How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?

Estimating Kitchen Remodel Costs: Minor vs. Major Changes

Kitchen remodels cost $75 to $250 per square foot. The first step in determining your estimate is looking at the space. Before you get to the smaller questions, ask yourself the big questions:

• What do you want from the space?

• How do you want it to look and function?

• Is the size and configuration right?

Also ask: What should you spend? The industry says to spend 5% to 15% of the home’s value on this project. If your house is worth $300,000, you could spend $30,000 without negatively affecting its resale price.

It could cost as little as $5,000 to remodel a small kitchen and as much as $60,000+ to do a large renovation. The size of your space will play a significant role in how expensive your renovation gets. Below, see the typical spend for various sizes and the factors involved.

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Renovation Ideas

A small budget doesn’t mean you can’t have the kitchen of your dreams. When planning out your kitchen renovations costs, take the below into consideration to save a little extra money:

• Pass on custom cabinets: Cabinets take up almost 30% of the budget for these projects. Save with stock products rather than custom or. reface or refinish your cabinets instead of replacing them.

• DIY where possible: See where you can do some of the installation and replacement yourself.

• Remodel in stages: You can break up the projects and remodel in stages, so you only have to save for one thing at a time.

• Only do necessary updates: You don't have to do everything. You can simply upgrade the materials and appliances that truly need updating. Refinishing your appliances costs about $200–$750. If your budget allows, consider replacing appliances to increase visual appeal and ROI.

“We often recommend one or two 'showstopper' appliances, such as a high-end range or refrigerator,” says Bob Tschudi, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor. “These tend to elevate the whole kitchen. We recently put a commercial microwave oven in a kitchen remodel and its uniqueness has made the whole kitchen look more high-end.”

Small Kitchen or Condo Remodel Costs

The cost to update a small kitchen is between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on what you install, repair, or upgrade. For this room, small is defined as 70 square feet or smaller. You'll have limited options for a project of this size. It's important to set your budget and plan for some DIY work to save time and money.

Medium Kitchen Remodel Costs

Cost to Update a Large Kitchen

A large kitchen is defined as 200 feet or more and typically runs between $30,000 and $60,000. Upscale remodels can reach from $75,000 to $100,000 and beyond. With a large area like this, you may include features like:

• Cooktop or seating island

• Double oven

• Built-in appliances

• Commercial-style range

• Coffee or drink station

• Recycling station

• Commercial-style refrigerator or freezer

Total Kitchen Makeover Cost

If your dream kitchen requires totally gutting your existing space and changing the layout, you’ll need to budget for additional costs. For example, if you change a one-wall kitchen to an island kitchen, you might decide to move the sink or oven to the island. For total makeovers and layout changes, you will need to budget for:

• The labor required to knock down walls and gut your kitchen

• New plumbing, pipes, and hookups

• Electrical rewiring for appliances and lighting

A total kitchen overhaul costs around $30,000 but can go as high as $80,000, depending on the design plans, materials, and appliances.

“The number one kitchen remodel request involves removing a wall to create an ‘open concept’ layout,” says Tschudi. “If that wall is what’s called a load-bearing wall, removing it will be expensive and reduce the overall stability of the house. On the other hand, if the wall is not structural, the cost to remove it is very reasonable. If you are going to remove a wall, structural or not, be sure to engage with a licensed structural engineer.”

New Kitchen Costs

Adding a new kitchen will range in price from $25,000 to $50,000, or $100 to $300 per square foot. There are many additional factors in building an entirely new space with the proper structure, plumbing and electrical. High-end materials can bring your rate up to $100,000 and beyond.

Kitchen Renovation Materials Budget Breakdown

Kitchen renovations cost $14,000 to $38,000, with a typical spend of around $23,000. The rate divides into materials, installation, lighting, and plumbing fixtures.

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NBKA), the expenses break down as follows:

Kitchen Designer Labor Rates

Professional kitchen designers charge $65 to $250 per hour. Though the NKBA suggests 4%four percent of your budget will go to design fees, this shoots up to closer to 10% when you hire a certified professional on-site. If you get advice or an in-home consultation from a materials and design store, it will certainly stay in the range of a $100 to $800 flat fee. However, homeowners report paying $4,400 to $25,000 for certified professionals and independent services. At this rate, you might expect such services as:

• 3D renderings

• Material and color selection

• Coordination with contractors and suppliers

• Start to finish support and management

Remodel Contractor Labor Rates

Expect to pay $3,500 to $6,000 for installation alone. Professional labor typically factors into the total in a range from 15% to 25%. The NKBA suggests 17% as the median. This percentage will vary depending on the size of the space and the features you install. Hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor is the best way to get the most out of your project and budget.

Average Price for Cabinetry, Appliances, and Countertops

Here are some of the elements that go into an average kitchen remodel and their typical installation prices, based on small, mid-range, or major options:

Cost of Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinet installation costs an average of $1,900 to $9,000, with the products themselves ranging from $75 to $1,500 per linear foot. Kitchen cabinets prices vary depending on whether you opt for custom or stock products, with custom kitchen cabinets costing the most. These features often make a room's first impression. If they are dated or damaged, potential buyers may walk away underwhelmed.

In addition to buying new cabinetry, you can also finish or replace your cabinets as a budget-friendly option:

• Cost to Reface Cabinets: $4,300–$10,000

  • Fraction of the price of new

  • Brand-new look without total replacement

• Cost to Refinish Cabinets: $1,750–$4,000

  • Less expensive than refacing

  • Brand-new look without total replacement

  • Best to hire a professional for best results, especially if fronts are dinged up

New Kitchen Appliances Cost

Installing kitchen appliances costs $100 to $300 per appliance on average. Investing in higher quality stoves, dishwashers or refrigerators will certainly drive up your total price. However, if you want to improve your home’s value, it will pay to install higher quality products. There are various options to choose from, including EnergyStar-certified, custom built-in, high-end store-bought, and budget outlet products. If longevity is important to you, look for products with a longer life expectancy.

Custom built-in: $1,000–$10,000+

• Product options: Dishwashers, ovens, ranges, stoves, ice machines, and microwaves.

• Higher upfront price.

• May require structural changes and added labor costs.

• Take up less floor space.

High-end freestanding units bought: $1,000–$5,000+

• Less expensive than custom built-in appliances.

• Include features like sensors, Bluetooth capabilities, and cabinet-depth refrigerators.

Budget freestanding units: $200–$1,000

• Might not last as long as their high-end counterparts

• Lack the added features/technology of expensive models.

• They do the job and work in most layouts.

EnergyStar appliances average between $300 and $3,000. Budget freestanding, high-end freestanding, and custom built-ins can all come EnergyStar certified. Product options include refrigerators, dishwashers, lightbulbs, freezers, and more. Features include:

• Certified by the U.S. Department of Energy as energy-efficient and beneficial to the environment and consumer.

• More expensive upfront than their noncertified counterparts.

• Have longer lifespans than noncertified options.

• Lower utility bills.

Cost to Build Kitchen Countertops

Installing countertops costs $1,900 to $4,200, though this price will fluctuate depending on the material and measurements. Countertops play a major role in the look and usability of your space. Choose the materials based on what looks and functions best.

Within each category of materials, price depends on quality. Seamless materials, such as Corian and granite, tend to be more durable, but are generally more expensive. Formica and concrete tend to be cheaper but add less value. Tile can be pretty, but you can expect quite a bit of maintenance down the road and regular grout cleaning. Countertop materials include:

• Granite countertops costs: $2,000–$4,500

  • Durable

  • Scratch-resistant

  • Heat-resistant

  • Porous and requires sealing

• Soapstone counter prices: $2,700–$4,200

  • Stain-resistant

  • Heat-resistant

  • Extremely susceptible to scratching and etching

  • Light scratches are easy to sand away

• Marble countertop costs: $1,050–$9,650

  • Durable

  • Long-lasting when properly maintained

  • Heat-resistant

  • Susceptible to staining and scratching

• Quartz counter costs: $1,500–$12,000

  • Many color and style options

  • Stain-resistant

  • Doesn’t chip or scratch easily

  • Easy to clean

  • Less heat resistant than natural stones

• Tile countertop prices: $800–$2,000

  • Inexpensive

  • Can be a DIY project

  • Susceptible to chipping and scratching

• Laminate counters costs: $800–$1,600

  • Heat-resistant

  • Stain-resistant

  • Scratch-resistant

  • Easy to clean

  • Inexpensive

  • Susceptible to damage from knives and hot pans

• Concrete countertops costs: $5,000–$10,000

  • Durable

  • Heat-resistant

  • Stain-resistant

  • Requires regular maintenance

• Stainless steel countertops costs: $4,000–$11,500

  • Durable

  • Heat-resistant

  • Stain-resistant

  • Susceptible to scratches

• Solid surface countertop prices: $2,000–$4,900

  • Examples: Formica, Corian, Wilsonart, Avonite

  • Renewable

  • Nonporous

  • Various choices

  • Scratch-resistant

  • Susceptible to heat and staining

• Corian countertops costs: $2,200–$5,000

  • Durable

  • Many color and style options

  • Stain-resistant

  • Easy to maintain and clean

  • Not as heat resistant as stone

• Wood counter costs: $600–$12,000

  • Durable

  • Natural material

  • Long lifespan

  • Expands and contracts like flooring

  • Withstands burns and scratches

• Bamboo costs: $2,000–$3,000

  • Eco-friendly

  • Easy to clean

  • Susceptible to scratches and burns

• Recycled glass counters costs: $1,800–$3,750

  • Durable

  • Heat-resistant

  • Stain-resistant

  • Easy to clean

  • Susceptible to chipping and scratching

• Paper composite costs: $2,500–$6,000

  • Durable

  • Easy to clean

  • Susceptible to scratches and stains

Kitchen Floor Costs

Flooring installation costs $1,500 to $4,500 for a typical installation, depending on various factors. The largest factors include the square footage and material you choose. Vinyl and linoleum flooring tend to be the most affordable but add little or nothing to the value of your house. Tile, granite, and wood are more expensive and will help to increase value. The more expensive flooring sometimes proves to be the more difficult ones to maintain.

These spaces can be volatile workstations. Damage from stains, grease, heat, and moisture are common. If you can't keep up with the cleaning and maintenance, the more expensive flooring might not be the best for you. Options include:

• Ceramic tile costs: $900 –$2,900

  • Durable

  • Wide variety of colors

  • Susceptible to cracking and chipping

• Vinyl flooring: $1,000–$1,500

  • Inexpensive

  • Durable

  • Can emit VOCs

• Linoleum prices: $900 – $3,300

  • Eco-friendly

  • Stain-resistant

  • Requires regular maintenance

• Cost of laminate flooring: $1,400 – $4,300

  • Inexpensive

  • Wide variety of styles

  • Requires regular maintenance

  • Check out our Comparison Guide for hardwood vs. laminate flooring

• Wood flooring prices: $2,500 – $6,800

  • Durable

  • Wear-resistant

  • Requires regular maintenance

  • Includes: hardwood, engineered wood, bamboo

• Bamboo floors: $600–$1,000

  • Eco-friendly

  • Low maintenance

  • Low-cost

  • Scratches easily

• Cork floor costs: $1,500–$15,000

  • Eco-friendly

  • Mildew-resistant

  • Stain-resistant

  • Requires regular maintenance

• Stone floor prices: $900–$2,800

  • Durable

  • Expensive

  • Absorbs stains

• Marble floors: $2,500 – $5,000

  • Durable

  • Long-lasting when properly maintained

  • Stains easily

  • Scratches easily

• Slate floor costs: $7,200 – $32,000

  • Durable

  • Stain-resistant

  • Low maintenance

  • Less variety in aesthetics

• Terrazzo costs: $5,000 – $18,000

  • Durable

  • Long-lasting

  • Easy to clean

  • Expensive option

• Concrete flooring prices: $1,600 – $3,900

  • Easy to maintain

  • Long-lasting

  • Moisture-resistant

Plumbing

Installing a faucet costs $150 to $350. If you don’t need to change the plumbing layout, installing a sink costs $225 to $600.

If you decide to do a major change and rearrange your appliances, you will have to relocate water supply lines as well as drains or sewage lines. This often involves getting new pipes—installing additional pipes costs about $1,100—and connecting them to the main line. This also means spending more on labor and, in some cases, hiring a plumber. Plus, you might have to get a permit from the city. These building permits could cost up to $800 if your contractor gets it for you.

Electrical

The rate for electrical work is $50 to $100 per hour on average. It’s best to do electrical work during the tear-out process. However, many homeowners don’t factor in this expense until the work is underway.

Plan ahead and determine whether you need to upgrade your electrical output to accommodate a new refrigerator or oven. The cost to upgrade an electrical panel averages about $1,200. You may also need to move outlets and fixtures to accommodate a new layout. Plus, you may have outdated outlets that need replacement.

The cost to add an outlet adds $215 to your project total. Hire an electrician to guide you through the process and be ready to spend about 5% of your total on electrical work.

“Many kitchen remodels require an upgrade to the electrical system,” says Tschudi. “To comply with code, some appliances require dedicated circuits, and all outlets on counters need to have ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) systems, which trip the instant water and electricity come in contact to prevent electrocution.”

Gas Lines

Moving a gas line costs $250 to $850. Unless you're planning to move your oven and stove cooktop to an entirely different place in the room, you should be able to avoid this expense. The process involves moving and running additional gas lines, upending flooring, and knocking out walls. It also requires a permit for handling natural gas lines. If you plan to move a vented range, you will need to have a new venting system installed.

Kitchen Remodel Cost by Location

Cost data is based on actual project costs reported by HomeAdvisor members.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Factors

When estimating the cost of a kitchen remodel, there are various factors to keep in mind. The most important include budget, longevity, and what other homeowners in the neighborhood are doing with their spaces. By planning around these factors, it's possible to come out with results that meet expectations, last for a long time and recoup most of their original cost in the resale.

Longevity

When planning for this project, ask yourself how long you plan to live in your house from the time of the remodel. If you plan to sell shortly after, you shouldn't spend too much money on it. The rule of thumb is that you should spend between 5% and 15% of your property's total value. This is the optimum range for homeowners to spend and expect to recoup.

If you plan to remain in your house for years, then you should consider splurging on items like new countertops, appliances, cabinets, and flooring; the fact that you'll be living in the house for years to come means that you could save money on repairs or replacements because they last longer. It also means that you continue to find value in their repeated use. 

If you plan to live in your house for a short period after the renovation, there's no point in spending money—just look for economical ways to make small but impactful changes.

Neighborhood

While this applies more to sellers than to lifetime homeowners, the neighborhood you live in should reflect the kind of changes you make. Your kitchen should not be significantly more understated or overstated than others in the neighborhood. This could reflect poorly when potential buyers are perusing and comparing properties in the area.

Ideally, you want a renovation that brings out the best qualities of the room and complements your house. Avoid any colors, styles, and other design qualities that will disrupt the overall scheme of your house.

FAQs

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

Cabinets are the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel and can account for 30% or more of the total cost. For a complete kitchen remodel, mid-range stock cabinetry costs about $10,000 to $20,000, while high-end cabinetry costs about $20,000 or more. Expect to pay around $6,000 on top of that for cabinet installation.

How long does a kitchen remodel take on average?

The average kitchen remodel takes six to 10 weeks, but it can take even longer depending on the size of the kitchen, product availability, and subcontractors’ schedules. The initial planning and design phase takes an additional four weeks.

How much does a kitchen and bathroom renovation cost?

It costs an average of $37,000 to renovate both the kitchen and the bathroom. Bathroom remodels cost around $11,000 of the total. There are many remodeling contractors who are licensed to perform both projects with the help of subcontractors, so you can often hire one contractor for all the work. A general contractor will subcontract out licensed trades for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical or HVAC.

What's the average cost to gut a kitchen?

Gutting a kitchen ranges from as little as $300 to as much as $3,000, depending on regulations in your area, the size of your space, and what you need demolished or removed. Your city and county may have regulations surrounding proper disposal of waste and materials that require extra steps and labor.

There may also be requirements around getting an interior demolition permit in addition to your building permit. Plus, if you want to preserve some of the existing materials, you’ll pay more in labor for more careful removal.

How much is a mobile home kitchen remodel?

Remodeling a mobile home kitchen could be as little as $3,000 and as much as $25,000, depending on the size of the kitchen, the quality of materials you use, and the extent of the renovation.

Before you remodel a mobile home, it’s best to consult with a contractor who will ensure your changes are compliant with the Housing Urban Development (HUD) Code.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Examples

It’s hard to imagine what your end result will be as you start to budget out your kitchen remodel. Below are example kitchen renovations and their costs to help you visualize the possibilities.

The average cost of a kitchen remodel in Aurora is approximately $10,500 to $30,000. New cabinetry, countertops, and appliances come together to create a U-shaped kitchen layout and make the space feel larger.

Stamford: $13,800 to $40,000.

Minneapolis: $15,500 to $40,000.

West Chester, PA: $14,000 to $33,000.