Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator
Estimate your kitchen renovation cost in seconds. Get accurate prices by size, scope, and state — backed by real contractor data from across the US.
Reviewed by MyProjectCost Team
Key takeaway: A kitchen remodel costs $25,000–$55,000 on average for a mid-range renovation, with most homeowners spending around $35,000 for new cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Costs range from $3,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $130,000+ for a high-end custom kitchen.
Definition: Kitchen remodel cost is the total price of renovating a kitchen — including cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, plumbing, electrical, and labor. Cost varies by kitchen size, scope of work (cosmetic vs. full renovation), material and appliance tier, and regional labor rates.
Who should use this calculator? This kitchen remodel cost calculator is designed for homeowners, landlords, real estate investors, and contractors budgeting a kitchen renovation, comparing cosmetic vs. full remodel scope, or planning a small, mid-range, or high-end kitchen remodel before requesting contractor quotes.
Average Kitchen Remodel Cost by Type
National averages for a typical US kitchen. Costs vary by size, location, and materials selected.
| Remodel Type | Description | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Update | Paint, hardware, lighting, backsplash | $3,000 | $8,000 | $15,000 |
| Cabinet Refacing | New doors, drawer fronts, hardware | $7,000 | $14,000 | $25,000 |
| Mid-Range Remodel | New cabinets, countertops, appliances | $20,000 | $35,000 | $55,000 |
| High-End Renovation | Custom cabinetry, structural changes | $50,000 | $80,000 | $130,000 |
Kitchen Remodel Cost by State (2026)
Average cost for a mid-range kitchen remodel with new cabinets, countertops, and appliances.
| State | Low Estimate | Average Cost | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $10,000 | $19,000 | $38,000 |
| Alaska | $17,000 | $32,000 | $62,000 |
| Arizona | $12,000 | $22,000 | $44,000 |
| Arkansas | $9,000 | $17,000 | $34,000 |
| California | $20,000 | $38,000 | $72,000 |
| Colorado | $15,000 | $28,000 | $55,000 |
| Connecticut | $18,000 | $34,000 | $65,000 |
| Delaware | $14,000 | $26,000 | $50,000 |
| Florida | $13,000 | $24,000 | $47,000 |
| Georgia | $12,000 | $22,000 | $44,000 |
| Hawaii | $24,000 | $45,000 | $86,000 |
| Idaho | $11,000 | $21,000 | $41,000 |
| Illinois | $15,000 | $29,000 | $57,000 |
| Indiana | $11,000 | $21,000 | $42,000 |
| Iowa | $10,000 | $20,000 | $39,000 |
| Kansas | $10,000 | $19,000 | $37,000 |
| Kentucky | $10,000 | $20,000 | $39,000 |
| Louisiana | $11,000 | $21,000 | $41,000 |
| Maine | $14,000 | $27,000 | $53,000 |
| Maryland | $17,000 | $32,000 | $62,000 |
| Massachusetts | $20,000 | $38,000 | $73,000 |
| Michigan | $12,000 | $23,000 | $46,000 |
| Minnesota | $14,000 | $26,000 | $51,000 |
| Mississippi | $9,000 | $17,000 | $33,000 |
| Missouri | $11,000 | $21,000 | $41,000 |
| Montana | $12,000 | $22,000 | $43,000 |
| Nebraska | $10,000 | $19,000 | $38,000 |
| Nevada | $14,000 | $26,000 | $51,000 |
| New Hampshire | $16,000 | $30,000 | $58,000 |
| New Jersey | $19,000 | $36,000 | $69,000 |
| New Mexico | $10,000 | $20,000 | $39,000 |
| New York | $21,000 | $40,000 | $76,000 |
| North Carolina | $12,000 | $23,000 | $45,000 |
| North Dakota | $10,000 | $20,000 | $39,000 |
| Ohio | $12,000 | $22,000 | $43,000 |
| Oklahoma | $10,000 | $19,000 | $37,000 |
| Oregon | $16,000 | $30,000 | $58,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $14,000 | $27,000 | $53,000 |
| Rhode Island | $17,000 | $32,000 | $61,000 |
| South Carolina | $11,000 | $21,000 | $41,000 |
| South Dakota | $9,000 | $18,000 | $35,000 |
| Tennessee | $11,000 | $22,000 | $43,000 |
| Texas | $13,000 | $24,000 | $47,000 |
| Utah | $13,000 | $25,000 | $49,000 |
| Vermont | $15,000 | $29,000 | $56,000 |
| Virginia | $15,000 | $29,000 | $56,000 |
| Washington | $18,000 | $34,000 | $65,000 |
| West Virginia | $9,000 | $18,000 | $35,000 |
| Wisconsin | $12,000 | $23,000 | $45,000 |
| Wyoming | $11,000 | $21,000 | $41,000 |
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026?
The national average kitchen remodel cost is $25,000 to $55,000 for a mid-range renovation. Most homeowners spend around $35,000 for a complete kitchen update including new cabinets, countertops, and appliances. However, costs range from as little as $3,000 for a cosmetic refresh to over $130,000 for a high-end custom kitchen renovation.
Your final kitchen renovation cost depends on the size of your kitchen, the scope of work, materials selected, and your local labor market. Kitchens in California, New York, and Hawaii can cost 50–80% more than identical projects in lower-cost states like Mississippi, Arkansas, or Oklahoma. Use our calculator above to get a personalized estimate for your state.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown
Cabinets: 25–35% of Budget
Cabinets are the single largest expense in any kitchen renovation. Stock cabinets (pre-built in standard sizes) cost $100–$300 per linear foot installed — typically $4,000–$10,000 for an average kitchen. Semi-custom cabinets with more size and finish options run $200–$600 per linear foot. Fully custom cabinetry — built to your exact specifications — costs $500–$1,500 per linear foot and can easily consume $20,000–$40,000 of your budget.
Cabinet refacing is a cost-effective alternative when your cabinet boxes are structurally sound. By replacing only the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, you can achieve a near-new look for 40–50% less than full replacement — typically $7,000–$25,000 versus $15,000–$50,000 for full replacement.
Countertops: 10–15% of Budget
Countertop costs depend heavily on material choice. Laminate is the most affordable at $20–$50 per square foot installed, offering decent durability for budget-conscious remodels. Granite ($60–$120/sq ft) and quartz ($70–$150/sq ft) are the most popular choices — both offer excellent durability and a premium appearance. Marble ($100–$200/sq ft) adds a luxurious look but requires more maintenance and sealing. For an average 30-square-foot kitchen counter, expect to pay $1,800–$6,000 for granite or quartz.
Labor: 30–40% of Budget
Labor is a significant portion of kitchen renovation costs that's easy to underestimate. Demolition, plumbing, electrical, drywall repair, installation, and finishing all add up. Labor rates vary significantly by region — contractors in coastal metro areas charge 30–60% more than those in rural or Midwestern markets. Always get at least three competing quotes before committing to a contractor, as prices can vary by 30–50% for the same scope of work.
Appliances: 10–20% of Budget
A mid-range appliance package — refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and over-the-range microwave — costs $4,000–$9,000 for brands like Samsung, LG, or KitchenAid. Upgrading to professional-grade appliances from Sub-Zero, Wolf, or Miele can push your appliance budget to $20,000–$50,000 for a full suite. Installation adds $200–$800 per appliance depending on complexity and any required electrical or gas work.
Flooring, Lighting & Extras
Flooring replacement typically adds $3,000–$6,000 for hardwood, porcelain tile, or luxury vinyl plank. New lighting — including recessed lights, pendant lights over an island, and under-cabinet lighting — adds $1,000–$3,000. A kitchen island adds $3,000–$12,000 depending on size and whether it includes plumbing or electrical. Backsplash tile typically adds $800–$2,000 for a standard installation.
Kitchen Renovation Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor
Ambitious DIYers can save 30–50% on a kitchen remodel by handling demo, painting, and simple installations themselves. However, work requiring permits — electrical panel upgrades, moving load-bearing walls, re-routing plumbing — must be done by licensed professionals. Mistakes in these areas can cost far more to fix than the original savings. For most homeowners, a hybrid approach works best: hire pros for plumbing, electrical, and cabinet installation, and DIY tasks like painting, hardware replacement, and light fixtures.
How to Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel
The best way to control kitchen remodel costs is to keep the same layout. Moving the sink, relocating the range, or opening a wall are among the most expensive changes you can make — each can add $1,000–$10,000 to the project. By working with your existing footprint, you avoid costly plumbing and electrical rerouting. Other money-saving strategies include choosing stock or semi-custom cabinets over custom, selecting quartz over marble, shopping appliance sales during holiday weekends, and timing your project for winter when contractors fill their schedules at lower rates.
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026?
In 2026, the national average kitchen remodel costs $27,000–$35,000 for a mid-range renovation on a standard US kitchen.
In 2026, the national average kitchen remodel costs $27,000–$35,000 for a mid-range renovation on a standard US kitchen. Cosmetic updates — fresh paint, new hardware, updated lighting, and a backsplash swap — can be completed for $3,000–$15,000 without touching the layout. A complete overhaul with new cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring typically lands between $25,000–$55,000 at the national average.
High-end custom renovations with structural changes, premium appliances, and bespoke cabinetry regularly exceed $75,000–$130,000. Your state, your kitchen's size, and how much of the layout you move are the three biggest variables that swing the final number. The calculator above lets you set all three — scope, kitchen size, and state — to build a location-adjusted estimate before you start contacting general contractors for competing bids.
What Is the Average Cost of a Kitchen Remodel Per Square Foot?
Mid-range kitchen remodels typically run $150–$300 per square foot in 2026.
Kitchen remodel cost per square foot varies more than most homeowners expect because smaller kitchens carry high fixed costs — demolition, permits, appliance hookups — spread over fewer square feet, while larger kitchens distribute those costs more efficiently. In 2026, mid-range kitchen remodels typically run $150–$300 per square foot for a 100–200 square foot kitchen. Budget renovations come in at $75–$150 per square foot.
High-end custom renovations on premium kitchens run $400–$800 per square foot or more when factoring in custom millwork, luxury appliances, and structural changes. The per-square-foot figure is most useful for rough early budgeting. For a sharper number, the calculator above factors in your remodel scope, kitchen size, and state labor market together to produce a location-adjusted estimate rather than a national average.
How Much Does a Minor Kitchen Remodel Cost?
A minor kitchen remodel costs $3,000–$15,000 and typically covers cabinet painting or refacing, new hardware, a tile backsplash, and updated lighting.
A minor kitchen remodel — often called a cosmetic update — is one of the highest-ROI home improvement projects available. In 2026, a typical minor update runs $3,000–$15,000 and covers painting cabinets or replacing cabinet doors, swapping all hardware, installing a new tile backsplash, updating light fixtures, and replacing the faucet. The key to keeping cost low: cabinet boxes, layout, and appliances all stay in place, eliminating the most expensive line items on any kitchen project.
Painting existing cabinets professionally costs $400–$1,200 and can transform the entire feel of a kitchen. New hardware — knobs and pulls for every door and drawer — adds $200–$600 for an average kitchen. Use the calculator above, select "Cosmetic Update" as your scope, and choose your kitchen size for an instant low-end estimate tailored to your state.
How Much Does a Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel Cost?
A mid-range kitchen remodel costs $25,000–$55,000 nationally for new cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring.
A mid-range kitchen remodel is the most common renovation scope and the most frequently underestimated one. In 2026, expect to spend $25,000–$55,000 nationally for a complete mid-range update. This scope typically includes replacing cabinets with semi-custom stock options, installing new granite or quartz countertops, replacing all appliances with mid-grade brands, adding new flooring, and updating plumbing fixtures and lighting throughout. Labor accounts for 30–40% of this total.
Regional variation is significant: the identical mid-range remodel costs $17,000–$20,000 in Mississippi or Arkansas, compared to $38,000–$45,000 in California, Massachusetts, or Hawaii. The layout stays the same in most mid-range projects — moving plumbing or opening walls immediately pushes a project into high-end territory and budget. Use the calculator above to dial in your state-specific mid-range estimate before requesting contractor quotes.
How Much Does a High-End Kitchen Remodel Cost?
A high-end kitchen remodel costs $50,000–$130,000 nationally, with custom showpiece kitchens exceeding $200,000 in top markets.
A high-end kitchen renovation transforms the kitchen into the architectural centerpiece of the home. In 2026, high-end remodels range from $50,000 to $130,000 nationally, with some custom showpiece kitchens exceeding $200,000 in the highest-cost markets. This scope typically includes fully custom cabinetry built to precise specifications, premium stone countertops, professional-grade appliances from Sub-Zero, Wolf, or Miele, structural changes such as opening walls or adding an island with plumbing, radiant floor heating, custom range hood ventilation, and designer lighting and tile.
Custom cabinets alone run $500–$1,500 per linear foot, easily consuming $25,000–$50,000 of the budget. High-end projects take 8–16 weeks from demolition to completion. In California, New York, and Hawaii, add 50–80% to these national benchmarks. Use the calculator above and select "High-End Renovation" to model this scope for your location.
What Takes Up the Most Budget in a Kitchen Remodel?
Cabinets take up the most budget in a kitchen remodel, consuming 25–35% of the total project cost, followed by labor at 30–40%.
Cabinets are the single largest line item in virtually every kitchen renovation, consuming 25–35% of the total budget. On a $35,000 mid-range remodel, that is $8,750–$12,250 in cabinetry alone. Labor is the second largest category at 30–40% of total project cost — covering demolition, carpentry, plumbing, electrical rough-in, and finish installation. Countertops claim 10–15% of the budget; quartz or marble selections push this percentage higher. Appliances represent 10–20%, varying dramatically by brand tier.
Flooring, lighting, backsplash, hardware, and plumbing fixtures split the remaining 10–20% across several smaller line items. The practical budget lesson: cabinets and labor are where major savings or overruns happen. Choosing semi-custom over fully custom cabinets can save $10,000–$25,000, and keeping your existing kitchen layout eliminates most of the plumbing and electrical labor. Use the calculator above to model these trade-offs before your first contractor meeting.
How Much Do New Kitchen Cabinets Cost?
New kitchen cabinets cost $100–$300 per linear foot installed for stock cabinets, or $500–$1,500 per linear foot for fully custom cabinetry.
Kitchen cabinets are the most visible and most expensive component of a remodel. Stock cabinets — pre-built in standard sizes with limited colors and styles — run $100–$300 per linear foot installed, or roughly $4,000–$10,000 for an average kitchen. Semi-custom cabinets offer more size flexibility and finish options at $200–$600 per linear foot, totaling $8,000–$20,000 for most kitchens.
Fully custom cabinets — built to your exact dimensions and material preferences — cost $500–$1,500 per linear foot, easily reaching $25,000–$50,000 for a full kitchen. Cabinet hardware adds $200–$800 depending on finish and handle count. If your existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound, cabinet refacing — replacing only the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware — delivers a near-new appearance for 40–50% less than full replacement, typically $7,000–$25,000. The calculator above includes new cabinets as an optional add-on in the estimate.
How Much Do Kitchen Countertops Cost?
Kitchen countertops cost $20–$50 per square foot for laminate, or $60–$150 per square foot for granite or quartz.
Countertop cost varies significantly by material choice. Laminate is the budget option at $20–$50 per square foot installed — more durable than its reputation, but limited aesthetically. Ceramic tile runs $25–$60 per square foot. Granite remains one of the most popular choices at $60–$120 per square foot installed, with each slab unique in pattern and coloring. Quartz — engineered stone with consistent color and no annual sealing required — runs $70–$150 per square foot and has overtaken granite as the top seller in many US markets.
Marble costs $100–$200 per square foot but requires sealing and is vulnerable to etching from acidic foods and drinks. For an average 30-square-foot kitchen counter, granite or quartz installation typically costs $2,000–$5,000. Waterfall edges, undermount sink cutouts, and complex shapes each add $500–$2,000. The calculator above includes a countertop add-on with material options built in.
How Much Does Kitchen Flooring Cost?
Kitchen flooring costs $3–$9 per square foot for luxury vinyl plank, or $5–$15 per square foot for tile or hardwood.
Kitchen flooring must balance durability, water resistance, and aesthetics under heavier traffic and more spill exposure than most other rooms. In 2026, the most popular options by installed cost are: luxury vinyl plank (LVP) at $3–$9 per square foot — the best budget-to-durability ratio, fully waterproof and DIY-friendly; ceramic or porcelain tile at $5–$14 per square foot — highly durable and waterproof, though labor-intensive; and hardwood at $6–$15 per square foot — warm and attractive but vulnerable to moisture from appliance leaks.
For an average 150-square-foot kitchen, flooring installation runs $1,500–$4,500 depending on material. Factor in removing old flooring ($0.50–$2 per square foot) and any subfloor repairs before installation begins. The calculator above includes a flooring add-on that uses your kitchen size and state to estimate the full floor replacement cost within the overall project total.
How Much Do New Kitchen Appliances Cost?
A mid-grade kitchen appliance suite costs $4,000–$9,000, while a professional-grade suite runs $15,000–$40,000.
A complete mid-grade kitchen appliance suite — refrigerator, range or cooktop-plus-wall-oven, dishwasher, and over-the-range microwave — costs $4,000–$9,000 for brands like Samsung, LG, GE, or KitchenAid in 2026. Stainless steel finish suites at this tier carry one- to five-year warranties and deliver a strong balance of features and reliability. Upgrading to a professional-grade package from Sub-Zero, Wolf, Viking, or Thermador typically costs $15,000–$40,000 for a full suite.
Installation adds $200–$800 per appliance, more if the project requires new gas line work, a dedicated electrical circuit, or ductwork modifications for a new range hood. Buying during US holiday sales — Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day — routinely yields 20–35% discounts on kitchen suites at major retailers. Delivery and haul-away of old appliances typically costs $50–$150 per unit. Add the appliances checkbox in the calculator above to include this line item in your estimate.
How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?
A kitchen remodel takes one to two weeks for a cosmetic update, or four to eight weeks for a full mid-range renovation.
Timeline depends almost entirely on scope. A cosmetic update — paint, hardware, lighting, and a new backsplash — takes one to two weeks with a contractor or a weekend or two as a DIY project. Cabinet refacing typically runs two to three weeks once fabricated doors arrive. A mid-range remodel with full cabinet replacement, new countertops, and appliances takes four to eight weeks from demolition to final walkthrough.
If you order custom cabinets, add six to twelve weeks of fabrication lead time before work begins — pushing the total window to fourteen to twenty weeks. A high-end renovation involving structural changes, moved plumbing, or custom millwork runs eight to twenty weeks from contract signing to completion. The most common scheduling mistake is starting demolition before all materials have been ordered and confirmed; supply delays on cabinets or tile can add weeks of downtime. Plan the full material order before the first tool swings.
Does a Kitchen Remodel Add Value to Your Home?
Yes — mid-range kitchen remodels typically return 60–80% of project cost at resale, according to National Association of Realtors research on remodeling returns.
Yes — real estate professionals consistently rank the kitchen as the single most influential room in a home sale. A well-executed kitchen remodel increases buyer interest, reduces negotiation leverage, and supports asking-price offers. Mid-range kitchen remodels typically return 60–80% of project cost at resale: a $35,000 remodel adds approximately $21,000–$28,000 to your home's market value.
Minor cosmetic updates — new hardware, fresh cabinet paint, and updated lighting — often return 100% or more of their cost since they are low-investment changes with high visual impact on showings. ROI is highest when the remodel matches your neighborhood's price expectations; a $130,000 custom kitchen in a $250,000 neighborhood recovers far less than the same update in a $700,000 market. A refreshed kitchen at listing time also signals to buyers that the home has been maintained, which reduces repair-credit demands during contract negotiations.
What Is the ROI on a Kitchen Remodel?
Kitchen remodel ROI ranges from 50–65% for high-end renovations up to 80–120% for minor cosmetic updates.
ROI for kitchen remodels varies meaningfully by scope and project quality. In 2026, industry data consistently shows: minor kitchen updates ($3,000–$15,000) return 80–120% of cost at resale — the highest-ROI kitchen category. Cabinet refacing and mid-range remodels ($20,000–$55,000) return approximately 60–80% of project cost. High-end custom renovations ($75,000+) return 50–65% on average nationally, though ROI climbs in affluent markets where buyers expect and pay for premium kitchens.
The distinction worth understanding: resale ROI is separate from the daily quality-of-life value of a functional, beautiful kitchen. Homeowners who plan to stay 10 or more years often treat a high-end remodel as a lifestyle investment rather than a pure financial calculation. If you are remodeling primarily to sell, concentrate budget on cosmetic improvements and appliance updates rather than structural layout changes, which deliver the weakest resale return per dollar spent.
How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Small Kitchen?
A small kitchen remodel costs $3,000–$7,000 for a cosmetic update, or $15,000–$30,000 for a mid-range renovation.
Small kitchens — typically under 100 square feet — are the most cost-effective to remodel in absolute dollars, though cost per square foot is often higher than larger kitchens because fixed costs like demolition, permits, and appliance hookups do not shrink with the room size. In 2026, a cosmetic update for a small kitchen runs $3,000–$7,000; a mid-range remodel with new cabinets, countertops, and appliances costs $15,000–$30,000; a high-end renovation in a small kitchen runs $35,000–$60,000.
The challenge in small kitchens is maximizing storage and workflow within a constrained footprint. Full-extension drawer boxes, pull-out shelf inserts, and upper cabinets that extend to the ceiling are popular strategies. Keeping the existing layout is especially important in small kitchens — there is less square footage to absorb the added cost of moving plumbing or electrical. Use the calculator above with "Small" selected as your kitchen size.
How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Large Kitchen?
A large kitchen remodel costs $45,000–$80,000 for a mid-range renovation, or $90,000–$160,000 for a high-end renovation.
Large kitchens — 200 to 300+ square feet — offer more design possibilities but proportionally higher material and labor costs across every line item. In 2026, a mid-range remodel on a large kitchen (200–300 sq ft) runs $45,000–$80,000 nationally; a high-end renovation on the same footprint costs $90,000–$160,000 or more. Longer cabinet runs require more linear feet of semi-custom or custom cabinetry. Larger counter areas mean more stone slabs, and labor hours scale with the room.
Professional-grade appliances appear more frequently in large kitchen renovations, adding $10,000–$40,000 above mid-grade selections. Large kitchens commonly incorporate an island with seating, a prep sink, or a built-in beverage cooler — each adding $3,000–$15,000 individually. The upside: a beautifully renovated large kitchen generates strong buyer interest and commands meaningful premiums in higher-end real estate markets. Use the calculator above with "Large" or "Luxury" selected to model this scope.
How Can I Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel?
The biggest savings come from keeping your existing layout, choosing semi-custom cabinets over custom, and buying appliances during major holiday sales.
The single most effective cost-saving strategy is keeping your existing layout. Moving the sink, relocating the range, or removing a wall each adds $1,000–$10,000 in plumbing, electrical, and structural costs that inflate the budget without improving functionality in most cases. Beyond layout preservation: choose semi-custom cabinets instead of custom — the visual difference is modest and the savings are $10,000–$25,000 for most kitchens. Select quartz over marble countertops ($70–$100 versus $120–$200 per square foot) for better durability and zero sealing maintenance.
Buy appliances during Black Friday, Memorial Day, or Labor Day sales, which routinely yield 25–35% discounts at major US retailers. Schedule work in winter when contractor demand drops and bids are most competitive. DIY tasks like painting cabinets, installing a tile backsplash, and swapping hardware can save $1,000–$3,000 without requiring licensed trades. Always collect three or more competing contractor bids before committing.
Do I Need a Permit for a Kitchen Remodel?
Most cosmetic updates don't require a permit, but any work involving new electrical circuits, plumbing relocation, or a load-bearing wall does.
Permit requirements depend on your project scope and local municipality's building code. Cosmetic updates — painting, replacing hardware, swapping fixtures on existing circuits, and installing a new backsplash — do not require permits in most US jurisdictions. Permits are typically required when you: move, add, or modify electrical circuits or the service panel; relocate or add new plumbing supply or drain lines; remove a wall, especially a load-bearing one; modify a gas line or add a new gas connection; or install a range hood requiring new exterior ductwork.
Permit fees typically run $150–$1,500 depending on project scope and location, and inspections add a few days to the overall timeline. Skipping a required permit creates serious complications at resale — unpermitted work may need to be disclosed, renegotiated, or torn out and redone. Licensed contractors handle permit applications as part of their standard service and know your local requirements well.
Should I Move the Kitchen Layout or Keep It the Same?
Keeping your existing layout is almost always the most cost-effective decision — moving the sink, range, or a wall can add $1,500–$15,000 to the project.
Keeping your existing kitchen layout is almost always the most cost-effective decision in a renovation. The functional work triangle — the path between refrigerator, sink, and range — is the core of kitchen ergonomics, and moving any one of those three elements requires rerouting plumbing, electrical, or gas lines. Moving the sink to a new wall location typically costs $1,500–$5,000 for plumbing work alone. Relocating a gas range to the opposite side of the kitchen adds $2,000–$7,000 for line extension, electrical upgrades, and vent hood rerouting.
Opening a wall between the kitchen and an adjoining room to create an open-concept plan costs $3,000–$15,000 depending on whether the wall is load-bearing. These investments are justified when the functional improvement is significant — a poorly designed kitchen that forces awkward traffic flow is worth fixing. But if your current layout works, redirecting that $5,000–$15,000 toward better cabinets, stone countertops, or quality appliances typically delivers a better return.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Kitchen Plumbing?
Moving kitchen plumbing costs $500–$1,500 to relocate a sink on the same wall, or $3,000–$8,000 in a slab-on-grade home requiring concrete cutting.
Moving kitchen plumbing — specifically the sink's supply and drain lines — is one of the most budget-expanding decisions in any remodel. In 2026, relocating a kitchen sink to a new position on the same wall runs $500–$1,500 for the plumbing work alone. Moving the sink to a different wall, or adding a prep sink in a new island, costs $1,500–$5,000 for a home with accessible basement or crawlspace below the kitchen floor.
Relocating plumbing in a slab-on-grade home — where pipes are embedded under the concrete — requires concrete cutting and typically runs $3,000–$8,000 depending on the distance moved and local labor rates. An island with plumbing also requires routing a drain line back to the main stack, often the most expensive part of the island build. Get a licensed plumber's quote early in the planning process, before finalizing your design, since these costs frequently surprise homeowners mid-project and can force redesigns.
How Do I Finance a Kitchen Remodel?
Kitchen remodels are commonly financed with a HELOC (7–10% variable), a home equity loan, a cash-out refinance, or a personal loan for smaller projects.
Most homeowners finance kitchen renovations through one of four options. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is the most popular choice for projects over $20,000 — interest rates are typically lower than personal loans (currently 7–10% variable for strong-credit borrowers in 2026), and interest may be tax-deductible when funds are used for qualified home improvements.
A home equity loan offers a fixed rate and fixed monthly payment for borrowers who prefer predictability over flexibility. A cash-out refinance makes sense when current mortgage rates are favorable and you need a large renovation budget, rolling the project cost into a new mortgage. Personal loans are a faster option — no home equity required — but rates run 8–20% depending on credit score. Some contractors and retailers also offer 0% promotional financing for 12–24 months, which works well for smaller cosmetic updates. Use the calculator above to determine your budget target before comparing financing options from lenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
A kitchen remodel costs $8,000–$80,000+ depending on scope. Cosmetic updates (paint, hardware, backsplash) run $3,000–$15,000. A mid-range remodel with new cabinets and countertops averages $25,000–$55,000. High-end custom renovations typically cost $75,000–$130,000 or more.
Cabinets are the single largest expense at 25–35% of the total budget. Custom cabinets cost $500–$1,500 per linear foot installed. Countertops are the second biggest cost at $2,500–$9,000 for most kitchens, depending on material.
A cosmetic update takes 1–2 weeks. A mid-range remodel with new cabinets typically takes 4–8 weeks from demolition to completion. If ordering custom cabinets, add 6–12 weeks of lead time before work can begin.
Kitchen remodels typically return 60–80% of costs at resale. A mid-range remodel ($35,000) adds $21,000–$28,000 in home value on average. Minor updates — new hardware, paint, and lighting — often return 100%+ of their cost.
A basic kitchen island costs $3,000–$6,000 installed. A custom-built island with seating, storage, and a prep sink runs $6,000–$15,000+. Portable kitchen islands are available for $200–$800 as a budget alternative.
Cabinet refacing replaces only the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. This costs $7,000–$25,000 — typically 40–50% less than full cabinet replacement. It is a great option when the cabinet layout works well and the boxes are in good condition.