Average U.S. kitchen is 100-200 sq ft
Kitchen Remodel Cost Guide
Detailed cost breakdown, ROI data, and budget guidelines for kitchen renovations.
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026?
A kitchen remodel costs $15,000–$75,000+ depending on size, layout changes, and finish level.
- Minor remodel (cosmetic): $15,000–$30,000 (refinish cabinets, new counters, backsplash)
- Mid-range remodel: $30,000–$60,000 (new cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring)
- Major/upscale remodel: $60,000–$150,000+ (gut renovation, layout change, premium finishes)
- Per sq ft range: $100–$350/sq ft for a full kitchen remodel
The rule of thumb: spend 5–15% of your home's value on a kitchen remodel for optimal ROI.
Key Takeaways
- Minor remodel: $15,000–$30,000
- Mid-range remodel: $30,000–$60,000
- Budget 5–15% of home value for kitchen
Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown
Cabinets are the single largest expense at 25–35% of total kitchen remodel cost.
- Cabinets: 25–35% ($5,000–$25,000+ for a typical kitchen)
- Countertops: 10–15% ($2,000–$10,000; granite $40–$100/sq ft, quartz $50–$120/sq ft)
- Appliances: 15–20% ($3,000–$15,000 for a full suite)
- Flooring: 7–10% ($1,500–$5,000)
- Plumbing/electrical: 15–20% ($3,000–$8,000)
- Labor: 30–40% of total project cost
Key Takeaways
- Cabinets = 25–35% of total budget
- Countertops: quartz $50–$120/sq ft, granite $40–$100/sq ft
- Labor = 30–40% of total project cost
Kitchen Remodel ROI & Timeline
A minor kitchen remodel returns 70–80% at resale, making it one of the best home improvement investments.
- Minor remodel ROI: 70–80%
- Major remodel ROI: 50–60%
- Timeline: 6–12 weeks for a mid-range remodel, 3–5 months for major
- Design phase: 2–6 weeks before construction begins
The #1 timeline delay is cabinet lead time (4–12 weeks). Order cabinets first, then schedule trades around the delivery date.
Key Takeaways
- Minor remodel ROI: 70–80% at resale
- Mid-range timeline: 6–12 weeks
- Cabinet lead time: 4–12 weeks (order first)
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Kitchen Size
Input your kitchen square footage. Measure the floor area including cabinets — the average U.S. kitchen is 100-200 square feet.
Select Quality Level
Choose budget ($75-150/sf), mid-range ($150-250/sf), or high-end ($250-450/sf) to match your renovation goals and material choices.
Review Category Breakdown
See how costs divide across cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, plumbing, electrical, and labor.
Plan Your Budget
Use the low and high estimates to set a realistic budget range. The biggest cost driver is cabinets at 30-35% of the total.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Formula
Total Cost = Kitchen Sq Ft x Cost per Sq Ft (by quality level)Where:
- Kitchen Sq Ft
- = Total kitchen floor area in square feet
- Budget Level
- = $75-150/sf (stock cabinets, laminate counters, basic appliances)
- Mid-Range Level
- = $150-250/sf (semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, mid-grade appliances)
- High-End Level
- = $250-450/sf (custom cabinets, natural stone, professional appliances)
- Cabinets
- = 30-35% of total cost (largest single expense)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in 2026?
A kitchen remodel in 2026 typically costs $15,000-$50,000 for a mid-range renovation and $50,000-$150,000+ for high-end. A minor refresh (paint, hardware, backsplash) can be done for $5,000-$15,000. The biggest variables are cabinet choice (stock vs. custom), countertop material, and whether you are changing the layout.
What is the best ROI kitchen upgrade?
According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report, a minor kitchen remodel returns 72-81% of its cost at resale, making it one of the best home improvement investments. The highest-ROI upgrades are: refacing cabinets (75-80% ROI), new countertops (60-70%), and updated appliances (60-65%). Full gut remodels return 50-60%.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A minor kitchen update takes 4-6 weeks. A mid-range remodel with new cabinets and countertops takes 8-12 weeks. A full gut renovation with layout changes takes 12-20 weeks. Add 2-4 weeks for permits and material lead times. Custom cabinets alone can take 6-12 weeks to fabricate and deliver.
Should I reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
Refacing saves 30-50% compared to new cabinets and takes 3-5 days vs. 2-3 weeks. Refacing works well if your cabinet boxes are solid and you are happy with the layout. Replace if cabinets are water-damaged, the layout is inefficient, or you want soft-close hinges and full-extension drawers. Stock cabinets cost $100-300/linear ft, semi-custom $150-650/lf, and custom $500-1,200/lf.
What kitchen countertop is most durable?
Quartz is the most durable mainstream countertop — it is non-porous, never needs sealing, and resists staining and scratching. Granite is a close second but requires annual sealing. For budget projects, butcher block ($40-100/sf installed) or laminate ($10-40/sf installed) are practical choices. Quartz runs $50-150/sf installed; granite is $40-100/sf installed.
What percentage of home value should I spend on a kitchen remodel?
The general rule is to spend 5-15% of your home's value on a kitchen remodel. For a $400,000 home, that is $20,000-$60,000. Spending more than 15% risks over-improving for your neighborhood, which reduces ROI. For investment properties or flips, keep kitchen budgets under 10% of after-repair value.
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