How Much Does A Kitchen Remodel Cost?

“How much does it cost to remodel my kitchen?”

This is by far the most common question I get from homeowners who are looking to make an upgrade to their kitchen.

And the answer isn’t always straightforward.

If you hop on Google with that question, you’ll find articles from Home Depot, Angi, Home Advisor, and tons of other resources that don’t swing the hammer.

Me, on the other hand, I’ve been remodeling kitchens for quite some time now and have learned a thing or two about how much it truly costs.

So I decided to break it down so that you can arm yourself with everything you need to know about kitchen remodeling costs.

Let’s get into it!

3 Types Of Kitchen Remodels

Minor Kitchen Remodels

Minor kitchen remodels are like facelifts to your current kitchen setup. These types of kitchen remodels focus on maintaining the blueprint of your kitchen and making smaller, more superficial changes to improve the look of your space. This includes updates like painting the walls, swapping fixtures, and changing countertops and or floors.

Ever since I can remember, I would feel stuck on a space and dwell on how to change it. In most cases, a simple rearrangement of the room helped me get unstuck and create forward momentum for more change.

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, these minor remodels can get you unstuck on your current kitchen look and update the overall look and feel of your kitchen without you having to fork over big checks.

Major Kitchen Remodels

A major kitchen remodel is an overhaul of your current kitchen. This is where you work with a skilled designer and experienced remodeling contractor to completely change the look, feel, and functionality of your kitchen to better serve your needs.

This includes structural changes such as updated floorplans, rearrangement of appliances, customized cabinetry, and upgraded countertops. It also includes aesthetic changes like new fixtures, custom lighting, flooring, and of course, fresh paint.

For homeowners whose homes were built in the ‘90s and early ‘2000s, this type of kitchen remodel is the perfect place to start upgrading your home where the impact is the highest. In my experience as a remodeling contractor, I’ve found that most homeowners choose this option as it opens the door to making significant changes without committing to a completely custom build.

Upscale Kitchen Remodels

Upscale kitchen remodeling is for homeowners who want a unique and oftentimes custom kitchen built to their exact specifications and desires. This is for the folks who want to transform their kitchen into a luxury culinary haven that has everything they need in one place.

These kitchen remodels take your original blueprint and optimize your space for the best functionality, performance, and appearance. It includes items such as custom cabinetry with built-ins, new stone countertops, custom backsplashes and lighting, high-end fixtures, upscale flooring, and top-of-the-line technology.

What Is The Cost Of A Kitchen Remodel?

Every kitchen remodel comes at a different price.

Depending on your needs and what type of project you want to do, the cost can range anywhere from $10k up to 6 figures. The price to remodel a kitchen depends on where you live, the size of the space, the materials you choose, the contractor you work with, and how much work needs to be done.

As a remodeling contractor I’ve done all three types of kitchen remodels: minor, major, and upscale. All three come with unique costs, which I’ve broken down for you below.

Minor Kitchen Remodels ($10k-$30k)

Minor kitchen remodels range anywhere from $10k-$30k relative to where you live. With these kitchen remodels homeowners are looking to stay on budget and stretch their dollars as far as possible.

As I mentioned before, minor kitchen remodels are like facelifts to your space—they give it a new look and feel while maintaining a majority of the original blueprint. In my experience as a licensed kitchen remodeling contractor, I’ve found that minor projects typically include fresh paint, backsplash installations, fixture swapping, and sometimes a new kitchen island.

Major Kitchen Remodels ($60k-$175k)

Major kitchen remodels start around $60k and topping out at roughly $175k. Again, these numbers vary based on where you live and the materials used, but in most cases, homeowners who opt for a major kitchen remodel want to make a substantial upgrade to their current space. This is where we start to talk about new cabinets, shelving, floors, and appliance swapping.

Speaking of cabinets, I always make a point to tell homeowners who want to remodel the kitchen to set aside 35-50% of their budget toward cabinets. While that might sound like a high number, the reality is that cabinets are by far one of the most expensive parts of a major kitchen remodel.

Upscale Kitchen Remodels ($175k-$250k)

Upscale kitchen remodels start at $175k and can go all the way to $250k. When it comes to upscale kitchen projects, the price depends entirely on your budget. Upscale projects are driven by customization.

From the kitchen layout down to the fixtures and appliances, upscale kitchen remodels take your specific needs and desires and deliver them with premium materials and high-end appliances. For homeowners who have the budget, this is the opportunity to bring all your dreams to life in your kitchen.

Kitchen Remodeling Budget Breakdown

Now that you’ve got an idea of the types of kitchen remodels and the rough cost, I thought it would be helpful to share a simple budget breakdown so that you know what you’re paying for.

Pre-Build Phase

During the pre-build phase, expenses may include design consultations, permit fees, and the cost of hiring professionals such as designers and architects to create plans for the remodel. This is one area I always emphasize to homeowners who want to remodel. Oftentimes design can be overlooked or ignored when the truth is that design drives your entire project. With that in mind, I encourage homeowners to be willing to spend a little more in this area as it will ensure the success of your project down the road.

During Build Phase

During the build phase, expenses include materials, labor, and contractor fees. Costs may vary depending on the scope of the project and any unexpected challenges that arise during construction. Be aware—change orders are common in remodeling, especially in the kitchen. It never hurts to have some extra cash set aside in case of a change order so you can keep the project moving forward without breaking your budget.

Post-Build Phase

After the remodel is complete, expenses may include final touches such as painting, installing fixtures, and any additional customization or upgrades.

Is It Time To Remodel Your Kitchen?

If so, my team and I want to help! We’ve collaborated with many homeowners to revitalize their kitchens and create spaces that serve them every single day.

Check out some of our projects right here on our site, and if you’re ready to start, send us a message with your project and we’ll get started!

Until next time!