Understanding the Average Cost of Kitchen Remodels
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, what does it say when yours is falling apart? Shabby fixtures, failing appliances, or a dysfunctional layout might have you daydreaming about a full gut reno — but how much does an average kitchen remodel cost? A minor kitchen update by DIY-savvy homeowners may come in around $7,000, while a major remodel can balloon to $50,000, or even $100,000+.
Before you begin your kitchen update, it helps to consider why you’re remodeling and whether it will add value to your home. We’ll help you scope out the average cost of a kitchen remodel — including cabinetry, countertops, and labor — and where you can save money without sacrificing function or design.
Key Points
• Kitchen remodel costs range from $7,000 to $50,000+, influenced by kitchen size, materials, and labor.
• Cabinets are the most expensive part, costing $100-$1,200 per linear foot.
• Spending 6%-10% of a home’s value on a remodel is recommended for a good ROI.
• Customization and material quality significantly impact costs; granite and marble are durable options.
• Financing options include personal loans, which may offer lower interest rates than credit cards.
Factors Affecting Kitchen Remodel Costs
Before you start a kitchen remodel, it’s important to consider what you want to get out of it and what your return on investment (ROI) might be. You’ll also want to understand what factors can impact your costs so you know just how far your kitchen remodeling budget can go. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Size of the Kitchen
The more square footage you’re remodeling, the more expensive the project tends to be. After all, you’re not only buying more materials (think cabinets, flooring, or tile), you’re also paying more in labor costs to have everything installed.
Scope of the Remodel
Generally speaking, the more extensive the work, the higher the price tag. For example, knocking down walls will set you back anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. Want to relocate your sink? Expect to pay between $500 to $1,000. Compare that to the cost of smaller jobs, like replacing cabinet pulls (around $300) or adding new kitchen lighting ($100-$200 per fixture).
You may be interested in this story on the difference between a renovation vs. remodel.
Quality of Materials and Finishes
The average kitchen remodel cost can vary a lot depending on a few key items: cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. And the quality and type of materials of those items can have a significant impact on how much you’ll pay.
Take, for example, the cost of countertops, which is determined by the material. Typical materials include granite, marble, quartz, stainless steel, and butcher block wood. Granite, stainless steel, and butcher block are good budget options, ranging from $850 to $6,750 depending on the size of your kitchen. Marble and quartz command $1,500-$10,000.
Level of Customization
The more complex the design — and the more customized features you include — the more you’re likely to pay for a kitchen remodel. Consider cabinetry, which typically eats up 25% of a kitchen budget. There are three types of kitchen cabinet construction, each priced per linear foot:
• Stock cabinets, the least expensive, run $100-$300 per linear foot.
• Semi-custom are $100-$650 per linear foot.
• Custom will set you back $500-$1,200 per linear foot.
Custom cabinets are made to order, based on your kitchen’s precise measurements, and are made of solid wood. Stock are ready-made and mostly constructed of engineered wood, and semi-custom are a hybrid of stock and custom.
Installation and Labor Costs
Labor is a major cost that can be hard to predict. But count on spending 20%-35% of your budget on contractors and installers. Your price will depend on where you live, how large your space is, and the features being installed.
Regional Variations in Kitchen Remodel Costs
Bargain hunters should be aware that some factors influencing budget are not within their control — like where in the U.S. you live. Homeowners on the West Coast generally pay more for materials and labor than in the South. Prices also tend to run higher in and around major cities. There are several reasons for this, including the cost of shipping materials to your area, local permits and fees, and your cost of living.
Notice how the overall costs vary by region, according to 2024 data from the home services website Angi.
| Region | Average Cost of Kitchen Remodel |
|---|---|
| Mountain Prairie | $6,000-$37,400 |
| Midwest | $10,300-$34,300 |
| Northeast | $10,800-$40,400 |
| Southeast | $12,000-$32,200 |
| Southwest | $12,350-$33,950 |
| Rocky Mountains | $12,700-$39,600 |
| Mideast | $13,600-$37,650 |
| Northwest | $25,600-$61,100 |
Budgeting for Your Remodel
Deciding what your new-and-improved kitchen will look like is important, but so is figuring out how to pay for it. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:
Set a Realistic Budget Based on Your Goals
Money.com recommends spending between 10% and 15% of the value of your home on a kitchen remodel to get the best ROI. A major reno for a $400,000 home, then, would cost between $40,000 and $60,000.
Look for Ways to Save
In a full-scale kitchen remodel, new kitchen cabinets are typically the biggest expense, accounting for up to 40% percent of the project budget. If your cabinets are in good shape and fulfill your storage needs, refacing them can slash your bill. Refacing can mean either stripping and repainting or staining existing doors, adding stick-on veneers, or replacing the doors while preserving the cabinet shelves. Add new hardware for a more modern look.
You may also be able to trim some costs by doing simple things yourself: picking up items instead of paying for delivery, painting walls instead of paying contractors for the labor, or replacing your own backsplash.
Understand the Potential Return on Investment
The truth is you probably won’t recoup the total cost of a kitchen remodel in a home sale. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, the national average ROI for a minor remodel with mid-range materials is 96%. A major remodel with upscale materials, on the other hand, yields just a 38% ROI.
Clearly, the best bang for your buck will be less costly but visually impactful minor updates: replacing cabinets fronts, countertops, faucets, and lights, plus painting and perhaps new flooring. But if you want to change the layout or add all new appliances, you’re looking at five figures. More on that in a minute.
Consider a Loan to Help Cover Costs
It can be tempting to throw all your kitchen purchases on a credit card, but keep in mind that high-interest rates can inflate your renovation costs. These days, many homeowners are turning to a flexible personal loan to fund home renovations and remodels.
With home improvement loans, you receive a lump sum payment to cover your kitchen remodel cost. You can pay back the loan over a term of your choosing in equal monthly installments. The interest rate is determined by your credit history and credit score, but is typically lower than credit card interest.
Our Home Improvement Cost Calculator can give you an idea of how much you’ll need to borrow.
Maximize Value and ROI in Your Kitchen Remodels
Want to get the most bang for kitchen remodel buck? Here are a few places to start:
• Choose durable, timeless design elements. Trends come and go, so to get the most mileage out of your remodel, stick with upgrades that can stand the test of time (and appeal to future buyers). If your budget allows, select a durable, classic countertop material like granite or marble, and opt for a neutral color palette and go-with-anything fixtures and handles.
• Optimize layout and functionality. The kitchen isn’t just a natural gathering spot — it’s also a place for work. Whether it’s prepping meals or cleaning up afterward, a functional space is key. As your remodeling vision starts to take shape, be sure above all it enhances the workflow and offers you plenty of countertop and storage space.
• Select energy-efficient appliances and fixtures. Sure, energy-efficient appliances and lighting use less energy and can lower utility bills. But they also have the added bonus of attracting potential eco-conscious buyers.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Remodeling Contractor
When you’re starting the home remodel process, it’s important to find a contractor you can trust. That means doing your research, speaking with and getting quotes from multiple contractors, and reaching out to their previous clients for referrals. You’ll also want to check licenses and certifications.
It’s also a good idea to request detailed project proposals and cost estimates to avoid any surprises. And when entertaining bids, remember that an experienced, in-demand contractor will likely charge more than less capable competitors, but will almost certainly be worth it.
Popular Kitchen Remodel Ideas
The Internet can be your best friend if you want to spruce up your kitchen but have no idea what to tackle first. As you’re browsing, keep an eye out for projects that will improve the functionality of the space and increase the value of your home.
Updating cabinets and countertops, for instance, can give your space a whole new look and provide more room for meal prep. Both upgrades also tend to deliver a high ROI.
Adding more functional storage solutions can make cooking more enjoyable and also make your home more attractive to potential buyers down the line. Similarly, adding or improving the lighting in your kitchen — or freshening up the fixtures — can also breathe new life into your space.
The Takeaway
The average kitchen remodel cost can vary widely from $7,000 to $50,000 or more, though you can get a fair return on your investment by spending between 6% and 10% of your home’s value. Your cost will depend on a number of factors such as kitchen size and whether you choose bargain, mid-range, or high-end materials and appliances. The major kitchen remodel cost drivers are cabinets, countertops, appliances, and labor. The good news is that the ROI for a smart, mid-range remodel is 96%.
When you’re ready to take the next step, there are various ways to finance the remodel, including a personal loan. Your credit history and credit score will help determine your interest rate, but it will likely be lower than the interest you’d pay on a credit card.
Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.
FAQ
What is a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel?
When setting your budget for a kitchen remodel, a good rule of thumb is to plan to spend between 6% and 10% of your home’s value.
Is $10,000 enough for a kitchen remodel?
On average, a kitchen remodel can cost as little as $7,000 or as much as $50,000 or more. With a budget of $10,000, you’ll likely have enough to cover a cosmetic refresh or even a more substantial upgrade for a small kitchen.
Is $30,000 enough for a kitchen remodel?
Depending on the size of your kitchen and the work you want to do, a budget of $30,000 should easily cover a mid-range remodel.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Generally speaking, the most expensive line item in a kitchen remodel is the cabinets. Stock cabinets are the least-expensive option, typically running around $100-$300 per linear foot. Custom cabinets are the most-expensive option and cost around $500-$1,200 per linear foot.
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