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How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?
Kitchen Remodeling

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?

Remodeling a kitchen can be an exciting but costly project. Typically, it costs from $12,000 to $60,000, with an average cost of around $25,000. However, the price for remodeling the kitchen can vary widely based on factors like the size of the kitchen, the quality of materials, and the extent of the renovations.

This article will break down these costs, comparing them based on various factors like the size of the kitchen, the materials used, and the extent of the renovation. We’ll also explain what these costs include and share tips on how to save money without losing the quality.

Keep reading to find out how you can achieve your dream kitchen within your budget.

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Average Cost of Kitchen Remodeling by Project Scope

The first step to planning your remodeling budget is understanding the scope of your project. Depending on the current condition of your kitchen, appliances, walls, or flooring, as well as your available money, you may want to do a minor, major, or high-end remodel. Let’s look at what you can expect.

Minor Remodel ($12,000–$25,000)

A minor kitchen remodel focuses on improving aesthetics and functionality without changing the kitchen layout. It typically includes:

  • Painting walls for a fresh look.
  • Refinishing or refacing cabinets or replacing them with stock cabinets.
  • Keeping existing appliances or replacing one or two with energy-efficient options.
  • Upgrading flooring or countertops.
  • Installing a new kitchen sink and faucet.
  • Installing a new backsplash.
  • Replacing basic appliances.
  • Updating fixtures and hardware.
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Major Remodel ($25,000–$60,000)

A major kitchen remodel involves more extensive updates and customization. This includes everything in a minor remodel, plus:

  • Replacing all cabinets and installing new, custom, or semi-custom cabinets.
  • Installing high-end countertops made of materials like quartz or marble.
  • Upgrading to premium appliances.
  • Adding a kitchen island.
  • New durable and stylish flooring options like hardwood or tile.
  • Reconfiguring the kitchen's design, which may involve moving plumbing and electrical lines.

High-End Remodel ($60,000–$150,000+)

A high-end kitchen remodel is a complete overhaul with luxury materials and features. This includes everything in a major remodel, plus:

  • Fully custom cabinets tailored to your kitchen.
  • Professional-grade, high-tech appliances with advanced features.
  • Premium countertops and backsplashes made of rare or expensive materials like exotic stone or custom tile designs.
  • High-end fixtures and lighting: designer faucets, custom lighting solutions, and smart home integrations.
  • Structural changes: expanding the kitchen space, adding windows or skylights, or removing walls to create an open floor plan.
  • Specialty features: wine coolers, built-in espresso machines, warming drawers, and other luxury additions.
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Understand Your Full Kitchen Remodel Budget

It’s crucial to understand your budget to plan your kitchen remodel effectively. Here’s a detailed breakdown of typical costs:

  • New custom or stock cabinets, or refacing existing ones
  • Soft-close drawers and cabinets
  • Various finishes: paint, stain, or laminate
  • Organizational inserts like pull-out trays or lazy Susans
  • Decorative hardware: drawer pulls, knobs, and hinges in various materials and finishes

Cabinetry and Hardware (25-30% of budget)

Price range: $3,000 – $18,000+, with custom cabinetry potentially exceeding $30,000.

Installation (15-20%)

  • Labor costs for all aspects of putting everything in place
  • Includes electrical work: moving outlets, installing new lighting
  • Plumbing work: moving sink location, installing new fixtures
  • Carpentry: modifying or building structures, trim work
  • Drywall repair and finishing
Price range: $3,500 – $6,000+, more for complex layouts or high-end finishes.

Appliances (10-15%)

  • Major appliances: refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher, microwave
  • Smaller appliances: range hood, garbage disposal, wine cooler
  • Can include smart home features or professional-grade options
  • Energy-efficient models may cost more upfront but save on bills
Price range: $2,000 – $15,000+, with high-end or custom appliances potentially exceeding $30,000.

Countertops (10-15%)

  • Materials ranging from budget-friendly laminate to luxury stone or quartz
  • Options include granite, marble, butcher block, concrete, or recycled glass
  • Costs typically include fabrication and installation
  • Special edging or built-in drainboards can add to the price

Price range: $2,000 – $6,000+, with rare stones or large kitchens potentially exceeding $10,000.

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Flooring (7-10%)

  • Options include ceramic tile, luxury vinyl, hardwood, or engineered wood
  • Costs include underlayment, adhesives, and grout where applicable
  • Installation complexity varies by material
  • Consider durability and water resistance for kitchen use

Price range: $1,500 – $4,500+, with high-end materials or complex patterns costing more.

Lighting (5-7%)

  • Overhead lighting: recessed lights, chandeliers, or pendant lights
  • Task lighting: under-cabinet lights, over-sink lighting
  • Accent lighting: in-cabinet or toe-kick lighting
  • Includes fixtures, bulbs, and installation
  • Smart lighting systems may add to the cost
Price range: $500 – $2,000+, with designer fixtures or complex systems costing more.

Walls and Ceiling (5-6%)

  • Paint or wallpaper for walls and ceiling
  • Backsplash installation: tile, glass, or other materials
  • Drywall repair or replacement if needed
  • Texturing or other decorative wall treatments
Price range: $800 – $1,500+, more for high-end materials or extensive repairs.
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Doors and Windows (4-5%)

  • Replacement or addition of exterior door to patio or deck
  • New windows or expanding existing ones for more light
  • Can include sliding doors or French doors
  • Price includes materials, framing, and installation

Price range: $500 – $1,000+ per item, with custom or energy-efficient options costing more.

Faucets and Plumbing (4-5%)

  • Kitchen sink: single or double basin, undermount or drop-in
  • Faucet: various styles including pull-down sprayers or touchless options
  • Water filtration systems
  • Garbage disposal unit
  • Any necessary pipe relocation or upgrades
Price range: $250 – $1,500+, with high-end fixtures or extensive plumbing work costing more.

Design Costs (4-5%)

  • Professional kitchen designer or architect fees
  • Includes initial consultations, design plans, and project management
  • Can help with material selection and coordination with contractors
  • May save money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes

Price range: $1,000 – $4,000+, depending on the complexity of the project and level of involvement.

These are general ranges based on average kitchen sizes and mid-range selections. Your actual costs may vary significantly based on your specific choices, kitchen size, location, and current market conditions.

What is the Average Cost of a Kitchen Remodel by Location?

Kitchen remodel costs vary widely depending on where you live. Here’s a breakdown of average price ranges for a mid-range kitchen remodel by region:

  • Region Price Range
  • Northwest $25,600 – $61,100
  • Rocky Mountains $12,700 – $39,600
  • Southwest $12,350 – $33,950
  • Mountain Prairie $6,000 – $37,400
  • Midwest $10,500 – $34,300
  • Southeast $12,000 – $32,200
  • Mideast $13,600 – $37,650
  • Northeast $15,600 – $40,300
Different regions in the USA have varying costs for kitchen remodels. The Northwest tends to be the most expensive, while the Mountain Prairie region offers more affordable options.
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Difference Between Kitchen Remodel, Renovation, and Expansion

Depending on your budget and needs, you may want to remodel, renovate, or expand your kitchen. What is the difference between them?

Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel involves changing the structure or purpose of the kitchen space, such as:

  • Enlarging the kitchen
  • Changing the layout
  • Adding or removing walls
  • Finishing an attic or basement to expand the kitchen
  • Remodeling is typically more expensive than renovating
  • Large-scale remodels may have a lower return on investment (ROI) compared to basic renovations.

Kitchen Renovation

The cost to renovate a kitchen is usually lower than a remodel. It is smaller in scope and involves making the space more attractive, pleasant, or functional without changing the structure or purpose.
Popular renovation projects include:

  • Replacing cabinet hardware
  • Painting a room
  • Installing new light fixtures
  • Replacing cabinets with open shelving
  • Renovations are usually less expensive than remodeling
  • Basic renovations that keep a home in top shape can give a relatively high ROI

Kitchen Expansion

Expanding the kitchen involves increasing the overall floor size by adding another room or making a room larger. To expand the kitchen, you will need to sacrifice some of the yard space. When planning a kitchen remodel, now is the perfect time to expand the space or add features that were missing in the original design.
Options for expanding include:

  • Taking space away from another room
  • Combining two rooms
  • Increasing storage or counter space
  • Creating a layout that better connects the kitchen to other rooms
The most important thing to do when planning a kitchen renovation or expansion is to set aside the kitchen budget first, as the kitchen yields the highest return on investment. It is recommended that the cost of a new kitchen be no more than 5-15% of the current value of your home.
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Benefits of Remodeling Your Kitchen

Remodeling your kitchen can bring numerous advantages to your home and daily life. Here are the key benefits:

Increased Home Value

Kitchen upgrades often provide a high return on investment, can boost your home's resale value, and make your home more attractive to potential buyers

Improved Functionality

Remodeling allows you to redesign the layout, add more storage, and upgrade appliances. With a new kitchen, you will cook more efficiently and enjoyable.

Energy Efficiency

New appliances and lighting fixtures are often more energy efficient. This can reduce your utility bills and is better for the environment.

Better Aesthetics

A remodeled kitchen will transform the look and feel of your home. Choosing new colors, materials, and designs can make your kitchen more inviting and stylish.

Better Use of Space

Remodeling can help you make better use of the available space. You can add an island, create more counter space, or open up the kitchen to other areas of the house.

Increased Safety

Upgrading old appliances and electrical systems can reduce the risk of accidents. Modern kitchens are designed with safety features that protect your family.

Personalized Style

Choose colors and materials that reflect your taste. Create a space that matches your lifestyle. Add specific features that suit your needs. Blend the kitchen style with the rest of your home.

Healthier Environment

New materials and better ventilation can improve air quality. It offers a healthier environment for your family.

Customization

Remodeling allows you to tailor the kitchen to your specific needs and preferences. You can choose everything from the layout to the finishes, making it uniquely yours.

Health Benefits

Easier-to-clean surfaces reduce bacteria growth. Improved ventilation offers better air quality. In addition, more space for preparing healthy, home-cooked meals reduces stress from working in a pleasant environment.

Adaptability for the Future

This includes flexible spaces that can adapt to changing needs, timeless design elements that won't quickly go out of style, and infrastructure updates that support future tech additions.

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When Is It Time for a Kitchen Remodel?

  • Outdated Design: If your kitchen looks like it belongs in a different decade, it might be time for an update. An outdated design can make your home feel old and less appealing. Modernizing your kitchen can enhance its appearance and functionality.
  • Worn-Out Materials: Materials like countertops, cabinets, and flooring can wear out over time. Cracked tiles, chipped countertops, and peeling cabinet finishes are signs that your kitchen needs a refresh. Replacing these materials can give your kitchen a new life.
  • Poor Layout: A poorly designed kitchen layout can make cooking and cleaning difficult. If you're constantly bumping into things or don't have enough counter space, it's time to rethink the layout. A remodel can create a more efficient and user-friendly space.
  • Lack of Storage: If you're running out of storage space, a kitchen remodel can help. Adding more cabinets, shelves, or a pantry can keep your kitchen organized and free of clutter.
  • Inefficient Appliances: Old appliances can be energy hogs and may not work as well as they should. Upgrading to energy-efficient models can save you money on utility bills and improve your cooking experience. Modern appliances often come with advanced features that make kitchen tasks easier.
  • Damage and Wear: Visible damage like water stains, broken tiles, or warped cabinets are clear signs that your kitchen needs attention. Fixing these issues can prevent further damage and improve the overall look of your kitchen.
  • Changing Needs: Your kitchen needs might change over time. If your family has grown or your cooking habits have changed, your kitchen might no longer meet your needs. A remodel will adapt your kitchen to your current needs.
  • Safety Concerns: Older kitchens might have outdated electrical wiring, plumbing issues, or other safety hazards. Remodeling can address these concerns, making your kitchen safer for you and your family. Upgrading to modern standards is important for safety.
  • Insufficient Lighting: The kitchen feels dark and gloomy, even during the day. As a result, you strain your eyes to read recipes or see into cabinets. Also, outdated lighting fixtures may not provide adequate lighting, and you must rely on one central light fixture for the entire kitchen.
  • Accessibility Issues: The kitchen is hard to use for family members with mobility challenges. If cabinets and appliances are too high or low, they are hard to reach comfortably. Also, you may lack enough room to maneuver a wheelchair or walker.

Tips to Save Budget on Kitchen Remodeling

It can be costly to remodel your kitchen, but you can always save money without losing the quality. Here are some tips to help you stay within budget:

  • Plan and Prioritize Before you start, make a detailed plan. Decide what is most important and prioritize those items. Focus on must-haves first and consider nice-to-have items if your budget allows.
  • Set a Realistic Budget Plan your possible expenses and stick to it. Include an extra fund for unexpected expenses. This will help you avoid overspending.
  • Do It Yourself Where Possible Take on some tasks yourself to save on labor costs for kitchen renovation. Painting walls, installing a backsplash, or assembling cabinets are jobs that you can handle with a bit of research and effort.
  • Shop for Discounts Look for sales and discounts on materials and appliances. Check out clearance sections, online deals, and discount stores. Buying floor models or slightly damaged items can also save money.
  • Choose Affordable Materials Opt for budget-friendly materials that still look great. For example, laminate countertops look like granite, but their price is much more affordable. Vinyl flooring can be a cheaper alternative to hardwood.
  • Keep the Layout Keeping your current kitchen layout can save a lot of money. Moving plumbing, gas lines, and electrical outlets is expensive. Work with the existing structure to cut down on costs.
  • Refurbish Instead of Replace Consider refurbishing existing items instead of buying new ones. Repainting or refacing cabinets can give them a fresh look without the expense of new cabinetry. Refinishing hardwood floors can also save money compared to replacing them.
  • Buy Used or Repurposed Items Check out second-hand stores, salvage yards, or online marketplaces for used or repurposed items. You can find unique and affordable materials, fixtures, and appliances that add character to your kitchen.
  • Avoid Custom Work Custom cabinets and countertops can be very expensive. Standard sizes and off-the-shelf products are more affordable and often just as functional. Customize only where it truly matters.
  • Use Open Shelving Open shelving can be a stylish and cost-effective alternative to upper cabinets. It requires less material and labor, and you can display your dishes and cookware attractively.
  • Light Up Affordably Update lighting without breaking the bank by using track lighting or under-cabinet lights. These are easier to install and more affordable than recessed lighting.
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Doing Everything Yourself vs Hiring a Pro

DIYHiring a Professional
CostLower, as you save on labor costs. However, the budget can be unpredictableHigher, as you pay for labor and expertise. The pro usually offers kitchen remodeling estimates to plan your budget
ExpertiseRequires research and learning new skillsContractors have specialized knowledge and experience
TimeCan take longer, especially if you're inexperienced or working on the project part-timeFaster, as professionals have the experience and resources to complete the project efficiently
ControlFull control over design and scheduleSome compromises may be necessary when working with a contractor
Skill LevelRequires a certain level of skills and knowledgeProfessionals have the necessary skills and experience for all remodeling aspects
QualityThe result will depend on your skills and attention to detailProfessionals deliver high-quality results, often with warranties
Resale ValueDIY projects may not increase value as much as professional workProfessional renovations can significantly boost a home's resale value
StressManaging a renovation can be mentally and physically taxingContractors handle the stress of coordinating subcontractors and timelines
RiskHigher risk of mistakes, which can be costly to fixLower risk of mistakes, as professionals are trained to avoid common errors
Permitting and InspectionsYou're responsible for obtaining necessary permits and ensuring the work meets local codes.Professionals handle all permitting and inspection requirements.
Quality AssuranceYou're responsible for ensuring the quality of the work.Professionals guarantee the quality of their work and offer warranties.
If you decide to hire a professional, Homebuddy.com will become a valuable resource. This is a platform that connects homeowners with local contractors and service professionals. You can easily find and compare kitchen remodelers in your area, read reviews from other homeowners, and get quotes for your project. With Homebuddy.com, you can find the right professional to bring your dream kitchen to life.
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Conclusion

Remodeling your kitchen is an exciting journey that can transform your home’s heart. With careful planning and budgeting, you can create a kitchen that not only meets your needs but also adds value to your property. Whether you decide to remodel your kitchen yourself or hire a pro, remember to research, compare prices, and choose the option that best fits your lifestyle and financial goals. Your dream kitchen awaits!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is kitchen remodeling a worthy investment?
Yes, kitchen remodeling is often a worthy investment. It can significantly increase your home’s resale value, making it appealing to potential buyers. Additionally, a modern and functional kitchen enhances your daily life, making cooking and entertaining more enjoyable. While the initial cost can be high, the long-term benefits often outweigh the expense.
How does a kitchen remodel increase home value?
A kitchen remodel increases home value in several ways. It updates the look and feel of your home, making it more desirable to buyers. A well-designed kitchen can also improve functionality, making it more efficient and appealing. Moreover, modern appliances and energy-efficient features can lower utility bills, which is attractive to potential homeowners.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodeling project?
Cabinets typically take up the biggest chunk of a kitchen remodel budget, often accounting for 30-50% of the total cost. However, other expenses like countertops, appliances, and labor can also significantly impact the overall price. The cost of each element varies depending on the materials, brand, and quality chosen.
What are the ways to reduce the cost of redoing a kitchen?
There are several ways to reduce the kitchen remodel cost. You can opt for refacing cabinets instead of replacing them entirely, choose affordable materials like laminate countertops, and limit major layout changes. Additionally, doing some tasks yourself, like painting or installing a backsplash, can save on labor costs. Shopping around for deals and discounts on appliances and materials can also help you stay within budget.
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