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Free Kitchen Remodel Checklist with Cost Estimates (2026)

Free kitchen remodel checklist with built-in cost estimates. Check off 11 items from demolition to permits and see a live budget breakdown by quality level.

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sq ft

Average U.S. kitchen is 100-200 sq ft

LF

Measure all base and wall cabinet runs

sq ft

Typical range: 25-50 sq ft

Quality Level
or

11 of 11 items included

100%

|
$750.00 - $1,800.00
$4,000.00 - $8,000.00
$1,200.00 - $2,400.00
$450.00 - $1,200.00
$900.00 - $1,800.00
$1,500.00 - $3,500.00
$1,500.00 - $3,500.00
$4,000.00 - $8,000.00
$450.00 - $900.00
$700.00 - $1,500.00
$300.00 - $800.00

Kitchen Remodel Budget Estimate

Kitchen Size

150 sq ft

Mid-Range quality, 11 items

Estimated Total

$15,750.00 - $33,400.00

$105.00 - $222.67 per sq ft

Cost Breakdown by Item

Demolition & Disposal$750.00$1,800.00(5%)
Cabinets & Hardware$4,000.00$8,000.00(24%)
Countertops$1,200.00$2,400.00(7%)
Backsplash$450.00$1,200.00(4%)
Flooring$900.00$1,800.00(5%)
Plumbing Rough-In$1,500.00$3,500.00(10%)
Electrical & Lighting$1,500.00$3,500.00(10%)
Appliances$4,000.00$8,000.00(24%)
Painting & Drywall Repair$450.00$900.00(3%)
Sink & Faucet$700.00$1,500.00(4%)
Permits & Inspections$300.00$800.00(2%)
ItemLowHigh
Demolition & Disposal$750.00$1,800.00
Cabinets & Hardware$4,000.00$8,000.00
Countertops$1,200.00$2,400.00
Backsplash$450.00$1,200.00
Flooring$900.00$1,800.00
Plumbing Rough-In$1,500.00$3,500.00
Electrical & Lighting$1,500.00$3,500.00
Appliances$4,000.00$8,000.00
Painting & Drywall Repair$450.00$900.00
Sink & Faucet$700.00$1,500.00
Permits & Inspections$300.00$800.00
Total$15,750.00$33,400.00

Estimates based on 2026 national averages. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, and material selections.

Typical Kitchen Remodel Timeline

Plan 6-12 weeks for a full kitchen remodel. Here is how the phases break down.

PhaseDuration
Planning & Design2-4 weeks
Permits1-6 weeks
Demolition1-3 days
Rough-In3-5 days
Drywall & Paint3-5 days
Cabinets & Countertops3-7 days
Backsplash & Flooring2-4 days
Fixtures & Appliances1-2 days
Punch List1-2 days

12,800+ estimates calculated this month

Last updated: 2026-04-02

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your kitchen measurements

Add your kitchen floor area in square feet, cabinet linear feet, and countertop area. The checklist uses these numbers to calculate costs for each line item.

Pick your quality level

Choose Budget, Mid-Range, or High-End. Each tier adjusts pricing for cabinets, countertops, appliances, and every other item on the checklist.

Check or uncheck items

Toggle each checklist item on or off. Keeping cabinets but skipping a backsplash? Uncheck it and your total updates instantly.

Review your budget estimate

See an itemized cost breakdown table, bar chart, and total range. Print or share the checklist with your contractor or client.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in 2026?

A budget kitchen remodel runs $10,000-$30,000 (stock cabinets, laminate counters, vinyl flooring). A mid-range remodel costs $30,000-$60,000 (semi-custom cabinets, granite or quartz, tile floors). A high-end remodel ranges from $60,000 to $150,000+ (custom cabinets, marble or premium quartz, hardwood floors, commercial-style appliances). These numbers are national averages and vary by location.

What order should a kitchen remodel follow?

The standard sequence is: 1) Planning and design, 2) Permits, 3) Demolition, 4) Rough-in plumbing and electrical, 5) Drywall and paint, 6) Cabinet installation, 7) Countertop template and install, 8) Backsplash and flooring, 9) Fixtures and appliances, 10) Punch list and final inspection. Skipping this order causes rework. For example, installing countertops before cabinets are set means the template will be wrong.

What takes the longest in a kitchen remodel?

Cabinet lead times are the biggest delay. Stock cabinets ship in 1-2 weeks, semi-custom take 4-8 weeks, and full custom cabinets can take 8-16 weeks. Permit approval is the second most common delay, ranging from 2 days to 6 weeks depending on your jurisdiction. Order cabinets and pull permits as early as possible to avoid stalling the project.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

Cabinets and hardware typically account for 30-35% of the total budget, making them the single largest expense. Countertops are second at 10-15%, followed by appliances at 15-20%. Labor for plumbing, electrical, and installation makes up the rest. One way to save: keep your existing layout so you avoid moving plumbing and electrical lines.

Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel?

In most jurisdictions, yes. Any work that involves moving or adding plumbing lines, electrical circuits, gas lines, or structural changes (removing a wall, adding a window) requires a building permit. Cosmetic-only updates like painting, replacing cabinet doors, or swapping a faucet in the same location typically do not. Check with your local building department before starting work. Unpermitted work can cause problems when you sell the home.

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