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Read MoreThe Cost of a Kitchen Remodel | Understanding Your Budget
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 of top 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 the costs of a typical kitchen remodel. We also share budget benchmarks, breakdowns about kitchen remodeling costs, and tips on how to save on renovation costs.
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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 selection 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:
- Cabinets: 29%
- Appliances: 17%
- Install: 13%
- Countertop: 11%
- Lighting & Electrical: 10%
- Plumbing: 6%
- Flooring: 5%
- Backsplash: 5%
- Miscellaneous: 4%
In order to prepare for unexpected expenses, we recommend setting aside 10-20% of your total budget.
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What Does a Typical 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 renovation cost goes, it will vary depending on whether you DIY your project or hire a general contractor or 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 price will depend on the style and shade of cabinets as well as 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.
White shaker kitchen cabinets
This chart is to show what a kitchen remodel would look like under 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 |
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.
What Does it Cost to Install a Kitchen Remodel?
This pricing chart from HomeAdvisor provides a breakdown of the various costs of installing the elements of a kitchen remodel.
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 |
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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.
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 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 to 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.
How Can You Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel?
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You can have the design you want while saving money on a kitchen remodel.
Kitchen remodeling budgets have ballooned over the last several years. Not only have kitchens gotten bigger over time, they’ve also gotten fancier. Even modestly priced homes are increasingly demanding luxury features.
While you can include special features on a smaller budget, you may need to find ways to be frugal.
Here are some ways to trim costs:
Shop smart
Start early and take your time to find bargains. First, research products so you can evaluate quality. Next, 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 footprint, 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.
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.
Do-it-yourself or Manage-it-yourself
Even if you don’t have construction or DIY skills, you might consider managing your project as your own general contractor. Being your own general contractor could save you up to 30 percent on your entire remodeling 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:
- Remodel! Without Going Bonkers or Broke: A Home Improvement Primer by Jim Molinelli
- Affordable Kitchen Upgrades by Steve Cory and Diane Slavik
- Do It Yourself: Kitchens: Stunning Spaces on a Shoestring Budget by Better Homes and Gardens
Learn more about kitchen remodeling costs:
- How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen? – HomeAdvisor
- Kitchen Remodeling Cost: Remodeling Professionals Tell All – The Spruce
- The Beginner’s Guide to Remodeling a Kitchen on a Budget – Budget Dumpster
- How Much Does a Kitchen Makeover Cost? – Houzz
- Remodeling a Kitchen for Resale – HGTV
- Cost vs. Value 2019 – Remodeling Magazine
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Let’s Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen?
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 much does it cost to remodel a small kitchen?
On average, a kitchen remodel in the United States costs about $26k. However, you can spend up to $77k quite easily. The cost of remodeling a small kitchen will fall on the lower end of the cost spectrum most likely, but will depend on the cabinet style, materials used, etc.
What's the average cost to remodel a kitchen?
In the United States, it usually costs about $26,268 to remodel a kitchen. However, the cost of your project will vary depending on the size of the kitchen, materials used, and cabinet style selected.
How much does it cost to remodel a 10x10 kitchen?
A 10ˈx10ˈ kitchen is like any other kitchen. 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?
Calculating costs for a kitchen remodel is different for every project. The largest aspect of costs are materials. What type of materials will you select? High-end name brand? Refurbished or used? Labor can also affect the budget. Is your project DIY or will you need to hire a contractor for everything? It takes time, planning and professional consultation. Talk with a kitchen design professional at CliqStudios- it's free!
How to estimate cost of kitchen remodel?
Estimating costs for a kitchen remodel is personal different for every project. The largest aspect of costs are materials. What type of materials will you select? High-end name brand? Refurbished or used? Labor can also affect the budget. Is your project DIY or will you need to hire a contractor for everything? It takes time, planning and professional consultation. Talk with a kitchen design professional at CliqStudios- it's free!
How much does labor cost to remodel a kitchen?
Contracting labor for a kitchen remodel can be 0-50% of your total budget. Each project is unique. Are you the DIY type to take on 100% of labor and installation? Or can you just perform the demolition? Or do you need to contract labor out for everything?
How to keep kitchen remodel costs down?
Looking to keep costs down? Start with what type of materials you want and start looking for sales. Materials is by far the largest part of the remodel costs. Looking for high-end, name brand appliances with all the gadgets? The refrigerator alone can range from $1,000 to $15,000. Looking for off-the shelf products instead of special orders can save a lot of money as well as looking for clearance items at brick and mortar stores.
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