Introduction
A kitchen remodel can greatly improve the functionality, aesthetics, and value of your home. However, such projects also come with a hefty price tag. The cost of remodeling a kitchen can vary tremendously based on the size of the space, materials used, layout changes, and other factors. In this guide, we will examine typical costs for three common types of kitchen remodels – small, mid-range, and upscale luxury – to help homeowners budget for their dream kitchen.
Small Kitchen Remodel (Under $30,000)
For homeowners looking to give their kitchen a mini-makeover on a modest budget, small remodels focusing on targeted upgrades rather than a complete overhaul can offer lots of bang for your buck. Here’s an overview of what a budget-friendly small kitchen remodel may include:
Cabinets
- Refacing existing cabinets by replacing doors, hinges, and hardware pulls is an affordable option at approximately $2,000-5,000. Staining or painting cabinets to change the color also costs around $2,000.
- Partial cabinet replacement of worn or outdated sections of cabinetry often costs $5,000-10,000. Focus on replacing visible areas like base cabinets first.
- Adding organizational inserts to make better use of existing cabinet space costs approximately $500-800.
Countertops
- Resurfacing countertops with materials like concrete, laminate, or wood veneers generally runs $2,000-5,000.
- Quartz countertops offer the look of natural stone for $1,200-3,000 installed.
- Butcher block, tile, or other inexpensive materials can also be budget-friendly options starting under $500.
Backsplash
- Glass, ceramic, or porcelain tile backsplashes often cost $500-1,500 installed.
- Peel-and-stick backsplash panels are an easy upgrade for $100-300.
- Simply repainting the existing backsplash is also an option for under $100.
Flooring
- Luxury vinyl plank flooring installation averages $3-6 per square foot, making it an affordable and waterproof option.
- Sheet vinyl runs $2-3 per square foot installed.
- Refinishing existing floors can give a fresh look for $1-3 per square foot.
Appliances
- Replacing a range or cooktop starts around $500-1,200 for budget models.
- Refrigerators can be found for $1,000-2,000.
- Dishwashers average $500-800.
Focus on replacing any appliances that are broken or highly outdated.
Lighting
- Replacing outdated light fixtures over the sink, counters, and dining area can modernize the space. Allow $50-250 per fixture.
- Under-cabinet lighting creates useful task lighting for $100-300 installed.
Painting/Hardware
- A fresh coat of paint in contemporary hues keeps existing cabinetry looking updated for approximately $500-800.
- New hardware like handles, pulls, and fixtures adds style for $200-500.
Total Budget
The overall budget for a minor kitchen remodel targeting key surfaces and amenities would likely land around $15,000-30,000. Focus the majority of the budget on cabinet, countertop, and flooring updates to get the most visual impact. Then supplement with affordable lighting, paint, and hardware as the budget allows.
Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel ($30,000 – $75,000)
Moving up a step from a budget mini-makeover, a mid-range remodel typically replaces cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and flooring for a more cohesive update. Here is an overview of typical costs for a mid-range remodel:
Cabinets
- Stock or semi-custom cabinets would cost $6,500-18,000 for a 10×10 U-shaped kitchen.
- Choose durable finishes like wood, metal, or high-quality laminates.
- Glass-front upper cabinets add style for $500-700 per cabinet.
- Add functional pull-out shelves, drawers, and organizational inserts.
Countertops
- Quartz remains a popular choice at $70-100 per square foot installed.
- Granite and marble cost $80-150 per square foot.
- Solid surface like Corian runs $55-100 per square foot.
Backsplash
- Tile backsplashes made of stone, glass, or high-end ceramic average $10-30 per square foot installed.
- Choose an accent material like metallic or mosaic tile.
Flooring
- Materials like hardwood, engineered wood, tile, or high-end vinyl average $6-15 per square foot installed.
- Opt for waterproof luxury vinyl or tile for heavy use areas.
Appliances
- Refrigerators cost $2,000-4,000. Seek out quality brands like Samsung, LG, Bosch, etc.
- Ranges average $1,200-2,500. Add cooktops or wall ovens for gourmet cooking.
- Allow $1,000-1,800 for a new dishwasher. Select quiet models with useful cycles.
- For more convenience, consider adding $4,000-10,000 for appliance upgrades like warming drawers, wine refrigerators, steam ovens, and more.
Sink and Faucet
- An apron-front farmhouse sink can add charming style for $500-1,500.
- Kitchen faucets vary widely from $100-500+. Select finishes and features that match the overall kitchen design.
Lighting
- Allow $500-1,500 for attractive new ceiling fixture lighting.
- Add $250-500 for attractive under-cabinet task lighting.
- Canned lighting is affordable ambient lighting at $75-200 per can.
Total Budget
Overall, you can expect to spend $30,000-75,000 for a mid-range remodel that replaces cabinetry, countertops, appliances, lighting, and floors for a completely updated aesthetic. Careful project management and shopping sales can potentially shave costs.
High-End Luxury Kitchen Remodel ($75,000+)
For homeowners wishing to pull out all the stops on their kitchen design dreams, luxury remodels allow you to customize every detail and incorporate ultra high-end finishes. Here are some hallmarks of a luxury kitchen:
Cabinetry
- Custom cabinets offer completely customized sizing, storage, and styling for $25,000+.
- Opt for rich woods like cherry or maple. Include custom organizational features.
- Glass, metal, stone, or combination finishes create visual interest. Expect to pay $1,000+ per linear foot.
- Concealed cabinets for a seamless, uncluttered aesthetic.
Countertops
- Natural stone like granite and marble cost $125-250 per square foot installed. Choose unique stone colors and patterns.
- Concrete counters create an industrial modern look for $100-150 per square foot.
- Ultra-compact quartz offers stunning marbleized looks for $140-200 per square foot.
Backsplashes
- Custom mosaic or hand-made tile backsplashes cost $50-100 per square foot.
- 3-D tiles or metallic tiles add striking visual impact.
- Select natural stone like travertine or pebbles for a fluid finish between countertops and backsplash.
Flooring
- Natural stone tile like marble or slate costs $15-30 per square foot installed.
- Wide plank hardwood flooring looks luxe for $12-25 per square foot.
Appliances
- Commercial-grade appliances provide professional functionality. Expect to pay $10,000+ for ranges, ovens, cooktops and more.
- Integrated smart home technology allows you to control appliances with your phone or voice.
- Concealed appliances like refrigerators built into cabinetry create a sleek, streamlined look.
Fixtures
- Invest in commercial-style faucets in finishes like stainless, nickel, or bronze for $750+
- Spend $5,000+ on a gourmet pot filler faucet or filtered water tap.
- Make a design statement with artistic statement lighting like chandeliers, pendant lights, or sconces costing $750+.
Labor
- With extensive customization and specialty trades needed, you may pay $10,000+ in additional labor fees over the national average. This expert workmanship is crucial for luxury spaces.
Total Budget
In total, expect to spend $75,000 on the low end for a luxury kitchen remodel. Costs of $100,000+ are common with high-end custom cabinetry, appliances, fixtures and finishes. The design possibilities are endless if budget is no concern. Careful planning by an expert kitchen designer helps target luxury splurges in the most impactful areas.
Factors That Impact Kitchen Remodel Costs
Many factors influence how much a kitchen remodel will cost. Being aware of these key considerations allows homeowners to plan budgets wisely.
Kitchen Size
Larger kitchens require more materials and labor. Budget more for demolition costs, construction, and installation.
- Small kitchens under 150 square feet may cost $20,000-$35,000
- Mid-size kitchens from 150-300 square feet average $35,000-$75,000
- Large luxury kitchens over 300 square feet typically exceed $100,000
Layout Changes
Minor layout tweaks are much more economical than major structural changes.
- Remodeling with existing footprint costs an extra $2,000-$5,000.
- Moving plumbing and electric adds $8,000-$12,000.
- Structural changes like removing walls incur much higher costs starting around $15,000+.
Quality of Cabinets/Materials
Opting for budget-friendly options saves enormously over high-end designer finishes.
- Stock cabinets cost 50-75% less than custom cabinetry.
- Laminate counters are 75-90% cheaper than natural stone.
- Avoid trendy finishes that will look dated quickly. Choose versatile, high-quality finishes with enduring appeal.
Appliances
Multiple ultra high-end, commercial grade appliances can drive up costs enormously.
- Focus splurges on your most-used appliances like ranges and refrigerators.
- Look for deals on appliance packages to maximize value.
DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor
Completing projects yourself saves on labor fees, but can increase project length and complexity.
- Simple cabinet refacing, painting or lighting DIY projects save up to 50% over a contractor.
- Take on more complex projects like tiling or installation if you have the expertise.
- Leave foundational work like wiring and plumbing to professionals.
Location/Real Estate Market
Factors like cost of living, demand, and labor rates in your region impact prices.
- Kitchen remodels in major metropolitan areas often cost 20-50% more for labor and materials.
- Take advantage of professional discounts from suppliers like flooring warehouses to offset some of these increased costs.
6 Key Tips for Controlling Your Remodeling Budget
As you embark on planning your dream kitchen, keep these tips in mind to complete a gorgeous remodel while sticking to your budget:
1. Set a Realistic Budget
Crunch the numbers early when setting your budget. Get multiple detailed quotes to understand accurate pricing in your region. Plan to spend 10-25% of your total home value on a kitchen remodel. Focus on necessities first before adding luxury finishes.
2. Consider Future Resale Value
While personalizing your kitchen is exciting, avoid overly niche or customized choices that may turn off buyers down the road. Seek finishes and layouts that appeal to a wide range of buyers.
3. Purchase Materials Yourself
Purchasing appliances, flooring, cabinets and hardware yourself can save 20-50% over your contractor buying them. Manage these purchases wisely.
4. Use Stock Cabinets
Custom cabinetry looks gorgeous, but stock cabinetry cuts costs enormously while still offering versatile, quality construction. Reface with new doors instead of fully custom cabinets.
5. Examine Ways to Create Visual Impact Without Replacing
From sanding and refinishing floors to quality paint jobs on cabinets, assess cheaper alternatives before tearing things out. Small updates can make existing elements look fresh.
6. Act as Your Own Project Manager
Staying intimately involved in the details of product selection, contractor bids, and work progress protects budgets. Don’t let fees and change orders sneak by without scrutiny.
3 Real-Life Kitchen Remodel Budget Breakdowns
To provide real-world insights into how these budgets translate into actual projects, here are 3 examples of kitchen remodels completed on a small, mid-range, and luxury scale:
1. Small Kitchen Remodel Costs
Jen and Ryan, homeowners in Atlanta, completed a minor $25,000 kitchen remodel focused on key surfaces. They spent:
- $8,000 refacing existing cabinets plus adding pulls and hinges
- $4,500 replacing laminate counters with butcher block
- $3,200 for new hardwood flooring
- $4,000 on a gas range, chimney hood, and dishwasher
- $2,800 for porcelain tile backsplash
- $1,500 for open shelving, new sink, and faucet
- $1,000 for lighting, paint, hardware and incidentals
By keeping existing cabinet boxes and limiting major construction, they completed an gorgeous, updated kitchen on a modest budget.
2. Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel Cost
Mark and Laura from Baltimore fully renovated their dated 1990s kitchen with a cohesive new look for $65,000:
- $18,000 on custom maple cabinets with glass uppers
- $9,500 for quartz counters and marble backsplash
- $8,000 on high-end appliances including a built-in coffee system
- $9,000 for hardwood floors throughout
- $5,500 for recessed, undercabinet and pendant lighting
- $10,000 for new plumbing, gas lines, wiring, drywall, labor
- $5,000 for miscellaneous expenses like the sink, demo, disposal, etc.
Carefully shopping sales and consumables like flooring brought costs down. Their new kitchen became a beautiful gathering place for family and adds value to their home.
3. Luxury Kitchen Remodel
When Joan renovated her dated formal 400 square foot kitchen in her $1.5 million Los Angeles home, she invested $125,000 in luxurious finishes:
- $45,000 for bespoke cherry cabinets with clever hidden storage
- $22,000 for rare natural stone counters and hand-made tile backsplash
- $25,000 for top-of-the-line Wolf appliances including double ovens, warming drawer, and more
- $10,000 for task lighting, statement light fixtures and dimmable recessed lighting
- $6,000 on the sink, commercial-grade faucet and high-end hardware
- $17,000 on labor, construction, electrical, permits and project costs
The soaring cost was well worth it for Joan, who extensively enjoys cooking and entertaining. She is thrilled with her dream kitchen every time she walks into the gorgeous, functional space.
Conclusion
While a major kitchen remodel represents a serious financial investment, carefully planning your budget and project scope allows you to complete an improvement that aligns with your lifestyle needs and available resources. From minor DIY upgrades to luxurious custom renovations, examine ways to get the most value from your kitchen remodeling budget. Partner with experienced kitchen designers and contractors to bring your unique vision to life. With careful planning and smart decisions throughout the process, you can create a freshly updated heart of the home that your family can enjoy for years to come within your budget.
