Estimating Kitchen Remodel Cost
The cost of a kitchen remodel depends on three main factors: the changes made, the materials used and local labor costs (or more specifically, the fee of the contractor you hire to do the work). Estimating your kitchen remodel cost before any significant planning or design work is done can at least give you a ballpark range of what typical projects cost. The following national cost averages come from Remodeling magazine’s popular Cost vs. Value report for 2009–2010.
A modest remodel might include new cabinet doors and a modern oven.
Midrange Kitchen Remodel Cost: Minor Remodel
A makeover on a 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 feet of cabinets costs around $21,400.
A typical project might include:
- Replacing cabinet doors with raised-panel doors, plus new hardware
- New energy-efficient oven and cooktop
- New laminate countertops
- New standard sink and faucet
- Replacing resilient ("vinyl”) flooring
- Installing new wallpaper
- Painting trim
- No changes to cabinet configuration or fixture/appliance locations
A major remodeling job can involve new appliances and a new island.
Midrange Kitchen Remodel Cost: Major Remodel
A significant update to the same 200 sq.ft. kitchen costs around $57,200 and might include:
- New semi-custom cabinets (relocating cabinets may add to the cost)
- Installing a new island (3 x 5 feet)
- New sink, faucet and laminate countertops
- New energy-efficient oven, cooktop, microwave (built-in), dishwasher, garbage disposer and ventilation system
- Adding custom light fixtures
- Installing new resilient ("vinyl”) flooring
- Painting walls, ceilings and trim
A high-end remodel can involve custom cabinets and accessories.
High-End Kitchen Remodel Cost: Major Remodel
For “the works” on a 200 sq.ft. kitchen, you can expect to pay about $111,800. However, the potential for upgrades or custom additions to any of the kitchen elements makes the project cost essentially limitless. Many high-end remodels include expanding or adding onto the room or home, and this can easily double or triple the typical kitchen remodel cost. A typical high-end remodel might include:
- New premium hardwood cabinets with custom accessories
- New stone countertops with premium under-mount sink and faucet
- Integrated water filtration system
- Premium tile backsplashes
- New built-in refrigerator
- New cooktop and commercial-grade range and ventilation system
- New convection oven with microwave function
- New warming drawer and trash compactor
- Installing new comprehensive lighting array
- Adding new cork (or similar) flooring
- Installing new hardwood molding
How Much Will Your Kitchen Cost?
By comparing your project goals to the items listed in the above remodels, and making cost adjustments for any variances, you can get closer to a ballpark figure for your new kitchen. For many homeowners, getting over the initial sticker shock of a proposed kitchen remodel is an important first step to the real planning process. Once you have a better idea of what your project will involve, as well as many of the new materials and products you’ll use, sit down with a kitchen designer, remodeling contractor or architect to do a thorough examination and breakdown of the costs involved.
Consider different kitchen remodeling ideas and floor plans that fit your budget. Choose a contractor who has experience on projects like yours.
To find the right contractor in your area, fill out the form below.
Philip Schmidt is a home improvement author and editor based in Colorado. He enjoys honey-do lists and boring his family with random facts about houses.
