How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Really Cost?

If you’ve been thinking about remodeling your kitchen, you’ve probably asked yourself: What’s this actually going to cost me? The short answer is: it depends. Kitchens are the heart of the home, and with all the moving parts—cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing, electrical—costs can vary dramatically.

Here’s the key I share with all my clients: the most important money you’ll spend on a kitchen remodel is completing the design before you ever call a contractor. When you walk into a bid meeting with layouts, finishes, and fixtures already selected, contractors can price your actual project, not their assumptions. That means fewer surprises, tighter budgets, and bids you can actually compare side by side.

Why Budgeting Matters

A kitchen remodel is often the biggest investment you’ll make in your home outside of the purchase itself. A clear budget keeps you grounded when the choices start multiplying—because trust me, there are a lot of choices. Without it, it’s easy to overspend on the wrong things or run out of money before you get to the finishes that really make the space shine.

Must-Haves vs. Wish List

Every successful kitchen project starts with a must-have list and a wish list. Must-haves might be things like new cabinets, a larger island, or moving the sink to under a window. Wish list items are the extras: a beverage fridge, statement lighting, or that gorgeous slab backsplash. Ranking your wish list makes it much easier to know where to splurge and where to pull back if the budget needs adjusting.

What Impacts the Cost?

The cost of a kitchen remodel varies widely based on:

• Cabinetry: Custom, semi-custom, or stock all come at different price points.

• Countertops & finishes: Quartz, granite, butcher block, or stone slab can make or break the budget.

• Appliances: Basic to professional-grade ranges are thousands apart.

• Layout changes: Moving plumbing or electrical adds significantly.

• Labor & permits: Skilled trades and city approvals aren’t optional, and they add up quickly.

Here’s a snapshot of 2025 average installed costs:

Item	Estimated Cost
New cabinets	$8,000 – $25,000+
Countertops	$3,000 – $10,000+
Appliance package	$5,000 – $15,000+
Flooring	$3,000 – $10,000
Backsplash	$1,500 – $5,000
Sink & faucet installation	$800 – $2,500
Lighting	$1,000 – $4,000
Plumbing/electrical updates	$2,000 – $8,000+
Island build/expansion	$4,000 – $12,000+
Painting	$1,500 – $4,000

(Source: Cost data compiled from HomeAdvisor, Fixr, and Remodeling Magazine’s 2025 averages.)

Pro vs. DIY: Where to Spend and Where to Save

Some parts of a kitchen remodel can be DIY-friendly, while others are better left to the pros:

• Painting cabinets: Possible as a DIY, but requires time, patience, and skill. Pros deliver a more durable, factory-like finish.

• Appliance installation: Plug-and-play options (like a refrigerator) are fine for DIY, but anything requiring water or gas connections should be left to professionals.

• Cabinet installation: Hire a pro—secure anchoring and perfect alignment are critical for function and resale value.

• Flooring: LVP/LVT can be DIY-friendly, but hardwood or tile is best done professionally for longevity and waterproofing.

• Electrical & plumbing: Always hire a pro. Cutting corners here can lead to expensive—and dangerous—repairs down the road.

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My rule of thumb? If it impacts safety, waterproofing, or long-term durability, bring in the experts.

The Payoff

On average, kitchen remodels recoup about 55–65% of their cost at resale, but just like bathrooms, the daily payoff is huge. A well-designed kitchen makes cooking, entertaining, and everyday living easier and more enjoyable. And when it comes time to sell, buyers immediately notice a fresh, functional kitchen—it can be the difference between a quick sale and a house that lingers.

Final Thought

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, remember this: design first, quotes second. Having a complete design in place before you call contractors is the smartest way to protect your budget, avoid stress, and create a kitchen that truly works for the way you live.

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