How much does a small kitchen remodel cost?
How much does a small kitchen remodel cost?
$150 – $250 average cost per square foot
$9,000 – $30,000 average total cost (60 to 120 SF)
Average small kitchen remodel cost
A small kitchen remodel costs $9,000 to $30,000 or $150 to $250 per square foot on average to update the appliances, cabinets, counters, flooring, and walls while leaving the structural layout unchanged. Small kitchen renovation costs depend greatly on the scale of the changes and the materials chosen.
A full 10x10 kitchen remodel costs $15,000 to $25,000+.
| Size (square feet) | Basic / partial renovation | Average / full rip-and-replace | High-end / complete remodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8'x8' (64 SF) | $3,800 – $9,600 | $9,600 – $16,000 | $16,000 – $22,400 |
| 8'x10' (80 SF) | $4,800 – $12,000 | $12,000 – $20,000 | $20,000 – $28,000 |
| 10'x10' (100 SF) | $6,000 – $15,000 | $15,000 – $25,000 | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| 10'x12' (120 SF) | $7,200 – $18,000 | $18,000 – $30,000 | $30,000 – $42,000 |
| 12'x12' (144 SF) | $8,600 – $21,600 | $21,600 – $36,000 | $36,000 – $50,400 |
"Small kitchen remodel" can mean remodeling a small-sized kitchen or doing a partial or small-scale renovation to any size kitchen space.
"Renovation" and "remodel" are often used interchangeably but are technically different things. Confirm your desired changes with your contractor ahead of time to ensure you're both on the same page.
Renovation means the restoration of something old—like replacing or resurfacing countertops.
Remodel refers to changing the structure or creating something new, such as removing a wall to open the space and change the floorplan.
Cost to remodel a small kitchen by project
The following table shows a breakdown of what each project typically adds to a kitchen remodel or renovation budget. Your kitchen remodeling costs will depend on the project size and scale, and the materials you select.
| Project | Budget % |
|---|---|
| Cabinets & shelving | 25% |
| Installation & labor | 15% |
| Appliances | 15% |
| Countertops & backsplash cost | 10% |
| Flooring cost | 7% |
| Lighting installation cost | 5% |
| Painting & drywall | 5% |
| Windows cost | 2% |
| Door installation cost | 2% |
| Designer | 5% |
| Sink & faucet installation cost | 5% |
| Plumbing | 3% |
| Miscellaneous (permits, smart upgrades, etc.) | 1% |
Cost of countertops and cabinets for small kitchen
Cabinets and countertops make up a significant portion of a kitchen remodeling budget.
Cabinets – Kitchen cabinets cost $3,000 to $12,000 installed for stock or semi-custom cabinets for a 70- to 100-square-foot kitchen. Custom cabinets for the same-sized kitchen cost $12,000 to $20,000 installed.
Countertops – Countertops for a small kitchen cost $1,000 to $4,500 installed, depending on the material, finish, and installation complexity. Granite, quartz, and solid surface are among the top kitchen countertop choices.
Small kitchen appliances cost
Most kitchen appliances cost $250 to 1,300 each before installation. The brand, type, quality, and features impact the price. Appliance installation labor costs $100 to $350+.
An appliance package costs $2,500 to $6,800 with installation and includes a matching refrigerator, microwave, range, and dishwasher set.
| Appliance | Price range installed |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator cost | $675 – $2,500 |
| Dishwasher cost | $550 – $1,600 |
| Stove / range / oven cost | $700 – $1,600 |
| Cooktop cost | $500 – $1,700 |
| Wall oven cost | $1,200 – $3,800 |
| Microwave cost | $200 – $1,000 |
| Exhaust fan / range hood cost | $300 – $2,100 |
Cost to remodel a small kitchen floor
A small kitchen floor costs $400 to $1,500 or $4 to $15 per square foot installed on average. Flooring costs can go as low as $3 per square foot or as high as $25 per square foot depending on the material. Vinyl flooring and porcelain tiles are popular mid-range choices for kitchens.
Small kitchen renovation cost factors
| Factor | Renovation price per square foot | Remodel price per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $50 – $200 | $120 – $280+ |
| Labor & installation | $10 – $50 | $30 – $70+ |
| Total cost | $60 – $250 | $150 – $350+ |
Factors affecting the cost include:
Size – The larger the space, the more materials and labor are required to renovate it.
Project scale – A renovation that replaces everything but doesn't change the kitchen's layout costs less and takes less time than a full gut remodel involving major structural changes. If you change the layout, the cost to hire a structural engineer adds 1% to 5% of your project budget.
Layout – A small kitchen may be G-shaped, L-shaped, U-shaped, galley, or single wall. The layout affects the number and shape of cabinets and counters needed.
Materials – Rare or luxury materials and high-end finishes can significantly increase the total cost.
Location – Renovation costs vary based on the geographical region and cost of living. A small kitchen remodel in western and northeastern states often costs much more than completing the same remodeling project in a southern home.
Labor cost to renovate a small kitchen
The labor costs to renovate a small kitchen make up 15% to 30% or your total project budget and may include some or all the following professionals:
Contractor – A general contractor costs $50 to $150 per hour to oversee everything and coordinate with suppliers and installers.
Architect – Hiring an architect to draw plans costs $2 to $15 per square foot or $50 to $150 per hour.
Plumbing
Plumber rates are $45 to $150 per hour with a $50 to $200 minimum service call-out fee. Plumbers may charge a flat rate instead for common installations.
The cost of a new sink is $330 to $1,300 for the unit and installation.
New faucet installation costs $200 to $600, including the faucet.
Electrical
An electrician charges $50 to $130 per hour and most have a minimum call-out fee of $100 to $200.
A new GFCI outlet costs $150 to $350 installed. Building codes require GFCI protected outlets along kitchen countertops.
Demolition
For a complete gut and remodel, kitchen demolition costs $5.00 to $12.50 per square foot to tear out the appliances, cabinets, counters, flooring, and drywall.
The cost to remove kitchen cabinets alone is $300 to 600+.
Removing a wall costs is $500 to $2,000 for non-load-bearing wall. A load-bearing walls costs $4,000 to $15,000 to remove.
Painter – Hiring a painter costs $20 to $70 per hour or $1 to $6 per square foot.
Permits – Permits for a small kitchen remodel cost $500 to $1,500, depending on the project and local regulations. Projects involving electrical wiring changes, plumbing changes, or modifications to the structural layout typically require one or more permits and inspections.
Small kitchen remodel cost without appliances
The average cost to remodel a small kitchen without replacing the appliances is $6,500 to $23,200. Appliances typically account for 15% of a total kitchen remodeling budget, but the brand, size, quality, and features can raise or lower that percentage.
Condo and galley kitchen remodel costs
An average condo kitchen remodel costs $150 to $250 per square foot, the same as other kitchen remodels. Remodeling a condo in a major city typically costs more due to the higher cost of living, but project scale and material choices have the greatest impact on the total cost.
Galley kitchen remodeling costs often fall at the lower end of the price range due to their uncomplicated design—two parallel rows of cabinets. Most galley kitchens also have a smaller footprint and require fewer materials, but location, material quality, and project scope still affect the bottom line.
Small kitchen redo FAQs
How to remodel a small kitchen on a budget?
Here are some money-saving tips for your small kitchen remodel:
Make a detailed and realistic plan and budget before starting the project. Factor in an extra 5% at a minimum to cover any unexpected problems or repairs.
Leave the kitchen's floor plan as it is to save on electrical, plumbing, demo, and construction costs.
Consider painting, refacing, or refinishing your cabinets instead of replacing them if they are still in good condition.
Choose stock items instead of custom fabrication to reduce the total cost as well as the project timeline.
Do some of the work yourself where possible. Demolition and painting are typically DIY-friendly tasks.
Shop around for the best material deals. Check both retail and second-hand shops, online and locally.
Split the project into several smaller projects that you complete over time.
How much does a DIY small kitchen remodel cost?
A small DIY kitchen remodel costs $2,800 to $15,300, depending on the project scope, material choices, and how much of the project you can do yourself. Remodeling a small kitchen completely DIY can save 15% to 30% in labor and installation costs, provided all the changes are done correctly.
Discuss your project plans with a professional to ensure the changes you're planning are safe and up to code.
How long does a small kitchen remodel take?
A small kitchen remodel takes several weeks to months, depending on the scale of the project and the materials chosen. Major remodels with floorplan changes, new or modified electrical wiring, or new or rerouted plumbing pipes take the longest. Custom materials and fabrication also increase the project timeline.
Getting estimates from kitchen remodelers
Use the following guidelines when searching for local kitchen remodeling companies:
Get 3 to 5 detailed estimates to compare against your list of must haves.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business more than 5 years.
Look for certified members of the National Kitchen + Bath Association (NBKA).
Check out their reviews on Google and HomeGuide.
Ask for references with contact details.
Ask to view a portfolio of past kitchen remodeling projects.
Avoid going with the lowest quote as this could be a sign of low-quality work.
Get an itemized contract and warranty in writing before the renovation begins.
Never pay in full before the job is complete.
Questions to ask
Ask these questions to help you find the best fit for your kitchen remodeling project:
How long have you been in business?
What experience do you have remodeling kitchens?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? What certifications do you have?
Do you have a portfolio of previous projects like mine?
Can you supply a list of references for me to contact?
What are my options for materials, appliances, and fixtures? Are you connected with only one supplier or several?
What does the estimate include?
What additional costs should I expect during a project like this?
How long will the project take?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
Are permit fees included in the estimate?
Do you require a deposit, and how much is it?
Who should I contact if I have a question or concern during the renovation?
Do you clean up when the remodel is complete?
Do you offer a warranty? If so, what does it cover?
Do you register the manufacturer warranties for the materials you install?
Do you offer financing?