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A modular kitchen is a factory-manufactured or pre-designed kitchen made from components that fit together, basically like a Lego set that you can put together at a designated site, contrasted with a custom kitchen that is original and designed from scratch to fulfill the layout and unique style and functionality of a homeowner.
Homeowners must compare the price they pay at the outset, price in terms of long-term value, and price with their time when hiring a professional installer. Generally speaking, modular kitchens offer predictable pricing, and installation time is quicker and more concise than a custom assembly, to say the least.
Carpenters, handymen and joiners charge differently for quality materials and craftsmanship in custom-built kitchens. Also, there is an inherent value in balancing a homeowner's budget with their design and renovation dreams.
Let us explore which saves more between Modular Vs. Custom Kitchens.
Modular kitchens are modern kitchens made in the factory and have assembled cabinets, drawers and units that are prefabricated to fit together.
Features: The key features include customizable cabinets and modules, area-saving features, issues for storage, clean aesthetic look and typically easy to install or modify.
Materials: Some common materials include MDF, plywood, particle board, laminates, acrylics, stainless steel and some use natural wood for a more premium type finish.
Layouts: Some common layouts are L-shaped, U-shaped, parallel, island and straight kitchen; most, if not all, layouts can be designed around the available space.
Typical Inclusions: Modular kitchens also typically come with built-in appliances, soft-close hinges, pull-out trays and corner options to maximize space and functionality.
Reasons for Popularity: There is a reason modular kitchens are quickly gaining popularity in Canada. Given the design outcome for the usable space, kitchens can have a very modern look, and because these kitchens fit well into condos, apartments, rentals, small homes, townhomes, and smaller spaces.
Availability: Modular kitchens are sold everywhere from local and international manufacturers, to kitchen showrooms, and now in Canada, even at home improvement retailers.
In terms of why Canadian homeowners find modular kitchens appealing, it might just be simply that upgrades are easy to do, installation is quick, and they have a contemporary, clean aesthetic look.
Average Price Range:
Modular Kitchen Prices Depend On:
Installation Cost & Efficiency:
A custom kitchen is a kitchen where everything is designed to the homeowner’s specifications — contrary to modular kitchens that utilize ready-to-deliver units. In Canada, a custom kitchen means that each fixture, cabinet and countertop is customized to the homeowner's style, preferences and space requirements. “Custom” means maximum choices.
Materials: Custom has unlimited freedom for choice of materials, finishes, hardware, size, dimensions and special features; all things which suit your way of living and tastes and personal preferences.
Best For: Custom kitchens are a particularly great option for older homes where the shape of the house does not fit a typical layout or homeowners seek distinct options such as specialty storage, large, beautiful kitchen islands or appliances that are more premium.
Features: Custom kitchens provide homeowners with the ability to work with the designer and the craftsman to make the most of the challenging angles, floor plans, and spaces created by heritage architecture or other unique, rare attributes.
Due to the typically higher cost and added time required than modular options, custom kitchens are desirable features for homes all across Canada due to the higher level of craftsmanship, customization and unique design elements, all value-added for the homeowner and potential future residents.
Price Range:
Pricing for a kitchen project in Canada ranges for custom kitchens from low-end ($30,000–$50,000) to mid-range ($50,000–$90,000), to luxury ($90,000–$150,000+).
Custom Options:
Custom kitchens are a significant investment due to the custom cabinets and custom millwork, which you're paying for in exact measurements and customizations.
Special Materials:
A custom kitchen may have very unique materials like hardware or countertop options, appliances that fit perfectly into cabinetry dimensions and specialty backsplashes that can become significant costs.
Custom designs: There are fewer limits on creative styles; prices can vary considerably depending on the layouts (complexity, non-square shapes), volume of hidden storage plans, and stance of design.
Labour Costs: Custom cabinetry requires skilled tradespeople to complete detailed installations that require labour costs sometimes exceeding (64%) product costs.
Project Timeliness: Custom kitchens generally take 8–16 weeks (or longer) to design, build, and install as opposed to modular-built kitchens, which cost some money to manage and increase project management fees and margin.
Site Conditions: When renovating an older home, there is a greater chance that your project will require structural variance or conditional permits for revisions, adding a tremendous cost to your project overall.
Hidden or long-term costs that can arise with kitchens include ongoing maintenance and repairs that accumulate over time—especially for custom finishes or high-end millwork. Homeowners also need to factor in what's needed for future upgrades or modifications as trends, functionality, and needs change—modular kitchens will give some opportunity to upgrade with relative ease compared to fully custom designs.
In addition, the quality and efficiency of the kitchen can affect the resale value of the house—the way a kitchen has been planned can sometimes look obsolete and can reduce the selling price. Making decisions at the start wisely can significantly reduce hidden or surprise costs and keep the kitchen both useful and stylish and marketable for an extended period.
Homeowners need to balance their budget and timeline with their desire for personalization and finishes when deciding between modular and custom kitchen options in Canada.
Upfront Costs:
Modular kitchens tend to be much less expensive upfront than custom kitchens. In Canada, you may find a basic modular kitchen somewhere between $7,000–$15,000, and custom kitchens generally start at $20,000–$40,000 due to the nature of custom carpentry, specific materials, and custom designs.
Long Term Cost Savings:
Modular kitchens can provide cost savings due to efficient modules using standard materials and replaceable components to fix wear and tear. Modular kitchens should be expected to hold up, but a custom kitchen could provide a better lasting value, allowing you to avoid future replacement costs earlier than if you purchased a custom kitchen.
Good quality custom kitchens can provide better longevity and quality, which, when taken care of, will mean skipping any renovations in the future.
When It Makes Sense to Spend More Upfront:
Spending money and going over budget does not matter if you have a peculiar-shaped space, unique finishes, and/or planning on staying put.
A well-designed custom kitchen will be worth more to your resale value than a basic modular kitchen will, which is a big trade-off for putting down a custom kitchen investment and in a good spot.
Final Thoughts
Modular and custom kitchens can be looked at in various ways and depend on what your desire to achieve when it comes to your exploration of cost – if you are looking to spend the least amount upfront modular succeeds; if you are looking at better quality, lifetime warranty from upfront costs, the monetary upfront difference does not matter as a custom kitchen provides higher resale value than a modular stays.
It is important to have multiple quotes and have a strategy to make sure you are as informed as possible for both upfront costs and global costs.
Modular kitchens work well for a smaller budget with quicker installation. Custom kitchens work well for larger budgets with unique design specifications. Review your preferences, available space, and long-term plans carefully. Always consult trusted professionals when trying to weigh out cost, style, and quality, while safeguarding your kitchen investment supports your lifestyle and provides value.
