How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? [2023 Data]

Kitchen Remodel vs. Renovation

Determining how much it is to remodel a kitchen and how much it is to renovate a kitchen are two different calculations, though contractors may use the terms "kitchen remodel" and "kitchen renovation" interchangeably.

So what's the difference between a kitchen remodel and a renovation? A kitchen renovation typically involves keeping the kitchen layout the same while updating countertops, paint, appliances, and flooring. A kitchen remodel implies a larger project that might include gutting part or all of the kitchen and changing the overall layout and flow. As such, the average kitchen remodel cost is higher than the average kitchen renovation cost.

Kitchen Remodel Costs by Project Scope

While the average kitchen remodel costs roughly $26,000, you can spend a lot less with a targeted budget—and a lot more for a total kitchen makeover. Most remodels will fall somewhere in between.

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Renovations

You can still have the kitchen of your dreams with a smaller budget of around $5,000 to $10,000. When planning out your kitchen renovation costs, consider the following to save a little extra money:

• Pass on custom cabinets: Cabinets take up almost 30% of the budget for kitchen remodels. Save with stock products or reface or refinish your existing cabinets instead of replacing them. Refacing cabinets costs around $4,270–$10,000; refinishing cabinets costs around $1,830–$4,160.

• DIY where possible: See where you can do some of the installation and replacement yourself.

• Remodel in stages: Break up the projects into smaller phases so you only have to save for one thing at a time.

• Only do necessary updates: Upgrade the materials and appliances that truly need updating. Refinishing appliances costs about $150–$550. If your budget allows, consider replacing appliances to increase visual appeal and your return on investment (ROI).

“We often recommend one or two 'showstopper' appliances, such as a high-end range or refrigerator,” says Robert Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and a general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “These tend to elevate the whole kitchen.”

Minor Remodels

Minor kitchen remodels cost around $10,000 to $20,000. At this price range, you can touch most or all parts of the kitchen, but you might be looking at lower-end materials. With this budget, you can likely upgrade appliances, put on a fresh coat of paint, install new faucets, and even put in a backsplash.

Major Remodels

If your kitchen remodel budget falls between $20,000 and $70,000, you have more than enough for major upgrades using high-quality materials. Projects might include adding built-in energy-efficient appliances, custom cabinets, a commercial-style range oven, a drink or coffee station, and a cooktop or seating island. You can install new flooring and light fixtures and add elegant touches, like high-end hardware for the cabinets and drawers.

Total Kitchen Makeover

Gutting the kitchen and implementing a new layout comes with additional costs for plumbing, electrical, walls, and flooring. Total kitchen overhauls can cost from $30,000 to $80,000 or more. If you’re gutting a kitchen and implementing the most upscale materials, you’ll pay around $100,000 to $130,000.

For total makeovers and layout changes, you’ll need to budget for the following:

• The labor required to knock down walls and gut your kitchen

• Plumbing costs for new pipes and hookups

• Electrical rewiring costs for appliances and lighting

“The number one kitchen remodel request involves removing a wall to create an ‘open-concept’ layout,” says Tschudi. “If that wall is a load-bearing wall, removing it will be expensive and reduce the overall stability of the house. On the other hand, if the wall isn’t structural, the cost to remove it is very reasonable. If you’re going to remove a wall—structural or not—be sure to engage with a licensed structural engineer.”

Questions to Determine Scope

If you’re unsure about some of the options above, consider the questions below to determine how to budget your kitchen remodel:

• What kind of cook am I? Different cooks have different needs. If you frequently host, consider space for two ovens.

• Will my kitchen only be used for cooking? Consider making room for dining, entertaining, and the everyday.

• How long will I live in this house? If you plan on moving soon, stick to design choices with universal appeal.

• Who uses the kitchen? Think about lowering workspaces and making appliances accessible for those who need them.

• What are my must-haves? Think about what features you can’t live without and when you’d be happy to go with a lower-cost alternative.

Kitchen Remodel Costs by Geographic Location

Where you live can impact overall kitchen remodel costs, largely due to differences in material and labor prices. The table below shows the average cost range of kitchen remodels by major city:

Kitchen Renovation Cost Factors

Several factors can impact your total kitchen remodel cost, including the size of your kitchen, labor, the quality of materials and appliances, and the extent of the renovations.

Kitchen Size

The average kitchen remodel cost is approximately $150 per square foot, including materials, appliances, and labor. In the most basic sense, the larger your kitchen, the larger the cost. Using the average square footage estimate, the table below shows how a moderate kitchen remodel cost can vary by size:

Designer

Professional kitchen designers cost around $65 to $250 per hour. The typical kitchen designer accounts for roughly 3%of your renovation budget.

If you get advice or an in-home consultation from a materials and design store, expect a flat fee ranging from $100 to $800. However, some homeowners report paying around $4,400 to $25,000 for certified professionals and independent services. At this rate, you might expect services such as the following:

• 3D renderings

• Material and color selection

• Coordination with contractors and suppliers

• Start-to-finish support and management

Labor and Installation

Depending on the extent of your renovation, labor may cost from $3,500 to $6,000 for a minor or major remodel. Larger kitchen makeovers requiring extensive plumbing, electrical, and carpentry can cost much more. No matter the extent, it’s fair to calculate roughly18%of your total renovation costs as labor costs.

For larger projects, especially total guts and redesigns, you’d likely benefit from hiring a local kitchen remodeling contractor who can subcontract all the various players involved in the remodel.

On the flip side, minor budget-friendly renovations (including a fresh coat of paint or installing a new dishwasher) might qualify as a DIY project if you’re up to the task.

Cabinets

Kitchen cabinet installation costs an average of $1,860 to $9,430, with the products ranging from $100 to $1,200 per linear foot or more. Cabinets, especially custom-made ones, are the most expensive parts of a kitchen renovation. Using stock cabinets keeps prices down, but cabinets often serve as the kitchen's curb appeal, meaning higher-quality cabinets may help you sell your home.

The table below breaks down the difference in cabinet prices between stock, semi-custom, and completely custom per linear foot. These prices include the cost of installation. For budget-friendly or minor remodels, you can reface or refinish your existing cabinets for a fraction of the cost.

Hardware

Kitchens require a large number of handles, knobs, and pulls for the cabinets and drawers. The more cabinets and drawers your new kitchen utilizes, the more hardware you’ll need to purchase.

Beyond quantity, the color, style, and material can impact the final cost. On the low end, kitchen hardware can cost less than $1 per unit, but the highest-quality knobs and pulls can cost as much as $500. Most homeowners will pay around $2 to $3 per handle or knob. You can save money by buying in bulk, with packs ranging from six to 1,000 units.

Countertops

Installing countertops costs around $1,860 to $4,340, though this price will fluctuate depending on the material and measurements. Countertops play a significant role in the look and usability of your space. Choose the materials based on what looks and functions best.

Within each category of materials, the price depends on quality. Seamless materials, such as Corian and granite, tend to be more durable but are generally more expensive. Formica and concrete are less costly but add less value. Tile is attractive but requires more maintenance and regular grout cleaning.

Review common countertop materials, their costs, and their benefits in the table below:

Appliances

Installing kitchen appliances costs around $120 to $280 per appliance for installation. Energy-efficient EnergyStar appliances can offer great savings over time, and higher-end built-in appliances greatly appeal to buyers when you put your house on the market.

Kitchen appliances typically include the refrigerator and freezer, oven and stove, microwave, and dishwasher. For each, you can choose from the following:

• Budget-friendly freestanding appliances: $200–$1,000

• High-end freestanding appliances: $1,000–$5,000+

• Custom built-in appliances: $1,000–$10,000+ 

EnergyStar appliances range between $300 and $3,000 and are available at every budget level.

Flooring

Flooring installation costs about $1,520 to $4,700. The largest cost factors include the room's square footage and the chosen material. Vinyl and linoleum flooring are the most affordable but are more easily damaged and don't last as long. Tile, granite, and wood are more expensive but will add value, elegance, and durability to your kitchen. The more expensive flooring sometimes proves to be more challenging to maintain.

Kitchens can be volatile workstations. Damage from stains, grease, heat, and moisture is common. If you can't keep up with the cleaning and maintenance, the more expensive flooring might not be the best for you. 

If you’re stuck between hardwood and laminate, check out our comparison guide for hardwood flooring versus laminate flooring. Or review the table below for kitchen flooring options:

Plumbing

Rearranging appliances for a larger remodel entails relocating water supply lines, drains, and sewage lines. This often involves getting new pipes, with installing pipes costing about $1,180. This also means spending more on labor and, in some cases, hiring a plumber near you. 

You might also need a permit from the city. Kitchen remodel permits cost from $500 to $1,500.

Faucets

Part of your overall plumbing costs may include installing a faucet or even an entirely new sink. Installing a faucet costs around $160 to $360. If you don’t need to change the plumbing layout, installing a sink costs about $220 to $630.

Backsplash

An easy way to update your kitchen on a budget is installing a new backsplash, which is something homeowners may be able to tackle themselves. If you're not handy around the house, hiring a local tile installer will save you the hassle.

Whether part of a small kitchen upgrade or a complete kitchen remodel, hiring a contractor to install a tile backsplash costs between $590 and $1,320. If you're attempting to DIY, you'll need to buy tiles, mortar, and a few tools. For example, subway tiles cost between $7 and $13 per square foot.

Electrical

Electricians cost on average $50 to $100 per hour. It’s best to do electrical work during the tear-out process. At this point, determine whether you need to upgrade your electrical output to accommodate a new refrigerator or oven. The cost to upgrade an electrical panel averages about $1,220.

You may also need to move outlets and fixtures to accommodate a new layout or replace outdated outlets. The cost to install an outlet adds about $220 to your project total. Hire a local electrician to handle the process safely. Electrical work typically makes up 5% of the average kitchen remodel cost.

“Many kitchen remodels require an upgrade to the electrical system,” says Tschudi. “To comply with code, some appliances require dedicated circuits, and all outlets on counters need to have ground-fault circuit interrupter systems, which trip the instant water and electricity come in contact to prevent electrocution.”

Gas Lines

Moving a gas line costs around $270 to $880. Unless you're planning to move your oven and stove cooktop to an entirely different place in the room, you should be able to avoid this expense. The process involves moving and running additional gas lines, upending flooring, and knocking out walls. It also requires a permit for handling natural gas lines. If you plan to move a vented range, you'll need to install a new venting system.

If you currently have an electric oven but want to upgrade to a gas range oven, you'll need to budget between $130 and $2,000 for the conversion plus the cost of the new appliance. The work may involve hiring a local gas line plumber and an electrician. Gas ovens allow you to control the temperature when cooking and baking more easily, they heat up and cool off faster, and they generally lead to a reduction in utility bills.

Walls and Ceilings

Budget-friendly remodels can involve painting walls. The cost of painting a kitchen ranges from $300 to $750.

When completing a kitchen makeover, you might knock down and rebuild some walls. Removing a non-load-bearing wall costs as little as $300 while taking down a load-bearing wall costs up to $3,000. To improve safety, you can also opt for fire- and moisture-resistant drywall when doing a kitchen remodel. Current drywall prices range from $12 to $20 per panel.

Most ceiling work will entail painting or drywall work if installing new light fixtures.

Doors and Windows

Larger kitchen remodels and total kitchen makeovers may involve creating new openings for interior doors and even exterior doors and windows. Here’s how these break down:

• Interior door installation cost: $360–$1,170 per door

• Exterior door installation cost: $510–$1,790 per door

• Window installation cost: $300–$1,200 per window

Lighting

Remember to factor in light fixture installation costs when building your budget. Upscale kitchen remodels might include accent lighting, like a pendant light over the sink. Recessed lighting is a popular option for kitchens. In general, recessed lighting costs around $300 per fixture.

Expansion

A larger kitchen remodel might involve expanding into a larger space. For example, you might repurpose an old dining area to create more cabinet and counter space or knock down walls to give yourself a more open floor plan. Expanding into an existing room will lead to more extensive costs for wall removal, cabinetry, electrical, and plumbing.

Some homeowners even build an addition to house a larger kitchen. Kitchen home additions cost between $20,000 and $90,000.

Kitchen Renovation Budget Breakdown

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) provides a kitchen renovation budget breakdown that helps homeowners visualize where they can expect their budget to go. In the table, we’ve used a $30,000 budget so you can see how the percentages may play out.

Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen

Homeowners remodel kitchens for several reasons. If you need to know if now is a good time to take on the cost of a kitchen remodel, evaluate your kitchen condition and budget before moving forward. During your evaluation, watch out for these common signs that it's time to remodel your kitchen.

Broken Cabinets

Cabinets can last for several decades, but they’re a high-use feature of kitchens and will eventually start to fall apart (e.g., loose handles and hinges, splintering wood, broken doors, etc.). If your cabinets are beyond saving, it may be time to buy new ones.

Keep in mind that kitchen styles come and go. Upgrading kitchen cabinets to match the newest trend in interior design doesn't make the best financial sense. You can keep up with changing trends more easily by painting or refinishing existing cabinets.

Warped or Peeling Floors

Floors take a lot of wear and tear. And in a kitchen where you’re regularly pacing between the stove, sink, counters, and fridge, floors tend to have a shorter life span. If you notice your floor is warped or peeling, it may be time to hire a local flooring repair contractor or install new ones entirely. 

If you plan a kitchen remodel down the road, move it up and pair the project with a flooring installation.

Cracked or Chipped Countertops

Over the years, countertops can separate from the cabinet bases and the wall, which could lead to food crumbs getting stuck in hard-to-reach places. Eventually, you won’t be able to prepare food on a shifting countertop. If your countertop has seen better days, it’s time to upgrade—and you might want to consider replacing the cabinets beneath the countertops in one fell swoop.

Aging Appliances

If your appliances are several decades old, they may be inefficient, driving up your gas and electric bills while taking longer to cook. Old, inefficient ovens can even be dangerous. Newer appliances, like smart fridges with ice makers, may also make your life easier.

Evaluate whether your appliances are due for an upgrade. If installing several new appliances, try to match the style for a seamless aesthetic. You can even take this opportunity to reface, refinish, or replace cabinets or install new countertops to make the new aesthetic more cohesive.

Water Stains or Damage

With sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators, kitchens are likely culprits for water leaks. While the cost to repair a leaky pipe is roughly $500, you might spend a lot more on water damage that goes unchecked. If water has warped your floors and damaged your walls and cabinets, it may be time for a complete kitchen remodel. Budget between $1,300 and $5,520 in basic water damage restoration costs.

Not Enough Storage

Consider remodeling your kitchen if your pantry is overflowing and your drawers are stuffed full of kitchen supplies. In mocking up a new layout, you can prioritize cabinet and drawer space to accommodate your family's needs. If a full kitchen renovation cost is out of your price range, consider smaller changes you can make to improve storage. 

Inefficient Layout

If your dishwasher can’t open all the way without hitting the island or your fridge is far away from your countertops, you might be dealing with a lot of unnecessary hassle. Work with an architect near you to design a kitchen layout that better serves your needs.

Benefits of Remodeling Your Kitchen

Knowing how much to renovate a kitchen is important before starting the project, but the high cost of kitchen remodeling can be alarming. However, don't let it sway you. Remodeling a kitchen has multiple benefits, including financial ones.

Increased Home Value

When you sell your house, you may earn about 60% of what you spend on the kitchen remodel. And while you'll spend more than you make, you can enjoy that kitchen for a while before selling—potentially at a faster rate.

Improved Functionality

If you have an inefficient kitchen layout, you might waste a lot of time or have a miserable time cooking. If cooking is your hobby or you need an efficient kitchen to accommodate your busy schedule or large family, a remodel may be in order.

More Efficient Appliances

Investing in energy-efficient appliances is another way to recuperate your money. Because they yield lower utility bills, efficient appliances can pay for themselves over time. Plus, they’re better for the environment.

Enhanced Safety

If you live in an older home and have for a long time, the kitchen may no longer be up to today's safety standards. Not only can you not sell a house with a kitchen with code violations, but it's also unsafe for you and your family to cook in. Licensed contractors can complete your kitchen remodel completely up to code.

A Modern Look

A new kitchen can make you feel a certain way. While we can't quantify how much an aesthetically pleasing kitchen improves your life, you might find happiness and peace in a more modern-looking kitchen.

How to Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodels are expensive, so how can you save money? We recommend doing the following:

• Make a budget: Having a set amount of money you’re willing to spend and sharing that with your contractor can help them set realistic expectations about what you can accomplish.

• Avoid high-quality materials: You’ll save a lot of money by opting for functional lighting and stock cabinetry. Apply these principles with every purchase, from hardware to appliances.

• DIY when possible: Don’t try to move a gas line, knock down a wall, or install new plumbing yourself, but some elements of a kitchen renovation are manageable on your own. Take the weekend to install a backsplash, lay down new flooring, or paint the walls.

DIY vs. Hiring a Kitchen Remodeling Pro

A basic kitchen remodel on a budget—like a fresh coat of paint, a new refrigerator, and even a refinished cabinet or two—is possible for DIY-ers. But any moderate to extensive kitchen renovation should be left to professionals, especially where plumbing and electrical work are involved. Licensed contractors can help you with permitting and code, and they’ll install materials correctly for a better final appearance and greater ROI when you go to sell.

Because a kitchen remodel costs tens of thousands of dollars, get quotes from several local plumbers, local electricians, or even local kitchen remodeling contractors for big projects. Go with the best price as long as the company has great reviews.

Questions to Ask Your Kitchen Remodeler 

Larger kitchen remodels may involve multiple types of contractors. You can simplify it on your end by hiring a single kitchen remodeler who'll then subcontract all the individual pieces of the project. When going this route, make sure you thoroughly consider the candidates.

When vetting potential contractors for a kitchen remodel, do the following:

• Ask to see a portfolio of their previous work.

• Determine their schedule and the timetable for completing your specific project.

• Ask what warranties they offer.

• Ask what insurance they carry.

• Ask if you’ll be able to use the kitchen during the remodel.

• See which subcontractors they would work with on your project.

While it can be tempting to go with the lowest estimate, always thoroughly read reviews of each contractor online.

Cost to DIY a Kitchen Remodel

While a complete kitchen makeover and any major kitchen remodel involving plumbing and electrical work should be left to the professionals, it’s possible to save money by DIY-ing smaller kitchen remodels and renovations—or at least tackling certain elements yourself, like painting the walls, installing a backsplash, or installing appliances.

How much money can you save by doing it yourself? The typical DIY kitchen remodel costs around $9,000 to $30,000, while the average kitchen remodel costs around $13,380 to $38,420 with professional labor.