How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Kitchen?

Average Kitchen Remodel Cost

On average, a kitchen remodel costs $100 to $250 per square foot. Most homeowners spend between $12,800 and $21,200, with an average cost of $16,600 or $150 per square foot. The total price depends on the size of the space, the quality of materials, and whether or not that layout changes.

Table of Contents

1. Average Kitchen Remodel Cost
2. Kitchen Renovation Costs
• Cost Breakdown
3. Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator
• Small Kitchen Remodel Costs
• 10x10 Kitchen Remodel Costs
• Update a Large Kitchen
4. Typical New Kitchen Remodeling Costs
• Cost To Redo A Kitchen
• Kitchen Cabinets
• New Appliances
• Kitchen Countertops
• Kitchen Floors
• Kitchen Design
• Labor Costs
5. Kitchen Remodeling On A Budget
• Return On Investment
6. How to Prepare for a Kitchen Remodel
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Hiring A Kitchen Remodel Contractor
9. Kitchen Remodelers Near Me

Kitchen Renovation Costs

Most homeowners spend between $12,800 and $21,200 for the average kitchen renovation. The lower end of this spectrum covers smaller projects, such as refacing cabinets, installing a backsplash, painting, etc. In comparison, renovations that cost $30,000+ typically involve the introduction of hardwood flooring, high-end appliances, and custom features.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown

Since your project will be unique to you and your home, you should break down your budget based on the features and alterations you desire. Here is the average cost breakdown according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA):

Kitchen Remodel Cost Per Square Foot

Overall, kitchen remodels cost $100 to $250 per square foot, with the average homeowner spending $150 per square foot. When planning to remodel your kitchen, you need to ask yourself some critical questions. By doing so, you will know how to obtain a more accurate estimate.

1. What exactly do you want to do with the available space? What is it that you want to get out of this renovation?
2. How do you envision the space to look and what functional features are you considering?
3. Based on your initial space or current design, is the layout ideal?
4. How much do you want to spend?

In terms of monetary values, the industry recommends that when renovating your kitchen, you should spend anywhere between 5% and 15% percent of your home's value.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator

This estimator compares the minor, midrange, and upscale cost to redo a 200-square-foot kitchen.

1. Minor – focuses on cosmetic appearances—refacing, painting, cabinet door handles, new countertops, light fixtures, new laminate flooring. The design of the kitchen isn’t changed. A minor kitchen remodel costs about $12,000–$21,000.
2. Midrange – still focuses on cosmetic appearances—new cabinets, cabinet door handles, paint, new countertops, building a kitchen island, light fixtures, tile backsplash, tile or vinyl flooring. The design of the kitchen isn’t changed. A midrange, major kitchen remodel costs about $29,000–$64,000.
3. Upscale – A complete remodel. The entire kitchen is stripped to the floor and walls, the floorplan can be redesigned, and everything—plumbing, electrical work, flooring, appliances, countertops, lighting, tilework—can all be replaced. An upscale, major kitchen remodel costs approximately $126,000.

The final cost of your remodel will be lower when you don’t change the overall design of the kitchen layout. For instance, moving a window or a sink to somewhere else in the kitchen can add $1,500–$4,500 per item move to the project due to the need for permits, dust removal, drywall, and new plumbing and electrical work.

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Small Kitchen Remodel Costs

To upgrade a pre-existing kitchen, you can expect to pay anywhere between $4,000 and $20,000. A small kitchen renovation is typically defined by a space that is around 75 square feet or smaller. For these projects, if you know how to contribute some DIY work, you can stretch your budget much further.

Consider narrower cabinets, because most people don’t use the space at the back of cabinets, you can get cabinets that aren’t as deep but are better designed for full access—with pull-out baskets, spice drawers, sectioned drawers, corner cabinet carousels, etc. Fill an extra space with narrow filler cabinets with sliders. Consider reducing a double sink to a single for more workspace as well.

Whether you plan on increasing storage or upgrading appliances, before you do any significant work yourself, be sure to consult with a kitchen remodeler. This is particularly important if you plan to knock out walls. The last thing you want to do is knock out a wall that connects to a supporting beam.

10x10 Kitchen Remodel Costs

As you increase the size of your project in regards to the square footage, you can expect to pay more. For example, a medium-sized space is typically defined as an area that is between 75 and 100+ square feet, costing between $15,000 and $30,000. For 12' x 12' kitchens between 150 and 175 square feet, which is around the average size, renovations range from $20,000 to $45,000.

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Cost To Update a Large Kitchen

In comparison, a large renovation of 200 square feet or more) can cost $45,000+, or even $100,000 and beyond for upscale remodels. In this case, extensive work is done, including the addition of built-in appliances, a double oven, a seating island, recycling station, and more.

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Typical New Kitchen Remodeling Costs

Exactly how much should you expect to pay for each particular aspect of a kitchen remodel? The longer a remodeling company has been in business, the more connections they’re going to have. They’ll know who has the best prices, quality, and service; and they’ll be able to pull it all together faster.

In order of expense, expect to pay the most for the services and products at the top of the following list. The nationwide, ballpark numbers are for a 125 sq. ft. kitchen.

Average Cost To Redo A Kitchen

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Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets

When remodeling a kitchen, most homeowners begin with their kitchen cabinets. After all, cabinets significantly impact the kitchen's overall first impression. Those that are dated or damaged can leave future buyers underwhelmed, even if the kitchen has immense potential. On average, you can expect to pay between $3,000–$8,000, depending on whether or not you choose custom cabinets.

• Pre-made, stock products are affordable at a cost between $75 and $150 per linear foot. They are readily available from home improvement stores but are limited in designs and sizes.
• Semi-custom options run between $100 and $900 per linear foot and are made in the same sizes as pre-made options. These cabinets can be detailed for an additional fee, and options include door fronts, resizing drawers, and cabinet depth.
• Custom cabinets can cost up to $1,500 per linear foot, and this option requires a skilled carpenter and cabinetmaker. This is by far the most expensive option, but you can design them any way you want them to look.

If you're purchasing the cabinets on your own, expect to pay an additional 50-75% of the cost of the cabinets for installation.

Kitchen Cabinets Cost

$5K+

Cabinet Refacing Cost

$5K+

Cost to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets

Alternatively, you can achieve great results by either refinishing or refacing pre-existing cabinets. To compare:

• Refinishing – Refinishing will yield a brand-new look without having to replace the cabinets themselves. While you will need to hire a professional for the best result, this will still allow you to benefit from significant savings, costing between $1,500 and $3,500.
• Refacing – The average cost to reface your cabinets is between $3,500 and $9,000. To reface your cabinets, you can choose from various materials and designs, resulting in a fresh look for a fraction of the cost (compared to newly installed cabinets). Once again, to ensure that this option is done right and do the highest standards, a contractor is highly recommended.
• Hardware – Handles or knobs for your kitchen cabinets and drawers can cost from as little as $2 to $20 each.

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New Kitchen Appliances Cost

Installing new appliances costs between $100 to $300 per appliance on average. By installing higher quality appliances, you can instantly improve your home's value. If you’ve been thinking of keeping your older appliances, keep in mind that most kitchen appliances only last 10-12 years and can cost $250-$500 to repair; and you might end up saving more money by replacing them with warrantied, newer models now. Newer stainless steel appliances are smudge free, and there are many options available, including:

• Standard Appliances – Often are those that lack additional features and often do not last as long as higher-end options. However, things such as a microwave or garbage disposal do the job and will fit most layouts. Average cost: $200 to $1000.
• Energy Star-rated Appliances – Are certified as energy-efficient. Although they often cost more upfront, homeowners benefit from lower utility bills, longer lifespans, and many states offer residential rebates and incentives to help make your home more resourceful. Look for this certification when purchasing your dishwasher, freezer, fridge, and even lights. Average cost: $300 to $3,000.
• High-end Appliances – Often yield a similar lifespan to Energy Star appliances. However, they tend to offer additional features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, sensors, etc. Average cost: $1,000 to $5,000+.
• Custom Appliances – Custom appliances are built-in to your kitchen space will be the most expensive. Although they take of less floor space, which is attractive to many homeowners, they may require structural changes. Average cost: $1,500 to $10,000+.

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Kitchen Countertops Cost

Another common renovation is installing new countertops. The cost to do so varies widely, depending on the materials used and the total measures required. When choosing a material, it is important to consider not only the look of the countertop but also its level of functionality.

As you would expect, seamless materials, such as granite, are more durable and more costly. In comparison, you can opt for materials that add less value, such as concrete, to keep your costs down. Whether you choose wood, marble, quartz, or limestone, you can expect to pay an average rate between $2,000 and $4,500 to install the countertops of your choosing.

Granite Countertops Cost

$100/sqft

Marble Countertops Cost

$60/sqft

Quartz Countertops Cost

$60/sqft

Repair or Refinish Kitchen Countertops

If your countertop has no widespread damage, it might be more cost efficient to fill chips and scratches, re-sand, retile, refinish, re-glue, or re-laminate existing countertop for an average cost of $80–$1,600.

Kitchen Tile Backsplash

Ceramic tiles are the most popular option at approx. $10/sq. ft. installed, while stainless steel can cost approx. $25/sq. ft. installed. A backsplash can cost less if the same materials are installed elsewhere in the kitchen at the same time.

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Kitchen Floor Remodel Cost

Then there's the cost of flooring, which is between $1,400 to $5,000 and highly dependent on the material selected and the overall square footage. While vinyl is an excellent option in terms of affordability, it does not add much value to a home. In comparison, granite and hardwood flooring will increase value, but at a higher cost. While wood floors are popular, most remodelers don’t recommend having them in your kitchen because they are so susceptible to moisture.

Tile Installation Cost

$5/sqft

Hardwood Flooring Cost

$2-8K

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Kitchen Makeover Design Costs

While hiring a kitchen designer might seem like an unnecessary expense, they are often the most connected to other contractors. If you bundle your services through them, they can offer up to 20% in discounts for you. Designers often offer free consultations so they can give you a more accurate estimate of the end cost.

Design fees can account for anywhere between three and even ten percent of your budget. Charging an average of $100 to $200 per hour, professional kitchen designers can help you make your vision come to life. Although some homeowners pay $5,000+ to work with certified professionals, you can also request a flat fee.

Designers can help you select the best materials and colors, based on your unique vision and space. They may also provide services such as 3D rendering and overall support, as you work with various suppliers and contractors.

Kitchen Remodel Labor Costs

In terms of labor, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2,000 and $6,000 in installation fees. It's recommended to put aside 15% of your budget to account for labor costs. Depending on the size and space of your kitchen, as well as the features you desire, hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor can help you get the most out of your budget.

Plumbing Costs

Older homes might need the whole home’s plumbing replaced due to narrow or rotting pipes. Plumbing services include sink and faucet installation costs, new piping, and often make up less than 5% of your expenses. Each of these services are billed individually unless you work out a project cost with your plumber.

• Installing a kitchen faucet costs $120 to $300, whereas a kitchen sink costs $230 to $650 for labor.
• Rearranging appliances requires new plumbing piping that costs $450 to $1,800.

Electrical and Lighting Costs

Whether you require electrical work, which costs between $50 and $100 per hour, or you need to move gas lines, costing between $250 and $800 on average, this type of work needs to be done professionally. Typically, you can expect to spend 5% of your total budget on electrical work.

Older homes typically don’t have enough amps to handle modern demand. Any new work will need to be wired with a new meter, paneling and piping, which can cost $1,000+ to bring it up from the older 60 amps to the modern 200 amps or more. If you move appliances to other parts of the kitchen or install new lighting anywhere no lights have been before, this cost will be factored in. You’ll probably also need new outlets at an average price of $150.

Painting Costs

Interior painting costs more for a kitchen than painting a regular room because of the need to cover cabinets, remove appliances, and remove outlet covers. The walls will probably need to be primed and then painted with a semi-gloss to make the paint last well in such a high-traffic area. Expect painting costs to be around $800 to $1,500 depending on how much wall space is visible.

Permit Costs

Building permits cost $500 to $1,500 on average. Permits are required if you move walls, or if you install new electrical wiring, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Your contractor should take care of this for you, and all necessary permits should be filed and approved before any work begins.

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Kitchen Remodeling On A Budget

Designers and contractors are usually willing to work with any remodeling project, so it’s best to know your budget up front and fit as much as you can into that amount. The more set in stone your plans are, the less chance there will be of additional charges later.

Basic & Low-End Kitchen Remodel Costs

For example, if you are willing to spend up to $15,000, you will be able to complete a more basic renovation. To keep your costs as low as possible, you will likely need to do some of the work yourself, hiring professionals for all specialty work. Also, try to purchase materials yourself and have the space clean and ready for installation.

Mid-Range Kitchen Upgrade Costs

In comparison, for those willing to spend between $15,000 and $30,000, you will also be able to use higher-end materials, benefit from custom cabinetry, the addition of an island, new flooring, etc.

High-End Kitchen Renovation Cost

For those spending more than $30,000, you will have a lot more freedom in terms of the materials you choose and the overall improvements you make. From the latest appliances to additional overhead lighting, granite countertops to hardwood flooring, at this price point, you may want to consider hiring a kitchen designer.

Make It a Cheap Kitchen Remodel

To save money, here are four essential tips:

1. Don't shy away from DIY whenever possible. However, know your own skills and limits, as you could end up spending more in the long run. For example, rip out old carpeting yourself, but always hire a professional for electrical or plumbing jobs.
2. Since custom cabinetry can quickly chew up more than a quarter of your budget, shop around for stock products you love, passing on custom work.
3. Only renovate what is necessary, either in terms of functionality or the desired value of your home. You can't do everything -- so settle on the upgrades and appliances that are of the highest priority.
4. If you're not in a hurry, complete your renovation in stages. Stages will also help you maintain greater control in terms of your overall budget.

Kitchen Remodel Return On Investment (ROI)

According to the Remodeling 2018 Cost vs. Value Report, you’ll recoup a 54% to 80% return rate in the real estate market and appeal to more home buyers.

• 80% of the cost of a minor kitchen remodel — it will increase your home’s resale value by approx. $17,000.
• 59% of the cost of a midrange or major kitchen remodel — it will increase your home’s resale value by approx. $38,000.
• 54% of the cost of an upscale or major kitchen remodel — it will increase your home’s resale value by approx. $67,000.

Your return on investment also depends on the neighborhood you live in, how much buyers are prepared to pay for a house in your area per square foot, and a mortgage companies willingness to go over their value assessments—no matter how much you have spent on remodeling.

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How to Prepare for a Kitchen Remodel

1. Set your budget based on realistic numbers. Be honest with yourself about what you’re willing to do yourself vs. letting a professional do it.
2. A kitchen designer can save you a lot of money by designing the most efficient layout up front. By using all your space efficiently, you can avoid the much higher cost of an extension.
3. Spend a little more on key products that will be used a lot so they will last.
4. Choose everything and decide on what will be done in advance to help you stay within your budget. Any changes to the initial plan will cost you more down the road.
5. Try not to stay in your home while the work is going on unless you have a second kitchen in the house. You will not be able to cook or eat in there for 3–8 weeks if the remodel is a big one. If you have no choice but to stay, talk to the contractor about isolating the work area and controlling the airflow. Remodeling dust can damage the lungs and cause short- and long-term health problems. Verify the contractor stop and start times, walk-through dates, vacation days, etc.
6. Make sure all cleanup work is included in the quote.

After the Remodel

• Do a complete walkthrough with your contractor to make sure everything included in the initial plan has been completed to your satisfaction.
• Make sure all construction debris and dust have been cleaned up by the contractor.
• Be sure to ask for all the warranties on any products included in the remodel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Average Cost to Gut a Kitchen?

The average cost to gut a kitchen ranges from $300 to $700 but could go as high as $3,000 depending on the size and space that needs demolishing.

What is the Average Cost Renovate a Kitchen?

The average cost to renovate a kitchen depends on the size of your project, with the national average coming in between $14,000 and $22,000, with most homeowners spending around $16,000.

How Much is a Mobile Home Kitchen Remodel?

On average, a mobile home kitchen remodel will cost around $3,000 to $5,000 depending on the size and extent of the project, and the materials used.

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Hiring A Kitchen Remodel Contractor

1. Get at least three detailed bids from qualified contractors by scheduling in-home estimates.
2. Make sure the contractors you are considering are licensed and insured.
3. Don’t pay a large amount of money up front unless the contractors have an excellent online reputation from years of work, and the cost is for product purchases.
4. Check sites like the Better Business Bureau to see if the contractors you are considering have been trustworthy on past projects.

Ultimately, your new kitchen will be as good as the planning you have put into it, and HomeGuide would be happy to help.

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