How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?​

In this guide

Kitchen Remodel Cost by Type of Remodel

No two kitchen remodels are the same. They can have different styles and materials, but the remodel scope also varies by the home. Kitchen remodels range in scope, scale, and how deep they go. The deeper you go, the higher the costs, while surface updates generally tend to be less expensive. Full tear outs and updates that change the layout are more costly and take longer to complete, resulting in higher contingency costs. The costs below are ranges based on kitchen sizes from 100 to 200 sq.ft. A smaller or larger kitchen can have costs outside these ranges.

Cosmetic Kitchen Remodel Price

A cosmetic remodel project costs between $7,000 and $10,000. This project is for updating your kitchen’s surfaces to improve how it looks but will not change the layout or the way the room functions. It may include updating the countertops and appliances, painting the walls, and refacing or painting the cabinets. This project does not involve major tear-out, structural, or layout changes. If it is a decent size and in good condition but looks tired or dated, a cosmetic remodel can make it look new. Cosmetic remodels do better at the time of resale when it comes to ROI than invasive remodels.

Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel Cost

A partial or mid-range kitchen remodel goes further and averages $11,000 to $30,000, depending on the size and project scale. The structure and layout are not altered in a mid-range remodel. However, most things are replaced, and there is some demo and removal of existing materials. Updates can include new cabinets, appliances, and flooring. Cabinets are usually stock but may be semi-custom, depending on the style. This is a good project if you enjoy your kitchen layout, but your cabinets and appliances are old and need to be replaced.

Cost of Full Kitchen Remodel

The cost of a full kitchen renovation ranges from $26,000 to $70,000. This renovation removes everything in the kitchen down to the studs. This enables you to change the layout and structure. Full remodels can also address mold or leaking pipes that cannot be reached through partial or cosmetic remodels. It is common to add islands ¹, change the layout for more cabinets, and improve the kitchen’s looks and function during this remodel. This renovation takes up to 12 weeks to complete because of how invasive it is.

Luxury Kitchen Remodel Cost

Expect to pay an average cost of $50,000 to $150,000 for a luxury kitchen remodel. This is a full-scale remodel that starts by stripping everything down to the studs before replacing it with new, usually high-quality, materials and appliances. It is common to add additional square footage in this remodel to enlarge the space. Adding large custom islands, custom cabinetry, and high-end appliances is common. This design caters to your needs and desires and requires 12 weeks or longer to complete because everything is custom-made.

Average Kitchen Remodel Cost by Kitchen Size

Since most kitchen remodels are priced by the square foot, the size gives you a baseline for the costs. The average kitchen remodel cost per square foot is $150 to $250, so the larger the kitchen, the higher the costs. The variation between costs is due to the amount of work you have done in the space. Partial updates fall at the lower end, while full-scale remodels are at the upper end. Depending on the materials, a luxury renovation can cost as much as $450 a sq.ft., so it is possible to have much higher costs for some kitchens. However, smaller kitchens generally tend to have costs on the lower end because there is less space. So, small kitchen remodel costs tend to fall below the average cost. As you get larger, the more things you can put into the kitchen and the higher the total cost. For example, you may need a U-shaped kitchen with peninsulas and an island at 200 sq.ft., whereas at 100 sq.ft., you may only need a peninsula or island. This means a 10’ x 20’ kitchen remodel cost will be higher than a 10’ x 10’ kitchen remodel cost even if you use the same materials because more of them will go into the larger space. However, costs range because it is possible to do a full-scale renovation on a smaller kitchen and a cosmetic update on a larger kitchen.

Average Cost of a Kitchen Remodel by Layout

Kitchens can be laid out in many ways, and in some cases, the layout is dictated by the size. The smaller it is, the fewer choices you have for layouts, while larger kitchens have many choices. Regardless of the layout, keep in mind how the kitchen will function. Your sink, refrigerator, and stove should be fairly close. This is the working triangle, where the three appliances make a triangle when positioned correctly.

You also must keep building codes in mind when planning the layout. Stoves need landing areas of 12” on one side and 15” on the other at a minimum, while refrigerators need at least 12”. Dishwashers are usually installed beside the sink to give the sink adequate counter landing space above the dishwasher. If you place an island in your kitchen, there needs to be at least 42” between the edge and other cabinets or walls. These factors must be included in your design to ensure it functions and meets code. Below are the average costs to update kitchens of various layouts based on their average sizes.

Galley Kitchen Remodel Cost

The cost of a galley kitchen remodel is between $7,500 and $25,000. They are usually between 7 and 12-feet long, and they can range in width from 3 to 6-feet wide. This can be a one-wall remodel or a two-wall. If you have two walls, meaning two walls of cabinets running parallel, there must be a minimum of 3 feet between the two walls after the cabinets are installed. They can sometimes be used in open layouts with a half wall separating the kitchen from other rooms. This is a common layout for older homes, small homes, condos, and apartments.

Average Cost of an L-Shaped Kitchen Remodel

The average cost of an L-shaped kitchen remodel is between $15,000 and $50,000. L-shaped remodels are usually at least 100 sq.ft. They can be much larger, however. Two adjacent rows of cabinets form an L in this layout. The other areas can be open, including seating areas or banquettes or a simple wall. L-shaped kitchens, which are open on most sides, can also include a peninsula in the design. This is particularly common if you have an eat-in area to one side, with the peninsula helping separate the two sections. Very large L-shaped kitchens may include an island in the design, but it is uncommon.

Kitchen Remodel With a Peninsula

The cost of a kitchen remodel with a peninsula ranges from $15,000 to $75,000. Peninsulas are a stretch of lower cabinets without uppers. They extend off a wall of cabinets at 90º. They can be included in L or U-shaped kitchens, with the peninsula making up one of the short ends of cabinet runs. Peninsulas can be used in kitchen/dining room combinations to separate the spaces. They can also be a good way of adding extra cabinets in open floor plans. Peninsulas can also have seating on one side, provided you extend the countertop far enough.

Average Cost for a U-Shape Kitchen Remodel

The cost of a U-shaped or horseshoe kitchen remodel averages $26,250 to $75,000. This layout contains three adjacent runs of cabinets. The three runs can be on three walls, or one or more runs may be only the lower cabinets without uppers. Peninsula-style cabinets can be used in open floor plans to define the area and potentially provide countertop seating in the kitchen. The U-shape layout is typically installed in kitchens with at least 175 sq.ft. or larger. You can also add an island.

Kitchen Remodel With an Island

The cost of a kitchen remodel with an island is between $30,000 and $150,000. Many styles have an island added. It is one of the most popular layouts. Having an island gives you a landing area for refrigerators and a place to move a sink or cooktop. In long kitchens, you can bring your working triangle into better alignment. Islands can also be used for seating, extra cabinet storage, or a baking work surface. For kitchens without a lot of space, you can also use an island on wheels, pushing it out of the way when not in use.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown

Full kitchen remodels involve every part of the kitchen, including the flooring, plumbing, cabinets, and appliances, and require multiple professionals to complete the project. While you can have partial or cosmetic remodels that only change the surface, a full remodel is the easiest to get a cost breakdown for because all areas are involved. Many parts of the space may be left alone in partial and cosmetic updates, so they will not factor into your project or final costs.

The following full remodel cost breakdown shows the approximate percentage of your total for each area. The costs are for a remodel based on a 200 sq.ft. kitchen with total costs of between $15,000 and $50,000, but your costs vary depending on the size and level of the remodel. There is a category included in most renovation budgets labeled other. While it only makes up 1% of the budget, keeping this category in your total is important. This can be for small and unforeseen expenses, such as patching small holes in walls, changing outdoor hardware to match the new finishes, a food budget for when your kitchen is inaccessible, or other small things. This is not the same as a contingency fee but a catch-all for minor things.

Kitchen Design Cost

Your kitchen makeover design averages 4% of your total budget. For a 200 sq.ft. kitchen, this typically averages $600 to $2,000. While you do not need a kitchen designer to oversee the project, many people pay for designs and 3D renderings. You can hire a kitchen designer or interior designer to assist with the project. Expect costs in addition to your total renovation budget. Additional designer fees over the designs themselves are charged as an additional cost based on your total budget. The average kitchen designer cost is 10% to 17% of your total budget additional. For an average $15,000 to $50,000 remodel, this translates to an additional $1,500 to $5,000.

Kitchen Demolition Cost for a Remodel

The average cost of demolition for a kitchen remodel is $900 to $3,000. Demo is necessary in the vast majority of kitchen remodels. Anything that needs to be removed from the kitchen to replace it with something new will include at least some demolition. In most cases, you need a demo when replacing the cabinets, islands, flooring, or any walls in the space. When expanding the kitchen into another room, correcting issues like leaking pipes or mold, or rearranging the layout, demolition will be necessary in all these situations. The total cost depends on the kitchen size and how much you remove. Costs could be higher if mold or asbestos is found.

Utilities & Fixtures

The cost of the utilities and fixtures for your kitchen will run around 20% of the total budget, $3,000 to $10,000. Your kitchen includes several different fixtures and the utilities that power them. These include your sink, faucet, lighting, outlets, and the pipes and wiring leading to them. Not every kitchen requires new plumbing or electrical wiring. If you do not use a gas stove or oven, you will also not require a gas line to the kitchen, so your total costs depend on several factors. Moving any fixtures or appliances like the location of a sink or oven will necessitate some updating of plumbing and electrical lines, increasing costs. Leaving these items in the same place and simply updating or replacing them can have lower costs. All new kitchen remodels include installation of a new sink, faucet and lighting, and setting up the plumbing and electrical work for the appliances. These vary depending on the other included items, such as ice makers, pot fillers, instant hot water, and light types. Therefore, total costs fall within a fairly wide range for all kitchens. Below are the average costs for the various components that may be updated during a full remodel.

New Kitchen Appliances Cost

Appliances and ventilation make up roughly 14% of your remodeling costs. Appliances are some of the final pieces installed in the kitchen. Some appliances are necessary, while others are nice to have. Most require professional installation like ovens and dishwashers, but the homeowner can plug in a few, such as a countertop coffee maker. Not every kitchen needs all appliances, and some can take the place of others, such as a range being used in place of a separate cooktop and oven. The room’s layout and how you use the space dictate the appliances you select.

Cabinetry and Countertops Cost

The cost of the cabinets, hardware, and countertops for your kitchen remodel make up around 39% of your total, $5,500 to $13,500. Kitchen cabinets can include many different designs. This may be shelving, full floor and wall cabinets, peninsulas, and kitchen islands. Islands are cabinetry with a countertop. Rather than being installed along the perimeter of the room, they are installed in the center and average $4,000 to $8,000. Costs usually include the hardware for them to function, including knobs, pulls, and hinges. The cabinets have different costs for those installed on the floor, wall, and for corners, utility, and other specialty cabinets. You can have different costs depending on the type, style, material, and whether the cabinets are stock, semi-custom, or fully custom. The more choices, the higher the costs. This is also true for islands, which can be made of the same material as the rest of the cabinets or something entirely different. Adding an island frequently doubles or close to doubles your cabinet costs, but while islands are often popular design additions to the kitchen, they are not necessary for the design to work.

Countertops are sold separately from the cabinets but are integral to their use. Many materials are available for countertops, ranging from different natural stone types to materials like stainless steel, concrete, quartz, and solid surface materials. Each has a set of costs, usually priced by the square foot, with additional costs for specialty edging or installations. Below are some of the most commonly associated costs with the installation of various cabinets and countertops.

Finishing

The average costs for building and finishing the kitchen, including things like walls and their finishes and the flooring, are $2,400 to $10,220. This includes the cost to replace the kitchen backsplash and the cost to paint a kitchen and the kitchen floor remodel cost. Both backsplashes and flooring have a wide range of materials to choose from, influencing the final cost. Most backsplashes are around 30 sq.ft. and can be covered in many different materials like wallpaper, tile, stone, glass, and mirrors. This is often considered one of the most decorative parts of the kitchen, so it is common to leave it for the last thing to install to match the finished design. Flooring also has many choices, with vinyl being the least expensive and hardwood being the most expensive. Other options include tile, cork, and laminate flooring. The more exotic the material, the higher the cost. If you have an island, some people choose not to install the flooring beneath the island, slightly lowering flooring costs. If you want to embrace the trend of extending your backsplash to the entire wall around the cabinets, this will increase that part of the project. Below are the most common costs for each part of the kitchen finishing.

Kitchen Remodel Labor Costs

Many professionals are needed for a kitchen remodel, including designers, cabinet and countertop installers, plumbers, and electricians. The labor cost makes up an average of 17% of your budget, meaning labor averages $2,550 to $8,500 for a 200 sq.ft. kitchen in a full remodel. This percentage could rise if you have a larger-than-average tear out, need custom installation of certain items, or require a major plumbing or electrical overhaul. Kitchen remodeling gets complicated quickly, and there probably is not one person who can do it all. Several people are involved in the process, although exactly who you hire and how much work they do depends on multiple things, including the project scope.

Kitchen Renovation Price by Type of Housing

The overall cost does not change much based on the home type you have. You can install luxury kitchens in condos or complete a cosmetic update in a single-family home. The size drives the cost the most, with most homes having average kitchen sizes for each space. This can give you a general idea of the costs for a full remodel in various types of residences. Below are the average costs of kitchen remodels for different housing types, based on the average size. Keep in mind that if you have one that is larger or smaller than the average size, your costs could be different.

Condo Kitchen Remodel Cost

The average cost to remodel a condo kitchen averages $10,500 and $17,500. Most condos have kitchens that average 70 sq.ft., but you can have condos with smaller kitchens. You can also have a luxury condo with a much larger space. Costs for either of these scenarios are different. Condos are single-owner units that are usually owner-occupied. If you make changes that affect the building, you often need to get permission from the condo association. This may change who you are allowed to hire or what work you can complete.

Apartment Kitchen Remodel Cost

The average cost to remodel an apartment kitchen is between $10,500 and $17,500 for a single apartment. Most apartment complexes have multiple units. In these cases, you can often get discounts on materials and labor for undertaking multiple kitchen remodels. When doing a single apartment at a time, your costs can be higher on a per-unit basis. The average apartment kitchen is around 70 sq.ft. However, studio apartments may have much smaller kitchens, while oversized loft apartments could have larger ones. The costs are different in each scenario.

Townhouse Kitchen Remodel Cost

The cost of a townhouse kitchen remodel ranges from $10,500 to $17,500. Townhouse kitchens are usually around 70 sq.ft. However, some townhouses have larger or smaller kitchens. In these cases, costs could be different. Townhouses may be governed like condominiums with an association. They can sometimes also be owned in blocks by a single person. If you update more than one kitchen simultaneously, your costs could be lower. Your costs could also differ because you may be prevented from making specific changes if you are subject to bylaws.

Mobile Home Kitchen Remodel Cost

The cost of a mobile home kitchen remodel is between $10,500 and $17,500. Mobile homes typically have kitchens around 70 sq.ft. However, mobile homes come in many sizes. You could find one with a smaller galley layout. You could also find a double-wide with room for a much larger kitchen. Your costs could be different in either case. Mobile homes are often treated like single-family homes in remodels. Your costs or the way the project is carried out is not dramatically different from larger, stationary homes.

Single-Family Home Kitchen Remodel Price

The average cost range of a single-family home full kitchen remodel averages $15,000 to $50,000. These homes have a much wider range of sizes for kitchens, resulting in a large cost range of roughly 64 to 400 sq.ft., although most fall between 100 and 200 sq.ft. There is also less variation in how the project proceeds because these homes are usually owner-occupied and owned singly. While condos and apartments can have kitchens done in bulk, these projects are treated singularly, with the occupant making the choices. This leads to greater personalization and a wider range of choices and costs.

How to Budget a Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodels can be costly, making budgeting difficult. There are several ways you can budget for this expense. The first is to look at the project breakdown, which provides a general idea of how much of your budget you need to reserve for each design component.

Next, meet with a designer or contractor to understand the project scope. These remodels have a very broad cost range. This depends on the project scope and size. A cosmetic update costs considerably less than a full-scale remodel, so understand how involved your project will be. However, the remodel cost is not necessarily the entire project cost. For example, if you hire an architect, kitchen designer, interior designer, or general contractor, their fee will be a percentage of the total, which is paid in addition to the other costs. So, your total budget needs to include this cost.

You also need to add a contingency fund. This is often required if you get a loan for the remodel. It is about 20% of the remodel cost and is in addition to the rest of your budget. This fund is to help with unforeseen costs, such as mold, asbestos, water damage, or even the costs of having to eat out while your kitchen is not accessible. By planning for these additional fees from the start, you can be sure to have enough money to complete the project comfortably rather than needing to cut corners midway.

Benefits

There are many benefits to remodeling a kitchen. Kitchens are one of the most frequently renovated areas of the home for good reason. An up-to-date and well-laid-out kitchen can improve your enjoyment when using the space. Kitchens are one of the most used areas of the home, so updating the space can increase your home’s appeal for you and any potential buyers.

Updating a kitchen can also increase the home’s health factor. If mold or asbestos is behind the cabinets or flooring, remodeling the kitchen will remove them. In addition, many of today’s cabinets and other materials are made from non-VOC and non-formaldehyde materials that are healthier for you and the environment. In addition, updating the kitchen can also let you invest in more energy-efficient appliances and lights and water-saving faucets. Kitchen renovations also capture between 52% and 72% ROI, depending on the renovation level and type, helping increase your home’s value and how quickly it sells.

Questions to Ask Before Doing a Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodels are big undertakings. Even partial and cosmetic remodels will disrupt your ability to use the kitchen for a short time, and full renovations can mean you may be without a kitchen for weeks. In addition to the timing, this can be a costly process with many decisions you need to make. While this is an exciting process, it can be stressful for many people. Therefore, ask your kitchen designer, architect, or general contractor questions before you begin to know exactly what to expect when the project begins. A partial list of questions you may want to ask the lead professional on your project includes:

• Does your service include drawings, designs, renderings, and material purchases? Many professionals may head this project. Some provide full-scale service, while others expect you to do the heavy lifting, such as shopping for and purchasing materials. Find out exactly what they offer and charge for these services so that you know how much you need to do yourself.
• May I see a portfolio of other kitchen renovations you completed? Have you done anything recently on a scale, scope, or style that matches my kitchen and home? Not all kitchen designers and other professionals are the same. Some have a very specific style, or they work with specific brands and materials, and these may not match your vision or what you want for your home.
• How do you charge for the services you offer? Do you have flat fees for specific things like assisting with material selection, or do you charge a percentage or hourly rate? How will I be billed for these? Every professional may have a different fee schedule. They should break it down so that you see exactly what you are paying for and when.
• Will you manage and oversee the entire project or just design it? Some pros handle everything for you. Others only take on specific and defined roles. Know up front how much this person takes on so that you determine who else needs to be involved.
• What are your credentials? Are you associated or certified with the NKBA? Are you licensed and insured to work in this state (if applicable, not all states require these)? Do you have a local office I can visit? The more established someone is, the more reliable they likely are. Having a local presence means you can check on them more easily to determine if they are who they say they are.
• How do you communicate with your clients? How involved will you want me to be, daily or weekly? This is your home, and you deserve to know exactly what is happening, when, and for how long. Make sure you find out the best way to communicate regularly with your pro so that there are no surprises.
• Can I get at least three recent references I can contact? You want to make sure that this pro follows through, is easy to work with, and that their projects are done to satisfaction.
• Can I get a lien release written into my contract? A reputable contractor, project manager, or design/build firm will include this in your contract. Failure to do so is a red flag that could leave you on the hook for thousands of dollars if the contractor does not make good on their debts. In a volatile economy with rising material costs, a lien release can ensure you only pay for what was agreed upon, and the contractor does not try to pass on debts they can no longer meet.

Kitchen Design Ideas

One of the first factors to consider when planning your remodel is what style or design concept you are looking for. There are many different styles, and browsing designs online and in magazines gives you a good idea of which styles are available. Depending on your budget, you may not be able to achieve the “showroom look,” but you may find elements that achieve the style you want. Talk to a kitchen designer, architect, or contractor for help choosing the right elements.

The number of styles a kitchen can be designed around are nearly endless. However, several are more popular than others. Minimalist and modern kitchens are two designs that work well for modern and contemporary homes. They tend to have sleek lines, smooth surfaces, and not a lot of visual clutter like moldings or panels on the doors. Monochromatic kitchens are also a good choice for contemporary spaces because they use just one or two colors in several shades, reducing visual clutter and making small kitchens look larger. Scandinavian kitchens also fall into this category, often having minimalistic layouts but with natural elements. If you want something more traditional, there are many other choices. Traditional kitchens can be formal with raised panel doors, wood paneling on the appliances, and lots of detail. Or, you can opt for something like French designs that emphasize functional objects like cookware or the oven to take center stage.

Farmhouse kitchens also emphasize function, with wood counters and floors, large tables, and easy-to-clean materials. Mediterranean kitchens tend to be warmer and more colorful in design. Tiled floors, marble countertops, and rich colors define these kitchens. Craftsman kitchens feature some of these elements and lots of built-in shelving and local materials like stone and wood. You also see many hand-carved elements and features that let the worker show off their skill. For those who like older kitchens, vintage and rustic designs offer many looks. From natural stone and weathered wood to shiny chrome and retro-styled appliances, you can make your kitchen look like it came from somewhere else.

Kitchen Remodel vs Renovation

When you embark on a new kitchen project, you may hear the terms remodel and renovation used interchangeably. However, these are two different projects, and you may find that one may fit your needs better than the other. In a kitchen remodel, you create something completely new. Remodels generally remove the old cabinets, flooring, and appliances and may change the room layout. You may expand the space, add seating or an island, and will generally create something completely different in the end.

A renovation is different. During a kitchen renovation, you restore the original space. Renovations are best for historic homes or older homes like Craftsmans and Victorians that may have used high-quality materials made with local craftsmanship that are too good to remove. In these cases, you may end up refinishing the floors, painting the cabinets, and only replacing completely worn-out and unsalvageable elements. Even then, care is taken to match new details with the old ones. For example, when replacing appliances, you may hide them behind appliance panels so that they blend in with the rest of the design.

Remodels and renovations can have very similar cost ranges. This is because while a tear out and new installation can be a big project, it can be equally difficult to restore old cabinets and floors, replace hinges and hardware, recoat an old sink, and restore things like leaded glass or an old butcher block cabinet to its former glory. So both projects have roughly the same cost per square foot to complete.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Water Treatment System

Sometimes, your kitchen remodel is forced because of a leak or serious staining of the old sink, counter, and faucets, which may be caused by hard water. If your water is less than ideal, consider adding a water treatment system when you update your kitchen to address this issue and prevent it from happening again. Water treatment systems treat the water for the entire house at once or just target the kitchen, depending on your needs. Costs range from $2,100 to $3,300, depending on the scope and treated area.​

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Islands: A kitchen counter that is not attached to walls or other surfaces, and that can be accessed from all sides