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The Cost of a Kitchen Remodel | Understanding Your Budget

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Before and after photos of remodeled kitchen with white and gray shaker cabinetsBefore and after photos of remodeled kitchen with white and gray shaker cabinets
White and light gray shaker kitchen cabinets

L-shaped shaker kitchen design with white wall cabinets and some glass doors and light gray base cabinets with a white range and matching white wood hood.

Homeowners often feel mystified by kitchen remodeling costs. It’s hard to get an exact cost for a complete kitchen remodel because each project has its own unique needs, features, quirks, and fixes. In terms of materials, you have budget options and luxury options. On top of all that, installers across the country charge different rates for similar services. 

It’s difficult to know the exact cost of your kitchen remodeling project from the outset. However, it's good to start thinking about your remodeling budget as early as possible. To help you get started, we’ve included figures on average kitchen remodel costs. We also share budget benchmarks, breakdowns about kitchen remodeling costs, and tips on how to save on renovation costs. 

Content

How Do I Budget My Kitchen Renovation?

Your budget is hugely important. It shapes what’s possible with your kitchen, from the materials you choose to the professional help you hire.

For the average, medium-large kitchen remodel, $32,574 to $77,939 is a reasonable starting point for your budget. Your remodeling budget will depend on things like: where you live, home value, product selectionsquare footage and project scope. Do you want to gut your whole kitchen, including moving walls and relocating utilities? It will be more costly than simply replacing appliances and kitchen cabinets in the existing layout.

How you divvy up your budget will depend on your household’s needs. Here is an example budget breakdown:

Sample kitchen remodeling budget, with cabinets at 29 percentSample kitchen remodeling budget, with cabinets at 29 percent
Average Kitchen Remodel Budget Breakdown

Colorful pie chart showing average kitchen remodel budget breakdowns; cabinets are 29%, appliances are 17%, installation is 13%, countertops are 11%, lighting and electrical is 10%, plumbing is 6%, flooring is 5%, backsplash is 5%, and miscellaneous expenses are 4%.

  • Cabinets: 29%
  • Appliances: 17%
  • Install: 13%
  • Countertop: 11%
  • Lighting & Electrical: 10%
  • Plumbing: 6%
  • Flooring: 5%
  • Backsplash: 5%
  • Miscellaneous: 4%

To prepare for unexpected expenses, we recommend setting aside 10-20% of your total budget. 

What Does an Average Kitchen Remodel Cost?

One of the best areas to start with in a home remodel is the kitchen because it adds tremendous value to the home. As far as the initial kitchen renovation cost goes, it will vary depending on whether you DIY your project or hiring a professional installer. 

The national average cost to remodel a kitchen is about $26,268. That number doesn’t tell the whole story though. Your new kitchen could cost anywhere from $14,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the size and scope of your project. Typical kitchen remodels range from $14,607 to $40,616.

The project cost depends on the style, color of cabinets and finishes. If you choose more basic cabinets and finishes, you will likely pay the low end of that price range and vice versa if you select more intricate design elements. 

 

Fresh and bright kitchen design featuring white kitchen cabinets, glass cabinet panels, funky tile backsplash behind a stainless-steel range hood, and silver cabinet pulls

White shaker kitchen cabinets

This chart shows how much kitchen renovation costs can vary in different budgets.

Low, Medium, & High Remodeling Budgets

REMODEL BUDGET

LOW

$5,000 - $15,000

MEDIUM

$15,000 - $30,000

HIGH

$30,000 +
Remodel Features

Mostly DIY
Reface or refinish cabinets, RTA cabinet
Sink and faucet upgrade
Replacing countertops with inexpensive materials (laminate, vinyl, tile)
Painting walls and ceilings
Appliance upgrade
Installing LED or insert lighting

Hire installers
Installing semi-custom cabinets
Installing new sink and faucet
Building a kitchen island
Replacing countertops with high-quality materials (stone, wood, metal)
Replacing floor (tile, laminate, stone)
Installing high-end appliances
Adding tile backsplash
Hire general contractor
Have custom cabinets built and installed
Replacing countertops with high-quality materials (granite, quartz)
Adding overhead lighting
Adding hardwood flooring
Installing new sink and faucet
Installing high-end appliances
Structural changes (knocking down walls, installing pipes, wires, gas lines)

The average cost to remodel a kitchen continues to increase. However, each kitchen renovation budget varies based on kitchen size, types of materials used and your personal budget.

Average Kitchen Remodel Budget Breakdowns

Average kitchen remodel budget breakdowns from low to high. Low range is $5,000 - $15,000, the medium range is $15,000 - $30,000, and the high range is $30,000+.

What Does it Cost to Install a Kitchen Remodel?

Home Advisor says that average 2023 kitchen remodeling costs range from $14,607- 40,623. All kitchen remodel pricing will vary based on your location, the cost of materials, and your installer. The pricing chart from HomeAdvisor below includes a breakdown of kitchen installation costs by category.

Kitchen Installation Costs

REMODEL BUDGET

LOW

$5,000 - $15,000

MEDIUM

$15,000 - $30,000

HIGH

$30,000 +
Install appliances $100 - $300 per appliance $400 - $600 per appliance

$700 -$900 per appliance

Install cabinets $1,200 - $3,200 $3,500 - $5,500

$6,500 - $8,500

Install countertops

$900 - $1,100 $2,100 - $4,100

$5,100 - $7,100

Install a faucet

$130 - $230 a faucet $330 - $430 a faucet

$530 -$630 a faucet

Install flooring

$700 - $1,700 $1,800 - $2,800 $2,900 - $3,900

Install a sink

$500 - $1,500 $1,600 - $2,100

$2,200 - $2,700

*Costs vary by location

Kitchen installation costs for cabinets and other materials vary depending on location and over kitchen remodel budget.

Kitchen Installation Costs Chart

Kitchen installation costs chart showing ranges for appliances, countertops, cabinets, faucets, flooring and sinks in the low, medium and high categories.

Is Remodeling My Kitchen a Good Investment?

“For potential buyers, the kitchen is the room that can make or break the sale,” writes Kristen Hampshire at HGTV. “An upgraded, attractive kitchen can make your home irresistible.”

Kitchen remodels continue growing in popularity. For one reason, they often give a huge boost to a home's resale value. In 2022, an $80,000 kitchen remodel recouped an average of 56% of the cost upon the sale of the house. A smaller $28,000 remodel netted an average return of 71%.

Smaller remodels can have greater ROI because they tend to aim at solving functional problems. They are often designed with more versatile styles. More expensive projects tend to place a high priority on personal style and aesthetics. Although potential buyers will care that the plumbing and appliances work, most will not need a highly ornamented kitchen.

Unless your goal is to immediately sell your house, it’s best to design a kitchen you’ll love. Ultimately, your kitchen is more than an investment. It’s where you provide for and nurture your family. The kitchen is where you entertain friends and guests. It’s the living and breathing hub of your home, where thinking, conversing, and resting happens.

If you’re living in your home for the years to come, then pick out what you want and enjoy it. The Research for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence found that 40% of homeowners say they wish they had spent more money on their kitchen renovation. Their biggest regret was not adding more organizational features. 

 L-shaped kitchen design with a large kitchen island with built-in storage, white shaker cabinetry, and silver cabinet pulls. L-shaped kitchen design with a large kitchen island with built-in storage, white shaker cabinetry, and silver cabinet pulls.
White shaker kitchen cabinets

L-shaped large white shaker kitchen design with stacked glass cabinets, a wall-oven and built-in refrigerator, and a large center island with pendant lighting above.

What Is the Most Expensive Part of a Kitchen Remodel?

Kitchen cabinetry is the most expensive part of any kitchen remodeling costs. Cabinets currently make up 29 percent of the overall budget. This is the case for a few reasons. Cabinetry is the main fixture of your kitchen, needs to stand the test of time and potential abuse, and most homeowners want the most updated styles and finishes. 

Most homeowners doing a kitchen remodel also want better organization and updated features like cabinet accessories. The kitchen is beautiful, but it works hard to please in many ways, which is why more expensive high-quality cabinets are a must.

How Can You Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel?

Kitchen remodeling budgets have ballooned over the last several years. Not only have kitchens gotten bigger over time, but they’ve also gotten fancier. Even modestly priced homes are increasingly demanding luxury features. 

While you can include special features and custom cabinetry on a smaller budget, you may need to find ways to be frugal.

Here are some ways to trim kitchen renovation costs:

 

Shop Smart

Start early and take your time to find bargains. First, research products so you can evaluate quality. Think about making your large purchases around Black Friday and other national holidays where companies offer major discounts. If the timing doesn’t work out, look online and at discount outlets for deals. Keep in mind that buying in-stock merchandise usually costs less. Finally, if you find a product you like that’s out of budget, look for similar styles at less expensive retailers. You could also try shopping at reuse centers and salvage stores.

 

Keep Your Current Layout

Anything that involves moving plumbing, gas, or electrical will hike up your budget. To cut costs, get a design that preserves your existing kitchen layout, or has slight modifications. It's possible to move some appliances without moving their hook-up. For example, a dishwasher can usually be moved to the other side of a sink.

 

Do-It-Yourself (DIY Remodel)

Rather than hiring a professional for your home improvement project, consider a DIY remodel. There is no shortage of DIY-friendly remodeling materials. Everything from ready to assemble cabinets to peel-and-stick tiles and much more allow the everyday homeowner to get their hands dirty. RTA cabinets are a great area to save. Since they come flat packed, you save money on the cost that would typically come with assembled cabinets.  

DIY installation for cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, and lighting will also help you save a considerable amount of money. For more complex trades like drywall, electrical and plumbing, check the code requirements ahead of time so when it’s time for inspection, everything checks out. 

Get Free Professional Services

CliqStudios offers free professional design services. Let your designer know that cost is a priority. They will use their expertise to help design your kitchen with cost in mind. The professionals at lighting, appliance, tile, and countertop stores can also be valuable sources of advice.

 

L-shaped kitchen layout with medium gray kitchen cabinets, white countertops and backsplash, black cabinet hardware, and a kitchen island featuring a large sink.

Light gray shaker kitchen cabinets

Light ray shaker kitchen cabinets surrounding a chef-style white range with stainless steel accents, a gas and griddle cook surface and a large stainless steel kitchen hood above. 

Do-It-With-Me Projects

Even if you don’t have construction or DIY skills, you might consider the Do-It-With-Me option, managing your project as your own general contractor. Being your own general contractor could save you up to 30 percent on your entire home improvement project.

 

Save on Countertops

To give some relief to your budget, consider using single thickness countertops or opting for laminate. Choose less expensive countertop materials to save money. If you’re selling soon, keep in mind that many buyers look for stone surfaces like granite or quartz.

 

Hit the Books

One of the best ways to stay on budget is learning from other remodelers. Luckily, there are extensive resources about remodeling on a budget. Here are a few:

Learn More About Kitchen Remodeling Costs:

  1. How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen? – HomeAdvisor
  2. Kitchen Remodeling Cost: Remodeling Professionals Tell All – The Spruce
  3. The Beginner’s Guide to Remodeling a Kitchen on a Budget – Budget Dumpster
  4. How Much Does a Kitchen Makeover Cost? – Houzz
  5. Remodeling a Kitchen for Resale – HGTV
  6. Cost vs. Value 2023 – Remodeling Magazine
3d rendering of cliqstudios kitchen design with white shaker cabinets and tea leaf kitchen island with seating

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to remodel a small kitchen? 

The average cost to remodel a small kitchen ranges from $5,000 - $15,000. This often includes upgrades like: 

  • RTA cabinets or refacing and refinishing existing cabinets 
  • Inexpensive countertop upgrades like laminate surfaces 
  • Painting walls and ceilings 
  • Appliance upgrades 
  • Upgraded lighting like LEDs and recessed lights 

Overall pricing will vary from project to project because every home is unique. Square footage, cabinet finishes, wood types, door styles, moldings and cabinet storage will all affect pricing. If you want more upgraded features including granite or quartz countertops, consider increasing your budget to the mid-range at $15,000 - $30,000. For the most luxurious finishes, fixtures and appliances, the average investment is $154,483. 

What's the average cost to remodel a kitchen? 

In the United States, the average cost to remodel a kitchen is $26,268. However, the cost of your project will vary depending on the size of the kitchen, materials used, and cabinet style selected and other personal design preferences. One-size fits all kitchen pricing is not possible because every home, project and design is completely different.  

Where one homeowner wants basic white shaker cabinets for their kitchen design, another may want artisan Walnut base cabinets with white shaker wall cabinets and an island with furniture-style features. To find out what your kitchen remodel costs will be, talk with a CliqStudios designer today! 

How much does it cost to remodel a 10x10 kitchen? 

A 10ˈx10ˈ kitchen is a generic design that represents a standard kitchen layout with basic cabinets. This pricing is meant to show the difference in price between door styles so you can make an educated decision for your budget. The average cost of a kitchen in the U.S. is $26,268, but you will find the typical spending range is anywhere from $14,607- $40,616.  

These totals cover a wide variety of remodels, from basic refreshes that are merely facelifts to high-end updates that include a completely new layout with custom cabinets and materials. Labor will affect cost as well as what type of materials you select from. 

How do you calculate kitchen remodeling costs? 

Easily start calculating costs for your project by referencing our The Cost of a Kitchen Remodel | Understanding Your Budget article. Within this article, the pie chart breaks down cost by percentage in categories like kitchen cabinets (29%), appliances (17%), installation (13%), countertops (11%) and more.  

In addition to this information, we break down the average kitchen remodel costs for low, medium, and high priced remodels along with installation estimates for different features of your kitchen. Remember, it takes time, planning and professional consultation to outline a remodeling budget. Talk with a kitchen design professional at CliqStudios- it's free!

How do I estimate the cost of a kitchen remodel?

Easily start calculating costs for your project by referencing our The Cost of a Kitchen Remodel | Understanding Your Budget article. Within this article, the pie chart breaks down cost by percentage in categories like kitchen cabinets (29%), appliances (17%), installation (13%), countertops (11%) and more.  

In addition to this information, we break down the average kitchen remodel costs for low, medium, and high priced remodels along with installation estimates for different features of your kitchen. Remember, it takes time, planning and professional consultation to outline a remodeling budget. Talk with a kitchen design professional at CliqStudios- it's free!

How much does labor cost to remodel a kitchen?

The cost of labor will vary for every home improvement project. Pricing depends on a few things: square footage of your kitchen remodel, how detailed it is, whether you are willing to complete demolition and the quantity of cabinets. Average labor costs are usually 13% of your total remodeling budget.  

Start by calculating your kitchen remodel budget by making a wish list. Take inventory of your existing kitchen and decide what needs to be changed along with the wish list items you desire and start acquiring cabinet quotes. Then, talk to installation professionals about your floor plans to receive an accurate installation estimate.

How do I keep kitchen remodel costs down? 

Kitchen remodels can get expensive fast, but there are great ways to keep kitchen remodel costs down. Simple ways to keep money in your pocket include DIY installation or using DIY materials like ready-to-assemble cabinets. You will save money on cabinet assembly and installation which is normally thousands of dollars.  

Other options are shopping for countertop remnants if you want a granite or quartz countertop or using a less expensive material like solid surface or laminate countertops. Lastly, look at upgrades in your kitchen design and see what you’d be willing to part with. This could be crown molding, roll-out trays, upgraded paint finishes, stacked cabinets, or glass cabinet inserts. CliqStudios offers cabinets for every style and budget. Talk to a designer to get started today! 

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