One of the most important aspects of the kitchen remodeling process is understanding the cost and planning a budget . The average kitchen remodel costs about $14,000 to $100,000.
Depending on what are the dimensions of the kitchen and the quality of the materials, a smaller kitchen remodel project can cost you around $10,000 to $15,000. While it does include painting of walls, cabinets refacing and installing a tile backsplash. A complete makeover will make you invest $50,000 in overall kitchen remodel costs.
Many homeowners look for an exact estimate before starting their remodel—and understandably so. It’s natural to want a clear picture of what to expect. However, kitchen remodel costs can vary widely and aren’t always easy to pin down. 
While average figures are helpful, it’s important to remember that your kitchen’s size, layout, and material choices all play a major role in determining the final cost. A small kitchen remodel might cost as little as $5,000, while a full renovation of a standard or large kitchen can reach $60,000 or more.
To make informed decisions, it’s best to break down each aspect of the planning and budgeting process step by step.
Things to Consider Before Remodeling Your Kitchen
Before you start envisaging the perfect kitchen aesthetics like taps and tiles, you need to contemplate and understand the space you will remodel. Only after that, you must weigh how do you want it to look like and function. Let us now see the factors to consider:
Budget and Resale Value
Kitchen remodeling, while fascinating it needs some thought. Budget and resale value is something you would like to ask yourself and what proportion you’re willing to spend. If you are thinking of moving out and sell you need to remodel it accordingly.
Nevertheless, if you are giving your unit for rent, then you need to remodel it differently. All in all, it is imperative to keep your home’s resale value in mind while considering costs.
This means that you would be spending nearly 3 percent to 8percent of your unit’s value. This percentage is considerable because you need to ensure a profit if you’re planning on selling your house soon (5 years or less).
Consequently, keeping the average house prices that are within the US standing. The prices are at the brink of $250,000. From this, we can easily gauge that a typical homeowner spends around $20,000 on kitchen remodeling projects.
Low Budget
We understand that not everyone has a large budget for a kitchen remodel—but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream kitchen.
There are affordable ways to refresh your space without a full renovation. Consider refacing or refinishing your existing cabinets instead of replacing them. You can also give your appliances a new look with a professional refinishing job. Even small changes—like updated hardware, a fresh coat of paint, or a new backsplash—can make a big impact on your kitchen’s overall aesthetic while keeping kitchen remodel costs low.
Design and Layout Process
Design and layout are a crucial part of the entire kitchen remodeling experience. If your project features a massive change within the layout, the value is sure to be significant.
We estimate that the bottom kitchen remodel costs will begin to be $30,000 a minimum. But that is not all; you need to get in touch with a registered contractor. Who will guide you on how to file a permit for your kitchen remodel with your local council.
Moreover, before any significant layout changes, you would need to carefully understand the building codes and laws. Now, we know that a change in the layout is a revolution in your kitchen’s entire framework.
Hence, the cost implications of adjusting an existing framework and footprint will contract additional labor and material prices. Along with that, plan and permit filing fees of around 10% to 15% also will add up to the entire project estimation.
Understanding Kitchen Remodel Costs
The needs of the kitchen remodeling project alongside the value are often broken into three imperative parts. They are cabinets, benchtops, and detailing. It is after which we add the additional costs of labor and other materials considered.
Cabinet Costs
Kitchen cabinets are true game-changers in any remodel. They not only keep your items organized and hygienic but also add major style and functionality to your space. In fact, kitchen cabinets typically account for about 30% of overall kitchen remodel costs.
If you’re budget-conscious, stock cabinets are an affordable option, ranging from $80 to $400 each and readily available at most home improvement stores. Semi-custom cabinets offer more variety and quality, usually costing between $150 and $1,000 per unit. For a fully custom look tailored to your kitchen’s layout, expect to invest around $500 to $1,500 per cabinet.
Benchtop Costs
Benchtops are referred to as a horizontal surface within the kitchen. They’re frequently installed upon and supported by the cupboards we mentioned above.
Benchtops, as you might have understood from the text, are very important while in a remodeling project. They typically amount to approximately 10% of your total budget.
Material costs range dramatically per square foot. Also, the style of the edge you choose of the counter bulks up the total kitchen remodel cost.
Detailing and Final Touches
Now that the large expenses chare settled, the important style comes within the sort of detailing or final touches. Appliances can take space, so budget around $1,000 to $5,000.
A tile backsplash is beyond imaginable, and therefore the options are endless; however, the typical backsplash costs around $1,800. Interestingly, kitchen lighting makes an enormous difference, and recessed lights cost around $150 each to put in.
Labor Costs
Even if you’re only updating fixtures, labor costs still play a major role in your kitchen remodel. It’s also important to prepare for unexpected expenses. For example, removing wall tiles might reveal damaged plasterboard that needs repair—this could cost an average of $2,000 before any new installation can begin.
To avoid surprises derailing your budget, set aside at least 10% of your total kitchen remodel costs as a contingency fund. This financial cushion can help cover issues like termite damage, plumbing leaks, or hidden mold behind old cabinets. Think of it as insurance for a smoother remodeling process.
Cheap vs. Steep
Countertops
If your kitchen’s central focus is the kitchen countertop, you might want to invest some more. A stone countertop will bring charm and value to your renovation, but it will cost several times more than a laminate countertop.
In reality, the material you choose can influence cabinetry, color palette, and furniture such as stools. But keep in mind that beauty is subjective. A buyer may be underwhelmed because their taste doesn’t align with yours.
If you’re on a tight budget, there are ways to get a beautiful finish. Granite, for example, comes in a variety of types (rated 1-5 or on various scales depending on the manufacturer). Consider a grade 2 instead of a grade 5, as you’ll get a greater return on your investment.
In addition, certain laminate items are half the price of granite and have a similar appearance. You won’t be able to put a hot pan on that surface, but you’ll get the desired effect. With today’s laminate countertops, you can also add an undermount sink.
Pick a good statement material for the island, such as a remnant piece of rock with a beautiful design, if you want to invest a bit.
Kitchen Cabinets
Shipping, vat, and installation are some of the factors that can increase cabinet prices. Drawers, roll-out trays, additional shelves, and cabinets that stretch to the ceiling all add to the cost. Fitting out the corner cabinet would also be a breeze. A Lazy Susan can boost your budget by $1,500.
A few must-haves include investing in a waste-recycling facility and selecting cabinets with soft-close drawers and doors, which have gone from a luxury to a “need” for comfort and future sales value. The place to splurge is on functionality.
Base cabinets with drawers are more ergonomic and have easier storage access; spending more to install wall cabinets to the ceiling will provide you with significantly extra storage.
Hardware
Knobs, handles, and pulls will completely transform the look of a kitchen on a shoestring budget. Cabinet accessories come in all price ranges, from $1.25 a pull at a local hardware store to $100 or more from a luxury manufacturer.
Ultimately, upgrading cabinet hardware is a quick and inexpensive way to update the look of your cabinet. If you want to save cash, match your existing knobs and pulls.
In terms of finish, you can save money by replacing polished stainless steel hardware with more on-trend oil-rubbed bronze, pewter, and other weathered, weathered metals. If your faucet is silver and your drawer pulls are bronze, don’t be concerned. A few variations make the kitchen more intriguing.
Tile
Ceramic tile is perfect for backsplashes, but porcelain tile is better for floors. Porcelain tile is a popular choice for budget and durability because it will avoid chipping and cracking. It has the potential to be a fantastic low-cost alternative to natural stone.
Purchase a porcelain tile that resembles granite to save costs. For a backsplash, go for deco bits like glass-tile mosaics. Only make sure they’re evenly spaced in the design; otherwise, the installation cost will skyrocket.
Backsplash
Classic materials like white subway tile, natural stone, and neutral-toned tile are timeless choices that can elevate any kitchen without going out of style. These options not only enhance the look of your space but also offer long-term value.
Before diving into your remodel, clearly define your goals so you can make thoughtful decisions and use your budget effectively. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) offers several tips to help homeowners stay on budget during kitchen remodels:
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Avoid major structural changes, such as relocating plumbing or moving walls, as these significantly increase kitchen remodel costs.
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Stick to your decisions once materials are ordered and installation has begun to avoid costly delays and changes.
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Be specific when comparing prices—models and finishes can vary widely, so make sure you’re evaluating equivalent products.
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Whenever possible, view materials in person rather than relying solely on online images. Seeing items up close helps avoid surprises and ensures quality.
By following these guidelines, you can streamline your remodel and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Kitchen Remodel Costs: Key Takeaway
When planning a kitchen renovation, it’s essential to balance your design goals with your home’s needs and your financial limits. Kitchen remodel costs can feel overwhelming, but they’re a meaningful investment—both in your property’s value and your daily living experience.
Beyond just materials and labor, kitchen remodel costs reflect broader considerations like fair wages, safety, and ethical business practices. It’s not just about price tags—it’s about quality of life.
Understanding kitchen remodel costs upfront will help you make informed decisions, avoid financial strain, and move confidently toward creating the kitchen you’ve always wanted.
