If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, you’re probably wondering: How much is this actually going to cost?
Kitchen remodels can range from about $15,000 to over $75,000, depending on the size of the space, the materials you choose, and how much you want to change. Since every kitchen is different, there’s no single price that fits every project. Here’s what can affect your kitchen remodel budget and how to plan for your remodel.
What Goes Into the Price of a Kitchen Remodel
Every kitchen remodel is a little different. Some homeowners want to give their existing kitchen a fresh look, while others want to completely rethink the space. The size of the project, the materials you choose, and the amount of work involved will all play a role in your overall budget.
Cabinets
Cabinets are often one of the biggest parts of a kitchen remodeling budget. Cost depends on the style, materials, amount of storage, and whether you choose stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinets. If your existing cabinets are still in good shape, updating them rather than replacing them may also be an option.
Countertops
Countertops come in a wide range of materials and price points. Laminate, quartz, granite, and other natural stone options all have different looks, costs, and maintenance needs. The amount of countertop you need will also affect the final price.
Appliances
Replacing one or two outdated appliances is very different from purchasing an entirely new appliance package. Your choices can range from practical, budget-friendly models to higher-end appliances with additional features.
Flooring
New flooring can change the look and feel of your kitchen. The material you choose will affect the cost, as will the condition of the floor underneath. Popular options like tile, luxury vinyl, and hardwood each offer different looks, durability, and price points.
Labor
A kitchen remodel may involve installers, electricians, plumbers, and other professionals. Projects that require more work or involve several different trades will generally have higher labor costs. The more changes you make to your kitchen, the more time and expertise may be needed to complete the project properly.
You don’t necessarily need to replace everything on this list. One of the first steps in planning a kitchen remodel is deciding what you want to change and what you’re happy to keep.
What Affects Kitchen Remodel Costs Most?
Kitchen size matters, but it’s only one part of the equation. The materials you choose, the changes you want to make, and the condition of your existing kitchen can all affect what you ultimately spend.
How Much You Want to Change
A kitchen that needs new countertops and cabinets is a very different project from one that involves removing walls, moving plumbing, or changing the electrical system. For more comparisons of minor, major, and upscale remodels, visit NerdWallet’s kitchen remodel cost guide!
The Materials You Choose
Cabinets, countertops, flooring, hardware, and other finishes are available at many different price points. You don’t have to choose the most expensive option to create a kitchen you love. The goal is to find materials that fit your style, your needs, and your budget.
The Condition of Your Existing Kitchen
Older plumbing, outdated electrical work, water damage, or flooring problems may need to be addressed before new materials can be installed. Some issues aren’t visible until work gets underway, so it’s smart to leave some room in your budget for unexpected repairs.
Where You Live
Remodeling costs vary from one area to another. Labor rates, material costs, and local building requirements can all affect what homeowners pay. National averages can give you a starting point, but they can’t tell you exactly what your kitchen remodel will cost.
DIY vs. Professional Work
Taking on smaller projects like painting may help reduce labor costs. However, electrical, plumbing, structural, and other specialized work is generally best left to experienced professionals. Having the right work done properly can help prevent bigger problems down the road.
How to Budget for a Kitchen Remodel
Before picking out countertops or appliances, think about what you want your new kitchen to do for you. Maybe you need more storage, a better layout, or simply a space that feels more like your own.
Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves, then prioritize the changes that will make the biggest difference in how you use the kitchen every day.
A commonly used guideline is to spend around 5% to 15% of your home’s value on a kitchen remodel. This isn’t a hard rule, but it can be a helpful starting point when deciding how much you’re comfortable investing.
It’s also a good idea to leave some room in your budget for the unexpected. Older homes, in particular, can have surprises behind the walls or underneath the floors that aren’t obvious at the beginning of a project.
Most importantly, don’t feel like you need to fit your kitchen into a national average. Your home and your goals are unique, and your remodeling budget should reflect that.
Where Should You Spend and Where Can You Save?
There’s no perfect formula for deciding where your money should go. It really comes down to what matters most to you.
Spend on What Matters Most
Cabinets and countertops are two areas where investing in quality can make a noticeable difference. They’re used frequently and can be expensive to replace again later.
It’s also worth investing in changes that improve how your kitchen works. Better storage, more counter space, or a more functional layout can make a bigger difference in your daily life than a purely cosmetic upgrade.
Save on the Finishing Touches
You can often find attractive options at a variety of price points for hardware, lighting, and other decorative details. You may also be able to save by keeping items that are still in good condition. If your appliances or flooring don’t need to be replaced, that money could go toward another part of the remodel.
Keep the Existing Layout When Possible
Keeping your sink, appliances, and other fixtures in their current locations can help limit additional plumbing and electrical work.
That doesn’t mean you should never change your kitchen’s layout. If the existing setup has always frustrated you, a remodel is a great opportunity to fix it. Just keep the additional work in mind when planning your budget.
Kitchen Remodel Cost by Size
Kitchen size can give you a general idea of how much material and labor you’ll need, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. A small kitchen with custom cabinets and a new layout could cost more than a larger kitchen with a simpler update. Recent Houzz data shows how much spending can vary between smaller and larger kitchen remodels.
As a general starting point:
- Small kitchen: Around $15,000 to $35,000, depending on the scope and materials.
- Mid-size kitchen: Around $30,000 to $60,000 for a more complete remodel with updates such as cabinets, countertops, and flooring.
- Large or high-end kitchen: $60,000 to $75,000 or more when the project includes a larger footprint, custom materials, layout changes, or premium appliances and finishes.
These ranges are only starting points. The best way to understand what your own kitchen remodel may cost is to look at the specific work you want done.
Get a Custom Kitchen Remodel Estimate for Your Home
National averages are useful when you’re just starting your research, but they can only tell you so much. Your kitchen remodel will depend on your space, your goals, and the choices you make along the way.
At Simple Bath + Kitchen, we’ll help you talk through your options, figure out what makes sense for your home, and build a plan around your priorities and budget.
Ready to start planning? Get in touch with our team for a personalized kitchen remodel quote in the Columbus area.
