I’m a Renovation Nerd—and Here’s What You Should Know About Reno Costs in Calgary

I’ve always loved a good before and after. Part of why I got into real estate is because I’m a sucker for great renovations—watching something tired turn into something amazing never gets old.

One of my favourite things is when past clients invite me back to see what they’ve done with their place. That happened recently with Glenn and Marlies. I already loved their house, but the changes they made? Blew me away.

They nailed it. Phenomenal quality, smart choices, and moving the primary bedroom to open up the main area view was a game-changer. They're not planning to move (and if they were, I’d probably try to buy it myself), but they absolutely crushed it.

Seeing transformations like that gets me thinking about the reno questions we get from buyers all the time: How much would it cost to change this kitchen? Could we open up this wall? Is it worth it?

Let’s be honest—renovations have gotten expensive. Whether you're gutting the place or just making a few updates, you need to know what you're in for, both financially and in terms of return on investment.

According to a solid breakdown from Zoocasa, here’s what you’re looking at in Calgary:

🔹 Basic kitchen reno: $13K–$19K
🔹 Mid-range: $20K–$39K
🔹 High-end: $40K+ (And yep, you can easily pass $125K if you’re going full HGTV.)

The bright side? Even modest updates give strong returns. On average, kitchen upgrades come in at around 71% ROI—which is pretty solid.

If you’re thinking about updating your space, start with:
✔️ Cabinets
✔️ Countertops
✔️ Lighting
✔️ Appliances

And one thing I tell everyone—always build in a 15% contingency. Something unexpected always comes up. Always.

If you’re planning a reno and want to know where your money will go furthest—or need a good contractor—we’ve got great people we trust. Just reach out.

And to Glenn and Marlies—thanks again for letting me share these photos. You crushed it.