Kitchen Renovation Cost: What to Expect and How to Budget Smartly

For most homeowners, the kitchen renovation cost ranges from $18,000 to $65,000, depending on the size of the kitchen, material selection, labor, and whether layout changes are involved. Understanding this range — and what affects it — is the key to planning a realistic and stress-free budget.

This guide is written to give you practical insight, clear cost breakdowns, budgeting strategies, and the best ways to save money without compromising quality.

Average Kitchen Renovation Cost (Breakdown by Remodel Level)

When people ask, “How much does a kitchen renovation cost on average?” the answer depends on how extensive the renovation will be. The following ranges apply to most homes:

Renovation Type	Scope of Work	Estimated Cost
Cosmetic Makeover	Paint, hardware, lighting, minor upgrades	$5,000 – $13,000
Mid-Range Remodel	New countertops, partial cabinet upgrades	$14,000 – $32,000
Full Kitchen Remodel	Cabinets, flooring, layout changes, new appliances	$33,000 – $65,000+

Small upgrades focus on improving appearance, while full remodels usually include replacing major components such as cabinets, flooring, and appliances.

What Affects Kitchen Renovation Cost?

Several factors influence how much you will spend. The most important ones include:

1. Size of the Kitchen

A 10×10 kitchen generally falls at the lower end of the cost range, while large open-concept kitchens require more materials and labor.

Kitchen Size	Estimated Cost Range
Small kitchen (10×10)	$14,000 – $32,000
Medium kitchen (12×12)	$21,000 – $45,000
Large kitchen (open-concept)	$38,000 – $65,000+

2. Materials and Finishes

Material choices have a direct impact on total spending. For example:

Component	Budget Material Cost	Premium Material Cost
Cabinets	Laminate: $7,000	Solid wood: $22,000+
Countertops	Laminate: $1,800	Quartz/Granite: $7,500+
Flooring	Vinyl: $2,000	Hardwood/Tile: $6,000+

Choosing high-end finishes increases long-term value, but not every part of the kitchen requires premium materials.

3. Labor Costs

For most kitchen remodels:

• Labor makes up about 40% of the total cost.
• Materials usually account for the remaining 60%.

Examples of labor-heavy tasks:

• Electrical rewiring
• Plumbing modifications
• Tile installation

Labor costs vary depending on whether you hire general contractors or specialized tradespeople.

Detailed Breakdown of Kitchen Renovation Expenses

To create a realistic budget, focus on understanding where money gets allocated.

Cost Category	Average Cost Range
Cabinets	$7,000 – $22,000
Countertops	$2,500 – $7,500
Appliances	$3,500 – $12,000
Flooring	$2,000 – $6,000
Backsplash	$800 – $2,200
Plumbing & Electrical	$1,800 – $6,000

These are average figures used across the industry and give clarity when planning.

How to Reduce Kitchen Renovation Cost

Homeowners often assume that cutting material quality is the only way to save money. However, there are smarter strategies:

Strategy	Why It Reduces Cost
Keep the current layout	Avoids plumbing and electrical modifications
Cabinet refacing instead of replacing	Saves 40–60% compared to new cabinetry
Mix material types (premium + budget)	Example: quartz for the island, laminate for side counters
DIY cosmetic tasks	Painting walls or swapping hardware is manageable

A small change — such as choosing open shelving for one wall — can significantly reduce cabinet spending.

Cabinet Refacing vs Cabinet Replacement (Cost Comparison)

Cabinets take the biggest portion of the budget. That’s why refacing is becoming a popular choice.

Option	What It Means	Cost Range
Refacing	Replacing doors + hardware, keeping cabinet boxes	$8,000 – $14,000
Replacing	Full cabinet removal and installation	$15,000 – $30,000+

For homeowners who want a fresh look without the price of new cabinets, cabinet refacing is one of the cheapest ways to renovate a kitchen.

DIY vs Professional Kitchen Renovation

Should you do the renovation yourself?

DIY is ideal for:	Hire a professional for:
Painting cabinets	Moving plumbing
Installing handles	Rewiring electrical components
Removing backsplash	Installing tile or new countertops

Many homeowners start DIY projects only to discover hidden expenses later. Skilled trades ensure code compliance and long-term reliability.

How to Create a Realistic Kitchen Remodel Budget

A reliable way to set a budget is:

Plan to spend 10% – 15% of your home value on the kitchen renovation.

Example:

• If your home is worth $300,000 → Recommended kitchen remodel budget: $30,000 – $45,000

Break the budget into parts:

• 60% materials
• 40% labor

This split keeps spending transparent and manageable.

Final Thoughts

Understanding kitchen renovation cost is about more than just numbers — it’s about planning wisely and investing in the right areas.

Here’s what to remember:

• Costs range primarily based on kitchen size, materials, and labor involvement.
• You can control expenses by keeping the existing layout and choosing refacing over full cabinet replacement.
• Budget based on home value and focus on changes that enhance functionality.

When planned well, a kitchen renovation improves design, comfort, and property value — without becoming financially overwhelming.

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