How Much You Should Expect To Spend On A Kitchen Remodel

A renovated kitchen undeniably adds value to your home, but how much does the average kitchen remodel cost? The trouble is, the answer differs depending on who you ask. As of 2021, Remodeling cites the national average cost for a midrange major kitchen remodel as $75,571. According to the same source, an upscale remodel costs upwards of $149,000. According to HomeAdvisor, on the other hand, the average cost ranges from $13,465 to $38,224. Many sources quote an average price of $150 per square foot when talking about kitchen remodels. Forbes says that homeowners should expect to spend 10% of their home's value on a kitchen renovation. If your house is worth $500,000, for example, plan to spend $50,000 remodeling the kitchen. These figures represent the total price for all materials and labor needed for a complete kitchen renovation. What everyone agrees on is that the cost of a kitchen remodel can vary greatly depending on the type of materials used and the size of your kitchen.

In this article, we'll discuss some factors that affect how much it costs to remodel a kitchen. We'll also provide some examples of typical costs for various parts of this project so that you can get an idea of what kinds of expenses may be involved in your project if you decide to undertake one for your home.

A kitchen remodel can be as simple as painting the cabinets and upgrading the countertops or as complex as gutting the entire space and starting from scratch. There are also many factors that affect how much it will cost, including:

Kitchen Size

The total cost of a renovation also depends on how large the space is. Larger spaces will require more materials and more labor hours. The higher the square footage, the higher the cost of the remodel. According to Bob Vila, the average cost for a kitchen remodel ranges from $75 to $250 per square foot.

Extent of Renovations

If you're updating an older home with an outdated kitchen, you may want to consider a total gut renovation with new cabinets, countertops, and appliances. This can significantly increase your budget. Partial kitchen remodels tend to run about half as much as full-blown renovations. A partial renovation typically involves replacing cabinets or countertops while leaving the rest of the space untouched — which means it will be cheaper than replacing everything at once. Partial renovations typically range in price depending on what exactly needs updating and how extensive the changes are expected to be.

Style

While it may seem simply aesthetic, style has a major impact on the cost of a kitchen remodel. Contemporary or traditional? Modern or classic? Rustic country style? Art Deco? Each style has its own set of materials and finishes that impact costs significantly.

Material Quality

Some homeowners opt for expensive materials like granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances in order to make their kitchens stand out from all the others in their neighborhood. We'll explore the cost of specific materials.

Location of Property

Renovations carry different costs based on the average cost of labor in your area. Kitchen renovations in urban areas, for example, tend to be pricier than those in rural areas. Kitchens located in upscale neighborhoods generally cost more because they have higher-quality materials and finishes in order to compete with other comparable houses in the area.

Structural Issues

One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of a kitchen remodel is structural issues. If there are problems with the foundation or existing plumbing, these may need to be fixed before you can begin working on your new kitchen. In some cases, this could add thousands of dollars to your total budget.

While a number of elements affect the total cost of a kitchen remodel, cabinets are usually the most significant factor. In fact, according to HGTV, you can expect the cost of cabinets to make up about 25% of your total kitchen renovation budget. Cabinet prices vary significantly based on size and material. In terms of material, the most popular options are solid wood, wood veneer, laminate, and plywood, all of which carry different price tags.

In general, custom cabinets are more expensive than stock cabinets because they're made to fit your exact specifications, and they require more labor-intensive workmanship. The average cost for custom cabinets is $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. Stock cabinets cost about half as much at $100 to $300 per linear foot, according to Bob Vila. The cost of cabinets can also vary widely depending on where you live and which company you choose to hire.

One of the biggest factors to consider is countertop material. A high-end material will increase your costs significantly more than a budget-friendly choice, but you may not feel that you can compromise on style. Here are some common options and how they impact your overall budget.

Granite

For those who like natural stone, granite is one of the most popular choices. It comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose something that suits your aesthetic preferences and also matches existing elements in your kitchen. Bear in mind that granite is prone to staining, so it's not a great choice for busy kitchens where lots of cooking spills will happen. If you do choose this option, seal it regularly to reduce its porosity. According to Home Remodeling Costs Guide, expect to spend between $85 and $175 per square foot for granite countertops.

Marble

Marble is one of the most luxurious-looking options you can choose for your kitchen countertops, but it's also pretty high maintenance. Marble is soft and porous, meaning it needs to be sealed annually and can easily be damaged. Expect to spend between ​​$125 and $200 per square foot for marble.

Quartz

If you like the look of granite or marble but worry about its durability, quartz can be an excellent alternative since it's nonporous and doesn't require sealing. It costs $75 to $125 per square foot installed. Quartzite is similar but slightly more expensive.

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops are a popular addition to many kitchens because they're easy to clean and come in an array of colors and textures. They can also be cut to fit around plumbing pipes, electrical outlets, or other hardware that may be integrated into your countertop design. Solid surface countertops cost $65 to $85 per square foot installed.

Butcher's Block

Butcher block counters are a popular choice for those looking for style without sacrificing functionality or durability. Butcher block countertops have a tendency to absorb stains, so it is important that you clean them regularly. You should also avoid using abrasive cleaners or sponges on your butcher block countertop because they can damage the wood. Expect to spend between $65 and $120 per square foot (via Home Remodeling Costs Guide).

Choosing the right flooring for your kitchen remodel is a big decision. Ceramic tiles are the most popular choice in kitchens because they're durable, easy to clean, waterproof, and available in a wide range of colors and styles. Homes & Gardens estimates that the average cost for ceramic tiles is $15 per square foot.

Vinyl sheet flooring comes in a variety of styles, including planks, tiles, and sheets that look like wood planks. Vinyl has many advantages over ceramic, including being less expensive and easier to install. It costs between $0.50 and $3 per square foot. Laminate flooring is one of the least expensive options when it comes to flooring options in kitchens, but it's slightly more expensive than vinyl at $1.50 to $3 per square foot. It's available in many different styles and colors, including porcelain tile-look laminate that mimics the look of ceramic tile at a fraction of the cost.

Wood flooring is becoming an increasingly popular option, allowing homeowners to carry over the same flooring that's in the rest of their living area. Expect to spend about $8 per square foot for wood flooring.

Along with cabinetry, flooring, and countertops, there are a number of other costs to factor in when planning a kitchen remodel. Home Guide estimates that installation and labor make up 18% of the total budget, for an average of $4,130. Appliances vary greatly in price depending on whether you decide to opt for budget models or more high-end options, though you should expect them to make up about 15% of your budget for a total of $3,390. Lighting costs an additional $1,050, while you can plan for painting and drywall to run you up about $1,150, depending on the scope of the work. 

Many homeowners opt to work with a designer to plan out the renovation work, and this costs an average of $720. Plumbing averages a total of $730, though you can expect those costs to be much higher if you're installing an island sink or changing the location of the plumbing. It's always important to budget for incidentals, so don't forget to leave a little extra room in the budget for unexpected expenses.

If you're looking for ways to improve your home, remodeling the kitchen may be the perfect solution. An updated kitchen can help you make your home more comfortable and functional, and it can also increase its value. A kitchen remodel is a significant investment, but it's worth it for a number of reasons. Kitchens today have become more than just places where food is prepared; they have become centers for entertaining and socializing. A well-designed and well-equipped kitchen can ultimately save time and money since people will enjoy preparing meals at home rather than eating out.

Energy-efficient appliances, lighting fixtures, and insulation can help lower monthly energy costs significantly. Replacing old appliances with updated versions is also more eco-friendly since newer appliances use less electricity than older ones do. Plus, if you add insulation or weather stripping around doors and windows, you'll potentially reduce heating costs over time, according to Bob Vila.

Finally, if you're selling your home and want to get top dollar for it, then updating or your kitchen is an excellent way to add value. This can also help you sell faster because many buyers look specifically for kitchens with modern amenities.