A wide range of sources contribute to the information provided in our cost guides, from real-time contractor estimates to published cost studies and specialized websites.
Refer to our Methodology and Sources for more in-depth information.
Discover the average kitchen remodeling costs in your area
Whether you're getting ready for a small kitchen makeover or a full-fledged overhaul, knowing your budget is key. Having free quotes from local kitchen remodeling contractors, you'll be able to make a better-informed decision about the funding needed to update your space.
A kitchen overhaul is a big home improvement project requiring considerable budgeting. However, despite a high initial investment, full-fledged remodeling offers a good return rate, making your property more attractive in the real estate market. To get the most out of the kitchen renovation, you need to plan your budget to the finest detail, considering everything from plumbing and cabinetry to flooring and lighting. When you have a clear idea of your kitchen design concept, you can ensure more fruitful cooperation with the remodeler's crew and avoid going beyond the budget.
We have compiled this in-depth cost guide to help you get a clearer idea of how much your kitchen renovation may cost. Here you will find how kitchen updates vary by their scale, costs, and timeframe and what factors can affect the overall kitchen remodel budget.
How to understand that it's the right time for a kitchen renovation?
Only every fourth homeowner decides to renovate their kitchen and dining area without hesitation. The workload and spending associated with this home improvement project make people hesitate about its immediate necessity, postponing it until better times. However, the longer you wait, the more problems develop, resulting in lower appeal, functionality, and, thus, the sale value of your property.
We made a list of the most widespread kitchen issues, indicating that its overhaul is inevitable and should be started without delay.
Worn out kitchen cabinets
Kitchen cabinetry is used quite often, so it's normal to wear and tear not so long after installation. If the cabinets with kitchen appliances and cereals you're using most often are falling apart, you won't be able to enjoy a comfortable cooking experience. Besides, wooden cabinets can absorb moisture, resulting in mold growth that is pretty dangerous for the health of your family members. Another jeopardy lies in loosening hinges. A kitchen cabinet that is poorly fixed can drop, causing severe injury.
Broken appliances
Broken or outdated kitchen appliances that don't perform as they’re meant can become inefficient and even dangerous. Voltage drops, blown fuses, leakages, and other common issues wreak havoc on appliance performance, bringing a lot of headaches to homeowners. An oven that does not heat up or a fridge that leaks should be replaced without delays if they are out of warranty.
Cracked countertops
If your countertops are not made from a solid piece of stone, the chances are they can be covered with chips and cracks after 3-5 years of regular usage. It ruins the look of your kitchen and poses a danger to your health as food pieces can get stuck in the crevices promoting bacterial growth. Another problem is when countertops are shifting, unstable, and even separating from the wall.
Outdated interior design
If the last update of your kitchen was made 10-15 years ago, it could not stay attractive and trendy to this day. Monochrome color scheme without accents, linoleum flooring, laminate countertops, plaster walls, and industrial-style lighting - all these kitchen design elements make it look outdated and cheap. Consult an expert interior designer to discuss fresh kitchen design trends that can be introduced into your space.
Not enough storage space
Whether you have a big family or love congregating in the kitchen with your friends, you need enough space to feel comfortable cooking, eating, and entertaining. Consider updating your kitchen layout to accommodate all your kitchenware and appliances while feeling comfy when many people are getting together around the table.
How do kitchen renovation projects vary by their scale?
There are countless options for redoing a kitchen - from furniture upgrading and re-tiling to a floor plan amending and plumbing replacing. The options are endless - everything depends only on your imagination and budget.
However, considering the overall notion of kitchen renovation, its three generally accepted tiers can be distinguished - minor updates, partial renovation, and full-scale overhaul. These renovations vary depending on the size of your kitchen, the work's scope, and the material's amount. It's essential to know what is involved in each renovation level to allocate your budget the right way and lead a meaningful dialog with kitchen remodelers and designers.
Let us delve deeper into kitchen renovation costs depending on the type and scale of a remodeling job needed to be done.
Minor kitchen updates
All minor kitchen updates that don't require changing floor plans or reinstalling furniture and appliances qualify as cosmetic jobs. This update type is usually DIY-friendly and thus least expensive, involving only surface changes. If you're satisfied with your kitchen look and functionality, a minor facelift is just what you need to keep it in mint condition for the first 5-7 years after its construction.
See the table below for the average kitchen remodeling cost that involves only minor updates.
Type of renovation
Description
Average cost
Updating countertops
A quick kitchen makeover cannot be completed without a countertops update. The national average cost homeowners spend on replacing countertops ranges between $1.800 and $4.330. However, your project can take you as little as $400 if you stay away from costly materials like natural stone and stainless steel. The most budget-friendly countertop options include laminate and ceramic.
$400 - $4.330
Refreshing backsplash
A new backsplash is one of the most common elements that is replaced during a minor kitchen update. It can give your space a brand-new look without making you pay over the odds. The budget you should allocate for a new backsplash varies on the material. You can spend as little as $490 to revamp your space with a mid-range ceramic or vinyl tile or choose a high-end marble option costing as much as $65 per square foot. If you want to rely on a professional to install your new backsplash, add an average of $12 per square foot.
$490 - $1.450
Replacing kitchen sink and faucet
If you want to improve your kitchen look without significant renovations, you're recommended to start with switching the old kitchen fixtures. Sinks, faucets, dispensers, and other elements under regular wear and tear have a short service life and must be replaced every 2-4 years. The average cost to install a new stainless steel sink and faucet goes from $600 to $1.850. Labor spending you should expect equals $150 - $350.
$750 - $1.850
Repainting walls
Updating the paint on your kitchen walls won't cost you an arm and a leg but will change the look of a space dramatically. Depending on the kitchen's size, manufacturer, and paint quality, the cost of repainting walls ranges between $3 to $6.50 per square foot. The national average cost of professional repainting, including preparatory stages like hole repair, and spackle application, range from $895 to $2.450. You can skimp on your repainting project, doing the job yourself.
$590 - $2.450
Replacing lighting
The price may vary depending on the need to buy a new light fixture. If you want to change a bulb or a lampshade, you can do it without professional help for as little as $15 - $60. The cost of a new fixture can run anywhere from $50 to $1.500 or more for a custom-made chandelier. The average cost homeowners pay for new kitchen ceiling lights is $540. Labor spending for kitchen lighting replacement can range from $50 to $170, depending on the fixtures type, their accessibility, and wiring peculiarities.
$150 - $1.670
Refacing kitchen cabinetry
If you're on a tight budget, you can improve the look of the existing cabinetry instead of pulling the entire construction from the wall and installing a new one. A minor update involves repainting and refinishing the cabinets and replacing their doors and sliding mechanisms.
$350 - $700
Partial kitchen renovation
A midrange kitchen renovation is more time and money-constrained than its quick update. Homeowners usually choose this upgrade when their kitchen's overall look and functionality are outdated. Nevertheless, it cannot be called full-fledged as it does not involve floor planning amendments or new design features. As a rule, a partial kitchen renovation covers all major surfaces and plumbing fixtures replacement, installing new flooring and lighting, repainting walls, and adding new cabinetry and appliances. New constructional elements like kitchen islands can sometimes be added within a midrange update.
You will most likely need professional assistance to execute a kitchen renovation project of this scale. The average cost of this kitchen remodeling can vary from $17.000 to $32.000. The spending can be higher if you use only high-grade materials and lauded brands.
Full-scale overhaul
It's not a secret that investments in kitchen remodeling can be as high as $75.000 as your designer's ambitions are limited only by the existing budget. If there are no financial restrictions, you can go wild, introducing all your ideas into your kitchen space. Upscale remodel involves an improved floor plan introduction, an enlargement of the existing space, as well as rearrangement of plumbing systems, wiring, and gas lines. You're redoing virtually everything as if you're building the kitchen from scratch. The overhaul of an upscale kind involves installing top-shelf materials and fixtures, energy-saving built-in appliances, and customization of sizes and shapes.
The national average cost of this kitchen remodeling goes from $42.000 to $75.000 and higher, depending on the square footage, design concept, materials, appliances, and the rates of a remodeling crew.
Kitchen renovations under different budgets
The kitchen is one of the most used areas in the home that requires regular updates to preserve its initial look and attractiveness. Besides, it is also the best place to invest most of your renovation budget as a new, smartly-designed kitchen adds tremendous value to the home. The initial investment in kitchen remodeling will vary depending on its square footage, the quality of materials and appliances, and the level of expertise and prominence of the hired remodeling crew. The national average cost American homeowners pay to update their kitchens vary from $17.000 to $33.000.
We made up this table to help you understand what scale of kitchen renovation you can afford for the available budget.
Renovation budget
Included features
Low budget ($5.500 - $12.700)
- Most of the job is performed by a homeowner
- Plastering and painting walls and ceiling
- Refinishing and refacing kitchen cabinetry
- Installing countertops made of inexpensive materials
- Getting new plumbing fixtures, namely faucets and sinks
- Updating a few major appliances like a microwave or a range hood
- Installing the LED and inserting lighting
Medium budget ($14.000 - $25.000)
- The budget allows for hiring an individual contractor, installer, and plumber
- Replacing all outdated kitchen appliances, from a fridge to an oven and dishwasher
- Updating of kitchen flooring, including subfloor renovation
- Building a kitchen island with a marble or granite countertop
- Installing semi-custom kitchen cabinets with automatic closers
- Replacing the existing plumbing system if it does not require amending the floor plan (all plumbing fixtures are replaced)
- Installing countertops made of solid materials like stone or stainless steel
High budget ($33.000+)
- Such a decent kitchen renovation budget is meant for a full-fledged overhaul that should be performed by a certified crew of professional remodelers and designers.
- Introducing all structural amendments required for a new kitchen design - from installing new plumbing, wiring, and gas pipes to demolishing and building walls
- Building custom cabinets made of durable and water-resistant materials
- Mounting built-in kitchen appliances from trusted global and American brands
- Installing backsplashes and countertops from materials of superior quality like marble, quartz, and granite
- Adding all types of lighting fixtures, from ambient to accent and task lighting
- Upgrading old flooring to a new one made from hardwood or stone
How much does a new kitchen cost? - The primary cost-related variabilities to consider
Kitchen remodels cost between $75 and $250 per square foot on average. This can seem like a vast range, but the quality and amount of materials, as well as the professional or DIY remodeling approach, make the cost variation substantial. The best part is that this range can be used effectively for your kitchen makeover budgeting. With a set budget, you can easily tailor your choice of materials and contractors and avoid unforeseen expenses.
Square footage of the existing kitchen
The first and foremost criterion affecting the remodeling budget is the size of the area. Larger spaces naturally need more drywall, flooring, paint, and cabinets. A kitchen that is less than 70 square feet will typically cost from $7.000 to $20.000 to remodel, while one that is 200 square feet or larger can easily cost upwards of $75.000.
Labor costs
Spending on labor amounts to 15-20% of the total kitchen renovation budget, or from
$3.500 to $8.250, depending on the US region. If you live in the Western or Northern
states, a major kitchen overhaul can cost you around 8% higher than in Southern states.
If you seek to mitigate your kitchen renovation costs, you can do some parts of the
project yourself. It is true for people with at least basic handyman skills. However,
your DIY intentions must be discussed with a remodeling crew before a project starts.
Otherwise, you can put the whole renovation project at risk and make the budgets soar
past their stop point. Even if you have a general idea of installing a backsplash or
painting walls, you can do it out of order, wreaking havoc on the rest of the project.
Cooperating with top-rated and qualified local remodelers will make your life easier,
giving you confidence in the final result. And searching for them with the help of
MyHomeQuote's contractor-matching service can save you a lot of hassle. No registration
is required. Just pick the service you need and answer a couple of questions
about your renovation needs.
This information will be enough for us to connect you with kitchen
remodeling experts in your area and provide you with clear-cut local kitchen prices.
With MyHomeQuote, you reap maximum benefits with minimum effort.
Flooring
Kitchen flooring can be made from a wide array of materials of different quality and durability. The least expensive options include linoleum, laminate, and vinyl. These materials can serve for years if properly maintained, but they're inferior in quality and visual appeal to natural stone and wood. Your flooring choice should be based not only on the cost but also on the frequency of kitchen space use, the overall design concept, and durability requirements. The cost you should expect to replace your kitchen floors vary from $1.500 to $4.500, depending on the room square footage, flooring material, and installer rates.
Windows and doors
When updating your kitchen, it's also vital to consider windows and door replacement as it takes around 8-12% of the overall budget, depending on the room's setup and the number of units to replace. The national average cost homeowners pay to replace their single- or double-hung kitchen windows ranges from $560 to $1.120 per unit. Windows of more complicated configurations like casement or sliding ones can cost $600 to $2.000. If your kitchen has deck access, you should expect to pay around $1.750 for a glass sliding door.
Lighting
Kitchen light fittings vary not only in size, configuration, and cost but also in their requirements. For instance, task lights are essential for cooking, while ceiling fixtures and pendants add ambient lighting, creating a warmer atmosphere. Depending on the complexity of the lighting scheme, you should expect to pay from $500 to $2.250 to update lighting fixtures in your kitchen.
Backsplash
The expense of a backsplash establishment can run somewhere in the range of $150 for a little kitchen rebuild up to $10,000 for a bigger and more perplexing venture. The cost will change contingent upon the size of the backsplash, the materials, and the work. Some accomplished DIYers feel open to introducing a tile backsplash themselves. However, for the individuals who don't have tiling experience or need a more intricate example, everything will work out for the best to allow a worker for hire to deal with the establishment. Clay tile is one of the most famous backsplash materials since it is appealing and moderately reasonable (albeit complex examples and better materials can build the expense). All top-shelf options like marble can cost up to $50 per square foot before work.
Countertops
The national average cost of kitchen countertops goes from $2.300 to $7.500, which amounts to around 10% of the kitchen remodeling budget. The cost may significantly vary depending on the total square footage of the countertop and the selected material. High-end options like marble or natural stone cost 2-3 times higher than their laminate counterparts. The form and amount of cuts, custom edge routing, and honing of natural stone can also raise the overall countertop installation cost.
Plumbing
The cost of installing a faucet or sink shouldn't take up a significant portion of your kitchen overhaul budget. These jobs typically cost between $160 and $540 and can be done without professional assistance. Nevertheless, the price will most likely skyrocket if you need to shift the plumbing lines or alter the floor layout. Thus, installing new pipes will cost around $1.100 and require a permit, which might add another $800 to the overall cost.
Gas pipes
The typical price of relocating gas lines ranges from $250 to $900. The costs of hiring expert plumbers and getting all the required permits increase the overall renovation budget. If you're about to relocate all the appliances, consider moving the lines before installing flooring or drywall.
Electrical
It is not a complicated project if the electrical work is conducted as part of the existing kitchen demolition and building. Electricians usually charge $50 - $100 an hour for this service. The costs associated with wiring replacement and the addition of outlets can be unexpectedly high as the project requires more effort and permits. To avoid tearing out finished work, consider consulting a certified electrician at the beginning of a kitchen update process.
Plumbing fixtures
Plumbing expenses are low if all water and gas pipes stay in place. Changing the kitchen floor plan, though, raises the material and labor costs, making you get special permits and hire a professional plumber. However, installing a new faucet and a sink might be a good idea if you aim to uplift the existing kitchen look without introducing any extensive amendments to its design. The average price you should expect to pay for this kind of job averages $900, or 4% of the overall remodel cost.
Ceiling and walls
Conducting a kitchen makeover, you can paint or add wallpaper to the walls and ceiling. Still, new materials offer advantages over the old ones that make them worthwhile to replace. Paneling or tongue-and-groove ceilings can change the ambiance of a kitchen, while new fire- and moisture-resistant drywall can offer safety features. The average budget you should allocate to the walls and ceiling amounts to $1.200.
Cabinetry
The lion's share of the kitchen renovation budget (around 29%) goes to cabinetry, as it usually becomes a focal point of the overall design concept, defining the style and color scheme of the rest of the room. The cost of kitchen cabinets depends on their size, type, configuration, and material. Stock cabinets from mass-market furniture stores like IKEA cost around $160 per linear foot, while custom and semi-custom options go from $320 to $1.200 per linear foot. Cabinets made of wood and stainless steel cost 13-17% higher than those made of laminate and wooden veneer. All in all, the national average cost of a mid-range kitchen cabinet is $6.670.
Appliances
The standard appliances you can find in the kitchen include a fridge, cooktop, oven, dishwasher, microwave,
and sometimes a ventilation hood and a coffee machine. These appliances take a considerable part of the kitchen
remodeling budget and can raise it to the sky if your choice falls for lauded international or premium segment brands.
Consider installing energy-efficient kitchen appliances to earn higher rewards in the long run. These units will
help you to save on electricity and sell your home at a higher price in a couple of years. Consult your renovation
crew before getting any appliances, as they should have the ideal sizing to fit in the existing kitchen.
Depending on their type and quality, appliances can range in price from as low as $400 to as high as $7.000. Custom
built-ins with high-end features might cost $10.000 or more. The average budget you need to update all kitchen
appliances is roughly 14%, or $3.500.
How to reduce kitchen remodeling costs?
If you want to cut costs on renovating your kitchen, you should make the corresponding decisions at the project's planning stage. Thus, effective budget-saving solutions include picking economy or mid-range materials, stock cabinets, mass-market appliances, and haggling with suppliers and local kitchen contractors. On top of that, if you have the required skills to perform remodeling tasks like painting or cabinet installation, do them yourself. Makeovers that don't require amending the floor plan have a lower cost. Cut on building costs, plumbing, and electrical work, maintaining the existing footprint.
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