Cabinet hardware swap
Up to 20 knobs or pulls removed, holes filled if needed, new hardware installed level
From $145
Get exact quote →Kitchen renovation · Calgary
Kitchen refresh — without replacing the cabinets
Cabinet painting, hardware upgrades, backsplash tile, faucet swap and painting. The look of a new kitchen at a fraction of the cost of a gut renovation. Steve does every task personally — no crew, no subcontractors.
- ✓ Owner on every job
- ✓ Waterborne alkyd cabinet finish
- ✓ Written quote before booking
- ✓ Fully insured in Alberta
Pricing
Send photos and door count for an exact cabinet painting quote. Other tasks are typically confirmed same-day.
Faucet replacement
Kitchen faucet supply and drain connection, leak test, old fixture disposal
From $95
Get exact quote →Cabinet painting — standard kitchen
20–25 doors, frames, bonding prime, two waterborne alkyd topcoats, hardware reinstall
From $1,200
Get exact quote →Backsplash tile installation
Tile supplied by you; substrate prep, thin-set, grout and sealing included per 10 sq ft
From $185
Get exact quote →Kitchen painting (walls)
Ceiling line and cabinet cut-in, full prep, two coats — paint supplied by you
From $250
Get exact quote →Full kitchen refresh package
Cabinet paint + hardware + faucet + wall paint — combined scope quoted together
From $1,500
Get exact quote →What we do — and how
Cabinet painting
The highest-impact kitchen update without touching a cabinet box. Doors are removed, cleaned with TSP substitute, deglossed, primed with a bonding primer, sanded and given two coats of waterborne alkyd finish. In Calgary's 35–40% annual humidity swing, both faces of every door receive identical coats — a step most painters skip that causes doors to cup within 18 months.
Cabinet hardware upgrade
Replacing builder-grade knobs with bar pulls or cup pulls changes the entire feel of a kitchen. We install consistently at the same position on every door and drawer using a template so nothing is off by even a millimetre. Existing hole positions are matched or filled and re-drilled if the new hardware requires a different spacing.
Backsplash tile installation
A new backsplash behind the stove or across the full run between countertop and upper cabinets is the second-highest visual return in a kitchen refresh. We prep the substrate, install with appropriate thin-set, grout in the colour you choose and seal the grout after 72 hours. Subway, mosaic, large-format and herringbone patterns all supported.
Faucet and fixture swap
Swapping a builder-grade faucet for a pull-down sprayer or bridge faucet is a same-day job that delivers an outsized visual upgrade. We turn off supply lines, disconnect the existing fixture, install the new one, reconnect supply and run the full leak check before leaving. Garbage disposal connections and spray hose routing included.
Under-cabinet strip lighting
Plug-in LED tape or puck light installation under upper cabinets adds task lighting and visual warmth. We mount the strips, route the cord through the cabinet interior and connect to an existing outlet inside the cabinet — no electrician needed for plug-in solutions.
Cabinet door adjustment
Doors that are out of alignment, rubbing or not closing flush are adjusted at the European-style hinges — no replacement needed. We also fix cabinet doors that swing open on their own by adjusting the closing tension or shimming hinge plates.
Kitchen refresh vs. full renovation — cost comparison
| Scope | Refresh (Steve) | Full gut renovation |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet update | Paint + hardware $1,400–$2,800 | New cabinets $8,000–$25,000+ |
| Backsplash | Tile install $350–$700 | Included in full reno quote |
| Faucet | Swap $95–$145 | Plumber $350–$600 |
| Timeline | 3–5 days total | 6–12 weeks minimum |
| Permits | None required | Building permit required |
| Disruption | Low — kitchen usable evenings | High — no kitchen during construction |
Frequently asked questions
How long does kitchen cabinet painting take in Calgary?
A typical kitchen with 20–25 cabinet doors takes 3 days: day one for cleaning, deglossing and priming; day two for first topcoat on doors and frames; day three for final coat and hardware reinstall. Calgary's dry winter air (15–25% RH) means coats flash faster than the can suggests — which helps with turnaround but requires watching for lap marks. Both faces of every door receive equal coats to prevent humidity-cycling warp.
Do I need to empty the cabinets before you start?
Yes — doors are removed and painted off the cabinet, so the interiors stay in place. You do not need to empty the cabinet boxes, but anything on the countertops needs to be moved so we can work cleanly on the frames.
What paint do you use on kitchen cabinets?
We use waterborne alkyd finish — Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane. Both dry hard enough to resist scratching and yellowing, unlike regular latex. In Calgary's climate, which swings from 15% RH in February to 50%+ in summer, waterborne alkyd also tolerates the dimensional movement of cabinet wood better than oil-based enamel, which becomes brittle over time.
Can you install backsplash tile over existing tile?
Tiling over existing tile is possible if the existing tile is fully bonded, flat and the added thickness does not interfere with outlet boxes or window sills. We assess the existing surface before quoting. If the old tile is lifting or the surface is uneven, removal first is the right call.
How much does a kitchen refresh cost in Calgary?
A hardware upgrade (20 handles) runs $145–$245 including installation. Cabinet painting for a standard kitchen is $1,200–$2,500 depending on door count and current finish. Backsplash tile installation is $350–$700 for a typical 20 sq ft behind-the-stove area (tile supplied by you). Faucet swap is $95–$145. Combining cabinet painting plus hardware plus faucet typically lands at $1,400–$2,800 — still a fraction of new cabinet cost.
Do you supply materials or do I buy them?
For most items, you supply the materials and we supply the labour — this keeps costs down and ensures you get exactly the tile, hardware and fixtures you want. For cabinet painting, we supply the primer, paint and consumables; this is included in the quote. If you prefer, we can source materials for you at cost.
From the blog
- Kitchen Cabinet Painting Calgary: Products, Prep Steps and What It Costs →
- Cabinet Painting Calgary: Waterborne Alkyd, 9-Step Prep and Both-Face Coating →
- Kitchen Backsplash Tile Calgary: Installation, Costs and What to Know →
- Interior Paint Sheen Calgary: Which Finish for Which Room →
- Cabinet Refacing vs. Painting in Calgary: Cost Comparison and What Lasts →
Ready to refresh your kitchen?
Not satisfied with the work? I will come back and make it right.
Get a kitchen renovation quote or call (403) 973-5123