2020 Kitchen Remodel Costs | Average Small Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator

a kitchen remodel costs $75 to $350 per square foot.

Kitchen remodels cost $75 to $250 per square foot. The first step in determining your estimate is looking at the space. Before you get to the smaller questions, ask yourself the big questions:

  • What do you want from the space?
  • How do you want it to look and function?
  • Is the size and configuration right?

Also ask: What should you spend? The industry says spend 5% to 15% of the home’s value on this project. If your house is worth $300,000, you could spend $30,000 without negatively affecting its resale price.

Consider some of these alternative options if you want to save money:

Kitchen Renovation Budget Breakdown

Kitchen renovations cost $12,500 to $34,0000, with a typical spend of around $23,000. The rate divides into materials, installation, lighting and plumbing fixtures.

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the expenses break down as follows:

Where Does My Money Go For a Full Kitchen Remodel?
Element of Project Percent of Budget Breakdown for Average Remodel
Design fees 4% $920
Installation 17% $3,910
Appliances and ventilation 14% $3,220
Cabinetry and hardware 29% $6,670
Countertops 10% $2,300
Lighting 5% $1,150
Flooring 7% $1,610
Doors and windows 4% $920
Walls and ceilings 5% $1,150
Faucets and plumbing 4% $920
Other 1% $230

Cost to Renovate a Kitchen by Size

It could cost as little as $5,000 to remodel a small kitchen and as much as $60,000+ to do a large renovation. The size of your space will play a significant role in how expensive your renovation gets. Below, see the typical spend for various sizes and the factors involved.

Size (Square Feet) Average Cost
Small (<70) $5,000-$20,000
Medium (100-150) $15,000-$40,000
Large (200+) $30,000-$60,000+
Kitchen Renovation Cost Calculator
Feature Small Remodel Mid-Range Major Reno
Install an appliance $100-$200 per appliance $200-$400 per appliance $400-$600+ per appliance
Install cabinets $100-$200 per cabinet $200-$300 per cabinet $300-$500 per cabinet
Install countertops $200-$500 $400-$1,000 $1,000-$2,500
Install a faucet $125-$200 per faucet $200-$300 per faucet $300-$550+ per faucet
Install flooring $600-$1,000 $1,000-$1,500 $1,500-$3,000
Install a sink $100-$250 $250-$400 $400-$600
Backsplash installation $150-$400 $400-$800 $800-$1,200
Painting/adding wallpaper $100-$200 $200-$400 $400-$600

New Kitchen Appliances Cost

Installing kitchen appliances costs $100 to $300 per appliance on average. Investing in higher quality stoves, dishwashers or refrigerators will certainly drive up your total price. However, if you want to improve your home’s value, it will pay to install higher quality products. There are various options to choose from, including EnergyStar-certified, custom built-in, high-end store bought and budget outlet products. If longevity is important to you, look for products with a longer life expectancy.

Custom built-in: $1,000-$10,000+

  • Product options: Dishwashers, ovens, ranges, stoves, microwaves and
  • Higher upfront price.
  • May require structural changes and added labor costs.
  • Take up less floor space.

High-end freestanding units bought : $1,000-$5,000+

  • Less expensive than custom built-in appliances.
  • Include features like sensors, Bluetooth capabilities and cabinet-depth refrigerators.

Budget freestanding units: $200-$1,000

  • Might not last as long as their high-end counterparts
  • Lack the added features/technology of expensive models.
  • They do the job and work in most layouts.

EnergyStar appliances average between $300 and $3,000. Budget freestanding, high-end freestanding and custom built-ins can all come EnergyStar certified. Product options include refrigerators, dishwashers, lightbulbs, freezers and more. Features include:

  • Certified by the U.S. Department of Energy as energy-efficient and beneficial to the environment and consumer.
  • More expensive up front than their noncertified counterparts.
  • Have longer lifespans than noncertified options.
  • Lower utility bills.

Cost to Build Kitchen Countertops

Installing countertops costs $2,000 to $4,000, though this price will fluctuate depending on the material and measurements. Countertops play a major role in the look and usability of your space. Choose the materials based on what looks and functions best.

Within each category of materials, price depends on quality. Seamless materials, such as Corian and granite, tend to be more durable, but are generally more expensive. Formica and concrete tend to be cheaper but add less value. Tile can be pretty, but you can expect quite a bit of maintenance down the road and regular grout cleaning. Countertop materials include:

  • Granite countetops costs: $2,000-$5,000
    • Durable
    • Scratch-resistant
    • Heat-resistant
    • Porous and requires sealing
  • Soapstone counter prices: $2,000-$5,000
    • Stain-resistant
    • Heat-resistant
    • Extremely susceptible to scratching and etching
    • Light scratches are easy to sand away
  • Marble countertop costs: $2,000-$7,000
    • Durable
    • Long-lasting when properly maintained
    • Heat-resistant
    • Susceptible to staining and scratching
  • Quartz counter costs: $1,500-$4,000
    • Many color and style options
    • Stain-resistant
    • Doesn’t chip or scratch easily
    • Easy to clean
    • Less heat resistant than natural stones
  • Tile countertop prices: $800-$2,000
    • Inexpensive
    • Can be a DIY project
    • Susceptible to chipping and scratching
  • Laminate counters costs: $800-$1,600
    • Heat-resistant
    • Stain-resistant
    • Scratch-resistant
    • Easy to clean
    • Inexpensive
    • Susceptible to damage from knives and hot pans
  • Concrete countertops costs: $2,000-$4,000
    • Durable
    • Heat-resistant
    • Stain-resistant
    • Requires regular maintenance
  • Stainless steel countertops costs: $4,000-$11,500
    • Durable
    • Heat-resistant
    • Stain-resistant
    • Susceptible to scratches
  • Solid surface countertop prices: $2,000-$4,500
    • Examples: Formica, Corian, Wilsonart, Avonite
    • Renewable
    • Nonporous
    • Various choices
    • Scratch-resistant
    • Susceptible to heat and staining
  • Corian countertops costs: $2,200-$5,000
    • Durable
    • Many color and style options
    • Stain-resistant
    • Easy to maintain and clean
    • Not as heat resistant as stone
  • Wood counter costs: $1,000-$5,000
    • Durable
    • Natural material
    • Long lifespan
    • Expands and contracts like flooring
    • Withstands burns and scratches
  • Bamboo costs: $2,000-$3,000
    • Eco-friendly
    • Easy to clean
    • Susceptible to scratches and burns
  • Recycled glass counters costs: $2,000-$4,000
    • Durable
    • Heat-resistant
    • Stain-resistant
    • Easy to clean
    • Susceptible to chipping and scratching
  • Paper composite costs: $2,500-$6,000
    • Durable
    • Easy to clean
    • Susceptible to scratches and stains

Kitchen Floor Remodel

Flooring installation costs $1,500 to $4,500, depending on various factors. The largest factors include the square footage and material you choose. Vinyl and linoleum flooring tend to be the most affordable but add little or nothing to the value of your house. Tile, granite and wood are more expensive and will help to increase value. The more expensive flooring sometimes proves to be the more difficult ones to maintain.

These spaces can be volatile workstations. Damage from stains, grease, heat and moisture are common. If you can’t keep up with the cleaning and maintenance, the more expensive flooring might not be the best for you. Options include:

  • Ceramic tile costs: $500-$2,000
    • Durable
    • Wide variety of colors
    • Susceptible to cracking and chipping
  • Vinyl flooring: $1,000-$1,500
    • Inexpensive
    • Durable
    • Can emit VOCs
  • Linoleum prices: $800-$2,500
    • Eco-friendly
    • Stain-resistant
    • Requires regular maintenance
  • Cost of laminate flooring: $1,500-$4,500
  • Wood flooring prices: $1,500-$3,000
    • Durable
    • Wear-resistant
    • Requires regular maintenance
    • Includes: hardwood, engineered wood, bamboo
  • Bamboo Floors: $600-$1,000
    • Eco-friendly
    • Low maintenance
    • Low-cost
    • Scratches easily
  • Cork floor costs: $500-$1,500
    • Eco-friendly
    • Mildew-resistant
    • Stain-resistant
    • Requires regular maintenance
  • Stone Floor Prices: $1,000-$3,000
    • Durable
    • Expensive
    • Absorbs stains
  • Marble Floors: $1,500-$4,000
    • Durable
    • Long-lasting when properly maintained
    • Stains easily
    • Scratches easily
  • Slate Floor Costs: $1,500-$3,000
    • Durable
    • Stain-resistant
    • Low maintenance
    • Less variety in aesthetics
  • Terrazzo Costs: $4,000-$15,000
    • Durable
    • Long-lasting
    • Easy to clean
    • Expensive option
  • Concrete Flooring Prices: $1,500-$4,000
    • Easy to maintain
    • Long-lasting
    • Moisture-resistant

Electrical

The rate for electrical work is $50 to $100 per hour on average. It’s best to do electrical work during the tear-out process. However, many homeowners don’t factor in this expense until the work is underway.

Plan ahead and determine whether you need to upgrade your electrical output to accommodate a new refrigerator or oven. The cost to upgrade an electrical panel averages about $1,000. You may also need to move outlets and fixtures to accommodate a new layout. Plus, you may have outdated outlets that need replacement. The cost to add an outlet adds $175 to your project total. Hire an electrician to guide you through the process and be ready to spend about 5% of your total on electrical work.

Gas Lines

Moving a gas line costs $250 to $800. Unless you’re planning to move your oven and stove cooktop to an entirely differently place in the room, you should be able to avoid this expense. The process involves moving and running additional gas lines, upending flooring and knocking out walls. It also requires a permit for handling natural gas lines.

Consult with a Remodeling Contractor For Your Project

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Kitchen Remodel Cost by Location

City or State Average Cost Range
Los Angeles $27,700-$53,000
New Jersey $6,000-$14,000
San Diego $23,500-$49,000
Springfield, Massachusetts $9,000-$22,500
San Francisco Bay Area $24,500-$54,800
Chicago $13,000-$33,000
Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C. $14,000-$32,600
Las Vegas $20,700-$39,000
Dallas, Texas $10,400-$28,000
Seattle $16,000-$40,700
Portland, Oregon $13,400-$32,000
San Jose $30,000-$59,000
Cleveland, Ohio $10,000-$22,000
Miami, Florida $10,800-$29,000
Phoenix $11,400-$29,000
Boston $15,700-$38,500

Cost data is based on actual project costs reported by HomeAdvisor members.

You should also set aside 15% to 20% of your budget for any unexpected problems during the remodel. These issues can include plumbing, electrical, structural, and pest or toxic material problems that could arise.

Basic Remodeling on a Tight Budget

With $10,000 and $15,000, you’ll need to do some work yourself and hire a professional for the specialty work. If possible, purchase some of the materials before calling in the professionals. While contractors can get some materials for wholesale prices, it’s customary for them to charge extra for the purchase and labor. Save time and money by getting materials in advance and then paying for installation.

These projects typically involved:

  • Upgrading your sink and faucet
  • Installing or replacing your countertops with inexpensive materials (laminate, vinyl, tile)
  • Adding a tile backsplash
  • Refacing or refinishing your cabinets
  • Installing stock cabinets
  • Upgrading your appliances
  • Painting your walls and ceilings
  • Installing energy-efficient lighting in the ceiling and under the cabinet

Mid-Range Bathroom Budgets

When you’re working with $15,000 to $30,000, you can leave more work to the professionals instead of doing it yourself. This might include refinishing or refacing your cabinets, painting the walls and ceilings, installing new lighting and rewiring some electrical work. You can also focus on replacing your flooring, if it’s particularly worn, and look at more high-grade countertop material like granite, Formica or Corian. You might be able to invest in custom cabinets, move some plumbing, or have an island installed in this price range, but you might have to compromise on other upgrades in the process.

These remodels include:

  • Replacing your countertops with high-quality materials (stone, wood, metal).
  • Installing semi-custom cabinets.
  • Building an island.
  • Installing high-end appliances.
  • Adding recessed lighting and rewiring as necessary.
  • Replacing your floor.

Tips to Make It a Cheap Kitchen Remodel

  • Pass on custom options: Cabinets take up almost 30% of the budget for these projects. Save with stock products rather than custom.
  • DIY where possible: See where you can do some of the installation and replacement yourself.
  • Remodel in stages: You can break up the projects and remodel in stages, so you only have to save for one thing at a time.
  • Only do necessary updates: You don’t have to do everything. You can simply upgrade the materials and appliances that truly need updating.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Factors

When estimating the cost of a kitchen remodel, there are various factors to keep in mind. The most important include budget, longevity, and what other homeowners in the neighborhood are doing with their spaces. By planning around these factors, it’s possible to come out with results that meet expectations, last for a long time and recoup most of their original cost in the resale.

Longevity

When planning for this project, ask yourself how long you plan to live in your house from the time of the remodel. If you plan to sell shortly after, you shouldn’t spend too much money on it. The rule of thumb is that you should spend between 5% and 15% of your property’s total value. This is the optimum range for homeowners to spend and expect to recoup.

If you plan to remain in your house for years, then you should consider splurging on items like new countertops, appliances, cabinets and flooring. The fact you’ll be living in the house for years to come means that you could save money on repair or replacement because they last longer. It also means that you continue to find value in their repeated use. If you plan to live in your house for years or decades after the renovation, there’s no point in spending money and only making small changes.

Neighborhood

While this applies more to sellers than to lifetime homeowners, the neighborhood you live in should reflect the kind of changes you make. Your kitchen should not be significantly more understated or overstated than others in the neighborhood. This could reflect poorly when potential buyers are perusing and comparing properties in the area.

Ideally, you want a renovation that brings out the best qualities of the room and complements your house. Avoid any colors, styles and other design qualities that will disrupt the overall scheme of your house.

New Kitchen Costs

Adding a new kitchen will range in price from $25,000 to $50,000, or $100 to $300 per square foot. There are many additional factors in building an entirely new space with the proper structure, plumbing and electrical. High-end materials can bring your rate up to $100,000 and beyond.

How to Prepare for a Kitchen Remodel

Don’t start a kitchen renovation without a plan or a clear idea of what to expect. Before you proceed, you should complete these steps:

  1. Find a professional. You need a kitchen remodeling contractor, especially if there are electrical or plumbing changes involved.
  • Set money aside for surprises. Set aside about 15% to 20% of your budget (or around $3,000-$5,000) to cover unexpected expenses like broken pipes, mold and other problems.
  • DIY small details. You might be able to do small things yourself to cut down on your spending. Talk with the contractor first to see what you can do safely and accurately.
  • Discuss the floor plan and timeline. Before the contractor gets started, you should know the schedule and what the finished product will look like.
    • The contractor or designer will draw up a floor plan of the remodel for you to approve.
    • That plan goes to the local building permit office and onto the record for your home.
  • Sign a contract. If you don’t sign a contract with your contractor, he or she might not be held liable for mistakes or misunderstandings. You don’t want to be saddled with repairs after the fact, so make sure you get these details in writing:
    • Scope of work/full description
    • Contractor’s responsibilities
    • Homeowner’s responsibilities
    • Cost estimate
    • Timeline

    How much does a kitchen and bathroom renovation cost?

    It costs an average of $33,000 to renovate both the kitchen and the bathroom. Bathroom remodels cost around $10,000 of the total. There are many additions and remodeling contractors who are licensed to perform both projects with the help of subcontractors, so you can often hire one contractor for all the work.

    What’s the average cost to gut a kitchen?

    Gutting a kitchen ranges from as little as $300 to as much as $3,000, depending on regulations in your area, the size of your space and what you need demolished or removed. Your city and county may have regulations surrounding proper disposal of waste and materials that require extra steps and labor.

    There may also be requirements around getting an interior demolition permit in addition to your building permit. Plus, if you want to preserve some of the existing materials, you’ll pay more in labor for more careful removal.

    How much is a mobile home kitchen remodel?

    Remodeling a mobile home kitchen could be as little as $3,000 and as much as $25,000, depending on the size of the kitchen, the quality of materials you use and the extent of the renovation.

    Before you remodel a mobile home, it’s best to consult with a contractor who will ensure your changes are compliant with the Housing Urban Development (HUD) Code.

    Kitchen Renovation Ideas and Inspiration

    What’s driving your remodel? Before you consider gutting the room, make sure you have ideas in mind for how the new space and layout will look. Without anything to go on, the contractor won’t know how to design it to meet your needs.

    You want the room to flow with the rest of your house for aesthetic appeal and potential resale value down the road. Here are some different ideas to inspire you, whether you decide to follow one style or mix and match to create your own look. Get inspired to renovate to your taste and budget:

    The average cost of a kitchen remodel in Aurora is approximately $10,500 to $30,000.

    Stamford: $13,800 to $40,000.

    Minneapolis: $15,500 to $40,000.

    West Chester, PA: $14,000 to $33,000.

    Studio City: $25,000 to $52,000.

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