If you’re planning home renovations in Kelowna this year, you’re likely asking the right first question: What will it cost—really? It’s a fair concern. Rising material prices, labour shortages, and unexpected surprises can make budgeting stressful. Many homeowners fear that what starts as a $50,000 project may end up costing much more.
The good news? In 2025, renovation costs in the Okanagan are more predictable than in the past few years. With the right planning, and the right partner, you can approach your project with confidence.
Average 2025 Home Renovation Costs in Kelowna & the Okanagan
Renovation pricing varies by scope, quality, and complexity. Here’s what most homeowners in our region can expect in 2025 when hiring a licensed, professional team to deliver a turnkey result:
*Costs reflect professional turnkey services with licensed contractors. High-end custom finishes or complex structural changes increase budgets.
Why the increase since 2020? Materials and labour rose sharply during the pandemic, then stabilised. B.C. still sees elevated demand for skilled trades, which keeps labour rates firm. The upside: pricing volatility has cooled, making scope‑based budgeting more reliable in 2025.
Kitchen Renovation Costs in 2025
The kitchen remains the most popular – and often most expensive – renovation. In Kelowna, a mid-range remodel usually costs $60,000-80,000+. This includes semi-custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, standard appliances, and updated lighting.
For homeowners seeking a luxury chef’s kitchen, with custom millwork, high-end appliances, and natural stone finishes, budgets can climb beyond $100,000. While this is an investment, kitchens also deliver strong returns on resale, with an average ROI of around 80%.
Budgeting tips for kitchens
Keep the layout if possible. Moving plumbing or gas lines drives costs.
Invest in cabinetry and installation—they define longevity.
Balance appliances: a reliable mid‑tier range often performs brilliantly without the luxury price tag.
Allocate a 10–15% contingency for surprises or finish upgrades you’ll love when you see them.
Basement Renovation Costs in 2025
Basements are one of the most cost-effective ways to add living space. In 2025, finishing a basement in Kelowna typically ranges from $30,000 for a basic rec room to $75,000+ for a full suite with kitchen, bathroom, and separate entry.
Basic finish: $30k–$40k for open living space and simple finishes.
Suite conversion: $100,000- $150,000, depending on plumbing, egress windows, and code compliance.
Basement‑specific cost drivers
Moisture & insulation: Proper vapour barriers and insulation are essential in four‑season Okanagan climates.
Egress & safety: Bedrooms require compliant egress windows; suites need fire separation and ventilation.
Electrical capacity: Older homes may need panel upgrades for added loads.
Value note: Suites can offset mortgage costs with rental income (subject to City of Kelowna bylaws and permits). Even non‑suite basements add highly usable square footage for families and guests.
Full-Home Renovation Costs in 2025
A full-home remodel can transform an outdated property into a modern, functional, and energy-efficient residence. In Kelowna, budgets for full-house renovations start around $200,000, with many projects landing between $500,000-700,000. Larger luxury homes or extensive structural changes can exceed $1,000,000.
These projects typically include new kitchens and bathrooms, flooring, electrical and plumbing updates, and layout changes. On a per-square-foot basis, a complete remodel usually costs $200 – $350 per sq. ft.
What Actually Moves Your Budget: 9 Key Drivers
Scope and size – More rooms and square footage mean more labour and materials.
Finish level – Custom millwork, premium stone, designer fixtures, and specialty tile lift costs quickly.
Layout changes – Moving walls, stairs, or wet locations requires engineering, permits, and skilled trades.
Systems – Electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, repiping, HVAC changes, and ventilation are essential but “invisible” costs.
Building envelope – Windows, doors, insulation, air sealing, and roofs improve comfort and efficiency but add line items.
Permits and approvals – City permits, inspections, and professional drawings (architect/engineer) must be budgeted.
Site conditions – Tight access, steep lots, or condo rules can impact logistics and timelines.
Trades availability – Kelowna’s healthy construction market keeps skilled‑labour rates firm.
Contingency – Older homes can hide surprises (rot, asbestos, footing issues). A 10–15% contingency is prudent.
Pro move: Finalise selections early. Locked specifications mean accurate pricing and fewer change orders.
Permits, Timelines & Seasonality in Kelowna
Permitting: Expect permits for structural changes, secondary suites, electrical service upgrades, and most plumbing relocations. Each adds fees and review timelines.
Inspections: Staged inspections (framing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, final) are scheduled into the program to keep work moving.
Seasonality: Exterior‑heavy scopes are best planned for spring–fall; interior‑focused renos run year‑round. Peak inquiry season is March–June—book early to secure preferred start dates.
Lead times: Custom cabinetry, specialty tiles, windows/doors, and HVAC equipment may carry multi‑week lead times. Good planning sequences deliveries to avoid downtime.
For current requirements and fee schedules, check the City of Kelowna permitting pages.
The Lux Quality Homes Advantage
At Lux Quality Homes, we take the uncertainty out of renovations with a clear, transparent process:
Fixed-Budget Commitment: We commit to delivering your project on the agreed budget – no surprises, no hidden extras.
Open-Book Budgeting: Clients see every specification for each line item for the scope of work. Transparency builds trust.
JobTread Client Portal: Our digital system tracks schedules, budgets, and progress in real time. You’ll always know where things stand.
Local Expertise: With deep knowledge of Okanagan codes and suppliers, we keep projects compliant, efficient, and beautiful.
These practices give our clients confidence – whether it’s a kitchen remodel, a basement suite, or a full-home renovation.
Smart Ways to Optimise Your Budget (Without Cutting Quality)
Prioritise impact zones – Kitchens, primary baths, and living areas drive daily enjoyment and resale value.
Right‑size custom – Use custom millwork where it matters (islands, pantries), pair with quality stock cabinetry elsewhere.
Phase cosmetic swaps – Plan wiring/hard surfaces now; swap hardware, light fixtures, and soft goods later.
Standardise sizes – Standard door/window and cabinet sizes avoid custom premiums.
Keep wet zones put – Keeping plumbing roughly where it is lowers costs.
Decide early – Final selections before building secure pricing and avoid delays.
Bundle projects – Combining scopes reduces repeat mobilisation costs.
Renovating With Confidence in 2025
Renovations are a major investment, but with careful planning and the right partner, they can dramatically improve your lifestyle and property value. In 2025, home renovation costs in Kelowna are stabilizing, giving homeowners a clearer picture of what to expect. Kitchens typically range from $60-100k, basements from $80-200k, and full-home renovations from $200k upwards.
At Lux Quality Homes, our mission is to make this journey stress-free by offering fixed-budget commitments, and open-book transparency. With our JobTread client portal, you’ll have complete visibility from start to finish.
If you’re ready to start planning, book a free consultation today. Let’s create a home you’ll love for years to come – beautifully designed, expertly built, and delivered on time and on budget.
