The kitchen is one of the best rooms to remodel first because it increases the value of the house significantly. So, how much does a kitchen remodel cost?

The national average cost to remodel a kitchen is about $22,000. But the full story is not revealed by that figure. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, your new kitchen could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 or more. Remodeling a kitchen typically costs between $12,500 and $33,000.

The cost will vary according to the cabinets’ finishes, style, and color. If you choose more basic cabinets and finishes, you will likely pay the low end of that price range and vice versa if you select more intricate design elements.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown

Estimates are useful for some projects, such as remodeling a kitchen, but prices will likely vary greatly between projects. Here are some cost factors you can expect to have on your kitchen remodel checklist.

Appliances

When designing a new kitchen, one must take into account dishwashers, sinks, faucets, refrigerators, microwaves, cooktops, ovens, range hoods, and other appliances. Prices vary greatly, from less than $100 to $5,000 or more, depending on the item. Don’t forget to budget for the cost of having a kitchen appliance installed, which ranges from $120 to $270.

Finishes and Quality

Different brands offer a range of appliance colors and finishes to choose from, which can change the look of your kitchen remodel. The two most common finishes are stainless steel and white, but there’s also black stainless steel, bronze, copper, and paneled, just to name a few.

The quality of your appliances will also have an impact on your final costs because there are many affordable and upscale options available. For instance, a cheap dishwasher might have fewer racks or dishwashing options but still cleans your dishes. Built-ins and deluxe options are more expensive, but prospective home buyers prefer them.

Energy-Efficiency

A growing number of homeowners today choose to install sophisticated, energy-efficient kitchen appliances. You might decide that the longer-term cost savings from purchasing these, despite their higher initial cost, will be worthwhile.

Reuse Where Possible

Consider saving money by reusing some or all of your current appliances before spending a sizeable sum on brand-new ones. However, you can typically save money by buying a package if your appliances need to be replaced because they have reached the end of their useful lives.

Kitchen Cabinets

New cabinetry is a major component of any kitchen remodel. The cost of kitchen cabinets ranges from $2,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the amount of storage you’re adding and the materials you choose. Self-help removal of outdated cabinets is a great way to cut labor costs.

Cabinets take up nearly 30% of a kitchen remodel budget. To put that into perspective, cabinets can cost around $8,400 in a $30,000 kitchen remodel. That’s more than appliances or labor and installation. Home buyers will prefer custom cabinets with luxurious hardware, but you can save money by buying stock cabinets or refacing or refinishing your current cabinets.

Custom Vs. Stock Cabinets

Custom cabinets are built to order by qualified woodworkers and are made specifically for you when you order them. Choosing each component is necessary, including the size, hardware, and paint shade. All of these advantages, though, come at a price. The average order takes six to eight weeks, and custom cabinets are more expensive than stock options.

“Whether we use stock or custom cabinets in a kitchen remodel, we take the time to find an expert cabinet installer,” says Member of the Angi Expert Review Board and general contractor from Raleigh, North Carolina, Bob Tschudi “Cabinet installation calls for a temperament and skill set that are uncommon and well worth the additional cost. Choose and hire the best cabinet installer by taking your time! Correct cabinet hardware installation will result in flawless closing of doors and drawers.”

Custom cabinets cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed or $300 to $750 per linear foot for the materials alone. Premium custom cabinets will cost between $13,000 and $30,000.

Stock cabinets are affordable and typically made in advance and available for shipping when you place an order. You’ll choose between standard sizes, so measure twice before making your final purchase. Stock cabinets are less customizable but easier on your wallet. These cabinets cost $100 to $300 per linear foot installed or $50 to $100 per linear foot for the cabinets alone.

Hardware

Kitchen cabinet hardware costs range from under $100 on the low end to above $10,000 on the high end. For example, rare and ornate handles or knobs can go for $500 apiece, but it’s also possible to find stylish options for only $1 to $2 apiece. Since installing hardware is typically something you can do yourself, you’ll typically only have to pay for labor. However, if you hire a contractor to install your hardware, you’ll pay $300 on average for the additional labor and supplies.

Countertops

The price of countertops varies greatly and they are made of a wide variety of materials. Though the average cost range to install countertops is $1,900 to $4,200, you may pay up to $10,000 or more for the materials and labor required to install certain options, like stainless steel or quartz.

It can be overwhelming to consider the many different countertop styles and materials. The least expensive material is laminate, while marble is the most expensive. The materials listed below vary by quality, durability, availability of colors, installation methods, and required maintenance.

You should factor in the cost of any custom cuts and shapes once you’ve chosen a countertop material (think: countertop edging like beveled edges, simple square or eased edges, or cutouts for a sink or stovetop).

Remember that certain countertop materials are difficult to install, and you’ll want to hire a nearby countertop installer. For instance, heavy slabs of stone can weigh hundreds of pounds, so you’ll want a pro to install your new granite counters. If you’d rather take the DIY route, then laminate or butcher block counters are a good option.

Backsplash

The cost of installing a new backsplash ranges from $600 to $1,300 on average for all the materials and labor involved. If you’re a handy DIYer, doing this project yourself can reduce the price by up to half because labor fees make up roughly 40% of the overall cost.

A backsplash is an easier project to DIY compared to other kitchen renovations, like installing cabinets. You can probably take on this kitchen upgrade if your kitchen’s design is simple and you use inexpensive materials like tile. However, suppose you aren’t comfortable removing existing tiles or have your heart set on a complex pattern. In that case, hiring a local tile installer is your best bet.

“When it comes to backsplashes, we always consult with an interior designer,” says Tschudi. “A backsplash, which typically takes up a small amount of floor space in a tile installation, can make or break a kitchen remodel.”

Your final costs will be significantly influenced by the material you choose, and the bigger the backsplash, the more materials you’ll need. More affordable than high-end marble is a white subway tile. Backsplash installation costs an average of $15 to $40 per square foot. For professional installation, the average total cost is about $1,000 total.

Flooring

Large-scale kitchen remodels frequently involve brand-new laminate or tile floors. Depending on square footage, this could cost between $1,000 and $4,000, but considering some budget kitchen floor ideas might inspire you.

Linoleum, laminate, vinyl tile, and sheet vinyl are some materials that are inexpensive for kitchen flooring.

The cost to install a new floor isn’t the only factor when choosing a kitchen flooring material. Also consider your needs and way of life when designing your kitchen space. Although linoleum is less expensive, it requires frequent upkeep and is not very durable. Stone is durable but absorbs stains; while it’s beautiful, it might not be the best option if you have kids who might drop dishes while helping out in the kitchen.

Dishes are less likely to break on vinyl floors, on the other hand. Another sturdy material is wood, but it is less scratch-resistant than other options. Tile is susceptible to cracking and chipping, so it requires a lot of maintenance.

Plumbing

Plumbing projects are typically needed as part of kitchen renovations. For smaller renovations, installing a new sink or faucet may be necessary. More significant renovations may involve relocating your water supply, moving drain lines, or installing new piping. Whatever new plumbing your remodel requires, here is what you can anticipate spending.

Installing a New Sink and Faucet

It costs an average of $260 to install a new faucet and $420 to install a new sink. Sink prices can range from $210 to $2,000 depending on the type of sink you choose and the amount of demolition and construction needed in your space before and during installation.

For example, you’ll pay more to spring for your dream farmhouse kitchen sink than a low-cost drop-in sink. Similarly, the type of kitchen faucet will also impact what you pay, with single-handle options typically costing less than dual, pull-down, and pull-out options.

Installing New Piping

Adding new pipes to your kitchen or completely repiping your space costs about $7,500, but it can range from $1,500 to $15,000 depending on the size of your kitchen and the labor and materials involved. Plumbers typically charge an hourly rate between $45 and $200, but they may offer a flat rate based on the size of your space.

The majority of the project cost is made up of materials, especially if you want to replace your pipes with more expensive ones. For instance, copper pipes cost between $2 and $8 per linear foot, while CPVC piping only costs between $0.50 and $1 per linear foot.

Electrical

Some kitchen remodels also come with a handful of electrical projects, like adding new outlets, moving wires, and upgrading electrical output for specific appliances. Electricians typically charge $50 to $100 per hour, but the added costs of materials mean some projects are more expensive than others.

For example, you’ll pay between $130 and $300 for the cost of adding a new outlet because such a change doesn’t require a ton of new material. However, replacing your electrical panel requires more labor and materials. For this kind of electrical upgrade, you should budget between $520 and $1,990 on average.

You may need to upgrade to a heavy-duty outlet if switching to an electric stove. These outlets have voltages between 220 volts and 250 volts. The price of the new heavy-duty outlet, which ranges from $10 to $20, as well as your electrician’s hourly rate are included in the price of installation. Ask your pro if there are other costs to expect and if they can help you obtain the proper permits.

Lighting

Lighting projects start at around $500 but can exceed $2,000. Adding ambient and task lighting to a kitchen is a common kitchen remodeling strategy for improved cooking and functionality. Ceiling lights that illuminate the entire space are referred to as ambient light. A pendant light or chandelier over a kitchen island or dining table adds soft light and ambiance.

On the other hand, kitchen task lighting is focused light that brightens up a work space so you can easily read recipes, stir a pot of soup, or measure ingredients. Installing LED strip lights under cabinets, inside drawers, and above the stovetop is a simple way to add task lighting to your kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting costs between $230 and $300, including labor and materials.

Gas Lines

If you intend to move your stove or oven, you’ll also need to hire a professional to safely relocate your gas line. The price of moving a gas line ranges from $270 to $880, but you can avoid this extra fee by keeping your gas-powered appliances in their existing setup.

Wall and Ceiling Renovation

When remodeling a kitchen, a lot of demolition work may be required, such as breaking down walls to move wires or opening up walls if the kitchen’s layout needs to be changed. To complete the look of your kitchen, wall and ceiling renovations may be required. Your new design will look better and function better with a fresh coat of paint that matches the new countertops and appliances. A 150- to 250-square-foot kitchen typically costs about $900 to paint.

During this time, you might want to take the opportunity to make upgrades like constructing new walls with fire-resistant drywall and updating your kitchen ceiling. When combined with wood paneling, tongue-and-groove ceilings give the room a mid-century modern feel. A tongue-and-groove pine ceiling typically costs $1,350 to $1,800 in a 150-square-foot room.

Storage and Organization

A kitchen remodel is your chance to get organized if you’ve always despised how your cabinets never have enough room for your expanding collection of spices or have that one oddly shaped drawer that can never hold anything.

Today, you can design your kitchen however you want, whether it be conventional or customized. Keep in mind the more customized you go (think hidden storage or a new walk-in pantry), the more expensive it will get. The cost to build a pantry ranges from $1,100 to $2,900. If that is out of your budget, consider working with your current layout and talking with your cabinet maker on storage efficient styles, like deeper set cabinetry with pull-out style drawers.

Kitchen Size

The cost per square foot for a kitchen remodel varies widely between projects and ranges anywhere from $75 to $250. Remodeling a smaller kitchen may save you $10,000 compared to a midsize or large kitchen. The more materials you’ll need to take into consideration, including paint, drywall, countertops, cabinets, and flooring, the bigger the kitchen will be, and the longer it will take to install.

Labor Costs

A good rule of thumb is to budget 25% of the total cost of your remodel for labor when performing a full kitchen remodel. So for every $10,000 you plan to spend, account for $2,500 in installation expenses.

Additionally, it’s important to note that converging several projects for large-scale remodeling jobs might result in additional costs. If you need one contractor to finish a job before another—for example, installing new countertops before new appliances—you might have to pay rush fees or schedule work for a busy time of year.

What Costs the Most

The size of the renovation will contribute to how much your kitchen remodel will cost. Cabinets, which typically consume 25% of your budget, will typically be your biggest cost investment when remodeling your kitchen. Going for inexpensive kitchen cabinets at Ikea or a big box retailer can help you save a significant sum of money. Trendy brass hardware, for example, can give less expensive cabinets a more custom, expensive look and holds up better to use and abuse. By the same token, splurging on a quality faucet but not necessarily buying a super expensive sink can also make a big difference in your overall remodel budget. To give a more unique appearance, you can also add custom doors to regular cabinet boxes. Additionally, to keep your cabinets tidy at a lower cost than purchasing custom features like pot or recycling organizers inside your cabinets, think about using reversible organizers bought at retail stores.

Where You Live Matters

Not only from state to state, but also depending on whether you live in a rural or urban area, the price to remodel a kitchen can vary greatly. As an example, a major kitchen overhaul in the South can cost as little as $20,000 less than one in California. Kitchen remodels in the South are typically less expensive than those in the North and West.

Types of Kitchen Remodels

Improving the kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic appeal is its ultimate goal.
The homeowner’s desired budget, time frame, and kitchen size will determine whether this entails a minor update or a total renovation.

Small Kitchen Remodeling Project

The good news is that starting from scratch and gutting the kitchen are not always necessary. If the layout of your kitchen is well designed but some elements are beginning to look dated, or if your kitchen is less than 70 square feet, you may only need a small remodel. It can be very beneficial to spend money on updating some appliances, installing new countertops, and painting the cabinets. The typical price range for a small kitchen remodel is $5,000 to $20,000.

Medium Kitchen Remodeling Project

If you can’t commit to a full kitchen makeover but your space needs more than just a refresh, a moderate kitchen remodel may be the best option. Around 150 to 175 square feet is the size of a medium-sized kitchen. The room’s layout could be left untouched while the flooring, countertops, cabinets, or appliances are updated to keep the project’s costs low. Although it’s important to be realistic about what you can take on and what should be left to the professionals, you might also want to attempt some of the work yourself. A medium-sized kitchen remodel typically costs between $15,000 and $40,000.

Large Kitchen Remodeling Project

Why not customize the kitchen to your exact preferences if you intend to live in your house for a long time? If you’ve never liked the placement of your appliances or you dream of adding a walk-in pantry, it may be well worth the extra time and cost to have a more functional space in the long run. You will have a luxurious amount of counter space and storage in a kitchen with a large amount of square footage (200 feet or more), but the price of labor and materials will be significantly higher. Rerouting plumbing or gas lines, as well as possibly some electrical rewiring, may be needed as part of a significant kitchen remodel. The cost to remodel a large kitchen can range from $30,000 to $80,000 depending on your project.

How Can You Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel?

Over the past few years, kitchen renovation budgets have exploded. Along with growing in size, kitchens have also improved in sophistication. Luxury features are becoming more and more in demand, even for modestly priced homes.

Even though you can add special features for less money, you might need to get creative with your spending.

Here are some ways to trim costs:

Shop Smart

Start looking for deals early and take your time. Research products first so you can gauge quality. Next, look online and at discount outlets for deals. Keep in mind that buying in-stock merchandise usually costs less. Finally, if a product you like is out of your price range, look for comparable models at less expensive stores. Shops that specialize in reuse and salvage products are another option.

Keep Your Current Layout

Anything that involves moving plumbing, gas, or electrical will hike up your budget. Get a design that keeps the footprint of your kitchen as-is or makes only minor changes to save money. Some appliances can be moved without also moving the connection to them. For instance, a dishwasher can typically be moved to the opposite side of a sink.

Get Free Professional Services

CliqStudios offers free professional design services. Inform your designer that cost is a top concern. They will make use of their knowledge to assist you in creating a kitchen that is affordable. Another excellent source of guidance is the staff at stores that sell countertops, tile, appliances, and lighting.

Do-it-yourself Or Manage-it-yourself

Even if you lack construction or DIY expertise, you might think about acting as your own general contractor for the project. By acting as your own general contractor, you could reduce the cost of your entire remodeling project by up to 30%.

Save on Countertops

Consider using laminate or single thickness countertops to help your budget. To save money, pick countertop materials that are less expensive. Keep in mind that many buyers prefer stone surfaces like granite or quartz if you plan to sell soon.

Hit the Books

Learning from other remodelers is one of the best ways to stay within your budget. Luckily, there are extensive resources about remodeling on a budget. Here are a few:

• Remodel! Without Going Bonkers or Broke: A Home Improvement Primer by Jim Molinelli
• Affordable Kitchen Upgradesby Steve Cory and Diane Slavik
• Do It Yourself: Kitchens: Stunning Spaces on a Shoestring Budget by Better Homes and Gardens

Spend Wisely

If you plan to sell your home within the next five years, interior designers for home builders advise only investing what you hope to recoup from the project. More than five years in your current home? The best outcome is to remodel your kitchen so that you and your family will enjoy it.

Remodel Vs. Renovation Vs. Expansion

Homeowners will come across a number of terms whose meanings seem the same, similar, or downright confusing when researching kitchen renovation or kitchen remodeling costs. Clarifying the terminology used in the kitchen project is crucial if you intend to work with a contractor to ensure that you know what you’re asking for.

Remodel Vs. Renovation

What, then, distinguishes a kitchen remodel from a kitchen renovation? This is a tricky question. Salespeople and contractors frequently use the two terms interchangeably. Technically speaking, a renovation is a project that restores a space to a new state; it is a project that makes a space look like new by cleaning up finishes, taking care of repairs, and occasionally replacing fundamental fixtures that have ceased working well. A remodel is a bigger project that may involve moving the plumbing and electrical connections in a room, as well as replacing the flooring, walls, and ceilings. The definition used by the contractors a homeowner might interview before hiring doesn’t matter as much as the one in the dictionary though. Rather than assuming that you and the contractor are on the same page, it’s best to clarify exactly what you mean by “renovation” or “remodel” and check that the contractor has the same idea. Laying everything out on the table right at the beginning prevents confusion (and potentially unexpected costs) later in the project.

Expansion

Expansion goes a step beyond renovation or remodeling. This type of project includes reframing a space, removing walls, and increasing the overall footprint of a kitchen. In order to create a larger cooking, eating, and gathering space that is better suited to the family’s lifestyle, an expansion frequently entails combining a unused formal dining room with a smaller kitchen, or integrating a kitchen into a great room for a more open layout. The additional plumbing, electrical, and framing work needed to expand a space results in a higher cost.

FAQs

Read about How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets?

Is Remodeling My Kitchen a Good Investment?

The kitchen is the room that has the power to make or break a sale for potential buyers. Your home might become uninviting if your kitchen is modern and appealing.

Renovations of kitchens are becoming more and more common. One reason is that they frequently greatly increase a home’s resale value. In 2022, a $80,000 kitchen renovation brought in an average 56% of its cost when the house was sold. An average return of 71% was achieved with a smaller $28,000 remodel.

Due to their propensity to address functional issues, smaller remodels can yield higher returns. They frequently feature more adaptable designs. The importance of individual taste and aesthetics is frequently higher in projects that cost more money. Although prospective buyers will be concerned that the plumbing and appliances function, most won’t require a kitchen with elaborate decorations.

Designing a kitchen you’ll love is preferable unless your objective is to sell your home right away. Ultimately, your kitchen is more than an investment. It’s where you support and raise your family. Inviting friends and visitors into the kitchen. It serves as the central nervous system of your house and is where you think, talk, and relax.

If you’re living in your home for the years to come, then pick out what you want and enjoy it. The Research for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence found that 40% of homeowners say they wish they had spent more money on their kitchen renovation. The biggest mistake they made was leaving out more organizational features.