Montreal Kitchen Renovation Cost — 2026 Guide
Kitchen renovation costs in Montreal average CA$18,000 to CA$42,000 for a mid-range renovation — approximately 12% below the Canadian national average. Montreal's lower labour costs (0.88× national average) and strong local cabinet manufacturing sector make it one of Canada's best-value renovation markets.
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Open CalculatorMontreal Kitchen Renovation Cost by Scope
| Scope | Montreal cost (CA$, exc. tax) | Canada national avg |
|---|---|---|
| Minor refresh | CA$8,000 – CA$16,000 | CA$10,000 – CA$18,000 |
| Mid-range renovation | CA$18,000 – CA$42,000 | CA$22,000 – CA$48,000 |
| Premium renovation | CA$40,000 – CA$72,000 | CA$48,000 – CA$85,000 |
| Luxury / gut renovation | CA$70,000 – CA$135,000+ | CA$85,000 – CA$160,000+ |
Add 14.975% combined tax (5% GST + 9.975% QST) to all figures.
Quebec Tax on Kitchen Renovations
Quebec applies a combined 14.975% tax on kitchen renovations:
GST (5%): Federal goods and services tax — applied to both labour and materials. QST (9.975%): Quebec sales tax — applied to both labour and materials.
On a CA$35,000 kitchen renovation in Montreal:
- Quebec (GST + QST): +CA$5,241 = CA$40,241 total
- Ontario (13% HST): +CA$4,550 = CA$39,550 total
- Alberta (5% GST only): +CA$1,750 = CA$36,750 total
Quebec's combined rate is the highest in Canada. Always confirm whether quotes include or exclude tax.
RBQ Licence: Mandatory for All Contractors in Quebec
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) licence is mandatory for any contractor performing kitchen renovation work in Quebec. This applies to general contractors, plumbers, electricians, and all specialty trades.
- Verify your contractor's licence at rbq.gouv.qc.ca
- An unlicensed contractor cannot legally perform renovation work in Quebec
- Hiring an unlicensed contractor voids your legal protections and may affect your home insurance
- RBQ licences must be renewed annually — check the expiry date
Montreal Market Characteristics
Labour costs. Montreal trades charge CA$55–CA$90/hour for licensed plumbers and electricians, versus CA$75–CA$120/hour in Toronto. Kitchen fitters and general contractors run CA$50–CA$85/hour. The 0.88× labour multiplier reflects Quebec's lower cost structure.
French preferred working language. French is the primary working language in the Montreal renovation industry. Bilingual contractors are widely available in central Montreal (Plateau, Ville-Marie, NDG), but expect French-first communication in outer boroughs. All contracts and permits are in French by default.
Strong local cabinet manufacturing. Quebec has Canada's strongest kitchen cabinet manufacturing sector. Cuisines Steam, Canac, and numerous local ateliers offer semi-custom and custom cabinetry at competitive prices — often 10–20% less than comparable Ontario-made or imported options.
Permit requirements. City of Montreal permits are required for structural changes, new plumbing, and electrical upgrades. Permit applications are filed through the borough (arrondissement) office.
Montreal Neighbourhood Cost Variations
| Neighbourhood / area | Relative cost |
|---|---|
| Outremont | +15–20% |
| Westmount | +15–25% |
| Plateau-Mont-Royal | +10–15% |
| Ville-Marie (downtown condos) | +10–15% |
| NDG, Côte-des-Neiges | Standard |
| Verdun, Saint-Henri | Standard |
| Laval, Longueuil, South Shore | -5 to -15% |
| East End (Hochelaga, Pointe-aux-Trembles) | -10 to -15% |
Finding a Contractor in Montreal
- HomeStars: Check HomeStars scores for verified Montreal contractor reviews
- RénoAssistance: Quebec-specific renovation contractor matching service
- CAA-Québec: Recommended contractor programme with warranty coverage
Always verify: valid RBQ licence (check at rbq.gouv.qc.ca), CNESST coverage (Quebec workplace insurance), liability insurance, and GST/QST registration numbers.