You’ve been putting up with that outdated kitchen for years now, but it’s finally time to give it a makeover.
When you finally start looking into how much does a kitchen remodel cost, you’re probably equal parts excited and terrified about the numbers you’ll find. Understanding what affects the costs and where your money goes helps you make decisions that get you the kitchen you want without completely emptying your savings account.
The Reality of Kitchen Remodel Pricing
Let’s break down what you’re actually looking at in 2025.
A midrange major kitchen remodel averages around $78,000 nationally, while an upscale major remodel can hit $150,000. Those numbers might make you want to stick with your current kitchen, but remember, these are major, full-scale renovations.
A minor kitchen remodel, which includes refinishing cabinets, updating hardware, replacing countertops or flooring, and painting, can cost between $7,000 and $20,000. This type of refresh can completely transform your space without the massive investment.
For something in the middle, a full kitchen remodel typically runs $20,000 to $60,000, where you’re replacing cabinets and countertops but keeping the existing layout.
Where Your Money Actually Goes
Cabinets are always the biggest expense, typically eating up 35-40% of your total budget. The average cost to remodel kitchen cabinets is $4,500 to $15,000 when replacing them completely, though wood cabinets can run anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 and up, while high-end materials like stainless steel could set you back $25,000 to $38,000.
After cabinets, major expenses are labor and installation, followed by appliances and ventilation, countertops, and flooring. Kitchen equipment typically costs between $5,750 and $11,500, which covers your major appliances like refrigerator, range, and dishwasher.
Labor costs can vary by location and project complexity, but expect to spend 20-30% of your budget on installation and professional work.
Small Changes Can Lead to Big Impacts
Not every kitchen needs a complete overhaul.
Sometimes, carefully planned updates can give you that fresh, modern look without the massive price tag. Updating lights and adding a new backsplash to a kitchen up to 120 square feet often costs around $1,500 to $1,700.
Cabinet refacing instead of replacement can save thousands while still giving you a completely new look. New hardware, updated lighting, and a fresh backsplash can really do well for your space for a fraction of full replacement costs.
The real decision you need to make here is what actually bothers you, as compared to what you think you should update. If your cabinets are solid but outdated, paint and new hardware might be all you need.
Also Read: How to Design a Functional and Stylish Kitchen Remodel
Keeping Your Existing Kitchen Layout Can Save You Big Bucks
Keeping your existing layout is one of the biggest money-savers in kitchen remodeling. When you start moving walls, relocating plumbing, or rewiring electrical, costs escalate quickly. For a complete demolition and remodel, the cost to gut a kitchen is $500 to $2,500 for an average-sized kitchen, and that’s before you start rebuilding!
Before committing to layout changes, really think about whether they solve actual problems or just create a different look. Sometimes the issue isn’t the layout, it’s the finishes, lighting, or storage solutions within the existing footprint. Take your time with this step; this could save you thousands!
How to Plan and Time Your Remodel?
Kitchen remodels are as much about money as they are about timing and logistics. Most kitchen renovations take 6-12 weeks from start to finish, during which your kitchen will be partially or completely unusable. Factor in the cost of eating out, using paper plates, or setting up a temporary cooking space elsewhere in your home.
Getting multiple quotes is essential, but don’t just go with the lowest bidder. Check references, verify licenses and insurance, and make sure you’re comparing similar scopes of work. A quote that seems too good to be true usually is.
Ways You Can Control Costs
There are some great ways to reduce kitchen remodel costs without sacrificing quality. For example, you could choose stock cabinets over custom, which would save you thousands while still giving you a fresh look.
You could even do some work yourself, like demo, painting, or simple tile work. This can reduce labor costs. But it’s important to be realistic about your skills and available time.
Some tasks, like electrical and plumbing work, require professionals for both safety and code compliance.
Your Dream Kitchen is Closer Than You Think
Understanding kitchen remodel costs helps you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions. Whether you’re planning a simple refresh or complete renovation, the key is balancing your wants, needs, and budget to create a space you’ll love.
Start by identifying what bothers you most about your current kitchen and what would make the biggest difference in your daily life.
The question isn’t just how much a kitchen remodel costs, it’s how much value and enjoyment you’ll get from the investment. When you’re ready to turn your kitchen dreams into reality, work with A to Z Renovations! We offer expert design and construction services to help you create your dream kitchen within your budget. Give us a shout today!
