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Cost guide

Kitchen Remodel Cost

Renovating a residential kitchen including cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and finishes.

Typical range
$15,000–$80,000
Most people pay
$35,000
Service life
20–30 years for cabinetry; countertops vary by material

National cost range

National range, per kitchen

$15,000 – $80,000

Most homeowners pay around $35,000. The spread is real, not hedging — the drivers below determine which end of it you land on.

Low end
$15,000
Simple access, like-for-like
Typical
$35,000
What most jobs come in at
High end
$80,000
Upgrades, difficult access, code work

What you are actually paying for

Find the row that matches your situation. Quotes that differ wildly from each other usually differ in scope, not in price.

ScenarioTypical cost
Cosmetic refresh, same layout, stock cabinetsNew cabinets, countertops, and fixtures; no layout change.$10,000–$20,000
Mid-range remodel, semi-custom cabinetsThe most common full kitchen renovation.$25,000–$45,000
High-end remodel, custom cabinets, layout changeMoving plumbing and gas lines adds significant cost.$50,000–$80,000
Budget remodel, refacing existing cabinetsCabinet refacing plus new countertops and fixtures.$8,000–$15,000
Gut renovation with structural changesRemoving walls, relocating everything, premium finishes.$40,000–$100,000

What moves the price

In descending order of impact. These are also the questions worth asking a contractor whose quote sits outside the range above.

  1. Cabinetry

    Stock cabinets are $100 to $300 per linear foot. Semi-custom runs $150 to $500. Custom cabinetry runs $500 to $1,200 per linear foot and is the single largest cost variable.

  2. Countertops

    Laminate is $20 to $50 per square foot. Quartz and granite run $50 to $120. Butcher block and marble are at the high end.

  3. Layout changes

    Keeping the existing footprint is cheapest. Moving the sink, range, or refrigerator requires plumbing, gas, and electrical rough-in that can add $3,000 to $8,000.

  4. Appliances

    A standard appliance package runs $3,000 to $8,000. Professional-grade appliances run $10,000 to $25,000.

  5. Labor and trades

    A full kitchen remodel involves carpentry, plumbing, electrical, drywall, flooring, and painting. General contractor coordination adds 15 to 25% overhead.

Direct answer

Major kitchen remodels in 2026 commonly fall between $15,000 and $80,000 installed, with mid-range cabinet and quartz projects clustering around $25,000 to $45,000 for a 150–200 square foot kitchen. Cosmetic refreshes—paint, counters, appliances in existing boxes—can land near $15,000 to $22,000, while custom cabinetry, structural wall removal, and professional appliance packages exceed $65,000. Cabinet line, countertop fabrication, and whether layout moves dominate the budget more than appliance finish.

What each price band actually buys

Low end
Keep cabinet boxes, replace doors and hardware, new counters and sink faucet, appliance swap, paint.
Typical
Stock or semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, standard electrical and plumbing moves, tile backsplash.
High end
Custom cabinetry, wall removal with beam, luxury appliances, wide-plank flooring, extensive lighting.

Labor vs materials

Typical split for this job nationally: roughly 45% labor and 55% materials. Crew size is usually GC plus cabinet installer, plumber, electrician, counter fabricator, across six to ten weeks elapsed with multiple trade waves.

What this price usually does not include

  • Structural engineering and permits for load-bearing removal unless specified
  • Temporary kitchen setup or dining out costs
  • Whole-house repiping or panel upgrade unless discovered
  • Appliance purchase tax and delivery sometimes billed separately
  • Window replacement outside the kitchen opening
  • Smart home integration beyond basic appliance circuits

Hidden costs that show up on real jobs

ItemHow often
Subfloor leveling after old flooring removal25–40% when changing flooring type
Drywall and paint for adjacent rooms opened for beam work15–25% on open-concept conversions
Dedicated circuits for induction or dual ovens20–30% on high-end appliance packages
Plumbing relocations when island sink is addedCommon on layout changes
Cabinet freight damage or back-order swaps10–15% in supply-chain tight periods

Regional variation

Cabinet install and counter fabrication labor varies sharply: Northeast and West Coast metros often add 25–35% versus national medians for the same cabinet line, while cabinets themselves ship nationally. Stone yards price quartz per slab with local template teams. Compare `/home/cost/kitchen-remodel/[metro]` localized data when available, and lock cabinet line and door style in writing before comparing bids.

Localized cost pages (where available)

Code upgrades this job can trigger

  • GFCI and AFCI requirements on kitchen circuits when panels are touched
  • Ventilation to exterior for hoods at required CFM
  • Gas shutoff and flex line updates for new ranges
  • Fire suppression or extinguisher placement per local amendments
  • Energy code lighting controls in some jurisdictions

Repair vs replace

Cabinet refacing and countertop replacement preserve layout when boxes are plumb and drawers function. Full replacement wins when water damage, pest infestation, or failed soft-close hardware is systemic, or when workflow demands island plumbing and new lighting. Partial upgrades—new counters on sagging cabinets—often telegraph future regret; if you invest in stone, verify carcass condition first. Compare refacing quotes to semi-custom installed price; when refacing exceeds 60% of new cabinets, new often returns better resale value.

Repair vs replace calculator

Timeline and visits

Cabinet manufacturing commonly takes four to eight weeks after measurements. Counter template follows cabinet set; install another one to two weeks. Total elapsed time six to ten weeks is typical for mid-range gut remodels. Structural work adds engineering and inspection time.

Quote checklist — line items a fair bid should show

  1. Cabinet line, door style, finish, and linear footage
  2. Countertop material, edge profile, and sink cutout
  3. Appliance rough-in locations and circuit list
  4. Plumbing moves for sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator ice line
  5. Backsplash tile scope and electrical for under-cabinet lighting
  6. Flooring scope and transition strips
  7. Permit and inspection fees
  8. Allowances for hardware, fixtures, and lighting with overage terms

Questions to ask before you sign

  • Who measures for cabinets and who is liable for fit errors?
  • Is the countertop template included and when does it happen?
  • How are change orders priced for discovered rot or wiring?
  • Will you handle appliance delivery uncrate and placement?
  • What is the payment schedule tied to cabinet delivery and install?
  • Do you pull electrical and plumbing permits, and who meets inspectors?

Quote red flags for this job

  • Allowances without brand tiers for cabinets and counters
  • No mention of permits for plumbing or wall removal
  • Deposit over 33% before cabinet order proof
  • GC unwilling to provide references for cabinet install quality
  • Bid assumes existing flooring level without inspection
  • Single price with no line items for mechanical trades

Payment schedule norms

Typical: 10% contract signing, 30% at cabinet order, 30% at cabinet install, 20% at counter and mechanical trim, 10% retention. Align appliance payments with delivery dates to avoid storage liability disputes.

Check a deposit against your state

Seasonality

Order cabinets in winter for spring install slots; late summer is busy before holidays. Stone fabricators backlog before major home shows in some markets.

Part of a larger project?

A complete guide to planning, budgeting, sequencing, and managing a full kitchen remodel, from cabinet ordering to final inspection.

Open Full Kitchen Remodel Guide

Can you do it yourself?

Limited DIY scope

Homeowners can handle painting, backsplash tile, and fixture swaps. Cabinet installation, countertop templating, plumbing, and electrical require licensed trades. A general contractor coordinates the sequence.

Permits and inspection

A permit is required if you move plumbing, gas, or electrical. Structural changes require an additional permit. Final inspection covers all rough-in work.
Run the DIY vs. pro decisionCheck a quote you already have

When this cannot wait

  • Water damage under sink requiring cabinet replacement
  • Non-functional kitchen preventing normal household use
  • Preparing for sale in a market where kitchens drive buyer decisions

For trade owners

Pricing this job as a contractor?

Homeowners see national ranges on this page. If you are building the estimate, use the same scope assumptions — then price to burdened labor, overhead recovery and a real margin.

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Common questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
A mid-range kitchen remodel runs $25,000 to $45,000. A budget refresh with stock cabinets runs $10,000 to $20,000. High-end remodels with custom cabinetry and layout changes run $50,000 to $80,000 or more.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinetry is typically 30 to 40% of the total — $5,000 to $25,000 depending on quality and linear footage. Countertops are 10 to 15%. Labor across all trades is 25 to 35%.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A cosmetic refresh takes 2 to 4 weeks. A full remodel with layout changes takes 6 to 12 weeks. Custom cabinetry lead times add 4 to 8 weeks before installation begins.
Is a kitchen remodel worth the investment?
Kitchens consistently return 50 to 75% of the remodel cost at resale — among the best interior investments. A $35,000 remodel typically adds $20,000 to $26,000 in home value, plus daily enjoyment during ownership.
Kitchen cabinets falling apart and doors won't close — remodel cost?
Stock cabinet replacement runs $5,000 to $10,000 for a typical kitchen. Refacing existing boxes runs $4,000 to $9,000. A full mid-range remodel with new cabinets, counters, and appliances runs $25,000 to $45,000. Cabinet failure often reveals water damage behind walls ($1,000 to $3,000 extra).
Kitchen flood from the dishwasher — need a remodel, how much?
Water damage remediation runs $1,000 to $5,000. Cabinet replacement (often required after swelling) runs $5,000 to $15,000. Full kitchen remodel after flood runs $25,000 to $50,000. Insurance may cover sudden appliance failure — document immediately.
Need the kitchen done in 4 weeks before the holidays — remodel cost?
A cosmetic refresh (counters, backsplash, fixtures) in 4 weeks runs $10,000 to $20,000. A full remodel with stock cabinets takes 6 to 12 weeks. Rush scheduling with pre-fabricated materials adds 10 to 20% ($2,500 to $9,000). Custom cabinetry cannot be rushed.
Galley kitchen too small — can I expand it, and what does a remodel cost?
Removing a non-load-bearing wall runs $1,000 to $3,000. Load-bearing wall removal with beam runs $3,000 to $8,000. Full galley-to-open remodel runs $30,000 to $55,000 including structural work, cabinets, and finishes.
Countertop cracked — need a full kitchen update, what does it cost?
Countertop replacement alone runs $2,000 to $5,000 for laminate or $4,000 to $8,000 for quartz. If cabinets are also failing, a package remodel runs $25,000 to $45,000. Replacing counters on old cabinets is viable if boxes are structurally sound.
1970s kitchen never updated — where to start and what does a remodel cost?
Start with a budget refresh: paint cabinets ($2,000 to $4,000), new counters ($2,000 to $5,000), updated fixtures ($500 to $1,500) for $5,000 to $10,000 total. Full gut remodel runs $25,000 to $45,000. Electrical and plumbing upgrades on 1970s kitchens add $3,000 to $8,000.

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