A kitchen renovation in Scarborough usually begins with a layout problem, not a style problem. Many homes across the area, from West Hill to Guildwood, include bungalows, back-splits and two-storey houses with kitchens that were planned decades ago: closed off from the dining room, short on counter space and built around appliances that no longer exist. Solving the layout first makes every other choice easier and keeps the budget from drifting.
Kitchen renovation in Scarborough: common layouts and what to do
Many older bungalows and split-level homes have a small galley or L-shaped kitchen with a wall between the cooking area and the dining or living room. Often the first question is whether to open that wall. The answer depends on what is inside it and above it: ducts, wiring, plumbing and sometimes structure.
- Galley kitchens. Efficient but tight. A single run of cabinets plus a peninsula can add counter space and seating without a full redesign.
- L-shaped kitchens. Often the easiest to improve. Fix the corner cabinets and consider an island if the room allows.
- Closed kitchens at the back of a split-level. Opening a doorway or adding a pass-through brings in light and conversation without removing the whole wall.
- Kitchens with an eating nook. Replace the nook with a banquette or island seating, and reclaim wall space for storage.
Our Scarborough kitchen renovation page shows more of how we approach local homes.
Walls, structure and services
If a wall is load-bearing, removing it needs engineered design for a beam and posts, plus a permit. Plumbing stacks, gas lines and ductwork in the wall may need to be rerouted. Bring those items into the budget early. Do not assume that the wall is only drywall, and do not let anyone remove it without confirming what it carries.
Electrical upgrades are common in older kitchens. Modern kitchens need multiple circuits for appliances, the countertop and lighting, and an outdated panel may be a limiting factor. Venting is another frequent miss. A range hood that vents outdoors makes a bigger difference than most people expect, so plan the duct path while the walls and ceiling are open. Work must follow the Ontario Building Code and electrical safety requirements, and your contractor should confirm which permits and inspections apply with the City of Toronto.
Cabinetry and countertops
Cabinets are usually the biggest single line in the budget, and the choice is between stock, semi-custom and fully custom. Stock is the most affordable and has the fewest options. Semi-custom gives more sizes and finishes. Custom lets you build around awkward spaces, which is common in older houses with unusual ceiling heights or soffits. Our custom kitchen renovation page explains when custom pays off.
Consider function before finish. Deep drawers beat doors for pots and pans, a pull-out for the garbage and recycling saves floor space, and good lighting under the upper cabinets makes the counters usable. For counters, quartz is low maintenance, natural stone offers a distinct look but may need sealing, and laminate remains the budget option. Take samples home and view them in your own light, morning and evening.
What a kitchen costs
A typical kitchen renovation costs about $25,000-$65,000. Every home differs, and the best number comes from a site visit. Where you land in that range depends on size, cabinet type, countertops, appliances, whether walls move, and whether plumbing, gas or electrical have to be relocated. The range tells you what to expect, not what you will pay, and our guide to kitchen renovation cost in Toronto breaks the pieces down.
To keep control of the budget, decide the layout and cabinet type first, since they set the tone for everything else. Put money into the things that are difficult to change later, such as wiring, ventilation, cabinet quality and good drawers, and save on items that are easy to swap, such as paint, hardware and light fixtures.
Timeline and lead times
A kitchen is not a one-weekend job. The sequence usually runs from design and measuring, to ordering cabinets and countertops, demolition, rough-in of electrical, plumbing and ventilation, drywall and paint, cabinet installation, template and installation of counters, backsplash, appliance hookup and a final walkthrough. Cabinets and counters often have the longest lead times, so ordering early keeps the schedule from stalling.
Countertops are typically measured after the cabinets are installed, so your kitchen may be without a working sink for a stretch. Plan for that, and ask your contractor when the sink and stove will return.
Living through the renovation
Set up a temporary kitchen somewhere else in the house. A table with a microwave, kettle, toaster oven and a bar fridge goes a long way, and so does paper plates and a rotation of simple meals. Seal the doorway to limit dust, keep pets and children out of the work zone and agree on daily work hours with your contractor.
Be ready to make decisions quickly. Faucets, tile, lighting and paint colours all have lead times, and a delay on one choice can hold up a crew. Ask for a written schedule and a list of dates when each decision is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you remove the wall between your kitchen and dining room?
Often, but it depends on whether the wall is load-bearing and what runs through it. An engineer and permit may be required.
Do you need a permit for a kitchen renovation?
Cosmetic updates often do not, but structural, plumbing, gas and some electrical changes typically do. Confirm with the City of Toronto.
How long will you be without a kitchen?
Usually longer than expected, because of the sequence of trades and countertop templating. We give a schedule after seeing the space.
Should you choose appliances first?
Yes. Appliance sizes and venting needs drive the cabinet layout and electrical plan.
If you are planning a kitchen renovation in Scarborough, call us at 647-914-2150 or book a free site visit. Our in-house trades team at GoGajic Construction, 131 Minerva Ave, Toronto, can look at your layout, discuss walls and services and outline a budget range.
