Embarking on a kitchen renovation, even a seemingly minor one, can be a surprisingly intricate and costly undertaking. The latest data from Remodeling’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report highlights this, with a national average for a minor, mid-range kitchen remodel standing at $27,492. This figure often doesn’t even account for significant structural changes, such as relocating plumbing fixtures or reconfiguring the room’s layout, which can quickly drive up the cost. For a more major, mid-range renovation, the national average jumps to $79,982, while an upscale remodel averages a hefty $158,530. These figures can be even higher in major metropolitan areas due to elevated labor costs.
Why Kitchen Remodels Are Expensive
Steve Pallrand of Home Front Build, a design firm, explains that kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms to remodel because they are “chock-full of expensive stuff” like appliances, countertops, cabinets, and fixtures. Beyond these visible elements, there are also “behind-the-scenes, code-required systems” such as electrical, plumbing, and mechanical, which add significantly to the overall expense.
Typical Cost Breakdown of a Kitchen Remodel
Pallrand suggests that the budget for a new kitchen typically breaks down into three equal parts:
- One-third: Dedicated to the necessary plumbing, mechanical, electrical, framing, and plaster work.
- Another third: Allocated to finishes like cabinetry, countertops, and flooring.
- Final third: For the installation of those finishes.
While the average cost of new appliances has seen a slight decrease in 2024 compared to the previous year, they remain higher overall than in recent years. Pallrand attributes the soaring remodeling budgets not to the cost of goods, but primarily to labor costs. Hiring general contractors, interior designers, and construction crews has become increasingly expensive. “Home renovation or construction is, and will always be, a labor-intensive business,” he states. “You can mass-produce some elements in advance, but they need to be put together on-site, and the cost of labor has increased significantly.”
Cost of a Small Kitchen Remodel
If a complete gut renovation isn’t on the table, a minor kitchen remodel can still make a significant impact. This might involve updating to stainless steel, energy-efficient appliances, and a fresh coat of paint on walls and cabinets. Dan Mazzarini of BHDM Design and ARCHIVE suggests that for budget-conscious homeowners, there are many attractive and affordable range options available. For a minor remodel, appliances should ideally constitute no more than 10% to 20% of your budget.
To further save money, Pallrand advises changing cabinet hardware instead of replacing the entire cabinets if they are well-made. Painting existing cabinets and adding convenience hardware like pullouts, lifts, and organizers can also provide a refreshed look without the high cost of new cabinetry.
Cost of a Total Kitchen Remodel
For more extensive, large-scale renovations, Mazzarini recommends concentrating the majority of your budget on custom cabinetry, countertops, and high-end appliances. He considers these the “three main ‘food groups’ for a gorgeous kitchen” and also the elements that will most effectively contribute to a home’s resale value.
If installing new cabinets and shelving, be prepared for this to consume 20% to 40% of the overall budget. High-quality faucets and hardware, often referred to as the “jewelry of the kitchen,” will also incur higher costs if premium materials are chosen due to their visual impact.
Specific percentages for other elements of a total kitchen remodel, as suggested by experts:
- HVAC and ducting work: Approximately 5% of the budget.
- Plumbing fixtures: Around 5% of the budget.
- Electrical work: Approximately 10% of the budget. Pallrand suggests that if existing electrical junction boxes are correctly placed, simply changing light fixtures can provide an updated look.
DIY Kitchen Remodel: Proceed with Caution
While the idea of a fully DIY kitchen remodel to save costs is tempting, professionals strongly advise against it. As Mazzarini notes, while some DIY projects can turn out well, they demand immense patience and hard work. For homeowners determined to do some work themselves, stick to lighter tasks. “Painting and changing hardware is very different from installing new countertops yourself,” Mazzarini warns. His advice: “Be safe, and call in the muscle for the heavy lifting—both figuratively and literally.”
The Importance of Hiring a Professional
Experts are in strong agreement: for a full kitchen remodel, hire a professional. Pallrand recounts common DIY pitfalls, such as unexpected paint colors or misaligned faucets, emphasizing that “there are so many things that can go wrong if you tackle it on your own and do not have any design or construction experience.”
Donna Garlough, author of Your Home, Your Style, echoes this sentiment, stating that “unless you’re a plumber, carpenter, or have a library of power tools, it’s easy to get in over your head and stuck without a working kitchen for an indefinite amount of time.” She concludes, “When in doubt, hire a pro.” However, she acknowledges that cosmetic upgrades like painting cabinetry and adding a tile backsplash can be suitable DIY tasks for handy individuals, though patience is still required.
Key Challenges in Kitchen Remodels
Modern living has drastically altered how kitchens are used. Pallrand points out that older homes, even those from the 1960s or ’70s, were designed with kitchens as purely utilitarian spaces. Today, the kitchen has evolved into a “living room for entertaining or checking emails or doing homework.” Transforming a kitchen into a public, open space often requires expansion and reorientation, which is a costly undertaking. Furthermore, older homes frequently necessitate system upgrades to meet current safety codes. Despite the challenges, updating the kitchen generally has a positive impact on home value, offering a solid return on investment regardless of the kitchen’s size.
Factors Affecting Kitchen Remodel Cost
Mazzarini likens kitchen renovations to pulling a string on a sweater—a small change can lead to a much larger project. Kitchens are technically complex rooms, involving appliances, plumbing, millwork, hard surfaces, and lighting, all of which contribute to the final price. One of the most significant cost drivers is upgrading the footprint by expanding the kitchen’s size or reorienting its layout. To reduce costs, Pallrand suggests prioritizing investments in durable, high-quality appliances that are less prone to issues. Mazzarini also highlights that location plays a crucial role, affecting both labor costs and access to materials.
Strategies for Saving Money on a Kitchen Remodel
- Stick to the existing layout: Garlough emphasizes that cosmetic upgrades are always more affordable than full remodels that involve moving walls, adding cabinetry, or relocating electrical and plumbing.
- Avoid fleeting trends: Both Garlough and Pallrand advise against investing in the latest trends. Trends can quickly become outdated, and a kitchen renovation is a substantial project that you won’t want to repeat in five years. Instead, focus on timeless designs and functional improvements like upgraded appliances, a better work triangle, well-made cabinetry, and smart storage. Prioritize these essential elements over trendy, high-cost features like zellige tile, pot filler faucets, or handblown pendants if your budget starts to spiral. A traditional kitchen, Pallrand notes, will “look appropriate in 10 or 100 years.”
- Budget-friendly cabinet options: Since cabinets often consume the largest portion (around 25%) of the budget, consider more affordable options from large retail stores. You can enhance their appearance with on-trend, high-quality hardware or add custom doors to standard cabinet boxes for a more bespoke look.
- Smart appliance choices: While appliances can account for 20% of the budget, opting for mid-range models instead of solely focusing on “status-oriented” brands can save a considerable amount without sacrificing much functionality.
- DIY select tasks: For those on a tight budget, consider tackling non-structural, cosmetic tasks yourself, such as painting cabinets or installing a simple tile backsplash.
- Economical materials: Use less expensive countertop materials like butcher block or laminate, or opt for affordable flooring materials like laminate. A fresh paint job alone can significantly refresh a kitchen’s look.
- Creative savings: Consider using particleboard in unseen areas instead of more expensive plywood, or doing the demolition yourself to cut down on labor costs.
Plan for Surprises and Stick to Your Budget
Experts strongly advise setting aside 20% of your budget for unexpected surprises. These could include unforeseen issues discovered during demolition, such as water damage, outdated electrical wiring not up to code, or other hidden problems that can inflate costs.
Crucially, once a game plan and budget are established, it’s vital to stick to them as the renovation unfolds. Adding extras or more features mid-project can quickly balloon the budget and create a domino effect of increased expenses.