This Is What the Average Kitchen Remodel Actually Costs (Plus How to Budget for One)
sturti / Getty Images
Kitchens need to be functional but over time, appliances can breakdown, cabinetry can sag, and doors or hardware may even come off entirely. While quick fixes can help for a time, you may want to consider planning and budgeting for a full kitchen remodel.
The average kitchen remodel cost ranges from about $14,608 to $41,275, though the cost can vary depending on the size of the kitchen and the scope of the project. Learn more about the factors that may impact the average kitchen remodel cost, and how to budget for one.
Kitchen Remodel Cost by Item
A kitchen remodel involves replacing and upgrading items like cabinets, appliances, flooring and more.
Appliances will cost around $3,800 and account for about 14 percent of the budget.
Backsplash installations are only about five percent of the total budget, but this still works out to about $1,400.
Countertops are one of the more costly parts of a kitchen remodel job. Expect to spend 10 percent of the project budget, or about $2,700 for countertop installation.
Doors and windows are relatively affordable, costing just $1,100 on average, or about four percent of the project budget.
Faucets and plumbing upgrades are similar in cost to doors and windows. Plan to put four percent of the budget, or about $1,100, toward faucets and plumbing installation.
Flooring is often changed during a kitchen remodel. Replacing the flooring takes up seven percent of the budget, costing $1,900 on average.
Kitchen cabinets typically take up about 29 percent of the budget, with an average cost of $6,700.
Labor costs depend on the company and local labor rates, but on average labor costs about $4,600, or 17 percent of the budget.
Lighting upgrades will usually cost about $1,400, or five percent of the budget, though this depends on the number and quality of the fixtures.
Wall and ceilings account for five percent of the kitchen remodel budget, which works out to an average cost of about $1,400.
How Geographic Location Impacts Kitchen Remodel Costs
The cost of a kitchen remodel project can fluctuate based on the geographic area. Price differences are often noticeable when comparing products, but the geographic location can also affect the local labor rate.
Typically, the labor cost for a complete kitchen remodel is about 17 percent of the total cost, or about $4,600, on average.
Northwest: $25,600–$61,100
Rocky Mountains: $12,700–$39,600
Southwest: $12,350–$33,950
Mountain Prairie: $6,000–$37,400
Midwest: $10,500–$34,300
Southeast: $12,000–$32,200
Mideast: $13,600–$37,650
Northeast: $15,600–$40,300
Scale of the Kitchen Remodel
Small spaces or minor upgrades won't cost as much as completely remodeling the entire kitchen with new appliances, cabinetry, electrical, lighting, plumbing, and more.
Small-scale kitchen remodeling is typically limited to improving the aesthetic appearance and functionality without making significant changes to the kitchen layout. This can include painting the walls, refacing the cabinets, or upgrading the flooring. Plan to spend about $24,000 on average for a small-scale kitchen remodel.
Mid-scale kitchen remodel jobs will cost about $69,000. These projects may include purchasing new appliances, adding new light fixtures, putting in an upgraded sink, or replacing the flooring and countertops.
Large-scale kitchen remodeling is the most involved and often requires the kitchen to be fully gutted. This means removing and replacing the floors, walls, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, plumbing, electrical, and more. Based on the scope of this job, large-scale kitchen remodeling costs about $136,000 on average.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Factors
Appliances
If the kitchen appliances are old, worn, or in disrepair, then a kitchen remodel is a great time to choose new appliances that suit the space. The cost of new appliances can vary significantly, depending on the type of appliance, the brand, and any additional features.
Kitchen Cabinets
The part of a kitchen remodel project that typically costs the most is replacing the kitchen cabinets. Putting in kitchen cabinets will cost about 30 percent of the total project budget, so consider keeping your existing cabinets if they are in good condition or only require refinishing.
If the kitchen needs new cabinets, then plan to spend between $2,000 to $28,000 for stock cabinets or between $13,000 to $30,000 for custom cabinets. Also, you may choose to reuse the cabinet hardware or purchase new hardware. The cost can range from $100 for basic, inexpensive hardware to $10,000 for antique or custom hardware.
Countertops
Generally, the larger the countertop space or the more unique the shape, the higher the cost of the project. Expect to pay between $2,700 to $3,300, including the purchase and installation of the countertops.
Just keep in mind that the total cost of the countertops can vary depending on the material. Some materials, like laminate or tile may cost less than $2,000, while premium materials, like stainless steel or quartz countertops could cost over $10,000.
Backsplash
Adding a backsplash during a kitchen remodel can be a good way to improve the aesthetic while creating an easy-to-clean protective surface. However, a new backsplash will typically cost about $15 to $40 per square foot, including the price of the materials and installation. This works out to about $600 to $1,300, depending on the size of the backsplash.
Flooring
New flooring is a common addition to a kitchen remodel project because the kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms in the home. The heavy traffic through the area as well as the high frequency of dropped food, drinks, dishes, and cookware can damage the floor, and lead to early wear.
Depending on the square footage of the kitchen, a new floor will cost between $1,000 to $4,000. Choose inexpensive flooring materials, like laminate, sheet vinyl, or linoleum to reduce the overall cost of the kitchen remodel project.
Plumbing
You may need to budget for a plumber if you plan to install a new sink and faucet, run new piping, or complete any other plumbing modifications during the kitchen remodel. Installing a new sink will usually cost about $420, while a new faucet is typically $260 to purchase and install.
In most cases, you can expect to pay a plumber an hourly rate between $45 to $200 per hour, though some plumbers may offer a flat rate based on the job or the size of the kitchen. If you need new pipes run to the kitchen or significant plumbing modifications completed, plan to spend between $1,500 to $15,000.
Electrical
Similar to plumbing, some kitchen remodels may require new electrical outlets, light fixtures, or wiring depending on the scale of the project. Electricians will usually charge about $50 to $100 per hour. On top of this labor rate, you'll also need to pay for the materials and products.
New outlet installation will usually cost between $75 to $485.
Electrical panel replacement can cost between $520 to $1,990.
Under-cabinet lighting installations are less than standard lighting projects, ranging from just $230 to $300.
Typical lighting upgrades start at just $500, but can quickly exceed $2,000, depending on the number and quality of the new light fixtures.
Work with the contractor to find the best products for the kitchen remodel.
Gas Line
A gas stove or oven will require a gas line connection. If the stove needs to be moved or the appliance is being replaced with an in-wall unit, then the gas line will need to be relocated. This is not a job that can be handled by a DIYer or a local handyman, so make sure to hire a professional gas fitter to move the gas line to a safe location. Expect to spend about $250 to $750 to complete this modification during the kitchen remodel.
Room Size
Generally, the larger the kitchen, the higher the cost of the kitchen remodel project because the job will take longer and require more materials to complete. On average, the cost to remodel a kitchen ranges from $75 to $250 per square foot.
Based on this information, you can figure out the approximate cost of the project. For instance, a 75 square foot kitchen will cost between $5,625 to $17,500 on average, but a 100 square foot kitchen will cost $7,500 to $25,000. Large, 150-square foot kitchens cost between $11,250 to $37,500, while a 200 square foot kitchen will typically cost $15,000 to $50,000 to fully remodel.
Designer and Contractor Fees
Bringing in an interior designed can be a great way to ensure that the kitchen ends up looking the way you want it to look. However, designers come at a cost of about $50 to $250 per hour.
Similarly, some homeowners may hire individual workers for each part of the project, but having a general contractor is often more effective. These professionals typically hire their own crew and oversee each aspect of the work to ensure that the finished product is worth the time and money you put into it. Just keep in mind that general contractors will usually charge about $300 to $500 per day, and may add an additional $150 to $250 per day for each extra laborer.
Furniture Storage and Building Permits
If the fridge, stove, kitchen table, and chairs are in good condition, then it's best to simply store these items until the kitchen remodel project is complete. Plan to spend about $90 to $250 per month for a portage storage unit, and about $25 to $50 per mover per hour to move your furniture and appliances to and from the storage unit.
You may also need to pay between $500 to $1,500 to get a building permit before starting your kitchen remodel, though permit requirements vary depending on the location. Speak to the contractor or head to the local permit office to determine if a permit is required and who's responsible for getting it.
When Should You Remodel Your Kitchen?
Remodeling a kitchen is a big job, so it's not one that can be undertaken without a bit of forethought. If the kitchen is in relatively good condition, then adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls or refinishing the cabinets may be all that is required to renew the aesthetic appeal of the room. However, if the kitchen has one or more of the issues listed below, then it may be time to remodel the space.
Lack of storage
Worn cabinetry
Old appliances
Cracked countertops
Damaged flooring
Water damage
DIY vs. Professional Kitchen Remodel
Taking on a kitchen remodel project as a DIY job is not recommended because it's simply too big, complex, and time-consuming for a DIYer to handle on their own. Some changes to the kitchen, like moving the drain line, running new water lines, or installing extra electrical outlets, may require a licensed plumber or electrician for permit approval.
You can reduce the overall cost of the project by tackling some of the more basic aspects of the job, like painting or putting in a new backsplash. However, most of the work can be completed faster and more effectively by hiring trained professionals. Many general contractors, plumbers, carpenters, and electricians will also offer some type of guarantee or warranty on their work.
How to Budget and Save on a Kitchen Remodel
Generally, a budget of about $26,000 is suitable for the average kitchen remodel. One of the best ways to save on a kitchen remodel project is to have the cabinets refinished or refaced instead of completely replaced. You can also limit the cost of the job by keeping the same basic kitchen layout, so the contractors don't need to worry about moving drain lines, water lines, or electrical connections.
Make sure to shop around to get the best price for the new products and materials, and get quotes from at least three reputable companies to ensure you get the lowest cost for the highest value. If you have any questions about the materials or products, speak to the contractor to get advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel?
The budget for the project should be based on the size of the kitchen, the scope of the job, and any additional cost factors, like the price of new appliances. On average, a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel project is about $26,000.
How much does it cost to remodel a 12x12 kitchen?
The average kitchen remodel cost for a 12x12 kitchen ranges from about $11,250 to $37,500, depending on the size of the kitchen, the scale of the remodel, and whether the homeowner needs to purchase any new appliances, cabinetry, or countertops.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
The most expensive part of a kitchen remodel project is typically the new cabinets, which can take up about 30 percent of the overall budget. Generally, new cabinets will cost about $8,200 to purchase and install.
Read the original article on The Spruce.
