save money.
• Consider Cabinet Refacing: If your cabinet boxes are in good structural condition, you can save a significant amount by refacing them. This involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts and applying a new veneer to the exterior of the boxes, giving the look of brand-new cabinets for a fraction of the cost.
• Mix High and Low: Splurge on the elements you touch and see every day, like your countertops or a stunning backsplash behind the stove. Save on things that are less noticeable, like the interior organizers of your pantry cabinets.
• Shop for Appliance Packages: Buying all your appliances from one brand at the same time can often result in significant package discounts.

Working with a transparent contractor like Falcon Contracting Inc. is key. We believe in clear, itemized quotes so you know exactly where your money is going. We can help you value-engineer your project, making smart suggestions on where to invest and where to save to achieve your dream kitchen within your budget.

Phase 3: Designing Your Perfect Kitchen Layout for Function and Flow

The layout is the backbone of your kitchen. It dictates how you move, cook, and socialize in the space. A beautiful kitchen with a poor layout will quickly become frustrating to use. The goal is to create a space that is not only visually appealing but also highly efficient and intuitive.

The Kitchen Work Triangle: A Classic for a Reason

The concept of the kitchen work triangle is a design principle that has stood the test of time. It places the three primary work areas – the refrigerator (food storage), the sink (cleaning), and the stove (cooking) – in a triangular pattern. The idea is to keep these key zones close enough for efficiency but far enough apart to avoid traffic jams.

In a well-designed kitchen, the sum of the three sides of the triangle should generally be between 13 and 26 feet. This ensures you aren’t taking too many steps between tasks. While modern kitchens with multiple cooks and specialized zones have evolved the concept, the core principle of efficient placement remains essential.

Popular Kitchen Layouts in Calgary Homes

The best layout for you will depend on the size of your room, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences. Here are some of the most common layouts we see and build in Calgary:

• The Galley Kitchen: This layout consists of two parallel walls with a corridor in between. It’s an incredibly efficient layout for a single cook and is common in smaller homes and condos. The key is to ensure the corridor is wide enough (at least 4 feet) to move comfortably and open appliance doors.
• The L-Shaped Kitchen: A very popular and versatile layout, the L-shape uses two adjacent walls. This design naturally opens up the kitchen to another room, making it a great choice for open-concept living. It provides plenty of counter space and can easily incorporate a dining nook or a small island.
• The U-Shaped Kitchen: This layout features cabinets and counters on three sides, forming a “U” shape. It offers an abundance of storage and counter space and keeps the work triangle compact and efficient. It’s ideal for larger kitchens and can feel very safe and contained, keeping traffic out of the primary cooking zone.
• The Island Kitchen: An island is one of the most requested features in a kitchen renovation. It can be added to an L-shaped or U-shaped layout to provide extra seating, storage, and workspace. An island can become the social hub of the kitchen, a place for casual meals, homework, or chatting with the cook. It’s crucial to ensure you have adequate clearance around the island (at least 3.5 to 4 feet on all sides) for comfortable traffic flow.
• The Open-Concept Kitchen: Increasingly popular in Calgary, this design removes walls to integrate the kitchen with the dining and living areas. It creates a bright, airy, and social atmosphere, perfect for families and those who love to entertain. When planning an open-concept kitchen, it’s important to work with a contractor who understands the structural implications of removing walls.

Beyond the Basics: Functionality is in the Details

A great layout goes beyond the arrangement of cabinets. It’s about creating zones and thinking through every detail:

• Landing Zones: Ensure you have at least 15 inches of clear counter space next to your stove, refrigerator, and microwave. This gives you a safe place to put down hot dishes or heavy groceries.
• Storage Planning: Think about what you need to store and where you use it. Pots and pans should be in deep drawers or cabinets near the stove. Dishes and cutlery are best located near the dishwasher for easy unloading. A pantry with pull-out shelves makes accessing food items a breeze.
• Lighting: A well-lit kitchen is a safe and pleasant kitchen. A good lighting plan includes three layers: ambient lighting (general overhead lights like pot lights), task lighting (under-cabinet lights to illuminate countertops), and accent lighting (pendants over an island to add style).

At Falcon Contracting Inc., we specialize in creating kitchen designs that are as functional as they are beautiful. We take the time to understand how you live and cook, ensuring your new layout supports your daily life seamlessly.

Phase 4: Choosing Durable and Stylish Materials: A Calgary Perspective

The materials you choose define the look and feel of your kitchen and determine its durability for years to come. From cabinets to countertops, your selections should reflect your style while being practical for your lifestyle. In Calgary, where we experience a full range of seasons, choosing materials that can stand up to temperature and humidity fluctuations is also a consideration.

Kitchen Cabinets: The Foundation of Your Design

Cabinets are the biggest visual element in your kitchen, and they represent a significant portion of your budget.

• Cabinet Styles:
  • Shaker: This is by far the most popular style. With its simple, clean lines (a five-piece door with a recessed centre panel), it’s a versatile choice that works well in both modern and traditional kitchens.
  • Slab (or Flat-Panel): For a minimalist, contemporary look, slab doors are the way to go. They are simple, unadorned, and easy to clean.
  • Traditional: These cabinets feature more ornate details, like raised panels, beveled edges, and decorative moulding.
• Materials and Finishes:
  • MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): A stable and affordable option, MDF is an engineered wood product that provides a perfectly smooth surface for painting. It’s less prone to warping and cracking from humidity changes than solid wood, making it a practical choice.
  • Wood: For a natural, warm look, solid wood is a classic choice. Maple, oak, and cherry are popular options. Keep in mind that wood will expand and contract with Calgary’s changing humidity levels, which can sometimes lead to hairline cracks in the paint at the joints.
  • Laminates and Thermofoil: These offer a wide range of colours and finishes, including realistic wood grains, at a budget-friendly price point. They are durable and easy to clean.

Countertops: The Workhorse of the Kitchen

Your countertops take a lot of abuse, so durability is just as important as appearance.

• Quartz: The reigning champion of countertops. Quartz is an engineered stone made from about 90-95% crushed natural quartz and 5-10% polymer resins. This makes it incredibly durable, non-porous (so it won’t stain and doesn’t need sealing), and scratch-resistant. It comes in a vast array of colours and patterns, many of which convincingly mimic natural stone like marble.
• Granite: A beautiful natural stone, each slab of granite is unique. It’s very durable and heat-resistant. However, it is porous and needs to be sealed periodically (usually once a year) to prevent staining.
• Laminate: The most budget-friendly option, modern laminates have come a long way. They are available in a huge variety of styles and colours. While not as heat-resistant or durable as stone, high-quality laminate offers excellent value.
• Butcher Block: Wood countertops add warmth and a natural feel to a kitchen. They are great for a prep area but require regular maintenance (oiling) to prevent them from drying out and are susceptible to scratches and water damage if not cared for properly.

Flooring: Beauty Underfoot

Kitchen flooring needs to be tough. It should be able to handle heavy foot traffic, dropped pots, and the occasional spill.

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): LVP is an increasingly popular choice for Calgary kitchens, and for good reason. It’s 100% waterproof, highly durable, scratch-resistant, and comfortable to stand on. It does an excellent job of mimicking the look of real hardwood without the worry of water damage.
• Engineered Hardwood: If you want the authentic look of wood, engineered hardwood is a better choice for a kitchen than solid hardwood. Its layered construction makes it more stable and resistant to moisture fluctuations.
• Tile: A classic and extremely durable option. Porcelain tile is particularly dense and hard-wearing. The main downside is that it can be cold and hard underfoot, and grout lines can be challenging to keep clean.

Backsplash: The Finishing Touch

The backsplash is a chance to inject personality into your kitchen. It protects your walls from splashes and splatters while tying all the other design elements together.

• Ceramic or Porcelain Tile: Available in countless shapes, sizes, and colours, tile is a versatile and affordable option. Subway tile is a timeless classic that never goes out of style.
• Glass Tile: Adds a touch of sparkle and reflects light, which can help make a smaller kitchen feel brighter.
• Slab Backsplash: For a seamless, high-end look, you can extend your quartz or granite countertop material up the wall to serve as the backsplash. This creates a dramatic statement and is incredibly easy to clean.

Our team at Falcon Contracting Inc. can guide you through the pros and cons of each material, helping you select the perfect combination of style, durability, and value for your Calgary home.

Phase 5: Selecting High-Performance Kitchen Appliances

Appliances are the engine of your kitchen. Your choices should be based on your cooking habits, family size, and budget. The right appliances can make your time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable.

Key Considerations Before You Buy

• Functionality: Be realistic about the features you will actually use. A professional-grade, six-burner gas range might be a dream, but if you primarily use two burners and the oven, a reliable standard model might be a smarter investment. Do you need a double oven? Is a French door refrigerator better for your family than a side-by-side?
• Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR® label. Energy-efficient appliances cost less to run, which saves you money on your utility bills over the long term and is better for the environment. This is a simple choice that pays dividends for years.
• Size and Fit: This is critical. Always measure your available space carefully before you shop. And then measure again. Ensure you account for ventilation space around refrigerators and ranges, and check that appliance doors will be able to open fully without hitting a wall or an island. This is a detail your renovation contractor will confirm, ensuring a perfect fit.
• Finish: Stainless steel remains the most popular choice for its sleek look and durability. However, black stainless steel, matte black, and matte white are gaining popularity for those wanting a different aesthetic. Some homeowners are even opting for panel-ready appliances, where a custom cabinet front is installed on the appliance to allow it to blend seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen.

The Major Players

• Refrigerator: The centerpiece of the kitchen. Consider capacity (a family of four generally needs at least 20 cubic feet) and configuration (French door, side-by-side, top-freezer, or bottom-freezer). Counter-depth models offer a more built-in, streamlined look.
• Range vs. Cooktop and Wall Oven: A range combines a cooktop and an oven into one unit and is the most common and cost-effective choice. Separating the cooktop and wall oven offers more layout flexibility. For example, you can place the cooktop on an island and install the wall ovens at a more ergonomic height.
• Ventilation: A good range hood is essential for removing smoke, grease, and cooking odours. It’s a key component for maintaining good indoor air quality. The power of the hood (measured in CFM, or cubic feet per minute) should be matched to the output of your range.
• Dishwasher: Look for models with a low decibel (dB) rating for quiet operation, especially in open-concept homes. Adjustable racks, a third rack for cutlery, and soil sensors that adjust the wash cycle are all valuable features.

Investing in quality appliances is an investment in your daily life. Our team works with trusted suppliers in Calgary and can help coordinate the selection and installation of your appliances, ensuring they are integrated perfectly into your new kitchen design.

Phase 6: The Renovation Process: What to Expect When We Begin

Once the planning is complete, the designs are finalized, and the materials are ordered, it’s time for the transformation to begin. Understanding the construction process can help demystify the experience and reduce stress. At Falcon Contracting Inc., we believe in constant communication, so you’re always in the loop.

Setting Up a Temporary Kitchen

First things first: you’ll be without a kitchen for several weeks. It’s wise to set up a temporary kitchen in another part of your home, like the basement or dining room. This might include your old refrigerator, a microwave, a toaster oven, a coffee maker, and a wash basin for dishes. Planning for simple meals, utilizing your BBQ, and budgeting for a bit more takeout than usual will make this phase much more manageable.

The Step-by-Step Construction Journey

While the exact timeline can vary, a typical full kitchen renovation follows these key stages:

Step 1: Preparation and Demolition (Approx. 1 week)

• Our team will carefully protect the surrounding areas of your home with dust barriers and floor coverings.
• The old kitchen is then carefully dismantled. This includes removing old cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, and fixtures.
• This is often the point where any hidden surprises are uncovered, which is why that contingency fund is so important.

Step 2: Rough-ins and Structural Changes (Approx. 1-2 weeks)

• This is the “behind the walls” work. If you’re moving walls, this is when the new framing goes up.
• Our licensed plumbers and electricians will run any new plumbing lines for sinks or dishwashers and electrical wiring for new outlets, switches, and lighting. This is a critical stage where all work must be done to code.
• City inspections may be required at this point before we can close up the walls.

Step 3: Drywall, Painting, and Flooring (Approx. 1 week)

• Once the rough-ins are complete and have passed inspection, the new drywall is installed, taped, mudded, and sanded to create a smooth finish.
• A prime coat of paint is typically applied to the walls and ceiling.
• The new flooring is installed. It’s important to install the flooring before the cabinets go in to ensure a clean, finished look.

Step 4: Cabinet Installation (Approx. 1 week)

• This is a transformative stage where your new kitchen really starts to take shape. Our skilled carpenters will meticulously install your new cabinets, ensuring they are perfectly level and securely fastened.

Step 5: Countertop Templating and Installation (Approx. 1-2 weeks)

• Once the base cabinets are in place, the countertop fabricator will visit your home to create a precise digital template.
• It then typically takes one to two weeks for the countertops to be custom cut and fabricated.
• The installation itself is usually completed in a single day.

Step 6: Finishing Touches (Approx. 1-2 weeks)

• This is the final stretch where all the details come together. This includes:
  • Installing the backsplash.
  • Final plumbing hookups for the sink, faucet, and dishwasher.
  • Final electrical work, including installing light fixtures, switches, and outlets.
  • Installing appliances.
  • Attaching cabinet hardware (pulls and knobs).
  • The final coat of paint and any touch-ups.

Step 7: The Final Walk-Through and Your New Kitchen!

• We will conduct a detailed walk-through with you to ensure every detail meets your expectations and our high standards of quality.
• We’ll create a “punch list” of any minor items that need adjustment.
• Once you are completely satisfied, the project is officially complete. It’s time to move in, unpack, and start making memories in your beautiful new kitchen.

Why Hiring a Professional Calgary Contractor for Kichen Renovation is Your Most Important Decision

A kitchen renovation is a complex project with many moving parts. Trying to manage it yourself by hiring individual trades can quickly become a full-time job, leading to costly mistakes and significant delays. The single most important factor in a successful renovation is choosing the right professional contractor.

The Falcon Contracting Inc. Advantage

At Falcon Contracting Inc., we are more than just builders; we are your dedicated partners throughout this entire process. We are committed to making your renovation experience in Calgary a positive and rewarding one.

• A Single Point of Contact: We manage everything from start to finish. You have one dedicated project manager to talk to, eliminating the stress of coordinating with multiple tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, cabinet installers, and painters.
• Expertise and Experience: With our experience in Calgary homes, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities they present. We can anticipate potential issues, provide creative solutions, and ensure all work is completed to the highest standards and in compliance with local building codes.
• Established Network of Trusted Trades: We have built strong relationships with a network of the best, most reliable licensed and insured tradespeople in Calgary. You can be confident that every person working in your home is a vetted professional.
• Budget and Schedule Management: We provide detailed, transparent quotes and realistic project timelines. We manage the project efficiently to keep it on schedule and on budget, with clear communication every step of the way.
• Peace of Mind: We are fully licensed and insured, protecting you and your home. Knowing that your investment is in the hands of experienced professionals allows you to focus on the exciting aspects of the renovation, not the potential pitfalls. A warranty on our workmanship gives you confidence long after the project is complete.

Your Dream Kitchen Awaits

A kitchen renovation is a journey. It starts with a dream and, with the right partner, ends with a space that enhances your home and your life for years to come. It’s about creating a backdrop for your family’s story – a place of connection, nourishment, and joy.

If you’re ready to take the first step towards your dream culinary space in Calgary, we’re here to help.

Contact Falcon Contracting Inc. today for a no-obligation consultation. Let’s start the conversation and turn your vision into a reality.

Ready to Fall in Love with Your Home Again? Here is Falcon Contracting Inc. Renovation Service!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)