Updated: September 24, 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.
On average, remodeling a kitchen costs between $114,142 to $207,674, with most homeowners spending around $160,908. On the low end, a budget-friendly kitchen remodeling project costs about $19,794. However, depending on the project scope and materials, a luxury kitchen remodel could cost as much as $207,674.
Average Kitchen Remodel Costs
|
National average cost |
$160,908 |
|
Average range |
$114,142 - $207,674 |
|
Low-end |
$19,794 |
|
High-end |
$207,674 and up |
Are water bottles spilling out of outdated cabinets? Or do you need more space for your growing family? If so, a kitchen renovation is definitely in your future. Don’t go into a project of this magnitude blindly. Knowing the level of kitchen remodel you want, and its cost will save you a ton of headaches. So, keep reading for a breakdown of the cost to upgrade your kitchen based on national averages for a cosmetic, mid-range, or luxury remodel.
The factors contributing to the cost of a kitchen remodel
A kitchen remodel can cost as little as a budget-friendly $19,794 and as much as you want to spend. To help you navigate the scope of work for your new kitchen project, let’s look at all the factors you may include in your remodel.
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
The average U.S. kitchen measures from 100 to 200 square feet. However, some homes have oversized kitchens reaching 300 square feet or more. Of course, the more area you have to cover, the more materials the remodel will require, which impacts the overall cost.
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, and possibly moving plumbing and gas lines. Add to the mix hiring an architect or professional designer to design the space and certify that it’s safe and suits your household's needs, and you have entered the most expensive category of remodels.
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 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 can add $829 to $1,509 per day to your kitchen remodel.
As discussed, any changes to the kitchen footprint require wiring and plumbing services. But if your kitchen needs to be updated, you may still need to update the utilities.
New building codes require more powerful electrical outlets in kitchens than decades ago—and more of them. Also, GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets must be installed for countertops and areas where you eat, like the kitchen island. Gone are the days of fluorescent tube lighting built into soffits in the middle of the ceiling. But replacing that with more modern pendant lights or sconces requires electrical service, as well.
Depending on your appliance choices, you may need a plumbing upgrade. Under-cabinet ice makers, plumbed coffee machines, and pot filler faucets are new on the kitchen scene and require water supply lines.
Workstation sinks are another trending addition. A workstation sink has an integrated ledge for placing accessories like cutting boards, drying racks, and utensil holders. "Everyone needs a workstation sink," says Joseph Patrick, owner of Lamont Brothers Design & Construction. "Buy one bigger than you think you need, at least 42 inches."
Finally, there’s gas. If you don’t already have it, the cost to run gas lines to your new kitchen will add to the total cost.
Kitchen cabinets
There are many options when it comes to kitchen cabinets, and there’s an option for every budget.
- Hiring a professional to paint your existing cabinets could cost $2,598 to $3,403. But to DIY the job, you can expect to pay about $280 to $509 for the paint alone.
- Refacing your existing cabinets involves keeping the box part of the cabinet and installing new doors. Refacing costs from $24 to $56 per square foot for the materials only.
The cost to replace the cabinets depends on the type of new cabinets you choose. Kitchen cabinets come in three different levels of quality.
- Stock cabinets are premade to standard sizes and available for pick-up at your big box store. Depending on the size, style, and manufacturer, stock cabinets cost between $245 and $445.
- Semi-custom cabinets consist of premade boxes, typically plywood, with custom fronts and colors. Semi-custom cabinets cost from $328 to $596.
- Custom cabinets are made to your sizes and specifications. You can choose from wood options, trim packages, finishes, and more. High-quality, custom cabinets are the most expensive and average from $457 to $832.
Part of the kitchen cabinetry includes the island. According to Fixr's Home Buyers’ Top Priority Features in 2024, 61% of experts agree that a kitchen island is the number one sought-after feature of home buyers. But, the island is changing shape.
"The island is becoming more like a table, a conversation area," says Gina Cito, NKBA-certified designer at Colorado Homes & Design. "We're no longer seeing the 42" raised bar height in islands."
Of course, 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
From the lowly toaster to the smart oven that automatically knows when to start pre-heating, new appliances come in a wide range of cost options, too. Of course, you’ll keep your remodel budget to a minimum if you don’t replace your appliances. But, then, you won’t have the advantage of implementing all the latest technology into your cooking experience.
Investing in good-quality materials and products will save you money. Not only will it give you peace of mind in knowing the project will be one-and-done, but it’ll elevate how the space looks. – Drew Mansur, Co-founder and Director
Appliances
The cost of most kitchen appliances falls between $10 and $8,800.
From the lowly toaster to the smart oven that automatically knows when to start pre-heating, new appliances come in a wide range of cost options, too. Of course, you’ll keep your remodel budget to a minimum if you don’t replace your appliances. "When on a budget, you can hold off on replacing the appliances until you have more funds," says Cito. 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 linear foot.
Popular countertop materials and their costs
|
Material |
Cost per linear foot |
|
Granite |
$44 to $80 |
|
Marble |
$31 to $80 |
|
Quartz |
$86 to $157 |
|
Quartzite |
$130 to $500 |
|
Stainless |
$337 to $613 |
|
Butcher block |
$68 to $123 |
|
Solid surface |
$64 to $117 |
|
Laminate |
$45 to $82 |
|
Live edge slab |
$62 to $113 |
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, a brief description, and their cost per square foot.
Popular flooring materials and their costs
|
Material |
Cost per square foot |
|
Hardwood |
$6.42 to $21.59 |
|
Luxury vinyl tile |
$3.21 to $12.52 |
|
Sheet vinyl |
$2.03 to $8.71 |
|
Ceramic tile |
$9.11 to $29.46 |
|
Laminate |
$3.31 to $7.51 |
Labor
To ensure your kitchen remodel comes in on time and on budget, hire a professional team experienced in kitchen remodeling. From the designer and project manager to the electrician and flooring installer, having a team of experts will only save you money in the long run. This graphic gives you an idea of what each type of expert will charge.
The cost breakdown of a full kitchen remodel
Three typical budgets of a kitchen remodel
To make things easy, we’ve broken a remodel into three pricing tiers. Here, we’ll look at each tier, what it could include, and its cost range.
Cosmetic or small kitchen remodel
A cosmetic kitchen remodel ranges from putting a bit of make-up over the age spots to splurging on a facelift. The national average cost of a basic remodel ranges from $19,794 to $36,015. This tier is the least expensive because walls, utilities, and cabinets remain in place, and you do as much work yourself as possible. Yet, everything gets refreshed for a vibrant and updated look. 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, possibly with motion sensors
- New smart, energy-efficient appliances
- A new backsplash
- 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 $57,587 to $104,776. In this tier, you may change the basic layout to improve traffic flow, but the walls will be kept in place. Also, in this budget range, you’ll be able to replace, rather than refinish, all fixtures, including some natural materials, and add a few new features. 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, tile, and other accessories
- Upgraded finishes to include natural materials like hardwood and stone for flooring and countertops.
- A few special kitchen appliances like an under-cabinet ice maker or warming oven.
When incorporating trends, make them something inexpensive to swap out. You want your kitchen to look good for 15-20 years and at resale if you decide to sell. Avoid trends that will cost you a lot of money to change. – Gina Cito, NKBA-certified designer
High-end kitchen remodel
This level of project costs, on average, $114,142 to $207,674 and more. In fact, certified kitchen designers who work with high-end clients report that the cost of a luxury kitchen starts at 10 to 20 percent of the home’s value. So, expect to pay even more if your home is valued at over a million dollars.
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 the entire room will be gutted, walls knocked down to improve flow and increase square footage, and utilities disconnected to move, you’ll need to set up camp in a different area of the home for a few weeks. But if you like to cook, the cost and upheaval to create a luxury kitchen remodel are worth it.
Of course, to make this space everything you’ve ever dreamed of, you’ll gladly incur the expense of hiring a professional design team and possibly an engineer or architect. This team will prepare plans and renderings for your approval, suggest materials and finishes, and work with the project manager to ensure everything meets your specifications. But, for the most part, 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 specialty pieces
- Highest quality materials like marble and cherry 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 even artwork
- Professional-grade appliances from top manufacturers like Wolf, Sub-Zero, or La Cornue are hidden behind custom fronts that match the cabinets
Budgeting for your kitchen remodel
No one wants to be mid-stream and lose a paddle. Unfortunately, that’s what it’s like when you run out of money on a remodel project. The first step to a successful project is to count the cost and know where your money comes from.
A professional kitchen designer is the best person to advise you on setting a kitchen remodel budget. Certified kitchen designers have their finger on the pulse of the industry, know the perfect product and material choice for every situation, and how much everything costs. Also, having them on your team to help you solidify choices from the beginning helps to prevent costly change orders because you have changed your mind.
Certified kitchen designers charge by the hour or a percentage of the project total. You should typically budget 10 percent for their services.
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 or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Before approaching a lender, have a cost estimate prepared. You can do this by obtaining quotes from a few contractors. Again, the kitchen designer’s expertise is invaluable at this stage of the project.
Once you have an estimate, get a pre-qualification from the lender to see if you can afford the loan. Be sure to compare contractors the same way you do lenders. Loan features like repayment terms and interest rates will vary.
Unsure what style of kitchen you’re looking for? See our comparison of an open vs. closed floor plan.
Ways to save money on kitchen renovation
There are many ways to have a stylish, updated kitchen on a budget. If you need to save money on 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 next year. Any elements you can postpone replacing will save you money now.
- Choose budget-friendly materials. Solid surface countertops cost less than natural materials but come in various colors and patterns to mimic quartz, granite, or marble. Your kitchen designer can help you with this.
- Go for painted cabinets. Painted cabinets are less expensive than hardwood because they use poplar for the fronts rather than oak, walnut, or cherry.
- Use solid, vintage pieces strategically. An old hutch serves as a beverage bar, saving you the cost of building something new.
Let’s get cooking
Creating your dream kitchen doesn’t just make you happy. It adds to your home’s value. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, any scope of kitchen renovation brings a sizeable return on investment compared to other home improvement projects.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How much does a kitchen remodel cost per square foot?
The square foot cost of a kitchen remodel depends largely on the materials. For instance, high-end materials like marble or granite countertops cost much more than laminate countertops of the same square footage.
What's the cost to remodel a 12x12 kitchen?
Again, the square foot cost depends on the scope of work and the cost of materials–whether your kitchen is 12x12, 10x20, or 10x10. For example, you could perform a cosmetic upgrade on a 10x20 kitchen that costs much less than a luxury remodel of a 10x10 kitchen.
What is a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel?
No matter how you slice it, a kitchen remodel is going to cost you tens of thousands of dollars. How many tens depends on the scope of the project. But on average, most homeowners spend somewhere in the area of $56,116 to $104,438 for a new kitchen.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Undoubtedly, the cabinets and countertops will eat up the bulk of your remodeling budget. And if you need to make structural changes, moving plumbing lines and electrical wiring will take another large chunk.
What is the first thing to do when remodeling a kitchen?
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.