advertise
Islet Reno
Islet Reno / Blog / What to Expect During a Kitchen Renovation on Vancouver Island

What to Expect During a Kitchen Renovation on Vancouver Island

Remodeling a kitchen is exciting – but it can also feel overwhelming. You’re likely juggling questions about budget, timeline, and daily disruptions. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business (like a café or restaurant) considering a kitchen upgrade, it helps to know the process ahead of time. At Islet Reno, we guide clients through each step, from design to cleanup, so you can relax knowing the project is in expert hands. You’ll gain insight into what typically happens, and we’ll address common concerns (like dust, permits, and living without a kitchen) so you can feel confident and informed.

Residential & Commercial Kitchen Renovations on Vancouver Island 

We specialize in kitchen remodels for both homes and businesses across Nanaimo and all of Vancouver Island. Our residential projects range from cozy single-family kitchens to loft condos, while our commercial renovations include cafés, restaurants, and office break rooms. In either setting, our goal is the same: to create a beautiful, functional kitchen that suits your needs and endures for years. We use high-quality materials and craftsmanship designed for the local climate (coastal humidity can be tough on finishes, for example), so your new kitchen handles Vancouver Island life with ease.

Whether you’re dreaming of a custom luxury kitchen or a practical update, we’ll tailor the process. Contact us early on to discuss your vision. Our portfolio is full of examples – check our Kitchen Renovation project gallery to see the transformations we’ve delivered for customers just like you.

Planning and Designing kitchen on Vancouver Island 

Every successful renovation starts with good planning. First, we meet with you (in-person or virtually) to understand your lifestyle, needs, and style. Do you need more storage, a better layout for entertaining, or upgraded appliances? We sketch concepts and discuss layouts, finishes (cabinets, counters, flooring), and lighting. This is also when we set a realistic budget and timeline together. During this phase you’ll select materials and make key decisions (for example, choosing between stock or custom cabinetry, laminate vs. quartz countertops, etc.). We help you weigh options: stock cabinets save money, while custom cabinets (with island or specialty storage) give a premium look. We also factor in your budget here. For basic updates, clients often spend around $15,000–$25,000; full custom remodels with high-end finishes run higher – often $30,000 up to $80,000 or more. (For reference, one homebuilder notes Vancouver-area kitchens can range roughly $15,000–$150,000 depending on scope.) We’ll give you a detailed, transparent quote so there are no surprises.

Tip: Even if you haven’t nailed down every detail, start planning early! Finalizing design choices and ordering items (cabinets, appliances, fixtures) before demo can save weeks.

Kitchen renovation's Budget & Cost Considerations on Vancouver Island 

Budget is one of the biggest questions. Kitchen remodel costs hinge on your kitchen’s size, how much we tear out or rebuild (walls, plumbing, electrical), and the finish quality. A basic refresh (refacing cabinets, new paint, replacing counters) can be done for under \$25K in many cases. More extensive renovations – especially those adding custom features or reconfiguring the layout – commonly fall in the \$30K–\$80K range on Vancouver Island. For example, Vancouver-area guides cite mid-range projects around \$30–\$85K.


We’ll work with you to meet your budget: we offer options for every price point, from cost-saving stock cabinets to premium custom millwork. We’ll also discuss areas to splurge (like durable countertops and hardware) versus where to save (maybe a more modest backsplash tile). Our quotes are itemized so you can see exactly where money goes.

      Ready to crunch the numbers? We provide free estimates for your project. Just Contact Us with your details.  

kitchen Renovation Timeline & Phases 

A kitchen remodel unfolds in stages. Here’s a typical timeline breakdown:

  • Planning & Design (2–6 weeks): Finalizing layouts, obtaining quotes, and ordering materials (cabinets often have lead times of 4–8 weeks). This includes pulling any needed permits.
  • Demolition & Prep (1–3 weeks): Once permits are approved, we begin by carefully demolishing old cabinets, counters, and finishes. We protect surrounding areas with plastic sheeting and floor protection to minimize dust. Your old kitchen is gutted out, and new plumbing/electrical rough-ins are prepared.
  • Construction & Installation (4–12 weeks): This is the core phase. We install new framing (if walls are moved), wiring, plumbing, then cabinets, countertops, sinks, and appliances. Work proceeds in coordination: for instance, after cabinets go in we template and install counters, then tile backsplashes and paint walls. The duration depends on complexity. (In fact, experts note that a full kitchen overhaul can easily take 8–16 weeks or more.)
  • Finishing Touches (1–2 weeks): Final phase includes trim work (like moldings and baseboards), installing lighting fixtures, and hooking up appliances. We do a detailed cleanup and walk-through. We check every drawer, door, and outlet. Then we hand over the keys to your brand-new kitchen!

Living Through the  Kitchen Renovation on Vancouver Island 

Let’s be honest: a kitchen demo gets messy. You’ll need to adjust your daily routine for a while. Here’s how to prepare and what to expect:

  • Temporary Kitchen Setup: Plan for basic cooking off-site or in another area. You might set up a small temporary kitchen in a spare room or garage with a microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker and hot plate. (Freezer meals and simple meals are a lifesaver.)
  • Plan for Meals & Cleanup: During the week of construction, count on takeout or quick-cook food. Stock up on disposable plates/cutlery to simplify cleanup. Protect valuables: cover furniture and carpet in adjacent rooms to shield from dust.
  • Dust and Debris: We’ll cover vents and seal off the work zone with plastic. Still, expect dust. Keep air purifiers running and close off unused rooms.
  • Communication: We’ll schedule work in defined hours (e.g. 8am–5pm) to minimize disruption. Your contractor should check in regularly – and you can too. At Islet Reno, you’ll have one project manager as your single point of contact, so you always know what’s happening.

With good prep, most families and businesses adapt quickly. It might feel chaotic for a short time, but the end result is worth it. (One contractor rightly notes that proper preparation “makes this phase manageable,” turning the temporary inconvenience into a smooth process.)

Bring Your Dream Kitchen to Life—No Vision Needed

Whether you're starting with a sketch, an idea, or no clear vision at all, our design process ensures you’ll end up with a kitchen that works beautifully—on paper and in real life.

Book a Design Consultation

Permits & Inspections for kitchen renovation on Vancouver Island 

In British Columbia, most kitchen renovations (especially those moving walls, plumbing or electrical) require permits. Permits ensure your remodel is safe and legal – meeting the BC Building Code and local bylaws. We’ll identify which permits are needed (building, plumbing, electrical, etc.) and prepare the applications. Though this adds a few weeks upfront, it prevents issues later.

Inspectors will typically visit at key points (rough-in and final). We coordinate these inspections into the schedule to avoid delays. Don’t worry about the paperwork: we take care of it and make sure you have approvals. By the end, you’ll have a permit-approved, code-compliant kitchen ready for inspection sign-off.

Quality and Craftsmanship 

Throughout the process, quality is our top priority. We use reputable materials suited for Vancouver Island’s coastal environment. Our tradespeople are experienced local contractors (one source notes Island builders tend to be flexible on pricing and timelines, which means we can often pass savings to you). We stand by our workmanship: every cabinet is installed level, every tile grout is neat, and your appliances are tested.

We also work cleanly and respectfully. You can expect us to cover floors, wear booties indoors, and clean up each day. After installation we do a final inspection with you: we want your kitchen not only to meet, but to exceed your expectations.

   View our Portfolio: Curious how a finished project looks? Check the portfolio on our website to see before/after photos of homes and businesses we’ve renovated.

kitchen Renovation Timeline & Phases 

A new kitchen is an investment that pays off – in enjoyment and home value. Vancouver experts note you often recoup 75–85% of your remodel cost in home equity. Whether you’re updating for daily comfort or preparing to sell, the process is the same: careful planning, clear budgeting, and a skilled renovation team.


At Islet Reno we’re here to guide you. From design concepts to finishing touches, we handle it all. Contact us today for a consultation or quote, and let’s make your kitchen renovation a smooth, satisfying journey. Visit our Kitchen Renovation services page or our Portfolio for inspiration, and when you’re ready, reach out – we’re excited to bring your vision to life.


Sources: Industry guides and experts on kitchen renovation timelines, costs, and best practices. These inform our     advice on budgeting, scheduling, and preparing for a renovation.

What Do You Think about