This Is How Much the Average Kitchen Remodel Actually Costs, According to Experts
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it makes sense that you’d want it to look good — and that’s why it’s one of the first spots people look at remodeling when they’ve got the chance to upgrade their space. The cost of a kitchen remodel, though, can vary wildly based on what you’re updating, and how big of a renovation you’re planning.
I spoke to six experts to figure out exactly how much a kitchen renovation or remodel might set you back:
Alexandra Cooper, interior designer at Planner 5D
Quinn Babcock, construction and design operations lead at Block Renovation
Ryan Austin Hagood, principal designer with r.a.d. Interiors
Peter Spalding, CCO and cofounder of Daniel House Club
Dan Mazzarini, principal and creative director of BHDM Design and ARCHIVE
Cindy Nelson, contractor bidding coordinator for EZ Plans Architects
The kitchen design experts quoted ranges from $1,000 to $300,000 — keep reading to see how that cost breaks down.
What Is the Average Kitchen Remodel Cost?
On average, you can expect to spend about $45,000 for a full kitchen remodel, the experts share. That cost, of course, depends on everything from the size of your kitchen and where you live, to the type of home you have and the quality of materials you choose. Labor expenses will vary, too, based on who you hire, how many hands they’ll need, and their availability (more on that below). And, unfortunately, Mazzarini notes, “with the lingering effects of the pandemic, costs are still trending high.”
Basic Kitchen Remodel Cost
A minor remodel can cost between $1,000 to $25,000. On the lowest end, you’d be doing simpler things yourself like painting your cabinets, upgrading hardware, shopping appliance sales, and doing some labor work — like hanging drywall or doing small carpentry jobs — on your own. This price range is for the DIYers who want to have a hand in (almost) every part of the process but don’t want to tackle major things like moving plumbing, electricity, or gas lines. When you add in new countertops and upgraded flooring, you’ll head to the higher end of this range.
Midrange Kitchen Remodel Cost
A moderate remodel costs between $25,000 to $60,000. In this price range, you’ll be replacing things like countertops, flooring, appliances, and cabinets. Lighting and walls may also be on the docket for this level of renovation. The majority of the cost here will come from cabinetry and appliances. Cabinets are often considered the most expensive part of a remodel, so consider painting what’s there instead of fully replacing them to keep costs down.
High-End Kitchen Remodel Cost
A major remodel of your kitchen will range from $60,000 to $300,000. For high-end renovations, you’ll be doing things like moving around plumbing, potentially adding gas lines, or even completely demolishing the existing footprint of your kitchen and redoing it into something new. Finishes like hardware and molding may be more upscale or luxury, and appliances will likely be top-of-the-line. Here’s the chance to grab those custom countertops you’ve always wanted, with a chic backsplash to match.
Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown
The cost of a kitchen remodel isn’t just for the materials — you’ll also need to pay for the workers you hire along the way.
Labor Cost
For your remodel’s labor cost, Hagood says you’ll need to account for “the fees for skilled tradespeople, such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and general contractors, as well as any permits and inspections required for the project.” You’ll also include the cost of any designers you hire, which Babcock says runs $65-$250 per hour. Expect for your renovation cost to split up to around 60% materials and 40% labor.
Item Cost
Cabinet painting — $2,000 to $7,000
Cabinets — $25,000 to $75,000
Appliances — $1,000 to $50,000
Countertops — $1,500 to $20,000
Flooring — $5,000 to $10,000
Hardware and faucets — $5,000 to $15,000
Plumbing — $2,000 to $20,000
Electrical — $2,000 to $20,000
Lighting — $50 to $20,000
Painting — $200 to $3,000
Kitchen Island — $4,500 to $7,000
As always, remember that kitchen remodels are not one-size-fits-all. Your overall cost will depend on “the extent of the renovation, including whether you’re changing the kitchen’s footprint, or just updating existing elements,” Hagood says, which will significantly raise the cost.
If you’re looking for more affordable (and rental-friendly!) ways to update your space, check out these brilliant tips and tricks that won’t cost an arm and a leg. For more inspiration, check out some of The Kitchn’s favorite renovations here.
