Condo kitchen renovation in Toronto involves three things house renovations do not: building management approval, plumbing stack constraints, and tighter cabinet depth limits because of structural columns and HVAC chases. Our condo kitchen team handles the building approval package, plans cabinets around the limitations, and finishes the work inside the noise bylaw windows.
Common Toronto Condo Kitchen Layouts
- Galley kitchens (450 to 650 sq ft units): Two parallel runs of cabinets. Most common in older Toronto condos. Limited counter space, cabinet depth often non-standard.
- L-shaped kitchens (650 to 900 sq ft units): Counter on two walls. Common in newer condos. Often opens to living area.
- U-shaped kitchens (900+ sq ft units): Three runs of cabinets. Found in larger units.
- Open-concept kitchens with islands: Higher-end units. The island is typically dry (no plumbing) due to stack constraints.
Galley Conversions
One of the most popular condo kitchen reno projects we run is the galley to open-concept conversion. The wall between the galley kitchen and the living area is removed (when non-load-bearing), and the kitchen is rebuilt as an L-shape or peninsula opening into the living area. This creates the feel of a much larger space without changing the unit footprint.
Cabinet Depth Constraints
Standard residential upper cabinets are 12 inches deep. Toronto condo kitchens often have HVAC chases or structural columns that force shallower upper cabinets, sometimes 9 inches deep. Lower cabinets at 24 inches are usually fine. We measure and plan around the constraints during the design phase.
Appliance Sizing
Most Toronto condos use 24-inch ranges, dishwashers and 24 to 30-inch refrigerators because of footprint and elevator delivery limits. We help select counter-depth panel-ready appliances when the design calls for an integrated look.
Plumbing Stack Limitations
The kitchen sink and dishwasher drain connect to a vertical stack and cannot move to a new wall. Within the same wall, we can shift the sink a few feet. Adding an island sink is rarely possible because the drain would need to run through the floor to connect to the main stack, which is not permitted in concrete buildings.
Building Approval Process
Like all condo work, kitchen renovations require building management approval before starting. The package includes scope of work, schedule, contractor insurance, elevator booking and a deposit. Approval timelines run 2 to 4 weeks. Most buildings require an in-suite walkthrough with a building engineer before approval.
Pricing
- Cosmetic refresh: $12,000 to $20,000. Refaced or repainted cabinets, new counters, sink, faucet.
- Standard remodel: $25,000 to $40,000. New semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, tile backsplash, plumbing fixtures, lighting.
- Layout change with peninsula or partial wall removal: $35,000 to $55,000.
- High-end open-concept with island: $50,000 to $80,000+.