Thinking about gutting your kitchen?
Hold up. Before you start ripping out cabinets or picking out fancy faucets, you need to know what you’re actually spending.
Kitchen remodel cost isn’t just about countertops and paint. It’s about labor, permits, surprises behind the walls, and a dozen other line items that sneak up fast.
Let’s break down where your money goes and how to plan without blowing your budget wide open.
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Really Cost?
Most kitchen renovations fall between $15,000 and $60,000.
Some people spend $5,000 on a quick refresh while others drop $100,000 or more. Costs also shift by location.
A remodel in New York City costs much more than in a smaller town.
What makes the difference? Space size, material choices, and how much you’re changing. Painting cabinets is one thing. Moving walls and replumbing are completely different.
The typical kitchen redo costs $25,000 to $35,000. That covers new cabinets, countertops, flooring, and mid-range appliances.
Key Factors That Change Your Remodel Price
Not all kitchens cost the same to renovate. Several variables push your total up or pull it down.
Kitchen Size and Layout
Bigger spaces need more materials and labor. A 200-square-foot kitchen requires way more cabinets than a 100-square-foot one.
Keeping your existing layout saves serious money. Start moving sinks or knocking down walls?
You’re paying plumbers, electricians, and possibly structural engineers.
Material Choices
Laminate countertops run $20 per square foot. Quartz? Try $75 to $150. Stock cabinets cost a fraction of custom builds.
You don’t have to pick the cheapest everything, but mixing high and low saves cash.
Labor Rates
Big cities see labor at $100 to $150 per hour. Rural areas might run $50 to $75.
Electricians and plumbers cost more than painters, so get local quotes early to understand your area’s rates.
Appliance Decisions
A basic stove costs $500. A pro-style range runs $5,000.
Mid-range appliances usually hit the sweet spot at $3,000 to $8,000 for a complete set.
Energy-efficient models cost more upfront but lower your utility bills over time.
Structural Changes
Moving a load-bearing wall means engineers, permits, and beams. Same with relocating gas lines or updating electrical panels.
These aren’t cosmetic fixes, and they eat budgets fast.
Where Most of Your Budget Gets Used
- Cabinets: They eat up 25–35% of your budget since they cover so much wall space.
- Countertops: Expect 10–15%, with prices varying by material.
- Appliances: A mid-range set runs $3,000-$8,000, taking up 10–20% of the budget.
- Labor: The most significant share at 20–35%, covering all installation and trade work.
- Flooring: Budget around 5–10% for materials and installation.
- Plumbing and Electrical Work: Moving fixtures or upgrading systems incurs a 10–15% surcharge.
Typical Spending for Different Remodel Levels
Your budget determines how far you can go. Here’s what each level gets you.
1. Light Updates: $5,000 to $15,000
This covers paint, new cabinet hardware, updated lighting, and maybe a fresh backsplash. You’re working with what you have and just making it look better.
No major demo or construction needed.
2. Mid-Level Upgrades: $25,000 to $50,000
Now you’re replacing cabinets, countertops, and flooring.
You might add new appliances and update the sink or faucet. The layout stays the same, but everything looks and functions like new.
3. Complete Remodel or Rebuild: $50,000 to $100,000+
This is the big one. You’re changing the layout, moving plumbing and electrical, installing premium materials, and possibly adding square footage.
Expect permits, inspections, and months of work.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Based on Room Size
Square footage directly affects what you’ll spend. More space means more materials, more labor, and a bigger bill.
| Kitchen Size | Square Feet | Cost Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 70–100 | $10,000–$25,000 | Stock cabinets, laminate or quartz counters, vinyl flooring. A smaller footprint keeps material and labor costs down. |
| Medium | 100–200 | $25,000–$50,000 | Room for an island, more storage, better appliance layouts. Semi-custom cabinets become an option. Splurge on one or two features while keeping other elements affordable. |
| Large | 200+ | $50,000–$100,000+ | Doubling or tripling material orders: more cabinets, countertop slabs, and flooring. Labor hours pile up. Often includes multiple work zones requiring additional plumbing or electrical runs. |
Costs You Might Not Plan For
Every kitchen remodel comes with surprise expenses.
Permits and inspections are easy to forget, but are required for most major work. Depending on your city, these can run $500 to $2,000 or more. Skip them, and you risk fines or problems when selling.
Delivery and haul-away fees add up, too. Getting new cabinets and appliances to your house costs money.
Dumpster rentals alone hit $400 to $800 for a week.
Once you open up walls or pull up flooring, you might find outdated plumbing or wiring that doesn’t meet current codes.
Fixing these issues isn’t optional and can tack on thousands. Hidden water damage, termite issues, or sagging floor joists only show up after demo starts.
Plan for the unexpected by setting aside 10–20% of your budget as a cushion.
You’ll either use it or have extra cash left over.
Make a Budget That Saves You Money
Renovating doesn’t mean draining your savings. A few practical strategies keep spending in check.
1. Keep the Same Layout: Relocating a sink or stove means hiring plumbers and electricians at premium rates, plus permits. Stick with your current layout and save thousands.
2. Mix Lower-Cost and Higher-Cost Materials: Go high-end where it counts and budget-friendly everywhere else. Quartz countertops with stock cabinets work great.
3. Reuse What Still Works: Solid cabinets can get new paint and hardware for a fraction of replacement cost. Save big purchases for items that are actually broken.
4. Get Multiple Contractor Quotes: Three quotes show you the market rate and help spot who’s overcharging. Ask what’s included, timeline, and warranty.
5. Rank What Matters Most: Rank what matters most before you start. If counter space is a priority, spend there and compromise elsewhere.
6. Build in a Contingency Fund: Build in 15–20% extra for hidden problems like rotted subfloors or outdated wiring. Demo always reveals surprises.
7. Track Your Spending: Track purchases in real time using a notebook or app. Seeing the numbers keeps you honest and helps you adjust before overspending.
Wrapping It Up
Planning a kitchen renovation means knowing where your money goes before you start.
From cabinets to labor to hidden costs, every decision shapes your final bill. Set priorities early, build in wiggle room for surprises, and mix budget picks with splurges.
The kitchen remodel cost you end up with should match what you actually need.
Ready to start?
Grab quotes, crunch numbers, and make it happen.
