Kitchen Remodeling Cost: The Ultimate Guide to Budgeting Your Dream Kitchen

Average Kitchen Remodel Cost

Kitchen and bath remodels consistently rank as top home renovation projects that recoup value for resale, so investing wisely can pay off down the road.

According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine, the average minor kitchen remodeling project costs around $26,214 while a major remodel averages $66,196. Keep in mind the national averages encompass all materials, from DIY upgrades to high-end custom work. Prices also vary among different regions. The key is determining what classifies as a minor remodel versus a major for your individual property and preferred scope of work.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown

From structural changes to surface-level upgrades, your kitchen remodel budget consists of multiple components. Review typical pricing for each element as you estimate overall costs:

Cabinetry

20-40% of total budget. Stock cabinets cost $100-300 per linear foot while custom handcrafted cabinets on average cost $500-1200+ per linear foot. Many factors around cabinetry impact costs. Door styles like Shaker, inset, or slab affect pricing as do custom finishes and details like glass fronts or spice drawers.

For a 10×10 kitchen remodel, you may need 35 linear feet of cabinetry at $300 per foot for stock cabinets costing $10,500. Opting for custom cherry cabinets with rollout trays at $800 per foot would entail $28,000 for cabinets. Invest wisely as cabinets hugely impact the upscale kitchen remodel’s functionality and aesthetic.

Countertops

10% of total budget. Laminate, tile, or engineered quartz is around $40-80 per square foot. Granite, marble, or solid surfaces $80-150 per square foot. Choose materials and edges to suit your design style and needs. Sharp 90-degree edges work well with contemporary designs while beveled, eased, or irregular edges add texture.

For a kitchen sink for example, a 30 sq. ft. quartz countertop installation at $70 per square foot may cost around $2,100. Upgrading to premium granite at $125 per square foot equates to $3,750 for the same 30 sq. ft. area. Edges, backsplashes, and specialty cutting impact price as well. Visit showrooms to get quotes on different countertop materials you’re considering.

Appliances

15% of total budget. Dishwashers $300-800. Gas range $600-1500. Refrigerator $1000-4000 based on size and features like French doors, internal water dispenser, and custom panels to match existing cabinets well. Determine the performance, capacity, and features needed for how you cook. Professional-grade appliances or built-in refrigerators come at a premium.

For a full suite of stainless steel appliances with mid-range functionality, you may spend around $5,000-6,000. Opting for pro-style with commercial-grade output could entail $15,000 just for new appliances alone. Measure existing appliances and layouts carefully to ensure new pieces fit.

Lighting Fixtures

5% of the total budget. Flush mount LED lights are $25-50 per fixture. Pendant lights or chandeliers $50-250+. Consider locations, bulb types, and styles that suit your kitchen aesthetic – modern, rustic, industrial. The placement of lighting can make a significant visual impact.

A small kitchen with six LED flush mount lights at $30 each would need $180 allocated for task lighting. Adding two large statement pendants over a central island at $150 each raises the overall cost of the lighting budget to $480. Don’t underestimate how lighting influences the feel of the kitchen.

Flooring

5% of the total budget. Vinyl tile is $3 per square foot ceramic tile is $-8 per square foot. Wood or stone $10-25 per square foot. Evaluate moisture resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning along with visual appeal.

For a 200 sq. ft. kitchen, durable porcelain tile at $5 per square foot equates to $1000 total. Opting for wide-plank white oak flooring at $15 per square foot reaches $3000 for the same 200 sq. ft. area. Include cabinet toe kicks, transitions, and grout/sealants as required.

Backsplash

2% of total budget. Ceramic tile $5-15 per square foot installed. Natural stone $15-50 per square foot. Backsplashes protect walls and allow creativity. Choose materials and designs like subway, marble, and mosaics.

Allow 5% extra for most backsplashes over straight countertop length. For 30 linear ft. of the new countertops, budget for 32 sq. ft. of 4×4 ceramic tile backsplash at $10 per square foot for around $320. Glass or stone mosaics can quadruple costs but add serious decorative impact.

Paint/Wall Finishes

5% of the total budget. Primer and paint are $1-3 per square foot. Wallpaper $4-8 per square foot. Cabinet paint costs extra. Consider colors, sheens, and accent walls to personalize the space.

Painting just upper accent walls in a 150 sq. ft. kitchen at $2.50 per square foot means budgeting $375 for materials and labor costs. Full painting walls and ceilings may run $750. Professional spraying adds cost but saves time and provides the most seamless finish.

Plumbing Fixtures

5% of the total budget depends on mid-range versus high-end faucets, sinks, taps, and garbage disposals. Research brands, styles, metals, and features to estimate costs.

Expect to spend $1,500-2,000 on plumbing upgrades like a stainless apron-front sink, commercial-style faucet, filtered water tap, and quiet garbage disposal. Copper, bronze, or antique finishes command higher prices than chrome or nickel.

Labor

20-40% of the project cost total budget for installation and construction work. Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and contractors or project management fees.

A minor kitchen update may have 15% labor costs if you do some work yourself. Major kitchen remodels or renovations with structural changes can have up to 40% of the budget going to contractor fees for specialized tradespeople and project management.

Kitchen Remodel Costs by Type

Kitchen remodels range from simple surface upgrades to expansive room reconfigurations and structural changes. The scope of work dramatically impacts the overall budget. Here are typical costs based on the extent of renovations:

• Small Kitchen Remodel: This involves minimal layout changes such as removing a wall or soffit plus replacing cabinets, countertops, and flooring for moderate updates. Cost: $10,000-$25,000
• Medium Kitchen Remodel: Medium remodels alter some walls, cabinetry, and appliances plus install new surfaces for a significant refresh. Cost: $25,000-$50,000
• Large Kitchen Remodel: Full-scale demolishes old kitchen layout and does complete reconstruction. Includes installing new cabinets, fixtures, and finishes plus moving plumbing/electrical. Cost: $50,000-$150,000+

Kitchen Remodeling Cost Service by Location

Construction and renovation costs vary across different areas due to labor, demand, and accessibility factors. Smaller metro areas and rural regions often have below-average labor rates and construction prices. Get region-specific estimates by searching average kitchen remodel costs for your city or state.

Factors That Impact Your Kitchen Remodel Budget

Many variables beyond just square footage and location impact your total kitchen remodel investment. Carefully consider the following:

Renovation vs. Remodeling

Renovation implies updating finishes like cabinets and surfaces. Remodeling changes floorplans which requires much more labor and costs. Decide how significantly you want to reconfigure your kitchen’s layout and structural elements.

Size

Larger kitchens require more of everything from square footage of new materials to demolition and construction work hours. Measure your existing full kitchen’s footprint and create a layout plan to determine accurate material quantities.

Permits For Kitchen Renovation Service

Building permits, inspections, and other red tape add expense. Many minor renovations don’t require pulling permits. Check your local regulations.

Repairs & Upgrades

Problems like mold, electrical issues, or HVAC repairs drive up pre-renovation costs. Factor in any upgrade work needed to modernize plumbing, lighting, and more.

Moving Appliances & Utilities

Relocating appliances, plumbing, gas lines, or electrical wiring ups the labor time and materials for major layout changes.

Storage & Relocation

Adding organizational features like islands, pantries kitchen cabinets, and cabinetry increases costs but maximizes usable space. Temporary storage and moving costs also come into play for larger remodels.

Customization

Using all stock cabinets and materials keeps costs lower than customized options. Semi-custom provides a middle ground. High-end custom cabinetry, counters, tile, and detailing elevate budgets.

Finishes & Materials

Upscale appliances, imported tiles, solid hardwood floors, granite counters, and quality fixtures mean spending more upfront but potentially adding home value long-term.

How to Save Money on Your Kitchen Remodel

While kitchen remodels require significant investment, there are ways to reduce costs with savvy planning and decision-making. Consider these tips to keep your kitchen renovation budget in check:

• Compare quotes from at least 3 contractors. Get bids from different general contractors on the same kitchen plans. This creates competition so contractors may reduce pricing to win your business. Vet qualifications carefully when comparing across multiple bids.
• Time projects for the off-season when contractor demand is slower. For most regions, fall and winter months see less construction demand after summer. You may have an easier time negotiating with contractors eager for work during slower periods.
• Use stock cabinetry instead of custom-built. Stock cabinets cost 30-50% less but still offer a variety of sizes, finishes, and storage options. Semi-custom provides a middle ground. Prioritize layout over custom details.
• Consider lower-priced counters like laminate, ceramic tile, or butcher block rather than natural stone. While granite and marble look spectacular, solid surface, tile, and other affordable options work well and save thousands over natural stone. Evaluate practical pros and cons like durability and ease of maintenance.
• Install countertops yourself if doing solid surface or prefab materials to save on labor. DIY materials like butcher blocks, Ikea units, or mica counters avoid added installation costs. Measure carefully and allow for errors on the first DIY attempt.
• Limit custom changes once plans are finalized. Alteration orders and design tweaks during the renovation process always increase costs. Decide on most details like backsplash height before starting.
• Do demo, prep work, and cleanup yourself if able. Removing old cabinets, flooring, etc. and proper site prep before the contractors arrive reduces billable hours. Handle your own debris removal and post-construction cleaning.

Get creative to further cut costs and expenses without compromising your overall vision. Comparing options and keeping project scope controlled is key to maximizing your return on investment.

Final Thoughts

With good planning, reasonable expectations, and creative problem-solving, your dream kitchen can become a reality. Aim for the best balance of aesthetics, durability, and functionality within your budget. Hiring a professional contractor experienced in doing kitchen remodeling projects is advised to ensure proper project management, skillful installation, and finishing to high standards.

As the heart of your home, a kitchen that caters to your unique lifestyle and tastes is a worthwhile investment that yields dividends for years to come in how you enjoy this space. Hopefully, this guide provided helpful insights into budgeting wisely for your upcoming kitchen remodel.