A kitchen remodel is one of the best investments you can make to increase the comfort, functionality, and value of your home. But with the current kitchen remodeling costs, how do you ensure you stay within your budget? This in-depth guide breaks down the costs associated with kitchen remodels of varying sizes and material levels.
We understand taking on a kitchen remodel can seem overwhelming and expensive. Based on insights gathered from hundreds of completed projects, this guide is designed to reduce those concerns. You’ll find cost breakdowns based on real-world data for small, medium, and large kitchens using standard, mid-range, and premium materials. With this information in hand, you’ll be able to set realistic expectations and make informed decisions while planning your remodeling project.
Armed with specifics on the factors that influence overall costs such as layout changes, appliances, countertops, floors, labor, and more, you can remodel your kitchen with clarity and confidence. Let’s get started!
| Kitchen Size | Remodel Level | Average Cost |
| Small Kitchen (less than 70 sq. ft.) | Minor | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Medium Kitchen (70-150 sq. ft.) | Major | $20,000 – $65,00 |
| Large Kitchen (more than 150 sq. ft.) | Complete | $65,000 – $130,000 or more |
How Kitchen Sizes Affect The Kitchen Remodeling Costs?
Small Kitchen
A small kitchen is typically characterized as being less than 150 square feet in total area. This includes kitchens measuring up to 12 x 12 feet with compact dimensions and footprints.
A small kitchen is designed for only one cook. Often, it features narrow, upright fridges, a four-burner range, and a microwave.
Given tight dimensions, small kitchen upgrades prioritize clever spatial solutions over splurges. Common updates include laminate countertops ($500-$1,500 installed), apartment-sized refrigerators ($700-$1,000), slide-out cabinetry ($2,000-$3,000 per wall), and mosaic glass tile backsplashes ($500-$1,000).
High-functionality faucet-sink combos ($250-$400) and mini pendant lighting ($100-$300) save space while adding flair. Tailoring scale, storage and convenience, small kitchen remodels range $3,000-$8,000.
Medium Kitchen
Medium kitchens, typically spanning 100 to 200 square feet, offer a balanced space for many homeowners. Medium kitchen sizes ease decision-making, allowing homeowners to incorporate beautiful, functional design elements without overspending.
Achieving balance and flexibility at accessible price points compared to more extreme sizes, medium-range square footage strikes alignment between desires and budgets.
Beyond surfaces, medium kitchen updates often include layout changes like island additions ($2,000-$4,000) and peninsula tear-downs ($500-$1,500) to improve flow. Storage solutions like roll-out shelving ($200 per foot), custom built-in desk areas ($1,500-$3,000), and extra cabinet sets with specialty organizational inserts ($2,000-$4,000) maximize function. Smart lighting plans tying pendants, undercabinet lights and recessed fixtures balance task, mood, and style. Expect $6,000-$15,000 for extensive reconfigurations.
Large Kitchen
Large kitchens, exceeding 200 square feet, provide ample room for extensive renovations and features. Larger kitchens require more materials, appliances, and labor hours, increasing expenses.
Maximizing abundant space, large kitchen remodels incorporate structural changes like wall removals ($2,500-$5,000) and load-bearing reinforcements ($3,000-$8,000) to enable open-concept entertaining floorplans. Luxury upgrades include stone surfaces like granite ($60-$150 per square foot installed), pro-grade appliances (ranges $7,000+, refrigerators $10,000+), custom cabinetry with integrated technology, and high-end lighting atmospherics.
Scope of Kitchen Remodeling
Basic Kitchen Remodel
The basic level of kitchen remodeling focuses on affordable upgrades to surfaces and finishes while maintaining existing layouts and cabinet footprints. This includes new laminate countertops, ceramic backsplashes, lighting fixtures, and cabinet refacing for a fresh facade. Quality materials aim to elevate aesthetics and utility without intensive modifications.
Features of a Basic Kitchen Remodel
Countertop Materials
Laminate countertops offer an affordable surface upgrade at $20-50 per square foot installed. Durable faux finishes emulate higher-end aesthetics at a lower cost. Mid-grade composites like quartz start around $70 per square foot.
Appliance Upgrades
Swapping out one dated appliance like adding a $600 smooth-top range upgrades the cooking experience. New French door refrigerators start around $2,000 for affordable models with eye appeal.
Task Lighting Updates
Under the cabinet LED strip lighting illuminates key prep zones for $100 per 10-foot section. Low voltage pendant clusters modernize islands for $500 and up.
Hardware Facelifts
Updated cabinet knobs and handles in satin nickel, bronze, and black provide visual impact starting at $10 per piece in standardized sizes readily available. Consider integrated handles for shaker-style uniformity.
Backsplash Refresh
Standard 3 x 6-inch ceramic subway tiles offer classic white backsplash appeal at $10 per square foot, including installation labor and materials.
Plumbing Fixtures
New stainless steel sinks start at $200 with chrome faucets and accessories available for under $100 ensuring water delivery and drainage while elevating the look.
Medium Kitchen Remodel
Want to step up your kitchen game without breaking the bank? A mid-range remodel might be your sweet spot. Think semi-custom cabinets that fit just right and a new kitchen island for extra prep space. Tough, good-looking countertops like quartz make a splash, along with a shiny new sink.
You’ll get to upgrade several appliances and add sleek hardware to freshen up cabinet fronts. This option strikes a balance between wow-factor and wallet-friendly.
Essential Mid-Range Upgrades
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Moving beyond stock to semi-custom cabinets introduces more personalized options like painted finishes, storage solutions, and material upgrades starting around $2,500 with 20% more capacity.
Statement Backsplashes
Handmade subway tiles, glass mosaics, and natural stone make a bold impact with variations adding $15-30 per square installed over standard options.
Resilient Flooring
Waterproof engineered vinyl and oak planks offer style and scratch resistance like hardwood for $4-7 per square foot installed, which are also ideal for active spaces.
Kitchen Island Addition
Islands extend prep space and storage efficiently starting around $2,500 including permitting, electrical, materials, and assembly for a movable 4 x 6 feet footprint.
Countertop Mixing
Combine quartz, exceeding granite durability, starting at $75 per square foot on main surfaces with premium laminate like Dekton used on perimeter areas at $25 per square foot for balancing aesthetics and price.
Appliance Suites
Coordinated pro-style appliance collections like Samsung, LG, and GE Profile convey unified design starting around $6,000 for a complete 4-piece package: refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and microwave oven.
High-End
High-end kitchen remodels realize luxury visions through fully custom cabinetry made of exotic imported woods, professional-grade appliances like dual-fuel pro ranges, rare stone surfaces, and premium hardware.
With costs not a concern, remodels at this level involve collaborating with homeowners and architects to completely transform spatial footprints, moving plumbing and electricity as needed while integrating top-tier lighting and accessories conveying personal flair. Meticulous construction by qualified installers actualizes customized kitchens serving as an entertainment and lifestyle centerpiece for decades.
Features of High-End Kitchen
Fully Custom Cabinetry
Custom cabinets allow for exotic imported woods, hand-finished distressing, and creative storage solutions starting at $1,200+ per linear foot, crafted specifically per personal visions.
Professional Grade Appliances
Commercial-style ranges from brands like Thermador, Miele, and La Cornue enable serious cooking, starting at $10,000+, with integrated precision and artful finishes like enameled colors.
Natural Stone Surfaces
Rare marbles, exotic granites, and onyx quartzite make unique counters and statement walls at premiums of $125+ per square foot installed for one-of-a-kind beauty with variations.
Designer Plumbing Fixtures
Sculptural hand-hammered sinks as art-piece center points command $5,000+ accented by avant-garde faucets from companies like THG Paris at $2,500+ as functional luxury.
Integrated Smart Home Controls
Touch interfaces by Control4, Crestron, and Savant manage lighting, music, security, and more at $3,500+, installed, elevating entertainment capabilities.
Tiered Water Filtration
High-output filtered water appliances by companies like Everpure ensure purity for ice, ambient, hot, and cold supply with models scaling from $1,500 to $4,000 tailoring to usage.
The Labor’s Impact on Kitchen Remodeling Costs
Minor Remodel
Minor kitchen remodeling projects focus on affordable improvements that enhance functionality and appearance without major structural changes. The goal is to balance selective upgrades with cost-effective solutions to make the most impact within financial limits.
These projects often emphasize surface-level changes and targeted replacements. Common updates include repainting walls for a fresh look, installing new flooring for improved durability and style, and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances that offer better performance at a reasonable price.
Cabinetry is often a lofty expense, but minor remodels opt for money-saving measures like refacing the existing cabinets or selecting entry-level, mass-produced, and ready-to-install.
A minor remodel typically includes:
Cabinet refacing or the addition of entry-level cabinets
Appliances updated to new, energy-efficient models
New countertops, kitchen sink and faucet
New flooring
Freshly painted walls
Major Remodel
Major remodels involve a larger overhaul of the existing kitchen than minor remodels. Key fixtures—lighting, appliances, and flooring—are replaced with new versions, while extra touches are added such as a high-end sink with matching faucet and semi-custom cabinetry. Semi-custom cabinets are customizable, with versatile sizing and door front options.
A major remodel typically includes:
Semi-custom cabinetry and a 3-by-5-foot island
New countertops with a deep, spacious sink and faucet
New appliances, including a garbage disposal
Custom lighting
New flooring
Freshly painted walls
Complete Remodel
Complete kitchen remodels usually include specialty or luxury additions. These items—like high-end countertops, top-of-the-line appliances, and built-in water filtration systems—help a kitchen go above and beyond in usability and appearance. The kitchen’s existing footprint may also be altered in upscale remodels.
An upscale remodel typically includes:
Custom cabinetry with built-in sliding shelves and custom interior accessories
Stone countertops with ceramic or glass tile backsplash
New, technologically-advanced appliances
Undermount sink with designer faucet and a water filtration system
New general and task lighting, such as undercabinet lights
Installation of floor tiles or upscale flooring that resembles hardwood
Freshly painted walls
Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown
Cabinets
Cabinetry constitutes the heart of every kitchen remodel. Stock options use standardized sizes starting around $100 per boxed linear foot. Semi-custom opens more materials and dimensions closer to $200-500 per linear foot. Fully customized cabinets approach $800+ per customized linear foot.
Countertops
Countertop materials make a major visual impact while enduring daily use. Well-liked options include granite from $50 per square foot installed, quartz around $75 per square foot, and value laminate as low as $20 per square foot.
Design
Hiring a certified kitchen designer averages 10% of total kitchen remodeling cost but proves vital through optimizing layout and specifications to meet building codes and safety standards. Expect around a $5,000 investment for this knowledgeable perspective.
Additional Consideration
Other elements like sinks and faucets ($500-$2,000), statement backsplashes ($15 per square foot), and flooring ($5 per square foot) are decided during the design process. Lighting ($500 per fixture) and storage also personalize the finished kitchen.
How Your City Influences Kitchen Remodeling Costs
Kitchen remodeling costs fluctuate city by city based on several location-based factors. Materials pricing closely correlates with national averages but overhead expenses for licenses, insurance, transportation, and labor influence contractor project rates driving estimates up or down.
Here’s the average cost of kitchen remodeling in the following cities:
Washington D.C.
$30,000 to $60,000. The nation’s capital commands premium prices for materials and tradespeople driving up project costs. Complex layouts in urban row houses also influence expenses.
Houston, TX
$20,000 to $45,000. Abundant builders and high competition temper total spending in Houston but imported materials and huge layouts counterbalance savings.
Chesapeake, VA
$25,000 to $50,000. Kitchen remodels in this part of Hampton Roads align closely with national averages though waterfront homes and flooding risks present challenges.
St. Louis, MO
$22,000 to $40,000. The Midwest features a lower cost of living than coastal counterparts allowing for savings on appliances, surfaces, and finishes as long as layouts remain straightforward.
Columbia, MD
$30,000 to $55,000. Materials pricing tracks closely with national medians in Columbia but custom builds and high labor overhead for Howard County contractors push projected budgets upward.
Regional variances stem primarily from the cost of living, availability of local subcontractor networks, and architectural convention. Metropolitan zones like D.C. with dense housing commanding very custom layouts result in kitchen remodels from $30,000 to $60,000 on average.
More remote cities have lower prices for finishes and appliances coupled with simpler room templates hovering closer to $20,000 to $45,000 for an equivalent scope. Know your market conditions and sizing needs before setting expectations.
Kitchen Remodeling Costs Per Square Foot
Basic Remodel
The economy tier of kitchen overhauls including stock cabinets, laminate counters, and resilient flooring average $100-$200 per square foot, mainly comprising installation labor expenses.
Mid-Range Remodel
Moving up to mid-grade appliances, tile finishes, refacing existing cabinetry, and more lifts pricing to $200-$350 per square foot when factoring in moderately priced materials and professional tradespeople.
High-End Remodel
Everything in your kitchen that’s being customized makes a luxury difference in the kitchen with fully custom cabinetry, pro-style appliances, exotic imported stones, and premium craftsmanship driving costs up quickly to $350-$750+ per foot all in.
With national averages spanning a wide spectrum, regional labor rates, architectural norms, and cost of living heavily influence exact price points. However, knowing your basic footprint and aspirations enables approximating the investment using square footage multipliers vetted from completed remodels.
Just make sure the scope aligns with your budget before locking in plans!
Cost Breakdown of Kitchen Renovation Components
Renovating a kitchen involves numerous components, each contributing to the overall cost.
Cabinets often consume 30-40% of the budget, ranging from $2,000 to $30,000.
Countertops vary from $200 for laminate to $15,000 for high-end marble or quartz. Appliances range from $2,000 for basic packages to over $20,000 for premium models.
Flooring costs start at $1,000 for vinyl and can exceed $10,000 for hardwood in larger kitchens. Lighting fixtures range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on quality and design.
Plumbing fixtures typically cost between $200 and $5,000. Backsplashes can vary from $300 for basic tiles to $4,000 for custom designs.
Labor often accounts for 20-35% of kitchen remodeling costs, translating to $3,000-$30,000. Paint costs $200-$1,000, while hardware can range from $200 to $2,000 or more.
Energy-efficient windows may add $3,000-$10,000 to the budget. Custom features like islands typically cost $3,000-$10,000.
Total kitchen remodeling costs usually fall between $13,000 for basic updates to $150,000 for high-end renovations. Unexpected issues can add 10-20% to these estimates.
USA Cabinet Store: Your Partner in Kitchen Remodeling Journey
USA Cabinet Store brings over 15 years of kitchen and bath remodeling expertise serving customers across America. Our family-owned company offers access to the industry’s leading brands providing affordable to luxurious custom cabinetry direct to homeowners.
In addition to operating multiple national design showrooms displaying the latest trends in surfaces, hardware, and storage solutions, we work closely with a vetted network of contractors to support full-scale remodeling projects. Our team handles everything from measured drawings for layouts to coordinating delivery and installation seamlessly.
With experience completing thousands of beautiful, functional kitchens over the years ranging from small kitchen spaces to expansive luxury kitchen spaces, our insights inform this definitive cost breakdown guide.
We want to empower readers with realistic budgeting knowledge so they can confidently update the most important room in their home worry-free. Please visit www.usacabinetstore.com to connect with our kitchen design specialists and find more products that suit your vision.
Wrapping up your kitchen remodel plans? Remember, costs vary based on your space, chosen materials, appliances, and where you live. This guide gives you the tools to balance your dream kitchen with your budget. Talking to a kitchen pro early can help you make smart choices about layout, lighting, and workflow. While the average remodel hits around $30,000, there’s a solution for every wallet size. The secret? Match your wishes to your means for a kitchen you’ll love for years to come.
Are you ready to start your kitchen remodeling project? Shop for your kitchen cabinets and accessories at USA Cabinet Store and we’ll provide you with high-quality products and expert guidance for your project.
Our extensive selection, competitive prices, and dedicated customer service make us the perfect partner for your kitchen renovation. With nationwide shipping and a wide range of styles, USA Cabinet Store is your one-stop shop for all your cabinetry needs. Transform your kitchen, and enhance your life!
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