Average Cost of a Kitchen Remodel? It’s Not a Mystery. You Just Need Better Info.

Julie Hampton
6 days ago
6 min read

Have you been down the kitchen remodel budget rabbit hole yet? 🐇 What a confusing place! One website says $46,000. Another throws out $115,000 as if its pocket change. Someone on Reddit says they did it for $8K *dreaming.

And you’re left thinking, “Cool. Sooooo… I still don't know.”

As a Design Build GC, here's the exact conversation I had with homeowners --starting on the very first phone call EVERY time.

Me, "Do you have an ideal budget range"

And I have had answers from $5k (not making this up) to $200K, but the MOST common answer:

Homewoner, "I really have no idea how much this costs..."

And don't get mad at me, but I do say the magic construction words, "It depends."

Illustration of a kitchen with green cabinetry and a marble island. Large windows, vase with flowers, and a bowl of lemons create a fresh look.

No Such Thing as One Average Kitchen Remodel Cost.

There are tiers. There are tradeoffs. And there are cost drivers nobody talks about in those polished magazine-style “budget breakdowns.”

(also, forget anything you have ever seen on remodel reality tv)

Before diving into numbers, it’s important to understand what drives the kitchen price tag on any project.

I’ve worked on $40K cabinet reface projects, $120K custom cabinetry builds, and $300K gut jobs that moved walls and utilities.

Size of your kitchen: Bigger kitchens naturally cost more to renovate.
Scope of the remodel: Are you doing a full gut job, moving appliance locations or just updating a few elements?
Materials and finishes: High-end materials like quartzite or custom cabinetry are one of THE biggest cost drivers. The may cost more for white glove service to install.
2026 Remodel Labor: Skilled labor varies by region and complexity, and is rising
*see below
Appliances and fixtures: New appliances, sinks, and lighting add to the budget and the finish package varies widely from big box store items to full luxury.
Unexpected issues: Older homes might have hidden problems like outdated wiring or plumbing.

Stone and wooden tiles with a brass handle. The stone features dark blue swirls; tiles are beige and blue. Simple white background.

The Kitchen Remodeling Costs Breakdown

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s a rough breakdown of where your kitchen remodeling costs typically goes in a kitchen remodel.

Cabinetry and Hardware (30-35%)
Cabinets are often the biggest expense. Stock cabinets are cheaper, but custom or semi-custom options offer more style and fit. Hardware like handles and knobs also add up. **Industry standards used to say 29% (source: NKBA), but in the current market, we're seeing it land closer to 30-35%.
Countertops (10-15%)
Materials range from affordable laminate to pricier quartzite, quartz, or marble. Each has its pros and cons in durability and maintenance.
Appliances (10-15%)
New appliances can be a major investment, especially if you want energy-efficient or smart models.
Labor (20-35%)
This includes installation, plumbing, electrical work, and any structural changes.
Flooring (5-10%)
Depending on your choice—tile, hardwood, or vinyl—flooring costs vary widely.
Lighting and Fixtures (5-10%)
Good lighting can transform your kitchen, but it’s often overlooked in budgeting.
Miscellaneous (5-10%)
Think permits, design fees, project management, and the surprises no one budgets for. The more a company handles end-to-end—and the less involved the homeowner is—the higher the overall cost.

The Three Kitchen Remodel Cost Buckets

1. Makeover-Level ($25K–$85K)

New cabinet doors, paint, countertops, maybe flooring. No layout changes. Often cosmetic, often DIY-friendly—but you still need a plan.

👉 Common trap: Homeowners spend $40K on “just the finishes” and forget to budget for labor, delivery, and minor trades (like moving an outlet for a new microwave).

***Don't let the word "makeover" fool you this is possibly entry level. I have completed many cosmetic refreshes that included the entire main floor and the project came in around $100k+ - the client was able to update way more than the kitchen. We often included repainting all trim, walls, ceiling, changing all outlets, refinishing floors, and updating powder rooms.

2. Mid-Range Remodel ($75K–$150K)

Cabinet replacement, layout tweaks, new appliances, lighting, and flooring. Usually includes permits, pros, and project management.

👉 This is the danger zone. Costs balloon fast if you don't have your scope locked before you sign a contract. Every change adds $2K–$10K.

3. High-End + Custom (150K–$400K+)

Custom cabinets, luxury appliances, structural changes, new windows, full design packages, pro teams. You’re building a high-functioning, high-status space—and paying for every detail to be done right. Luxury material requires luxury install.

👉 This is where people spend six figures and still run into regrets if there’s no master plan.

Woman in blue shirt smiles confidently beside text: "Your Project, Your Rules." Tablet shows a kitchen image. Mood is encouraging.

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost on Average (And Why is It So Much!?)

Here's what some real homeowners who booked a kitchen remodel consultation in the last 18 months spent on their projects:

$36,800 for a cosmetic update (refacing cabinets, quartz tops, new backsplash, wall paint) - Hoffman Estates, IL

$98,200 for a full gut, mid-tier custom cabinets, natural stone tops, full height splash, wall paint, light fixture swap) - Aurora, CO

$129,000 for a full re-layout, wall removal, new everything, and midrange materials - Lenexa, KS

To be very specific, It’s the magic combo of what you pick—it’s how the remodel is managed.

Close-up view of kitchen countertop materials including granite and quartz samples — Various kitchen countertop materials on display

Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Remodel on Budget

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry. Here are some actionable tips to help you manage costs without sacrificing style or function:

Set a realistic budget upfront: Know what you can afford and stick to it. I always recommend starting with a ballpark range through the beginning of design and development.
Prioritize your must-haves: Focus on elements that improve daily use and add value. What items absolutely must be part of the project or else you don't move forward. This is a short and sweet list. xoxo

Consider refinishing instead of replacing: Sometimes painting cabinets or updating hardware can refresh your kitchen for much less. Fun Fact - Homeowners receive almost a 100% ROI on these type of remodels over a new build, that comes in at abotu 35%.
Shop smart for materials: Look for sales or slightly imperfect items that still look great. Example---stone remnants? Love them for a powder bath, your coffee bar.

Hire reputable contractors: It might cost more upfront but saves headaches and extra expenses later.
Plan for contingencies: Set aside 10-15% of your budget for unexpected costs.
DIY where possible: Painting or installing backsplashes can be doable projects that save labor costs. Still, many homeowners never got to these items 12+months after the remodel is finished.

Stylish kitchen with green cabinets, center island, and pendant lights. Text promotes balancing design with fiscal responsibility.

Staring at $120K Estimates and Wondering if Remodel Contractors are Just Making Stuff up? You’re not alone.

But the reality? You’re not getting upsold. You’re just catching up with the market.

The cost of everything has shifted. After the post‑pandemic boom years, remodeling costs didn’t fall back to “normal.” They reset. We’re now operating on higher cost baselines driven by labor shortages, material shifts, and homeowners choosing to stay put and invest deeper instead of moving.

Labor is the biggest pressure point. Skilled trades aren’t cheap anymore—and for good reason. Immigrant crews have been the backbone of residential remodeling for decades, from framers and finish carpenters to tile setters and painters. They’re fast, highly skilled, and essential.

But that workforce is shrinking. Many master craftsmen are aging out, Gen Z isn’t flooding into the trades, and tighter immigration policies have slowed the labor pipeline. The result is simple: high demand, limited supply, and no fast fix.

Materials tell the same story. Cabinetry now eats up 30–40% of most kitchen budgets. Structural work costs more than ever thanks to code updates, supply chain shifts, and permitting delays.

And even if lumber has stabilized, "finished goods"—like custom cabinets, countertops, and smart appliances—are still riding a wave of price increases that began back in 2020.

Kitchen floor plan with U-shaped counters, island, stove, sink, and fridge. Dimensions marked as 14'x18'6". Blueprint style, blue tones.

So yes—you can remodel a kitchen for $28K. And yes—you can spend $180K without blinking. But it all depends on which lane you’re in—and that comes down to scope, strategy, and continuous budget checks.

This is why your budget shouldn’t just be set once and crossed fingers. Kitchen remodel investments need to be engineered and re‑checked throughout the entire design and development process—not just at the beginning of design and a check in before demo. Otherwise, you might find out too late that your designer over‑designed your kitchen by $65K—and you’re stuck re‑selecting finishes while the clock (and your contractor) waits.

If you want a handy guide to keep your project on track, check out the kitchen remodel checklists It’s a great tool to help you plan what's available, help homeowners understand all options to invest in, and avoid common pitfalls.

Until next time—helping homeowners plan a better remodel,