How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

Kitchen remodels are one of the most popular home improvement projects for good reason. Not only are they some of the most personally rewarding projects, but they also have some of the best returns on investment when it comes to resale value — One study shows a return on investment of up to 85.7%. That said, kitchen remodels are some of the most expensive, given that they include a lot of moving parts.

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, you’re naturally going to wonder about the costs of this home improvement project. The cost of your kitchen remodel all depends on size and complexity. Generally, though, you should expect to spend anywhere from $14,000 to $130,000.

Average kitchen remodel costs by size

Angi estimates that the average kitchen remodel costs about $26,278, with a range from $14,607 to $40,622. However, outlier kitchens may cost as little as $10,000, while high-end, large kitchen remodels could reach up to $130,000. 

However, some experts say that the national average for an upscale kitchen remodel is as high as $158,015 and is impacted significantly by where you live. The Pacific is far more expensive than the South Atlantic, for instance.

Every kitchen remodel is different and has different components and demands, so a number of factors are at play here. The size of your kitchen, the quality of materials, whether or not you’re changing the footprint of your kitchen, the condition of your appliances, plumbing, and electrical needs, contractor, and fixtures are just some of the considerations that impact the cost.

Small-scale kitchen remodel

You don’t have to do a lot to your kitchen to make a big difference. A small-scale kitchen remodel may cost you $10,000 to $20,000 and may include some of the following aspects:

• Improved aesthetics and functionality without changing kitchen layout
• New paint on the walls
• Refinished or refaced cabinets
• Keeping the same appliances
• Upgrading flooring or countertops
• New kitchen sink and faucet
• More budget-friendly materials
• A DIY attitude!

Mid-scale kitchen remodel

A small kitchen remodel can become a bit bigger if you start replacing appliances and investing in high-quality materials. A mid-size kitchen remodel could cost anywhere from $20,000 and $70,000 and may include:

• New paint on the walls
• Refinished, refaced, or customized cabinets
• New appliances and garbage disposal
• Higher-end flooring or countertops
• New lighting fixtures
• Adding a kitchen island

Large-scale kitchen remodel 

If you want to totally overhaul your kitchen, expect to pay more than $70,000 and as much as $130,000. You may need to budget even more if you can’t stay in your house while the kitchen is getting redone. A large kitchen remodel may include:

• New paint on the walls
• Changing the kitchen floor plan
• Moving plumbing, electrical, and gas lines
• Luxury countertops, flooring, and fixtures
• Custom cabinetry
• High-end smart appliances and built-ins
• New lighting additions

How to budget for your kitchen remodel

Every kitchen remodel has different demands and you’ll have different priorities for how you want to spend your budget. Now that you know the price ranges for each size of kitchen remodel, you should set your budget according to the expectations of your project.

Measure all the surfaces that you plan to change, figure out the cost of your dream appliances, get quotes for any plumbing or electrical work, and decide if you’re keeping the same layout or changing things like cabinets or where the stove is. Making meaningful changes to the layout will cost more, so the more information you gather, the better you can set a budget.

Some of the most expensive aspects of a kitchen remodel include:

• Changing the layout of the kitchen
• Cabinetry
• Faucets and plumbing
• Surface materials

In addition to thinking about ways to mitigate the high-cost items, always remember to add some cushion for surprises. There are always surprises. Whether it’s an old pipe that needs replacing or an unexpected spike in materials’ costs, it’s better to be prepared for a few thousand more dollars than to be blindsided. Experts recommend setting aside about 20% of your budget for surprises.

Related: How long does a kitchen remodel take?

How to save money on a kitchen remodel

The best way to save on a kitchen remodel is by simply knowing where to compromise. Make a budget, stick to it, and be willing to adapt if your dream idea is a little out of your price range. Beyond being flexible, you can also do some of the following ideas.

Keep your cabinets

As we just covered, cabinetry is one of the most expensive components of a kitchen remodel. If your cabinets are in decent enough shape, keeping them will do wonders for your budget.

If you need to make a change, consider simply repainting or refacing cabinets with new doors rather than fully replacing them. If you have to replace them, at least consider stock cabinets instead of custom ones.

DIY what you can

Labor is one of the most significant costs of any home improvement project. Depending on your comfort level, though, you may be able to take some jobs on by yourself. Replacing your backsplash, upgrading your kitchen faucet, and installing under-cabinet lighting are some of the lower-skill jobs you may be able to do yourself to save some money.

Keep your kitchen footprint

When you start moving kitchen pieces around, you’ll likely have to invest in electrical and plumbing work, which can add up fast. If you can make the existing footprint work for you, it will go a long way toward protecting your budget.

Shop around

A kitchen remodel is a huge project, and you should be willing to commit to it. That includes shopping around for the best deals on materials, fixtures, and appliances. You never know how you might be able to save by simply contacting a few different retailers about items.

If you really want to save money, be willing to purchase scratched or dinged appliances, or buy stock cabinetry and hardware. Don’t be afraid to buy countertops that look expensive but aren’t.

A kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive home improvement projects you can do, but it’s one of the most popular for good reason. Not only is the kitchen the heart of your home, but it’s a major draw for potential buyers if you put your home on the market. Remodeling your kitchen offers you a good chance at increasing your home’s value while also allowing you to experience the joy of having a fresh, new kitchen where you can make memories with your family.

Is remodeling a kitchen worth it?

Remodeling a kitchen can be a worthwhile investment. It not only enhances the overall functionality and aesthetics of your home but it can also add significant value to your property. However, whether it is worth it depends on various factors, such as your budget, the extent of the remodel, your future plans for the home, and your personal preferences.

A well-planned kitchen remodel can improve your daily living experience and potentially provide a solid return on investment when it comes time to sell your property. To ensure your kitchen remodel is worth it, carefully consider your goals and consult with professionals to make informed decisions about the project's scope and budget.

At Orchard, our Concierge team can help you decide on value-boosting home improvements before listing your home for sale (like a kitchen remodel). They’ll even hire and coordinate with the contractors. Interested in learning more? Get started today with a free home valuation — our estimates are 30% more accurate.

FAQs

We answer the most common questions homeowners have about transforming their culinary spaces into functional and stylish hubs of the home and home value.

What’s the cost of a kitchen remodel?

The national average for a kitchen remodel is about $26,278, ranging from $14,607 to $40,622. However, smaller, more conservative kitchen remodels may cost as little as $10,000, while high-end, large kitchen remodels could reach up to $130,000 or more.

How much does an Ikea kitchen remodel cost?

An IKEA kitchen remodel can be more budget-friendly compared to custom kitchen remodels, but the total cost can still range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

The average cost for an IKEA kitchen remodel, including cabinets, appliances, countertops, and installation, could be in the range of $10,000 to $25,000. However, the actual cost will depend on the size of the kitchen, the materials chosen, the complexity of the design, and any additional features or services you opt for.

How much value does a kitchen remodel add?

On average, a well-executed kitchen remodel can recoup around 60% to 80% of its cost when the home is sold. This means that if you spend $30,000 on a kitchen remodel, you might expect to add $18,000 to $24,000 in value to your home. 

A recent survey of real estate agents and renovation experts conducted by Orchard found that 86% of respondents recommend a kitchen remodel as the most worthwhile home improvement project that boosts ROI adds the most value to your home.