Kelowna renovations need a clear budget. With fluctuating prices and supply chain issues, it’s important that you nail down some numbers before starting work. Building a new home in Kelowna often runs between $325 and $425 per square foot, before land. Full-home renovations often sit between $200 and $400 per square foot. Material costs can go up or down depending on the time of year, so you’ll need a buffer. Your final cost will reflect the site, scope, and team you hire.
What Do Kelowna Renovations and Builds Cost Right Now?
New builds in Kelowna average $325 to $425 per square foot. These estimates will cover your usual finishes, with the higher end of the spectrum representing custom add-ons. However, this price does not include land. Full-home renovations in the city often land between $200 and $400 per square foot. But, if you have plans to makeover your kitchen or baths, expect to be on the more expensive side. Small updates cost less per square foot, whereas large gut jobs cost more. When you’re doing your budget, make sure you account for design fees. Architects and designers often charge a percentage of the build, and many owners spend near ten percent for full service.
As with many other trades, the cost of labour is where expenses start to add up. Electricians in Kelowna average in the mid to high twenties per hour, with top end in the forties. Carpenters often sit in the high twenties to low thirties, with apprentices lower. If you tack on overtime and travel, costs quickly rise. And, to hire skilled crews, you might be booking weeks or months in advance.
If you’re doing research on material and labour costs, make sure that you’re asking vendors to provide “valid until” dates on every quote. Otherwise, you may come back to discover that the price has gone up. This is especially true when getting pricing info for building materials.
As you finalize your budget, don’t forget about fees and permit costs. The City updates development application fees yearly starting January 1, 2025.
Neighbourhood Cost Comparison
Costs change by area because sites change. In Black Mountain, many lots sit on hillsides. Steep slopes can require engineered walls, drainage, and careful driveway grades. The City flags slopes at 20 percent or higher for special review. Retaining wall height rules can add design work and staging. Those needs push projects toward the high end of the range. So, expect more geotechnical input and more site prep days.
On the other hand, Glenmore and the Lower Mission are more central and have many established, serviced streets. Many lots are flatter, which means access for trucks can be easier. That can hold costs closer to the mid-range. Renovations on older homes may reveal hidden work, especially for things like wiring, plumbing, and insulation. Be sure to keep a healthy contingency for surprises.
McKinley is a lot like Black Mountain with its hilly terrain. Slopes can require terracing and careful stormwater plans. That can mean more engineering time and more rock work. Like Black Mountain, McKinley projects tend to pull to the top of the range due to access, staging, and site protection. Hillside guidelines focus on safe grades, reduced slope cuts, and controlled drainage. All of which takes time and budget.
Across all areas, labour and material unit prices are similar citywide. The site is the swing factor. Flat, serviced, easy-access sites will save you more money. But steep, rocky or lakefront properties can cost more.
Protecting Your Budget for Kelowna Renovations
Start with a realistic base. For new builds, use $375 per square foot as a planning midpoint. For full-home renovations, use $300 per square foot as a midpoint. Adjust up for complex kitchens, baths, or structural changes. Carry a contingency of 10 to 20 percent. Use the high end for hillside or older homes.
When getting quotes, make sure you ask for fixed-price or capped-price subcontracts where possible. Get written hold periods on material quotes and place deposits to secure long-lead items. Cabinets, windows, and HVAC gear often have the longest lead times.
Phase the work if needed. Break large renovations into stages that keep your home safe and usable. This can improve cash flow and reduce temporary housing costs.
You should also design for supply. Try to choose finishes with more than one approved supplier. Having an A and a B choice will help you pivot without a full redesign if needed.
And, don’t forget to plan for fees and time. Confirm permit fees and development charges with the City. Remember that the fee bylaw increases each January. Set a realistic start date that aligns with approvals so that you avoid costly dead time for crews.
Contact us Today!
Kelowna renovations and builds succeed when you have a clear budget. Contact us today for more information about building or renovating your home in Kelowna. Be sure to check out our social media for the latest updates and inspo! We look forward to helping you achieve your dream house!
FAQ About Kelowna Renovations and Build Costs
How much should I budget per square foot to build in Kelowna today?
Most new homes cost between $325 and $425 per square foot for construction. Complex custom work can exceed that. Use a midpoint of about $375 for planning before land.
What do full-home renovations usually cost here?
A full-home renovation in Kelowna often ranges from $200 to $400 per square foot. Kitchens and baths raise the average. Gut work costs more than light refreshes.
Are materials getting cheaper or more expensive?
Lumber dropped recently after earlier gains, but volatility is common. It is smart to get fresh quotes and set short hold times. Build a buffer for swings.
What permit fees should I expect?
Kelowna updates development application fees each year starting January 1, 2025. Some fees scale with construction value and may include admin charges. Confirm current rates with the City before you apply.
Which area is cheapest to build in?
Unit prices for labour and materials are similar. It really depends on the lot that you are building or renovating on.
