Highlights
Prices range from $150–$300 per square foot.
Sizes typically range from 50–80 square feet.
Nearby existing plumbing or electrical lines significantly reduce installation costs.
If you want to move a family member into your finished basement or transform a backyard studio into a short-term rental property, adding a kitchenette is a smart move that also increases the value of your home. On average, kitchenettes cost between $9,750 and $19,500 to install. This includes electrical, plumbing, cabinetry, walls and floors, and installing appliances. Costs may vary based on the size of the kitchenette, the quality of the materials and appliances you choose, and whether electrical or plumbing connections are already in place nearby.
Average Cost of Adding a Full Kitchenette
| Minimum Cost | National Average Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $7,500 | $15,750 | $24,000 |
How Much Does Adding a Kitchenette Cost?
The cost of a kitchenette varies from $150 to $300 per square foot. If you already have plumbing and electrical lines and outlets nearby, you'll save significantly on this figure. However, if you want a high-end kitchenette with extra features and luxury appliances, expect to pay substantially more.
According to the New York City building code, the space used must be 80 square feet or less to be classified as a kitchenette. While there's no minimum size for a kitchenette, they're rarely under 50 square feet because there must be enough room to prepare food and store cookware.
Based on these minimum and maximum sizes, here's what you can expect to pay to install a kitchenette.
| Kitchenette Size | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 50 sq. ft. | $7,500 – $15,000 | $11,300 |
| 60 sq. ft. | $9,000 – $18,000 | $13,500 |
| 70 sq. ft. | $10,500 – $21,000 | $15,800 |
| 80 sq. ft. | $12,000 – $24,000 | $18,000 |
A Standard Kitchenette Cost Breakdown
There are many different costs associated with installing a kitchenette. Your project total depends on the quality of the materials you choose, the size of the kitchenette, appliances, and how far new electrical and plumbing needs to travel to be accessible for appliance hook-up. Take a look at some of the key elements that make up the total project price to add a kitchenette.
Labor
Electrician: $50–$100 per hour
Plumber: $45–$200 per hour
Handyperson: $60–$65 per hour
Flooring Installer: $3–$7 per square foot
Tiler: $4–$25 per square foot
Construction Manager: 5%–15% of the project total
Appliances
Because space is limited, a kitchenette usually includes only a handful of appliances. The price range for these appliances varies considerably. Here are some of the most common appliances and their price ranges (including the cost of installation):
Microwave: $60–$1,440
Toaster Oven: $25–$800
Mini Refrigerator: $100–$300
Plumbing
Installing new plumbing runs anywhere from $400 to $2,000. Other plumbing costs may include:
Plumbing pipework installation: $2–$10 per linear foot
Sink installation: $400
Hiring a plumber for other tasks: $45–$200
Electrical
New electrical wiring costs $8 to $12 per linear foot, and adding new outlets costs $100 to $185 each. If there are already electrical lines running close to where you're adding your kitchenette, the kitchenette build-out will be faster, simpler, and cost you less. If new wiring runs a significant distance, not only will the cost of installation go up, you may also need to replace affected drywall.
Hanging new drywall costs $1.50 to $3 per square foot, including installation. For any other electrical work, such as wiring in new appliances, hiring an electrician costs $50 to $100 per hour.
Cabinetry and Countertops
The cost to install kitchen cabinetry ranges from $100 to $1,500 per linear foot, depending on the type and style of cabinet you choose. This also includes the price of cabinet installation. High-end hardwoods, rare reclaimed woods, and custom, handcrafted units sit at the top end of this range. The labor for custom units costs at least three times more than the labor associated with stock units.
Countertops vary in price based on the material you choose. The table below shows you how much you can expect to pay per square foot, including installation for some of the most popular countertop materials.
| Material | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Granite | $25 – $170 | $97 |
| Soapstone | $30 – $100 | $65 |
| Marble | $25 – $220 | $122 |
| Quartzite | $50 – $200 | $100 |
| Slate | $30 – $90 | $60 |
| Limestone | $20 – $100 | $60 |
| Travertine | $21 – $65 | $43 |
| Engineered Stone Quartz | $25 – $100 | $62 |
| Corian | $30 – $105 | $67 |
| Acrylic | $23 – $60 | $41 |
| Laminate | $40 – $80 | $60 |
| Ceramic | $11 – $58 | $35 |
| Concrete | $60 – $130 | $95 |
| Wood | $28 – $68 | $48 |
| Butcher Block | $25 – $65 | $45 |
| Stainless Steel | $70 – $130 | $100 |
| Copper | $100 – $175 | $137 |
Backsplash
For tile backsplashes, you'll pay $25 to $36 per square foot, including materials and installation. Standard ceramic tile backsplashes cost the least, at an average of $25 per square foot. Stone and glass both fall in the middle, with a typical cost of $30 and $32, respectively. Stainless steel tile backsplashes are the most expensive, at an average price of $36 per square foot.
Flooring
The flooring installation price for your kitchenette ranges from $3 to $22 per square foot.
| Flooring Type | Cost per Square Foot | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | $5.50 – $21 | $13 |
| Laminate | $3.20 – $9 | $6 |
| Vinyl and Linoleum | $3 – $12 | $7 |
| Tile | $4.50 – $22 | $13 |
| Wood Tile | $3 – $13.50 | $8 |
| Carpeting | $4.50 – $14 | $9 |
Permits
If you are making any structural changes to your kitchen, such as moving a load-bearing wall, you may pay up to $1,000 for a permit. Whether you need any permits and how much they'll cost depends on where you live, and the project’s scope and location in (or out of) your home.
Cost to Add a Kitchenette Yourself
Anything involving electrics or plumbing requires a suitably licensed pro, particularly if the work in question requires a permit. Because installing a kitchenette involves significant plumbing and electrical work, plus a fair amount of construction work for the cabinetry and countertops, it's worth considering outsourcing the project to a general contractor or a construction manager. Once you've agreed on the price and the specifications, the local general contractor you hire will oversee the entire project, bringing in the right pros at the right time.
Suppose you want to save money and already know your way around a kitchen remodel. In that case, you can oversee the project yourself, saving yourself 5% to 15% by not hiring a construction manager or general contractor. You can also cut costs by tackling the finishing work yourself, such as laying flooring, adding a tile backsplash, and even installing cabinets or countertops. DIY countertop installs work best with laminate, butcher block, or metal surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, a food preparation space under 80 square feet is classified as a kitchenette. To be classified as a full-size kitchen, the space should be greater than 80 square feet.
A kitchenette provides a practical and functional yet compact space for food preparation. Kitchenettes are popular choices in studio apartments, as well as in basements, annexes, or converted outbuildings.
Usually, a kitchenette does not have a stove. But, if you have the space, you could add a small stove to a kitchenette. You'll commonly see kitchenettes with countertop hotplates instead.
