What's the price for a complete basement kitchenette in Calgary?

A complete basement kitchenette in Calgary typically costs between $4,000 and $15,000, with the wide range reflecting significant differences in plumbing complexity, cabinetry quality, appliance selection, and finishing level. If your basement already has rough-in plumbing for a sink — common in many Calgary homes built from the 1990s onward — you will land on the lower end. If plumbing needs to be run from scratch, including breaking and patching the concrete floor, costs climb toward the higher end.

The plumbing component is usually the biggest cost driver. A basic kitchenette needs a sink with hot and cold water supply lines and a drain connection. If rough-in plumbing exists, connecting the sink runs $500-$1,500. Without rough-in, the plumber needs to break the concrete floor to access the drain stack, run new supply and drain lines, and patch the concrete — adding $2,000-$4,000 to the project. If you are adding a dishwasher, it shares the sink's supply and drain connections with minimal additional cost. A separate plumbing permit is required in Calgary and must be pulled by a licensed plumber, with fees typically $100-$250.

Cabinetry and countertops make up the next major expense. A basic kitchenette typically includes 6-10 linear feet of lower cabinets with a countertop and 4-8 linear feet of upper cabinets. Stock cabinets from a building supply store run $100-$250 per linear foot installed, while semi-custom cabinets cost $200-$400 per linear foot. For countertops, laminate runs $20-$40 per linear foot, quartz costs $60-$120 per linear foot, and butcher block falls in between at $40-$80 per linear foot. A complete cabinet and countertop package for a basic kitchenette runs $1,500-$5,000.

Appliances for a kitchenette are smaller and less expensive than full kitchen appliances. A compact bar fridge or under-counter refrigerator costs $300-$800, a microwave $100-$300, and a two-burner cooktop $200-$500. Some homeowners opt for a combination microwave-convection oven at $300-$600. A compact dishwasher (18-inch) runs $400-$700. If you are installing a cooktop or range, you will need either a gas line extension ($300-$600) or a dedicated electrical circuit ($200-$400), plus a range hood vented to the exterior ($200-$600 installed).

Electrical work for a kitchenette includes dedicated circuits for the refrigerator and any cooking appliances, GFCI-protected outlets along the counter (required by the Alberta Building Code for any outlets near water), and under-cabinet lighting. Expect $500-$1,500 for electrical depending on how many dedicated circuits are needed and the distance from your electrical panel.

One important distinction is between a kitchenette and a full kitchen. A kitchenette typically has a sink, small fridge, microwave, and limited counter space. A full kitchen with a range, full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, and extensive cabinetry is a different project entirely — costing $15,000-$30,000 or more. If you are building a legal secondary suite, the Alberta Building Code and City of Calgary regulations require a full kitchen with cooking facilities, not just a kitchenette, and the entire suite must meet fire separation, egress, and other code requirements that push costs to $40,000-$80,000.

A building permit is required for any basement kitchenette installation that involves plumbing and electrical work. Get matched with basement renovation contractors through the Calgary Construction Network to compare quotes on your kitchenette project.