After renovating two kitchens in my own personal home, and plenty of clients’ kitchens, it’s safe to say I’ve seen my fair share of projects and budgets and have an understanding of how much it costs to remodel a kitchen. No two kitchen remodels are the same, therefore the total cost can vary greatly. Whether you’re updating cabinets, flooring, backsplash, appliances, or lighting, each element adds to the overall cost. Let’s break down the biggest budget busters and what you can realistically expect to spend on a kitchen remodel.

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 Factors that Influence Your Kitchen Renovation Costs

1. Scope of the Remodel

Minor vs. Major Remodel:

Obviously, the scope of your remodel will heavily influence the overall cost. A minor remodel might include painting cabinets, installing new countertops and backsplash, and upgrading appliances. For a rough ballpark number, you could expect to pay in the $10,000 to $20,000 range if you hired out the painting, countertops and tile.

On the other hand, a major remodel could involve significant structural changes such as removing walls, redesigning the kitchen layout, and installing all new finishes. This could start at $20,000 and go up to $60,000 or more in just the labor and materials. Understanding the scale of your project is crucial for budget planning.

2. Size of the Kitchen

The size of your kitchen plays an important factor determining the overall cost of a remodel. Larger kitchens require more materials for flooring, cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes, which naturally increases the cost. 

For example, remodeling a small kitchen (70-100 sq ft) might cost between $5,000 and $20,000, whereas a larger kitchen (200+ sq ft) can easily exceed $50,000. The size also affects labor costs, as more time is needed for installation in larger spaces.

3. Materials and Finishes

Another significant cost can come from the level of materials and finishes selected. High-end materials like custom cabinets, granite or quartz countertops, and hardwood floors will raise the price. Custom cabinetry, for instance, can cost between $15,000 and $50,000, while stock cabinets might be around $4,000 to $15,000.

Similarly, quartz countertops can range from $75 to $200 per square foot, whereas laminate countertops might be as low as $10 to $40 per square foot. Your choices here will largely depend on your budget and design preferences.

4. Labor Costs

DIY vs. Hiring Professionals

Labor costs are one area where you can save a lot of money if you choose to do the work yourself. While it may not be an option for everyone, if you are on a tight budget, this is one area I highly recommend considering doing at least some of the work yourself to keep the overall costs down. Not having to pay for someone to demo or paint can give your budget a nice break and could save you up to 20-35% of the total project cost.

We DIYed our entire kitchen remodel in our first home and then in our second home we DIYed 90% of the work. Doing the work ourselves saved us over $50,000 between the two kitchens.

There are definitely tasks that are more DIY friendly than others. Painting cabinets and walls are a project that is totally doable for a new homeowner without a ton of renovation experience. I have several tips on painting for a smooth finish that won’t chip.

Complex jobs like electrical wiring or plumbing should be left to professionals. Mistakes in these areas can lead to costly fixes and safety hazards. Hiring licensed professionals ensures quality workmanship and adherence to building codes.

Hiring professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and drywallers is essential for certain tasks. Electricians typically charge between $50 and $120 per hour, while plumbers have similar rates. Labor costs include demolition, installation, electrical and plumbing work, and finishing touches like painting and lighting. It’s important to budget for these costs and obtain multiple quotes to find competitive rates.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown

The 3 big kitchen renovation costs are cabinets, countertops, and appliances.

1. Cabinets

New cabinets are typically the largest expense in a kitchen remodel. After all, they make up the primary function of a kitchen. There are several different routes you can go when it comes to selecting kitchen cabinetry, depending on how much budget you have to spend. There are a few factors to consider when deciding which cabinet option is the right decision for your home. Is this your forever home you will live in for years and years? Is the rest of the house modest with a mid-range value? What do the neighboring houses in your area have? These are all questions to think about as you decide on the best route for your kitchen cabinetry.

Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are superior quality and look beautiful. They’re made by a talented woodworker using the finest materials so they will truly last a lifetime. Because they’re handmade, you can customize them to get the exact style and even wood species you want. They are built exactly for your home so they fit perfectly in your space. You can expect to pay $10,000 – $50,000 or more depending on material costs and the level of detail and kitchen size. Due to the nature of the work, lead times can range from 4-8 weeks or more.

Stock Cabinets

Stock cabinets, which are pre-made and ready to install, can cost between $4,000 to $15,000. These are the cabinets you can find at home stores like Home Depot, Menards, and Lowes. They come as is, so there is no customizing the door fronts or size and the color availability is usually pretty limited. Oftentimes they aren’t solid wood, and the craftsmanship is much lower. But, the costs are significantly lower than going the custom cabinet route. These cabinets are purchased right from the store or online so there is virtually no lead time as long as the cabinets are in stock.

Semi-Custom Cabinets

Semi-custom cabinets, are a hybrid of custom and stock cabinetry. Kind of the happy medium between the two. They don’t offer unlimited options or details like you get with custom cabinets, but you get more options than you would with stock cabinets. You can choose the finish or style from their predefined options, and the cabinets are made upon ordering. They are usually a step up from stock cabinets in terms of quality. Semi-custom cabinets range from $10,000 to $30,000. Lead times can range from 2 – 6 weeks out from date of order.

Cabinet Facing

If you don’t have the budget for all new cabinets, then cabinet refacing is an option to consider. This is where you replace the doors of your cabinetry, but keep the existing cabinet boxes. Refacing the cabinets allows you to get a new look without having to demo and install all new cabinets. This reduces material and labor costs and you can range from $4,000 – $9,000, giving your kitchen a new look without the expense of a full replacement.

Cabinet Refinishing

Maybe you have existing cabinets that are in good condition that you want to keep, but you still want to update the look. This is the most cost effective solution when it comes to kitchen cabinetry. Painting or refinishing cabinets will save you thousands of dollars and can give you a completely updated design.

In our current home, this is exactly what we did. The previous owners had custom wood cabinets installed that were beautiful, but the stain was not. I wanted to update the look so we sanded down all of the cabinet doors, drawers, and faces to bare wood. Then, we stained them using two different stain colors following this staining technique. That’s another bonus of custom wood cabinets – you can always sand down and refinish for a whole new look. I love how it turned out! It took a lot of work and time, but the final result was amazing and saved us over $10,000.

2. Countertops

The second largest expense in your kitchen renovation is typically countertops. The total costs can run a wide range depending on the material you choose. Quartz countertop is known for their durability and low maintenance so it’s a very popular choice. Quartz can cost between $75 and $200 per square foot, with a typical installation costing around $4,000 – $8,000 total.

Granite countertops range from $50 to $100 per square foot, marble from $75 to $250 per square foot, and laminate from $10 to $40 per square foot. Each material offers different benefits in terms of durability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal, so it really depends on what is most important to you.

I chose quartz in our latest kitchen renovation because of its low maintenance and beautiful options. You can read about everything you need to know about quartz countertops here.

3. Appliances

Next up in order of overall costs is appliances. The theme today is that the costs can range greatly depending on how high-end you want to go in your selection. A basic four-piece Frigidaire set costs around $4,000, while high-end brands like Viking can be closer to $10,000.

 Hunting for bundle deals during sales can save money on appliances. One thing to look our for with appliances is the lead time. Oftentimes there is a 4-6 week backorder on them. I’ve even heard of them taking MONTHS to arrive in height of Covid. Plan accordingly 🙂

4. Flooring

Flooring costs depend on the material and the kitchen’s size. On average, expect to spend between $1,500 and $4,000 on kitchen flooring. 

The last several years I’ve seen a huge uptick in the use of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. It’s waterproof, easy to install, durable, and often cheaper than hard wood, making it a great option for just about any room. This is what designers are installing even in million dollar homes. Hard wood is still a great choice and it has the option to refinish down the road, but it is more expensive. Hardwood floors range from $6 to $12 per square foot, tile from $3 to $10 per square foot, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) from $2 to $5 per square foot. You’ll want to consider durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic preferences when choosing flooring. There are pros and cons to everything!

5. Backsplash

Tile backsplash is not a huge budget eater. Backsplashes can range from $300 to $1,400, with an average cost of around $800 for a 30-square-foot area, including materials and labor. If you opt for a solid slab that extends your countertop onto the wall as backsplash, expect to pay a bit more.

Options include ceramic tile, glass tile, and stone, with ceramic being the most budget-friendly. Installing a backsplash yourself can save on labor costs, but professional installation ensures precision and saves on time.

6. Demolition

Demolition can be a larger expense in your remodel if hired out, typically costing between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the kitchen’s size and complexity. 

DIY demolition can save money, provided you take proper safety precautions. For example, removing cabinets requires only basic tools and can be a manageable task for many homeowners. If you demo yourself, don’t forget to figure in debris removal costs!

Using a Bagster from Home Depot costs about $30, with an additional $180 for pickup. Local recycling centers may offer cheaper options, costing around $70 per ton for construction materials.

The cost of renting a dumpster for a kitchen remodel typically ranges from $300 to $600, depending on the size of the dumpster, the duration of the rental, and your location.

 Smaller dumpsters (10-15 cubic yards) are usually sufficient for kitchen remodels and are on the lower end of the price spectrum. 

Using a dumpster offers several advantages: it provides a convenient and efficient way to manage and dispose of construction debris and keeps the worksite clean and organized.

7. Lighting

Lighting costs can add up quickly if you don’t have them built into your budget. For example, ten 4-inch can lights might cost around $200, and adding pendant lights and dining table lighting can bring the total lighting cost to around $600-$1,000, including new plugs and switches. 

LED lights, while more expensive initially, are energy-efficient and long-lasting. A well-lit kitchen requires task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space.

8. Paint

A gallon of Sherwin Williams Super Paint costs around $75. A small 10×12 room may need two gallons, totaling around $150, for just the paint alone.

Adding trim paint and supplies, painting costs can easily reach $250 or more, depending on the size of the kitchen. High-quality paint provides better coverage and durability and also costs a bit more. Professional painting services can cost between $300 and $800 for labor for a standard kitchen.

If you’re painting the cabinets, expect to pay a premium for the labor and invest in a higher quality paint like Sherwin Williams Emerald.

Related post: 25 creative half wall paneling ideas

9. Professional Labor

Hiring professional sub-contractors like electricians, drywallers, and plumbers is essential for your kitchen remodel if you are not doing the work yourself. Electricians typically charge between $50 and $120 per hour, while plumbers have similar rates. Obtaining multiple bids can help you find the best price. 

Hot tip: Always ask for the contractor’s certificate of insurance to ensure they have workers’ compensation and liability insurance. General contractors, who manage the entire project and coordinate different trades, typically charge 10-20% of the total project cost. 

Their expertise can ensure the remodel stays on schedule and within budget if you do not have experience managing a kitchen remodel yourself.

Final Thoughts

Remodeling a kitchen is a significant investment and there are a lot of moving parts and pieces. Your budget can quickly get out of hand if you are not carefully managing each aspect to manage costs. It’s important to factor in every single detail in your renovation project so you can project your budget accurately.

From all the pricing and costs I outlined above, you can expect to pay $20,000 for a complete gut job if you are doing a lot of the work yourself. If you are hiring it all out, I would expect to pay closer to $40,000 on average. This of course depends on your exact location and the scope and materials selected.

When Planning Out your Kitchen Renovation, Here Are a Few Things to Consider

Prioritize Your Needs

Determine what aspects of your kitchen are most important to you. Whether it’s high-end appliances, custom cabinets, or a specific type of countertop, prioritizing your needs can help you allocate your budget effectively.

Research and Plan

 Spend time researching materials, design options, and costs. Visit showrooms, gather samples, and consult with a designer to get a clear idea of what you want and how much it will cost.

Get Multiple Quotes

Always obtain multiple quotes from contractors and suppliers. This will help you find the best prices and avoid overpaying for labor or materials.

Consider Long-Term Value

While it may be tempting to cut costs, consider the long-term value of your investments. High-quality materials and professional workmanship can enhance your home’s value and save you money on repairs and replacements in the future.

DIY Where Possible

If you have the skills and time, consider doing some of the work yourself. Tasks like painting, installing a backsplash, or even assembling cabinets can save you money on labor costs.

Be Prepared for Surprises:

Remodeling projects often encounter unexpected issues, such as hidden water damage or outdated wiring. These things can’t be seen until you start demo, so set aside a contingency budget of at least 10-20% of your total budget to cover these surprises.

Shop Smart

Look for sales, discounts, and bulk purchasing options for materials and appliances. Many retailers offer significant savings during holiday sales or clearance events, which can help stretch your budget further. If you have your renovation planned out, you can shop for items in advance and buy on sale.

A kitchen renovation is a HUGE undertaking and takes careful planning.

If you need some help planning your renovation, schedule a complimentary consultation call today and let’s chat about your project!

I would love to help you with ensure you’re making the most of your budget and that your vision aligns with the end result.