Updated: December 20, 2024
Reviewed by Carol J Alexander remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.
To provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date cost figures, we gather information from a variety of pricing databases, licensed contractors, and industry experts.
Remodeling a kitchen costs between $10,500 and $30,000, in most cases, with most homeowners spending around $22,500. On the low end, a budget-friendly kitchen remodeling project costs about $8,000. However, depending on the project scope and materials, a luxury kitchen remodel could cost as much as $200,000.
Quick Takeaways:
You could spend as little as $8,000 on your kitchen remodel if you repaint instead of replace cabinets and choose more affordable but less durable materials.
Reduce costs by keeping your kitchen square footage and layout the same.
Most homeowners opt for a mid-range kitchen remodel, which costs between $15,000 and $30,000.
Average kitchen remodel costs
Whether you’re looking for more kitchen storage and counter space or you're tired of looking at outdated cabinets and dealing with failing appliances, a kitchen remodel can be a solid investment. Not only will a remodel improve your enjoyment of one of the most trafficked rooms in your home, but it can also significantly boost home value, providing up to a 96% ROI in 2024.
Keep reading to see what a kitchen remodel will cost for your home and how to get an accurate estimate to ensure you have the budget to make your dream kitchen a reality.
Factors contributing to the cost of a kitchen remodel
Kitchen remodel costs can sit as low as $8,000 and reach up to $200,000 or more, depending on a few key factors.
Begin your remodeling journey by defining the life change you're looking for. Then, make decisions based on that change.
Joseph Patrick
|Owner
Kitchen size
On average, you can expect to spend around $150 per square foot on your kitchen remodel, which means larger kitchens will almost always cost more to remodel than smaller ones. The cost per square foot for minor cosmetic updates could fall as low as $100, while making changes to the layout and upgrading to a luxury kitchen could push the cost per square foot as high as $250.
The average kitchen in the U.S. is between 100 and 200 square feet, which means the typical remodel cost is between $15,000 and $30,000.
Kitchen layout
Changing your kitchen’s footprint may improve its functionality, but it could also be the most expensive aspect of the job. Knocking down or adding walls means moving electrical wiring, replacing the flooring and ceiling, patching drywall, and possibly moving plumbing and gas lines. It also means removing, relocating, or replacing cabinets, countertops, and some appliances, all of which will add to material and labor costs.
Updating the layout may also require hiring an architect or structural engineer for major changes, like removing load-bearing walls to open up the space. Hiring an architect or certified kitchen designer to design your dream kitchen will add at least $2,750 to the overall cost.
When renovating your kitchen, it’s best to start small by focusing on the layout first... This will allow you to plan storage and [design] a workspace that will work best for you.
Drew Mansur
|Co-founder and Director
Utilities
Depending on the work scope and location, hiring a plumber or electrician to move, install, or replace plumbing and electrical fixtures can add $1,000 to $4,000 to your kitchen remodel.
You’ll typically pay toward the higher end of that range if you’re making changes to the layout of your kitchen, while costs will sit closer to $1,000 if you’re just updating the existing fixtures.
Some important considerations that can increase costs include upgrading outlets for more powerful appliances or hardwiring new appliances, installing ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets according to building code, and upgrading lighting to more modern and efficient fixtures. Modernizing your plumbing can include running new water and drain lines for additional appliances — think under-cabinet ice makers, plumbed coffee machines, and pot filler faucets.
Finally, if you don’t already have gas lines for your appliances, the cost to run them to your new appliances can add $200 to $1,300 to your total.
Kitchen cabinets
New kitchen cabinets cost an average of $8,000, or around $300 per linear foot. However, the total for cabinets could range from just $750 to have a professional paint your existing cabinets for an aesthetic refresh only, up to $25,000 or more for new, high-quality, custom wood cabinets. The costs below should help you dial in this portion of your budget.
Cost to paint existing cabinets: $750 to $3,400, or $20 to $60 per linear foot
Cost to sand and stain existing cabinets: $1,000 to $5,000, or $25 to $50 per linear foot
Cost to install new stock wood cabinets: $250 to $650 per cabinet, or $100 to $300 per linear foot
Cost to install new semi-custom wood cabinets: $350 to $800 per cabinet, or $150 to $400 per linear foot
Cost to install new custom wood cabinets: $500 to $1,500 per cabinet, or $200 to $500 or more per linear foot
You can save a few dollars by DIYing some of these projects, like painting, sanding, or staining. Expect to pay between $250 and $500 for the materials, and set aside at least a weekend or two to get the job done.
You may also want to budget for a kitchen island for added counter space and greater utility. The cost of a kitchen island depends on the cabinet quality, island size, and countertop material. But on average, expect to pay $4,000 to $8,000.
Appliances
The cost to replace your major kitchen appliances, including your fridge, oven, dishwasher, and built-in microwave, falls between $2,500 and $7,000.
If you’re splurging on high-end, luxury appliances, you could pay $25,000 or more for a full appliance package.
"When on a budget, you can hold off on replacing the appliances until you have more funds," says Gina Cito, an NKBA-certified designer. But, then, you won’t have the advantage of implementing all the latest technology into your cooking experience.
Kitchen countertops
New countertops come in a wide variety of materials and prices. Here is a breakdown of the most popular countertop materials and their cost per square foot. Keep in mind that prices can vary based on the edge profile, whether you want a full slab or prefabricated pieces, and your location.
Given that the average measurement for a kitchen countertop is 30 square feet, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,700 for new counter material (unless you go with laminate, which starts at just $240).
Popular countertop materials and their costs
Flooring
High-traffic areas like the kitchen deserve a durable and easy-to-clean floor. Innovations in flooring technology make it possible to have the look and feel of luxury without the price tag.
Here is a breakdown of the most popular kitchen flooring materials by square foot. The average floor space of a kitchen is about 170 square feet, meaning you’ll likely pay between $500 and $4,250 for materials alone.
Popular flooring materials and their costs
Labor
Between 50% and 60% of your kitchen remodel cost will go toward labor, which puts the average total labor cost at $11,250.
That percentage could be lower if you’re buying higher-quality materials, like marble countertops and hardwood flooring, and it could reach up to 70% if you choose more affordable materials. These total labor costs include all of the professionals you’ll need to get the job done, including plumbers, electricians, and general contractors.
The cost breakdown of a full kitchen remodel
Three typical budgets of a kitchen remodel
To make things easy, we’ve broken down kitchen remodel costs into three pricing tiers. Here, we’ll look at each tier, what it could include, and the cost range.
Cosmetic or small kitchen remodel
A cosmetic kitchen remodel or small kitchen remodel focuses on the aesthetic of your kitchen, and it’s the most affordable option. Rather than ripping out and replacing everything, it will include refinishing cabinets, replacing backsplashes, and updating plumbing and electrical fixtures.
The national average cost of a basic remodel ranges from $8,000 to $16,000. For this makeover budget, you could include any combination of the following:
Painted or refaced cabinets with new hardware
Replacing the countertops with laminate or stock butcher block
Updated lighting fixtures
New plumbing fixtures
New energy-efficient appliances
New, easy-to-clean flooring
Mid-range kitchen remodel
You may opt for a mid-range kitchen remodel if you have more wiggle room in your budget. The average cost of a mid-level remodel is $16,000 to $30,000. In this tier, you may make minor changes to the layout to improve traffic flow, but the majority of the work will include replacing cabinets, countertops, and flooring with mid-grade materials, as well as upgrading appliances. For this budget, you could include any combination of the following:
Semi-custom cabinets with a few specialty features like a spice cabinet, rolling shelves, and other pull-outs
New, upgraded countertops and tile backsplash
Added features like an island or pantry
Designer features like lighting, sleek countertop appliances, and other accessories
Upgraded finishes to include natural materials like hardwood and stone for flooring and countertops.
A few higher-end kitchen appliances like an under-cabinet ice maker or warming oven.
High-end kitchen remodel
This level of project costs between $30,000 and $60,000 in most cases, but prices can reach up to $200,000 or more for a luxury kitchen. Certified kitchen designers who work with high-end clients report that the cost of a luxury kitchen starts at 10-20% of the home’s value. So, expect to pay even more if your home is valued at over $1 million.
With this level of remodel, you’ll replace or change virtually everything in the space. You’ll also upgrade to top-of-the-line materials, appliances, and fixtures. Since you’ll be gutting the entire room, you’ll also have the opportunity to remove walls, relocate plumbing and electrical fixtures, change the location of appliance hook-ups, and even increase the square footage of your kitchen.
A good portion of the budget — between $5,000 and $40,000, in most cases — at this tier will go toward hiring a professional kitchen designer. The sky’s the limit at this level, and you can choose from the following options:
An increase in the size of your kitchen, with a new floor plan
Custom cabinetry with designer built-ins and distinctive pieces
Highest-quality materials, like marble and cherry wood, on all surfaces
Design elements like crown molding, custom windows, and cove lighting
Statement pieces that reflect your personality, like a chandelier, tiled mural, stained glass, or specialty artwork
Professional-grade appliances from top manufacturers like Wolf, Sub-Zero, or La Cornue, with the option for custom fronts that match the cabinets
Additional appliances, like wine coolers, trash compactors, built-in water dispensers, and more
Budgeting for your kitchen remodel
While kitchen remodels add tons of value to your home, they’re still pricey, even if you just do a basic makeover. There are a few things to consider to nail down your budget and make sure you have the funds to complete the project before getting started.
Plan ahead
The first phase of the kitchen remodeling timeline is planning. It’s a good idea to work out everything you want to include in your remodel up front, which often means working with a professional who can guide you on your decisions.
You may be focused on the cabinet materials and backsplash design, but a pro will also account for less obvious expenses, like permit costs or an upgraded service panel to support high-end appliances. Work with an expert to avoid running into unexpected fees in the middle of your remodel.
Financing options
If you don’t have the cash in the bank, consult with a lender regarding how to pay for your kitchen. Many homeowners use a home equity loan, a home equity line of credit (HELOC), or bundle the remodel cost with their mortgage with a home renovation loan. Before approaching a lender, have a cost estimate prepared by a professional.
Ways to save money on kitchen renovation
There are many ways to achieve a stylish, updated kitchen on a budget. If you need to reduce the cost of your kitchen remodel, here are some money-saving tips to consider:
DIY what you can: While she doesn't suggest skimping on hiring licensed professionals like electricians and plumbers, Cito recommends homeowners on a budget do what they can themselves, like painting.
Keep what you can: If your appliances are in working condition, replace them sometime down the road to reduce upfront costs. Any elements you can postpone replacing will save you money now.
Choose budget-friendly materials: Choose more affordable materials that will still make your kitchen shine, like LVP or LVT flooring and quartzite rather than quartz countertops.
Go for painted cabinets: Painted cabinets are less expensive than hardwood because they use poplar for the fronts rather than more expensive oak, walnut, or cherry.
Consider government incentives: If you’re upgrading your appliances, look for home energy efficiency incentives for Energy Star-rated appliances to save some money.
Let’s get cooking
Creating your dream kitchen doesn’t just make you happy — it also adds to your home’s value. The good news is, any scope of kitchen renovation brings a sizeable return on investment compared to other home improvement projects.
FAQ: Kitchen remodeling costs
A kitchen remodel costs $150 per square foot, on average. The quality of materials and extent of the work can bring that number as low as $100 or as high as $250 or more. For instance, high-end materials like marble or granite countertops cost much more than laminate countertops of the same square footage.
Expect to pay an average of $21,600 to remodel a 12x12 kitchen. An aesthetic makeover of the space could cost as little as $14,400, while a high-end remodel including luxury materials and changes to the layout could cost $36,000 or more.
The average cost to remodel a kitchen is $22,500, so that’s a good place to start planning your budget. If you can refinish cabinets, keep your appliances, and resist the urge to change the layout, you could pay as little as $8,000 for a basic full-kitchen upgrade. It’s wise to budget for 10% to 30% more than you expect to pay, just in case things change once the project is underway.
The cabinets and countertops will eat up the bulk of your remodeling budget, as will a new appliance package. And if you need to make structural changes, moving plumbing lines and electrical wiring will take another large chunk.
Your first step to a successful remodel is to consult with a certified kitchen designer or a design-builder who also does remodeling work. A designer's knowledge of the industry and the product market is invaluable when it comes to making all the decisions that come with the job. If you can't afford an interior designer, at least work with the kitchen design center in a home improvement store like The Home Depot or a cabinet shop.
Carol J Alexander is a home remodeling industry expert for Fixr.com. For more than 15 years as a journalist and content marketer, her in-depth research, interviewing skills, and technical insight have ensured she provides the most accurate and current information on a given topic. Before joining the Fixr team, her personal clients included leaders in the building materials market like Behr Paint Company, CertainTeed, and Chicago Faucet, and national publications like This Old House and Real Homes.