How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen?

The first question many people have when looking to remodel their kitchen is how much does it cost to remodel a kitchen?

The cost for a kitchen remodeling project can vary greatly depending on a few factors. The two major factors are:

1. Your location
2. The Project “Scope”

Location and cost of living

 Where you live can greatly impact the cost of a kitchen remodel. Living in the city will likely be more expensive to remodel your kitchen than if you lived in a suburb or rural area. You can safely say that as the cost of living decreases, so too does the cost of everything else, which includes the cost of a kitchen remodel. The cost of labor is a direct reflection of your location and cost of living. Labor costs will be higher in cities and metropolitan areas and cheaper in suburbs and rural areas.

Project Scope 

The amount of work you want to be put into your new kitchen will greatly affect the overall cost of your kitchen remodeling project. Kitchen remodels may be a simple cosmetic or aesthetic makeover, a “pull & replace” project, or a full custom kitchen.

Cosmetic Makeover

This might consist of replacing countertops, sink, plumbing and light fixtures, and maybe adding backsplash tile behind the new countertops. This option is great for keeping your kitchen as is but breathing new life into it with fresh, new materials.

Read more about our cosmetic kitchen makeovers here.

Pull & Replace

A “pull & replace” kitchen remodeling project can consist of replacing the cabinets, countertops, plumbing and electrical fixtures, sink, and maybe paint the walls a new color, etc. With this type of project, the layout of the kitchen remains as is and we pull out the old materials and replace them with new and updated materials. This can require 1-2 weeks once the materials are received.

Read more about our Pull & Replace kitchen makeovers here.

Full Custom Kitchen

A full custom kitchen might consist of relocating the sink, expanding walls to increase the size or configuration of the kitchen, or maybe even relocating the kitchen to another part of the house. This is more involved time wise and should be expected to be more costly. A month or more is very possible once the materials are received. A permit is likely required along with formal plans to apply for the permit, too.

Read more about our full custom kitchens here.

Speak to a kitchen remodeling expert

So, how much does it cost to remodel a kitchen? 

Most remodeling industry experts and articles will report that a “cosmetic” kitchen remodel can average $8,000-$20,000, whereas a “pull and replace” kitchen remodeling project can average around $15,000-$40,000 and a “full custom” kitchen remodel can cost anywhere from $40,000.00-$80,000.00 or more. 

We’ve offered a useful reference tool that shares some of this for our potential clients to consider which you can download here.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdowns 

There are many items that go into remodeling your kitchen across the 3 project types. Below we will break down the costs of each item to help you understand where your budget is spent. This will also help you understand which project type would be best suited for your needs and your finances.

Cabinet Costs 

Cabinetry helps define the character of any room, so it’s important to choose the style and finish that makes the statement you want. For the average project, you should expect to spend 35 to 40% of your budget on cabinetry, depending on the room and size of the room you are remodeling.

Flooring Costs 

Options for flooring are nearly limitless. Wood or tile? Wide beam or skinny? Light or dark? No matter what you decide, making your choice fit in your budget will depend on the material and area you’re covering. For most projects, flooring should account for 7 to 8% of the total budget.

Countertop Costs

Materials like marble, granite, and stainless steel are the most popular. Other materials like stone and laminate come-and-go in terms of popularity. In the end, the material and surface area determine the price, but on average you should set aside 5 to 12% of your budget for countertops – depending on the room you’re remodeling.

Appliance Cost

Appliances can be a distinct statement or vanish in the overall design. Whatever you decide, the amount you spend will depend on whether or not you are using existing appliances or purchasing new ones. On average, approximately 8% of your budget should be allocated for appliances.

Lighting/Electrical Costs 

Depending on the extent of your project and age of your house, you may need to reroute or even replace wires. To ensure everything is up to code and taken care of properly, it’s best to rely on help from a professional electrician. Typically, their services will make up 4 to 8% of your budget, however this may change depending the age of your wiring, as well as size and type of room. 

AC and Plumbing Costs

Some remodeling projects may require things like air conditioning systems or plumbing to be rerouted to ensure everything works properly. In these instances, it’s always best to consult or contract a professional. If needed, you can expect to spend about 15 to 25% on a plumbing or heating & cooling specialists.

Wall Covering Costs 

From simple paint or wallpaper to pricier options like tiles or marble, the material and amount of surface area you’re covering will guide the price. On average, covering your walls should account for 3% of your budget.

Labor Costs

On average, labor makes up 25% of the project total when contracting your kitchen project to a professional remodeling contractor.

Miscellaneous Costs

When contracting with a local contractor, you’ll need to expect to be charged a (%) of the labor and material as “profit”, and “overhead” for the miscellaneous costs a contractor incurs, truck insurance and maintenance, the lease/rent of the office/warehouse they may work from, the utilities of the office, the staff that supports them from the office, gasoline for the vehicles, etc.

Plan your kitchen remodeling budget

Now that you know how much it costs to remodel a kitchen it’s time to start planning your budget. One of our cabinet partners, Aristokraft Cabinetry, supplies our clients the quality, style and durable cabinets they LOVE! Here’s a useful tool they offer for helping you plan out your kitchen remodeling budget.

https://www.aristokraft.com/get-started/design-your-room/budget-calculator

This calculator helps you to determine your project budget as

1. a (%) percentage of the value of your home
   AND/OR
2. a total ($) cost for the project

Is the cost of a kitchen remodel worth it?

 Absolutely.

 The return on investment (ROI) for a kitchen renovation varies greatly. The ROI for the basic to moderate renovations average around 40% to 50%, while the more involved remodels can have a ROI as high as 80% or more. Working with a local realtor, might offer some insight as to how much to invest based on the “comparative costs” of homes selling near you.

“The average return on a kitchen remodel varies greatly by region, local market and the level of renovation you do. Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report 2018 breaks down the average home sale return by region and scope of project.” – https://www.zillow.com/sellers-guide/kitchen-remodel-roi/

Other Kitchen Remodeling Cost Considerations 

As with any remodeling or renovation project, there can be unexpected costs during the project that need to be considered and prepared for. These considerations add to the costs involved from deciding to remodel your kitchen. Be sure to consider who is installing your cabinets. The level of skills required vary with the complexity of the design and the techniques and tools required. Drilling a hole in the wrong place or cutting a cabinet incorrectly can be costly to correct, but are the types of mistakes that should not happen with experienced contractors. Consider requesting references from the remodeler or contractors’ previous clients along with photos of the completed project wherever possible. Your local municipality can also confirm whether insurance, licensing, or even a permit is required before you start. Do your homework and work with people who treat you with respect.