The average kitchen overhaul price in the United States generally ranges from $\$15,000$ to $\$75,000$ or more, depending heavily on the scope of work, the quality of materials chosen, and the size of the kitchen.
Redoing a kitchen is one of the biggest home improvement projects you can take on. It changes how your house looks and how well it works every day. Knowing the expected kitchen remodel cost is key to starting strong. This guide breaks down all the costs involved. We look at everything from tearing out the old space to picking the perfect new fixtures. This will help you set a realistic kitchen renovation budget.
Deciphering the Major Cost Factors
The final price tag for your kitchen refresh is not one fixed number. Many things push the cost up or down. Think about the size of your kitchen. Bigger kitchens need more materials and take longer to finish. Also, think about what you are keeping. Are you just swapping out surfaces, or are you moving walls?
Scope of Work Defines the Budget
The main thing that sets the kitchen remodel cost is how much you change. We can break remodels into three main types for budgeting purposes:
- Minor Refresh: This is mostly cosmetic. You might paint cabinets, replace the backsplash, put in a new sink, and maybe update the lighting. Moving walls or plumbing is usually not included. This is the least expensive route.
- Mid-Range Remodel: This involves a significant update. You might replace the cabinets entirely, get new mid-grade appliances, install new countertops, and update the flooring. You might change the layout slightly but keep the main plumbing and gas lines where they are.
- Major Overhaul/Luxury Remodel: This is a complete gut job. Everything comes out. This often involves moving walls, changing the flow of the room, installing high-end, custom cabinets, top-tier appliances, and premium materials like marble or quartzite. This pushes the average kitchen overhaul price much higher.
Material Quality Impacts Price Greatly
Your choices for materials play a huge role in your final budget. For example, laminate countertops cost much less than honed granite or custom quartz. Similarly, stock cabinets cost far less than custom-built ones.
Itemized Breakdown of Kitchen Renovation Expenses
To plan your kitchen renovation budget well, you need to know where the money goes. Generally, materials make up about 50% to 60% of the total cost. The rest covers labor and permits.
Cabinetry: A Significant Investment
Pricing for new kitchen cabinets is often the single largest expense in any remodel, sometimes taking up 30% to 40% of the total budget.
| Cabinet Type | Description | Estimated Cost (for a standard 10’x10′ kitchen) |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | Pre-made sizes; limited styles. Fastest installation. | $\$3,000 – \$8,000$ |
| Semi-Custom Cabinets | More size/finish options; good quality build. | $\$7,000 – \$15,000$ |
| Custom Cabinets | Built specifically for your space; highest quality. | $\$15,000 – \$30,000+$ |
If you opt for a cost of full kitchen tear out plus installation of new cabinets, this section will swell quickly. Refinishing or painting existing cabinets is a great way to save money here if the boxes are still sound.
Countertops: Surface Matters
The cost of your kitchen countertop replacement expense depends on the material chosen and the square footage. Labor for templating and installation adds to the base material cost.
- Laminate: Very affordable, starting under $\$20$ per square foot installed.
- Butcher Block/Wood: Mid-range, around $\$40 – \$75$ per square foot installed.
- Granite/Quartz: The most popular choice, ranging from $\$60$ to over $\$150$ per square foot installed.
- High-End (Marble, Quartzite): Can exceed $\$200$ per square foot installed.
Appliances: Function Meets Flash
Your appliance upgrade costs kitchen can vary wildly based on the brand and features you select.
- Basic/Mid-Range Set: Budget around $\$3,000$ to $\$5,000$ for a standard refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and microwave.
- High-End/Professional Grade: Expect to spend $\$8,000$ to $\$15,000$ or much more for integrated or commercial-style appliances.
Remember to budget for delivery and installation fees, which are separate from the appliance sticker price.
Flooring, Backsplash, and Fixtures
These smaller elements add up quickly.
- Flooring: Vinyl plank is budget-friendly. Hardwood or tile is more expensive, especially if installation requires subfloor prep.
- Backsplash: Simple subway tile is cheap to buy and install. Intricate mosaics or natural stone cost more.
- Plumbing Fixtures: Faucets, sinks, and garbage disposals vary greatly in price based on brand and finish.
Labor Costs for Kitchen Renovation
Labor costs for kitchen renovation typically account for 20% to 35% of the total project cost. This covers demolition, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and installation.
The Price of Demolition
The cost of full kitchen tear out includes careful removal of cabinets, old countertops, flooring, and potentially some old plumbing or electrical wiring. If asbestos or lead paint is found during demolition, remediation costs will be added, significantly increasing this expense.
Trade Professionals Required
A standard kitchen remodel requires several skilled tradespeople:
- General Contractor (GC) or Project Manager
- Demolition crew
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Carpenters/Cabinet Installers
- Flooring specialists
- Tile setters
Your GC manages these teams. Their fee covers coordination, scheduling, and ensuring the work meets code.
Professional Kitchen Design Fees
If you hire a dedicated interior designer or a kitchen design specialist, factor in professional kitchen design fees. These fees can range from a flat rate of $\$1,000$ to $\$5,000$ for simple layout services, or they might be charged as an hourly rate or a percentage (usually 10% to 20%) of the total project cost for full, high-end design management.
Comparing DIY vs. Professional Kitchen Remodel Cost
A common question is: How does DIY vs professional kitchen remodel cost compare?
DIY saves money primarily on labor, which is significant. If you are skilled in carpentry, tiling, and basic electrical work, you can cut labor costs by 20% to 30%.
However, DIY has pitfalls:
- Time: DIY takes much longer. You are juggling your full-time job and your renovation.
- Mistakes: Errors in plumbing or electrical work can be very costly to fix later, often requiring a professional to come in and undo your work before proceeding correctly.
- Permits: Many local jurisdictions require licensed professionals for certain aspects of the work to pass inspection.
For most homeowners, especially those undertaking a mid-range or major remodel, hiring a licensed general contractor ensures the project is done right, on time, and up to code, often justifying the added labor costs for kitchen renovation.
Establishing Your Kitchen Renovation Budget: Realistic Scenarios
To make the numbers concrete, here are three typical budget scenarios for an average-sized kitchen (around 10 feet by 10 feet).
Scenario 1: The Budget-Friendly Refresh (Low End)
This budget focuses on maximizing impact with minimal structural change.
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | $\$2,000$ | Paint existing cabinets, update hardware. |
| Countertops | $\$1,500$ | Laminate or budget butcher block. |
| Appliances | $\$3,000$ | Purchase scratch-and-dent or basic package. |
| Backsplash/Paint | $\$500$ | DIY installation of simple tile. |
| Flooring | $\$1,000$ | Budget vinyl plank flooring. |
| Fixtures/Lighting | $\$500$ | Basic sink and faucet. |
| Labor/Permits | $\$2,500$ | Minimal—mostly for specialized work (e.g., electrical hookups). |
| Total Estimated Cost | $\$11,000$ | Focus on cosmetic changes. |
Scenario 2: The Mid-Range Transformation (Average Cost)
This hits the national average kitchen overhaul price and offers excellent value and improved functionality.
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | $\$10,000$ | Semi-custom cabinets, professionally installed. |
| Countertops | $\$4,000$ | Quartz or mid-grade granite. |
| Appliances | $\$5,500$ | Good quality stainless steel suite. |
| Backsplash/Paint | $\$1,000$ | Professional tile installation. |
| Flooring | $\$2,000$ | Mid-range tile or wood look. |
| Fixtures/Lighting | $\$1,500$ | Better quality sink, faucet, and recessed lighting. |
| Labor/Permits | $\$10,000$ | Includes GC fee, plumbing, and electrical updates. |
| Total Estimated Cost | $\$34,000$ | Excellent balance of quality and price. |
Scenario 3: The Luxury Overhaul (High End)
This budget allows for high-end materials, custom features, and significant layout changes.
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | $\$25,000$ | Custom millwork, specialty finishes. |
| Countertops | $\$7,000$ | Premium stone, detailed edging. |
| Appliances | $\$12,000$ | Professional range, integrated refrigerator. |
| Backsplash/Paint | $\$3,000$ | Imported tile, custom shelving. |
| Flooring | $\$4,000$ | High-end installation, perhaps heated floors. |
| Fixtures/Lighting | $\$4,000$ | Designer fixtures, complex lighting plan. |
| Labor/Permits | $\$18,000+$ | Includes professional kitchen design fees and complex structural work. |
| Total Estimated Cost | $\$73,000+$ | Top-tier finishes and full customization. |
Managing Your Kitchen Renovation Budget Effectively
Sticking to your kitchen renovation budget requires diligence before and during construction.
The Importance of Contingency Funds
Always set aside 10% to 20% of your projected kitchen remodel cost as a contingency fund. This money is for the unexpected. Unexpected costs are common, especially in older homes where plumbing might need replacing or structural issues arise when walls are opened up. Running out of contingency money mid-project is the fastest way to derail timelines and quality.
Saving Strategies for Your Kitchen Budget
If the initial quotes seem too high, look at where you can trim expenses without sacrificing safety or core quality:
- Phasing the Project: Can you live with older floors for another year and focus only on cabinets and counters now?
- Material Sourcing: Shop around for your own appliances rather than relying solely on the contractor’s vendor. Look for sales on pricing for new kitchen cabinets during slower remodeling seasons.
- Reduce Scope: Can you keep the existing layout instead of paying for relocating major plumbing stacks? Avoiding this can drastically lower labor costs for kitchen renovation.
- DIY Where Safe: Painting walls and installing the backsplash (if simple) can be handled by a capable homeowner.
Permit Requirements and Inspection Costs
Most significant changes—especially those affecting electrical, plumbing, or structural integrity—will require local building permits. The cost of these permits is usually a small fraction of the total budget, but they are non-negotiable for legal compliance and insurance purposes. Your contractor usually handles the acquisition of these permits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Remodel Costs
How much should I allocate for appliances in my kitchen remodel cost?
Generally, allocate between 10% and 20% of your total kitchen remodel cost for appliances. If you are purchasing basic models, you might stay closer to 10%. If you opt for high-end, integrated units, appliance upgrade costs kitchen can easily reach 25% or more of the total budget.
Can I save money by getting a lower quote for the cost of full kitchen tear out?
While low initial quotes for demolition are tempting, remember that a thorough tear-out prepares the space correctly for the new build. Cutting corners here often leads to higher costs later when framing or utility rough-ins don’t align perfectly with the existing subfloor or walls. Always ensure the contractor’s process for tear-out includes responsible disposal of debris.
What makes labor costs for kitchen renovation so high?
Labor costs for kitchen renovation are high because they involve multiple specialized, licensed tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians) whose time is expensive. Furthermore, a GC adds a management markup to cover scheduling, insurance, permitting, and oversight, ensuring the project is completed correctly and legally.
Is it cheaper to replace cabinets or reface them?
Replacing cabinets is usually the safer, more modern option, especially if you need a new layout. Refacing (keeping the existing cabinet boxes but replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and sometimes the veneer on the box) can save money, especially if you have good quality, well-laid-out existing boxes. However, if you are aiming for a major layout shift, pricing for new kitchen cabinets is unavoidable.
Does the kitchen countertop replacement expense include old countertop removal?
Typically, the quoted price for a kitchen countertop replacement expense includes the removal and disposal of the old countertop. However, you must confirm this detail when getting quotes from fabricators. If removal is separate, factor in an extra few hundred dollars for labor and disposal fees.