What’s the Average Cost to Remodel a Kitchen? (Your Ultimate Guide)

Hello there! If you’re dreaming of a shiny new kitchen, you’re in for an exciting journey!

I know what it’s like to stand in your old kitchen, perhaps staring at that outdated countertop or the cabinets that just don’t hold enough anymore, and think, “It’s time for a change.”

But before you pick out that perfect shade of paint, there’s a big question we need to answer: How much is this all going to cost?

Remodeling a kitchen is one of the biggest and best investments you can make in your home. It’s the heart of the home, after all! However, the costs can jump around a lot.

Think of it like buying a car—you can choose a simple, affordable model or a luxury one with all the bells and whistles.

I’ve put together this detailed guide to break down the average costs, help you understand where your money goes, and give you some smart tricks to keep your budget on track.

My goal is to give you everything you need to plan a high-value kitchen remodel without feeling overwhelmed.

The Big Picture: What is the Average Kitchen Remodel Cost?

The national average cost to remodel a kitchen is currently around $26,256. But don’t let that number scare you or give you a false sense of security!

The real price tag for your specific project could range from a minor facelift that costs as low as $10,000 all the way up to a complete luxury overhaul that runs $70,000 or more.

A good rule of thumb that industry experts and I often recommend is to budget between 5% and 15% of your home’s total value for your kitchen renovation.

Example: If your home is valued at $300,000, you should aim to spend between $15,000 and $45,000 on your kitchen remodel. This helps ensure that your investment will pay off when and if you decide to sell your home later.

The Three Tiers of Kitchen Remodeling

Not all kitchen remodels are created equal. I like to think of them in three main categories, each with a very different price range and scope of work.

Remodel Type	Average Cost Range	What’s Included (The Goal)
1. Minor/Cosmetic	$10,000 – $25,000	A Refresh: Simple updates, like painting walls, refacing (not replacing) cabinets, adding a new backsplash, and replacing hardware and light fixtures. The layout stays the same.
2. Mid-Range Major	$30,000 – $60,000	Remove & Replace: Replacing all cabinets with stock or semi-custom models, new mid-level appliances, new countertops (like quartz or granite), new flooring, and some new lighting. The layout stays mostly the same.
3. Upscale/Luxury	$70,000 – $150,000+	Redesign & Renovate: Completely customized layout, high-end custom cabinetry, commercial-grade appliances, premium countertops (like marble), moving plumbing/walls, and professional design fees. Everything is new and top-of-the-line.

What Factors Drive the Cost Up or Down?

Understanding what affects the final bill is key to planning a budget you can actually stick to. I’ve noticed that most of the cost hinges on a few major decisions you have to make.

1. The Scope of Work (How Much Changes)

• Staying Put vs. Moving Lines: This is the biggest cost factor. If you keep your sink, stove, and dishwasher in the exact same spot, you save a ton of money. Moving the sink even a few feet means calling in a plumber to move water and drain lines, which is expensive.
• Structural Changes: Do you want to knock down a wall to create an open concept? That is a major expense. Not only does it cost money to take the wall down, but you might need a structural engineer and a permit, which adds time and money.

2. Materials (Quality, Quality, Quality)

Your choices here can make a $10,000 kitchen look like a $50,000 kitchen.

• Cabinets: Cabinets are often the single most expensive part of a remodel, eating up about 30-40% of the total budget.
  • Stock: Ready-made, off-the-shelf cabinets are the cheapest.
  • Semi-Custom: A middle ground where you can choose some sizes and features.
  • Custom: Built specifically for your kitchen space—the most expensive option, but they fit perfectly.
• Countertops: Laminate is the cheapest, while granite, quartz, and marble are much pricier. For instance, a basic laminate countertop might cost $25–$70 per square foot, while high-end quartz can easily be over $100 per square foot installed.
• Appliances: You can choose basic, functional appliances or go for high-tech, integrated, stainless steel models with all the fancy features.

3. Labor and Location

• Location: Like everything else in real estate, kitchen remodel costs vary by where you live. Labor and material costs are higher in big cities or on the coasts compared to more rural areas.
• The Pro Team: Hiring a contractor, plumber, electrician, and a designer (especially a design-build firm that handles everything) will increase your cost, but it usually saves you a lot of headache and time. Doing it yourself (DIY) saves on labor but requires a lot of skill and patience.

Where Does the Money Go? A Budget Breakdown

When you’re putting together your budget, I think it’s smart to see how the total cost is usually divided up. This common breakdown from industry experts is a great starting point for your planning:

Category	Estimated Percentage of Total Budget	Why It Costs So Much
Cabinetry & Hardware	30% – 40%	The most visual and complex component; involves materials, construction, and installation.
Installation & Labor	15% – 25%	Includes the contractor, plumber, electrician, and specialized installers.
Appliances & Ventilation	10% – 15%	Your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave, and range hood.
Countertops	10% – 15%	Cost depends heavily on the material (laminate vs. quartz/granite).
Flooring	5% – 8%	Ceramic tile, hardwood, or vinyl plank.
Plumbing & Electrical	5% – 8%	Sinks, faucets, lighting, and moving any outlets or switches.
Other (Paint, Backsplash, Design Fees)	5% – 10%	The finishing touches and professional help.

Pros and Cons of a Major vs. Minor Remodel

Deciding whether to go all-in or just give things a light polish is a major decision. Here is a quick comparison to help you choose what’s best for your home and your wallet.

Minor/Cosmetic Remodel (The Facelift)

Pros:

• Best Return on Investment (ROI): Historically, minor remodels recoup a very high percentage of their cost when you sell—sometimes as much as 80-90%!
• Fast and Less Messy: The project timeline is much shorter (often just a few weeks).
• Saves Money: Obviously, keeping existing structures saves thousands on plumbing, electrical, and demolition.
• DIY Friendly: Painting, installing a backsplash, or replacing hardware can easily be done by you to save on labor.

Cons:

• Limited Impact: You’re stuck with the old layout, even if it’s not perfect.
• Only a Surface Fix: Any hidden problems (like old wiring or water damage) won’t be fixed.
• Less Customization: You can’t have that big kitchen island or pantry addition you really wanted.

Major/Upscale Remodel (The Full Overhaul)

Pros:

• Dream Kitchen: You get the exact look and layout you want, creating a truly custom space.
• Improved Functionality: You can fix bad layouts, add islands, and create more efficient storage.
• Future-Proofing: All new plumbing, electrical, and structures mean fewer repair headaches down the road.
• High Value: Using high-end, durable materials creates a stunning, long-lasting kitchen.

Cons:

• Highest Cost: The price is significantly higher, and can easily run into six figures.
• Lower ROI Percentage: While the dollar value added is huge, the percentage return on a super-expensive remodel is usually lower.
• Long and Difficult: Demolition and construction can take months, making it tough to live in your home.
• Permits Required: You’ll almost certainly need permits, which adds complexity and cost.

How to Save Money on Your Kitchen Remodel

I know that not everyone has an unlimited budget! Luckily, there are many smart ways to cut costs without sacrificing the look and feel of your new kitchen.

1. Do Not Move the Plumbing or Electric

• Keep the Footprint: As I mentioned before, this is the single best way to save. If your sink, dishwasher, and stove stay in their original spots, you avoid the most expensive labor (plumbing and electrical).

2. Reface or Paint Your Cabinets

• Facelift, Not Replacement: If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound, simply painting them a new color or “refacing” them (putting new doors and drawer fronts on the old frames) can save you thousands.

3. Mix and Match Materials

• Splurge and Save: Do you love expensive marble? Put it on a small, central island where it makes a statement. Then, use a more affordable, durable material like butcher block or a less-expensive quartz on the rest of the perimeter countertops.
• Budget Backsplash: A simple, classic subway tile is one of the cheapest backsplash materials, but it looks clean and timeless. Avoid fancy mosaics or complicated patterns, which require more expensive labor to install.

4. Do the Simple Labor Yourself (DIY)

• Paint is Your Friend: You can save hundreds of dollars by painting the walls and ceilings yourself. This is an easy-to-learn task that makes a massive difference.
• The Finishing Touches: Installing your own cabinet hardware (knobs and pulls), replacing light fixtures, or installing a simple peel-and-stick vinyl floor are all great ways to save on labor costs.

5. Shop Smart for Appliances

• Buy a Floor Model: Check home improvement stores for discounted “floor models” or for sales during major holiday weekends (like Black Friday or Labor Day).
• Function Over Status: Do you really need the professional-grade, six-burner stove? Choosing quality, energy-efficient appliances from a reliable, mid-range brand will save you money and still look great.

A Few Final Words from Me on Planning

Remodeling your kitchen is a huge undertaking, but it is incredibly rewarding. I want you to go into this process with both eyes open.

• Set a Cushion: Always, always set aside an extra 10% to 15% of your budget for unexpected problems. When walls come down in an older home, you might discover old plumbing, outdated wiring, or minor structural issues. You’ll thank me later for this safety cushion.
• Get Three Quotes: Get at least three detailed bids from different contractors. Make sure you compare exactly what they are including (or not including) in their final price.
• Value is More Than Cost: A high-value remodel isn’t just about the money you spend; it’s about the value it brings to your daily life. A well-designed, functional kitchen that you love to be in is priceless.