How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?
Typical Range:
$13,388 - $38,315
Typical Range:
$13,388 - $38,315
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 10,458 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
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Updated March 15, 2022
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.On average, a kitchen remodel costs $25,656 or $150 per square foot. Most homeowners spend between $13,486 and $38,101 or $75 to $250 per square foot. The total expense varies depending on the size of the space, the quality of materials, and whether you change the layout of the room.
A smaller project between $10,000 and $15,000 may include painting walls, refacing cabinets, upgrading the sink, and installing a tile backsplash. A $30,000+ renovation may include installing custom cabinets, hardwood floors, granite counters, and high-end appliances.
The kitchen serves as the heart and hearth of your home. It's where you prepare your meals and where all your parties gather. It’s no surprise that kitchen remodels increase home value. Of course, it’s also the most complicated and can be the most expensive.
See the cost breakdown by feature and labor below to get a better idea of the budget you’ll need or the renovations you can cut back on.
Let's calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?
Where are you located?
National Average | $25,792 |
Typical Range | $13,388 - $38,315 |
Low End - High End | $3,500 - $60,000 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 10,458 HomeAdvisor members.
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.
Kitchen Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
---|---|
Small (<70) | $5,000 – $20,000 |
Medium (100-150) | $15,000 – $40,000 |
Large (200+) | $30,000 – $60,000+ |
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.”
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.
"Proper planning is key to a successful kitchen remodel. For a major gut renovation, expect to spend three to six months just on the planning phase."
Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor Smart Home Strategist and Home Expert.
Renovating a 12x12 kitchen runs between $20,000 and $40,000. This is close to the standard size, which is between 150 and 175 square feet.
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
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.”
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 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:
Element of Project | Percent of Budget | Cost for Average Remodel |
---|---|---|
Design fees | 4% | $920 |
Installation | 17% | $3,910 |
Appliances and ventilation | 14% | $3,220 |
Cabinetry and hardware | 29% | $6,670 |
Countertops | 10% | $2,300 |
Lighting | 5% | $1,150 |
Flooring | 7% | $1,610 |
Doors and windows | 4% | $920 |
Walls and ceilings | 5% | $1,150 |
Faucets and plumbing | 4% | $920 |
Other | 1% | $230 |
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
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.
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:
Feature | Small Remodel | Mid-Range | Major Reno |
---|---|---|---|
Install an appliance | $100 – $200 per appliance | $200 – $400 per appliance | $400 – $600+ per appliance |
Install cabinets | $100 – $200 per cabinet | $200 – $300 per cabinet | $300 – $500 per cabinet |
Install countertops | $200 – $500 | $400 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $2,500 |
Install a faucet | $125 – $200 per faucet | $200 – $300 per faucet | $300 – $550+ per faucet |
Install flooring | $600 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Install a sink | $100 – $250 | $250 – $400 | $400 – $600 |
Backsplash installation | $150 – $400 | $400 – $800 | $800 – $1,200 |
Painting/adding wallpaper | $100 – $200 | $200 – $400 | $400 – $600 |
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.
Cabinet Type | Price (per linear foot) | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Stock | $75 – $150 | Pre-made, readily available, affordable | Limited number of designs and sizes |
Semi-custom | $100 – $1,000 | Slightly more customizable than stock | Still limited in sizes |
Custom | $1,000 – $1,500 | Completely custom to your needs | Most expensive option, requires a skilled carpenter |
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
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.
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:
Countertop Material | Average Cost | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Concrete countertops costs | $5,000 – $10,000 | Durable Heat-resistant Stain-resistant |
Stainless steel countertops costs | $4,000 – $11,500 | Durable Heat-resistant Stain-resistant |
Soapstone counter prices | $2,700 – $4,200 | Stain-resistant Heat-resistant |
Paper composite costs | $2,500 – $6,000 | Durable Easy to clean |
Corian countertops costs | $2,200 – $5,000 | Durable Many color and style options Stain-resistant Easy to maintain and clean |
Solid surface countertop prices | $2,000 – $4,900 | Renewable Nonporous Variety Scratch-resistant |
Granite countertops cost | $2,000 – $4,500 | Durable Scratch-resistant Heat-resistant Porous and requires sealing |
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 |
Quartz counter costs | $1,500 – $12,000 | Many color and style options Stain-resistant Doesn’t chip or scratch easily Easy to clean |
Marble countertop costs | $1,050 – $9,650 | Durable Long-lasting Heat-resistant |
Tile countertop prices | $800 – $2,000 | Inexpensive Easy to DIY |
Laminate counters costs | $800 – $1,600 | Heat-resistant Stain-resistant Scratch-resistant Easy to clean Inexpensive |
Wood counter costs | $600 – $12,000 | Durable Natural material Long lifespan |
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
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:
Floor Material | Average Cost | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Slate floor costs | $7,200 – $32,000 | Durable Stain-resistant Low maintenance |
Terrazzo costs | $5,000 – $18,000 | Durable Long-lasting Easy to clean |
Wood flooring price | $2,500 – $6,800 | Durable Wear-resistant |
Marble floors | $2,500 – $5,000 | Durable Long-lasting |
Concrete flooring prices | $1,600 – $3,900 | Easy to maintain Long-lasting Moisture-resistant |
Cork floor costs | $1,500 – $15,000 | Eco-friendly Mildew-resistant Stain-resistant |
Cost of laminate flooring | $1,400 – $4,300 | Inexpensive Wide variety of styles |
Vinyl flooring | $1,000 – $1,500 | Inexpensive Durable |
Linoleum prices | $900 – $3,300 | Eco-friendly Stain-resistant |
Ceramic tile costs | $900 – $2,900 | Durable Wide variety of colors |
Stone floor prices | $900 – $2,800 | Durable Expensive Absorbs stains |
Bamboo floors | $600 – $1,000 | Eco-friendly Low maintenance Low-cost |
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
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.
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.”
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.
City or State | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Los Angeles, CA | $27,700 – $53,000 |
New Jersey | $6,000 – $14,000 |
San Diego, CA | $23,500 – $49,000 |
Springfield, MA | $9,000 – $22,500 |
San Francisco Bay Area, CA | $24,500 – $54,800 |
Chicago, IL | $13,000 – $33,000 |
Northern Virginia/ Washington, D.C. | $14,000 – $32,600 |
Las Vegas, NV | $20,700 – $39,000 |
Dallas, TX | $10,400 – $28,000 |
Seattle, WA | $16,000 – $40,700 |
Portland, OR | $13,400 – $32,000 |
San Jose, CA | $30,000 – $59,000 |
Cleveland, OH | $10,000 – $22,000 |
Miami, FL | $10,800 – $29,000 |
Phoenix, AZ | $11,400 – $29,000 |
Boston, MA | $15,700 – $38,500 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs reported by HomeAdvisor members.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.