How much does it cost to redo a kitchen?
How much does it cost to redo a kitchen?
$15,000 – $75,000 average cost (midrange kitchen renovation)
Average cost to redo a kitchen
The cost to redo a kitchen averages $4,000 to $15,000 for a minor renovation of a small kitchen to $75,000 to $100,000+ for a high-end remodel of an over-sized kitchen space. Most homeowners spend about $25,000 to $50,000 for a midrange renovation with good quality materials and little to no structural changes.
| Kitchen size | Basic / minor redo cost |
Midrange / full redo cost |
Upscale redo cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (70 – 100 SF) |
$4,000 – $15,000 | $15,000 – $25,000 | $25,000 – $40,000+ |
| Mid-size (100 – 200 SF) |
$6,000 – $25,000 | $25,000 – $50,000 | $50,000 – $75,000+ |
| Large (200 – 300+ SF) |
$13,000 – $50,000+ | $50,000 – $75,000+ | $75,000 – $100,000+ |
Basic
A basic kitchen redo costs $6,000 to $25,000 for a mid-sized kitchen under 200 square feet. This level of renovation is ideal for those looking to refresh their kitchen's appearance without making significant structural changes. Budget-friendly material choices and doing some DIY updates can help keep costs at the low end.
Basic or minor kitchen remodels typically involve:
Refaced or refinished existing cabinets
New countertops or flooring
Updated hardware and fixtures
Painted walls and ceiling
New budget-friendly appliances
If you're focused on home renovations that add the most value, minor kitchen remodels tend to have the highest return on investment (ROI), with a national average ROI of 96.1% in 2024.
Midrange
A midrange kitchen redo costs $15,000 to $75,000+, depending on the square footage and if you keep the layout the same. This option provides a good balance between quality and affordability, allowing for more customization and higher-end materials.
A midrange kitchen update often includes:
Semi-custom cabinets
New kitchen island
Better quality floors and countertops
New mid-grade appliances and fixtures
Updated lighting fixtures
Painted walls and ceiling
Minimal or no layout changes
Upscale
An upscale kitchen redo costs $25,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the size of the kitchen and the structural changes involved. This level of renovation offers the highest quality materials and the most extensive customization options.
Upscale remodels typically involve:
Custom cabinets and high-end countertops
Top-of-the-line smart appliances
New luxury flooring
Custom lighting solutions
Significant layout changes
Smart home technology
Latest kitchen trends
Kitchens are constantly evolving and continue to become more of a central space for more than just food preparation and cooking. Some of the latest design trends include:
Multi-purpose island: A kitchen island costs $3,000 to $6,000 installed. Add some barstools and integrated outlets to create an all-in-one dining table, workspace, and food prep surface. In a large kitchen, consider two smaller islands for better traffic flow.
Layered lighting: If you use the kitchen for more than just cooking, adjustable and layered lighting allows you to change the ambiance to match the current task, be it working on a laptop, chopping vegetables, or gathering with friends.
Workstation sinks: Larger workstation sinks with integrated cutting boards and drying racks offer more space for food prep and washing and drying dishes, reducing clutter for an overall cleaner and calmer kitchen space.
Connected spaces: Patio door installation costs $600 to $6,000 total on average to create ease of movement between the kitchen and an outdoor space, a common preference in recent years with people spending more time at home gatherings.
Kitchen redo cost breakdown
Cabinets, appliances, and installation labor are usually the heaviest hitters when it comes to the cost of redoing a kitchen. However, all costs vary from project to project and depend on the specific updates you choose to include.
| Project | Typical % of budget | Average total cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | 25% | $4,500 – $15,000 |
| Labor / installation | 15% | $2,300 – $7,500 |
| Appliances | 15% | $2,500 – $6,800 |
| Flooring | 7% | $600 – $2,000 |
| Countertops | 5% | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Backsplash | 5% | $500 – $1,700 |
| Sink & faucet | 5% | $600 – $2,000 |
| Design | 5% | $450 – $1,500 |
| Lighting | 5% | $100 – $650 per fixture |
| Doors & windows | 4% | $230 – $1,000 per door $400 – $1,000 per window |
| Plumbing (new) | 3% | $450 – $1,800 per fixture |
| Walls (paint, drywall) | 5% | $2 – $6 per square foot (drywall) $1 – $3 per square foot (paint) |
| Miscellaneous (permits, smart upgrades, etc.) |
1% | Varies by project |
*Average cost for a midrange kitchen remodel
While the extent of the changes you make plays a significant role in determining the cost to redo a kitchen, several other factors also impact the cost:
Location: Kitchen remodeling costs vary depending on region and locality. Homeowners in southern states usually pay less to remodel than those in the northern and western parts of the country. However, regardless of region, remodels in major cities typically cost more than those in rural areas.
Size: As expected, larger kitchens cost more to remodel because they require more material to fill the space.
Material type & quality: Higher quality materials cost more but typically last longer and have a better chance of increasing home value.
Structural changes: Changing the layout significantly increases the cost and adds up to 20 hours to the project timeline. Kitchen demolition costs $5.00 to $12.50 per square foot, or $500 to $2,500 on average for a complete tear-out.
Permits: Kitchen remodeling permits range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the project scope. If you're working with a contractor, they'll likely handle the permitting and include the cost in the estimate.
If you plan to sell your home soon, stick with a basic remodel to refresh the space. If you're in your forever home, consider a more comprehensive update for long-term value and enjoyment.
Cabinets
The cost to redo kitchen cabinets ranges from $4,500 to $15,000 for complete replacement with stock or semi-custom cabinets in an average-size kitchen. Fitting a larger kitchen with high-end custom cabinets may reach $36,000 or more.
Cabinets often account for the largest portion of a kitchen remodel budget, typically about 25% of the total cost. If your existing cabinets are still in decent shape, refacing or refinishing can refresh the space for much less:
Kitchen cabinet refinishing costs $4 to $15 per square foot total on average.
Cabinet door replacement costs $180 to $330 per door with installation.
Labor & installation
Labor costs typically account for 15% of the remodel budget, or $2,300 to $7,500 on average. However, this can vary significantly based on your location and the project's complexity. A kitchen remodel with major structural changes requires more time and professional expertise than a minor update to refresh the space but keep the same layout.
Depending on the project scope, the following professional costs may apply:
A general contractor charges $50 to $150 per hour to coordinate and oversee the entire project.
An interior designer costs $50 to $200 per hour or up to 10% of the total budget for a high-end redesign.
Plumbers charge $75 to $150 per hour, though some plumbers charge a flat fee for certain installations.
Electricians cost $50 to $130 per hour, with a $100 to $200 minimum service call fee.
Appliances
Appliances usually make up about 15% of the total kitchen redo budget. Updating all your kitchen appliances costs $2,500 to $6,800 installed on average for a matching dishwasher, fridge, microwave, and range. Replacing one at a time as needed instead costs $200 to $3,000+ each with installation, depending on the type and features.
| Appliance | Price range installed* |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $750 – $2,700 |
| Dishwasher | $600 – $1,700 |
| Stove / range | $700 – $1,600 |
| Cooktop | $550 – $1,700 |
| Wall oven | $1,300 – $3,700 |
| Microwave | $200 – $1,000 |
| Range hood / exhaust fan | $200 – $850 |
*For the unit and installation with existing connections.
Budget-friendly options with minimal features lower the upfront cost, but better-quality ENERGY STAR appliances save money over time with lower energy consumption.
Flooring
Flooring makes up about 7% of a kitchen remodel budget. For an average-sized kitchen, new flooring costs $600 to $2,000 for the materials and labor. Material type and quality significantly impact the cost.
| Kitchen floor material | Total installed cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Linoleum | $3 – $11 |
| Cork | $5 – $15 |
| Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) / luxury vinyl tile (LVT) | $4 – $16 |
| Engineered hardwood | $7 – $20 |
| Hardwood | $11 – $25 |
| Stone tile | $10 – $50 |
| Porcelain tile | $15 – $50 |
Luxury vinyl flooring is a popular midrange choice for its low maintenance and ease of installation.
Linoleum is the most budget-friendly but does not offer any boost to your home value.
Countertops, sink, & backsplash
Kitchen countertops and backsplash typically account for 10% of the total budget. Replacing kitchen countertops costs $1,500 to $6,000 on average, with material and customization level having the biggest impact on price. Quartz and granite are popular mid to high-end choices, while laminate is the cheapest but also the least durable.
Backsplash installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot installed, or $500 to $1,700 total on average. To reduce your costs here, consider DIY peel-and-stick tiles instead, which cost $4 to $30 per square foot.
Installing a new kitchen sink and faucet together costs $600 to $2,000 on average for the materials and labor. A kitchen sink alone averages $150 to $750 before installation.
Lighting
New lighting costs $100 to $650 per fixture on average for the light and installation. You'll pay less when using the existing wiring and budget-friendly materials. High-end light fixtures or those requiring new electrical wiring cost more. Lighting and electrical costs typically account for 3% to 5% of the total budget.
How to save money when redoing a kitchen
To reduce costs when redoing your kitchen without sacrificing quality, stick to more affordable kitchen updates and consider these money-saving strategies:
Keep the existing layout to minimize plumbing and electrical work.
Refinish or reface existing cabinets instead of replacing them.
Consider open shelving instead of upper cabinets.
Reuse existing hardware and fixtures where possible. Alternatively, update just the hardware on cabinets that are still in good condition.
Go for laminate or butcher block countertops instead of stone.
DIY where possible, such as painting or installing a backsplash. Painting kitchen cabinets yourself costs about $200 to $600, while DIY cabinet staining costs $100 to $250 for the stain and supplies.
Shop for deals. When purchasing materials on clearance, be sure to buy extra for future repairs in case the line is discontinued and hard to find later.
Reserve 20% of your budget for unexpected expenses.
For savvy do-it-yourselfers who want to take on the entire project, a DIY kitchen remodel costs about 15% to 30% less than when hiring a professional for the design and installation.
FAQs about redoing a kitchen
How much does it cost to redo a small kitchen?
The cost to redo a small kitchen—usually less than 120 square feet—averages $9,600 to $30,000, depending on the extent of the renovation and the quality of materials used. A basic refresh can cost as little as $3,800 to $15,000, while a high-end custom remodel may cost $16,000 to $40,000 or more.
Do you need a permit to redo a kitchen?
In most cases, you need a permit to redo a kitchen, especially if you're making significant changes to the electrical, plumbing, or structural elements. Minor cosmetic updates like painting or replacing cabinet hardware usually don't require permits. Check with your local building department to determine which permits are necessary.
How long does it take to redo a small kitchen?
The timeline for redoing a small kitchen can vary based on the scope of work but typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. A basic refresh might take as little as 1 to 2 weeks, while a more extensive renovation could take up to 12 weeks.
Factors that can affect the timeline include the availability of materials, the complexity of the project, and any unexpected issues that arise during the renovation.
Getting estimates from kitchen remodelers
When searching for kitchen remodeling contractors near you, consider not only cost but the contractor's reputation, experience, and communication style. To ensure you get the best value for your kitchen redo:
Obtain estimates from at least three reputable contractors.
Provide detailed information about your project scope and desired materials.
Ask for itemized quotes to compare costs easily.
Inquire about the contractor's experience and licensing.
Request references and examples of previous work.
Check out their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Discuss the project timeline and payment schedule. Never pay in full upfront.
Remember that the lowest bid isn't always the best choice, as this can often indicate low quality or lack of experience.
Questions to ask a kitchen renovation contractor
Before hiring a contractor, ask the following questions to ensure a smooth renovation process:
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed and insured?
Do you have experience with projects similar to mine?
Can you provide references from recent clients?
What is your typical project timeline?
How do you handle unexpected issues or changes?
Will you obtain all necessary permits?
What is your payment schedule?
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
How do you communicate project updates and progress?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.