The Cost of a Kitchen Remodel | Understanding Your Budget

One of the best areas to start with in a home remodel is the kitchen because it adds tremendous value to the home. As far as the initial kitchen renovation cost goes, it will vary depending on whether you DIY your project or hiring a professional installer. 

The national average cost to remodel a kitchen is about $26,268. That number doesn’t tell the whole story though. Your new kitchen could cost anywhere from $14,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the size and scope of your project. Typical kitchen remodels range from $14,607 to $40,616.

The project cost depends on the style, color of cabinets and finishes. If you choose more basic cabinets and finishes, you will likely pay the low end of that price range and vice versa if you select more intricate design elements. 

The average cost to remodel a kitchen continues to increase. However, each kitchen renovation budget varies based on kitchen size, types of materials used and your personal budget.

Average Kitchen Remodel Budget Breakdowns

Average kitchen remodel budget breakdowns from low to high. Low range is $5,000 - $15,000, the medium range is $15,000 - $30,000, and the high range is $30,000+.

Home Advisor says that average 2023 kitchen remodeling costs range from $14,607- 40,623. All kitchen remodel pricing will vary based on your location, the cost of materials, and your installer. The pricing chart from HomeAdvisor below includes a breakdown of kitchen installation costs by category.

*Costs vary by location

Kitchen installation costs for cabinets and other materials vary depending on location and over kitchen remodel budget.

Kitchen Installation Costs Chart

Kitchen installation costs chart showing ranges for appliances, countertops, cabinets, faucets, flooring and sinks in the low, medium and high categories.

“For potential buyers, the kitchen is the room that can make or break the sale,” writes Kristen Hampshire at HGTV. “An upgraded, attractive kitchen can make your home irresistible.”

Kitchen remodels continue growing in popularity. For one reason, they often give a huge boost to a home's resale value. In 2022, an $80,000 kitchen remodel recouped an average of 56% of the cost upon the sale of the house. A smaller $28,000 remodel netted an average return of 71%.

Smaller remodels can have greater ROI because they tend to aim at solving functional problems. They are often designed with more versatile styles. More expensive projects tend to place a high priority on personal style and aesthetics. Although potential buyers will care that the plumbing and appliances work, most will not need a highly ornamented kitchen.

Unless your goal is to immediately sell your house, it’s best to design a kitchen you’ll love. Ultimately, your kitchen is more than an investment. It’s where you provide for and nurture your family. The kitchen is where you entertain friends and guests. It’s the living and breathing hub of your home, where thinking, conversing, and resting happens.

If you’re living in your home for the years to come, then pick out what you want and enjoy it. The Research for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence found that 40% of homeowners say they wish they had spent more money on their kitchen renovation. Their biggest regret was not adding more organizational features. 

Kitchen cabinetry is the most expensive part of any kitchen remodeling costs. Cabinets currently make up 29 percent of the overall budget. This is the case for a few reasons. Cabinetry is the main fixture of your kitchen, needs to stand the test of time and potential abuse, and most homeowners want the most updated styles and finishes. 

Most homeowners doing a kitchen remodel also want better organization and updated features like cabinet accessories. The kitchen is beautiful, but it works hard to please in many ways, which is why more expensive high-quality cabinets are a must.

Get Free Professional Services

CliqStudios offers free professional design services. Let your designer know that cost is a priority. They will use their expertise to help design your kitchen with cost in mind. The professionals at lighting, appliance, tile, and countertop stores can also be valuable sources of advice.

Light gray shaker kitchen cabinets

Light ray shaker kitchen cabinets surrounding a chef-style white range with stainless steel accents, a gas and griddle cook surface and a large stainless steel kitchen hood above. 

Do-It-With-Me Projects

Even if you don’t have construction or DIY skills, you might consider the Do-It-With-Me option, managing your project as your own general contractor. Being your own general contractor could save you up to 30 percent on your entire home improvement project.

Save on Countertops

To give some relief to your budget, consider using single thickness countertops or opting for laminate. Choose less expensive countertop materials to save money. If you’re selling soon, keep in mind that many buyers look for stone surfaces like granite or quartz.

Hit the Books

One of the best ways to stay on budget is learning from other remodelers. Luckily, there are extensive resources about remodeling on a budget. Here are a few:

• Remodel! Without Going Bonkers or Broke: A Home Improvement Primer by Jim Molinelli
• Affordable Kitchen Upgrades by Steve Cory and Diane Slavik
• Do It Yourself: Kitchens: Stunning Spaces on a Shoestring Budget by Better Homes and Gardens
• So You Want to Be a DIYer...Top 5 Tools for Getting Started in DIY by Melissa Tyler at Lake and Lumber
• How to Find Your Signature Design Style by Cait Pappas at Nest Out West 

Learn More About Kitchen Remodeling Costs:

1. How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen? – HomeAdvisor
2. Kitchen Remodeling Cost: Remodeling Professionals Tell All – The Spruce
3. The Beginner’s Guide to Remodeling a Kitchen on a Budget – Budget Dumpster
4. How Much Does a Kitchen Makeover Cost? – Houzz
5. Remodeling a Kitchen for Resale – HGTV
6. Cost vs. Value 2023 – Remodeling Magazine