Kitchen Remodel Cost Overview
The kitchen is the heart of the home and the #1 most requested remodel. Whether you're updating for daily enjoyment or preparing to sell, understanding costs helps you plan effectively.
Quick Answer:- Minor remodel: $10,000-$25,000
- Mid-range remodel: $25,000-$50,000
- Major remodel: $50,000-$100,000+
- Average ROI: 75-96% depending on scope
What Affects Kitchen Remodel Cost?
- Kitchen size - Per square foot costs vary widely
- Scope of work - Cosmetic vs. layout changes
- Materials chosen - Stock vs. custom cabinets
- Location - Labor costs vary by region
- Structural changes - Moving walls, plumbing, electrical
Remodel Budget Tiers
Minor Kitchen Remodel ($10,000-$25,000)
Best for: Updating without major changes Typical scope:- Cabinet refacing or painting
- New countertops (laminate or entry-level granite)
- Updated hardware
- New faucet and sink
- Fresh paint
- Updated lighting
Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel ($25,000-$50,000)
Best for: Significant upgrades, keeping layout Typical scope:- New semi-custom cabinets
- Granite or quartz countertops
- New appliances (mid-range)
- Tile backsplash
- Updated flooring
- New sink and faucet
- Recessed lighting
Major Kitchen Remodel ($50,000-$100,000+)
Best for: Complete transformation Typical scope:- Custom cabinets
- Premium countertops (quartz, marble)
- High-end appliances
- Custom backsplash
- Layout changes
- New flooring throughout
- Structural modifications
- Professional design
Where the Money Goes
Typical Budget Allocation
| Category | % of Budget | Example ($40K) |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | 30-35% | $12,000-$14,000 |
| Labor | 20-25% | $8,000-$10,000 |
| Appliances | 15-20% | $6,000-$8,000 |
| Countertops | 10-15% | $4,000-$6,000 |
| Flooring | 5-10% | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Lighting/Electrical | 5-8% | $2,000-$3,200 |
| Plumbing | 5-8% | $2,000-$3,200 |
| Backsplash | 3-5% | $1,200-$2,000 |
| Other | 5-10% | $2,000-$4,000 |
Individual Component Costs
Cabinets:- Stock: $100-$300 per linear foot
- Semi-custom: $200-$650 per linear foot
- Custom: $500-$1,500+ per linear foot
- Laminate: $10-$40 per sq ft
- Granite: $50-$150 per sq ft
- Quartz: $60-$150 per sq ft
- Marble: $75-$200 per sq ft
- Budget: $2,000-$4,000
- Mid-range: $5,000-$10,000
- Premium: $15,000-$30,000+
Kitchen Remodel Timeline
Typical Project Timeline
Minor Remodel: 2-4 weeks Mid-Range Remodel: 6-10 weeks Major Remodel: 10-16 weeksPhase Breakdown
Planning Phase (2-8 weeks)
- Design development
- Material selection
- Contractor selection
- Permit applications
Demo & Rough-In (1-2 weeks)
- Remove old cabinets/counters
- Rough electrical and plumbing
- Any structural changes
Installation (3-8 weeks)
- Flooring installation
- Cabinet installation
- Countertop templating and install
- Appliance installation
- Backsplash installation
Finishing (1-2 weeks)
- Painting and touch-ups
- Hardware installation
- Final electrical
- Punch list items
Living During Renovation
- Set up temporary kitchen (microwave, hot plate, mini fridge)
- Plan for eating out more
- Store essentials you'll need
- Consider staying elsewhere during demo phase
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Budget Mistakes
- Not adding 15-20% contingency - Surprises happen
- Splurging on appliances first - Leaves no budget for install
- Ignoring labor costs - Often underestimated
- Changing scope mid-project - Change orders are expensive
Design Mistakes
- Poor workflow - Keep sink, stove, fridge in efficient triangle
- Insufficient counter space - Need landing zones near appliances
- Wrong island size - Too big or too small for space
- Inadequate lighting - Plan task, ambient, and accent lighting
- Following trends too closely - Classics have better resale
Hiring Mistakes
- Choosing cheapest bid - Often means cutting corners
- Not checking references - Always call past clients
- Paying too much upfront - Never more than 30% down
- No written contract - Everything in writing
- Skipping permits - Can kill your sale later
Maximizing Your ROI
Best ROI Kitchen Updates
- Cabinet refacing - 80-90% ROI, $5,000-$12,000
- Minor remodel - 85-96% ROI, $15,000-$25,000
- Updated hardware - High impact, low cost
- Fresh paint - Instantly modernizes
- New lighting - Changes entire feel
Worst ROI Kitchen Updates
- Over-improving for neighborhood - Don't have the nicest kitchen on the block
- Ultra-custom features - Personal taste doesn't always sell
- Moving plumbing unnecessarily - Expensive, little visual impact
- Premium appliances in modest home - Buyers won't pay extra
If Selling Within 2 Years
Focus on:- Cosmetic updates (paint, hardware)
- Countertop upgrade if dated
- Modern light fixtures
- Cabinet refacing (not replacement)
- Neutral colors
If Staying 5+ Years
Worth investing in:- Quality cabinets you love
- Premium countertops
- Appliances that fit your cooking style
- Layout changes for better function
- Personal style preferences
Getting Started
Your Kitchen Remodel Checklist
- [ ] Determine budget (be realistic, add 15% buffer)
- [ ] Prioritize must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
- [ ] Research materials and styles
- [ ] Get 3-5 contractor quotes
- [ ] Check references and credentials
- [ ] Review contracts carefully
- [ ] Plan for temporary kitchen setup
- [ ] Schedule during off-peak if possible