How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?


Often times homeowners feel confused about the cost of home remodeling projects. Everybody has a different story to tell and people just don’t know who to believe any more. Truth is, every remodeling project has a different cost which depends on many factors.

The cost difference between projects is especially noticeable in kitchen remodels. These projects involve a lot of high-end materials — cabinets, appliances, tile – plus plumbing and electrical work. That’s why a kitchen renovation can range from $15,000 for minor cosmetic upgrades to $150,000+ for a full-scale remodel with addition.

contrasting kitchen island

According to Remodeling Magazines 2021 Cost vs Value Report, the national average cost of a major kitchen remodel is $75,571. Many different factors influence this cost difference. However, our experience shows that these factors are the most important:

  • Location – If you want to set a realistic budget, you must learn the expected remodeling costs for your location. For this, we recommend consulting a real estate or home remodeling company. Remember that every state has different living standards. That’s why the prices in California are not the same prices you will find in Tennessee. The cost can also vary depending on neighborhood, especially if there are strict building codes involved. For example, some historic districts require building permits even for minor kitchen upgrades.
  • Materials – Every detail counts when you are trying to determine your budget. That’s why you should also pay special attention to materials. Ask yourself: Do I prefer natural stone countertops or am I willing to consider man-made quartz? Do I want hardwood flooring or is vinyl plank ok too? The answers to these questions will guide you toward your budget. Some materials can increase the cost greatly. We recommend researching materials and their prices before setting a kitchen remodeling budget. 
  • Moving appliances – At the end, everything will depend on your vision for your future kitchen. If you are planning to completely transform your kitchen’s layout and relocate plumbing and appliances, expect a higher cost. On the other hand, if you want to keep everything as it is and add new elements or upgrade old ones, the cost will probably be lower.
  • Kitchen size –A bigger kitchen involves more materials and labor. So the logic is simple: the bigger the kitchen is, the more it will cost. However, some small kitchens have had a higher price than large ones. This was either because they used more expensive materials or decided to change the layout (build additions, move appliances, knock down walls, etc.)

Examples of Kitchen Remodels in Three Price Ranges

To prepare better and remodel your kitchen with confidence, we decided to give specific examples – three of our past projects and the cost for each. Read below and find out what factors can cause the cost of a kitchen remodel to climb from $60,000 to $150,000.

  

white galley kitchen around $60,000

$60,000 Kitchen Remodel

The least expensive remodel on this list was around $60,000. As you can see in the picture, this project was a remodel of a galley kitchen. Because the kitchen has a smaller footprint and doesn’t have an island, the price was significantly reduced. But even though it’s not as big as the other kitchens we included, the project did have some other elements that contributed to its cost.

For example, the client decided on a grey, leathered granite countertop with a textured finish. There are many levels of solid surface granite so be sure to choose wisely. But its unique look definitely proved worth-while to our clients.

Other factors that influenced the final cost were the full backsplash that was a 3×6 grey ceramic pumice tile and the stainless steel sink and appliances. The stainless steel highlighted the smooth contemporary aesthetic while the cabinets achieved a balance between the rich textures of the countertops and flooring. The cabinetry is white shaker painted and custom-made according to the clients’ wishes.

  

example of an $80,000 kitchen remodel in Fairfax, Virginia

$80,000 Kitchen Remodel

This kitchen has a slightly larger footprint, more appliances and a kitchen island. You might think that as the square footage grows, so does the cost. But that’s not the only reason why this kitchen is $20,000 more expensive than the previous one.

The clients wanted an upscale vintage look with the classic combination of wood and granite. For the cabinets, they chose a Schrock white maple shaker with wide drawers, base trash, pull-outs, cutlery space, and a lazy-Susan at the corner. Like the previous remodel example, these cabinets are semi-custom, but they have additional features which contributed to the final cost.

When it comes to the countertops, the clients chose patterned gray granite, both on the island and the perimeter. The island has double-sided storage and houses a wine fridge. Just like the previous kitchen, this one also has a stainless steel sink and appliances. For the backsplash, it has a Whisper White Arabesque with gray grout set on the diagonal, which comes with additional labor. This homeowner also added another window, updated the existing window above the sink and the French door, which required exterior work as well.

  

beautiful white and pale blue kitchen remodel in Fairfax, Virginia

$150,000+ Kitchen Addition & Remodel

The last kitchen on our list is obviously much larger than the previous two. It also cost a lot more, even double the sum of the first kitchen remodel we mentioned. The reason for the higher cost is not only the size and the materials, but also that this project required building a small addition in the back of the home. We incorporated the original galley kitchen, dining room, and family room into one open concept design.

This kitchen also has Schrock white shaker semi-custom cabinets that surround the entire perimeter. But instead of granite, the clients chose a quartz Calacatta Venice countertop which is installed on the kitchen island as well. The backsplash is also more complicated than the previous two we described. It’s a glass and marble mosaic which creates a shiny effect and a stunning view, but which also comes at a higher cost.

Compared to the previous kitchen island, this one is much bigger. Plus, it has Schrock Seaside Blue semi-custom cabinets and a cooktop. Besides the storage space in the island, the kitchen also has a reach-in pantry and drop zone. The double oven increased the price as well.  

All of these three wonderful kitchens have a lot of similar features including white cabinetry and countertops. However, their costs are widely different. It’s always useful and deeply informative to see first-hand how a cost can vary from one project to another. 

We hope that by learning more about our previous projects, you’ll have an easier time creating a more thorough budget for your kitchen remodel. If you have any questions or are looking for extra remodeling advice, feel free to contact Thomas Custom Builders. As a design-build firm, we take the time from the very beginning to fully understand your goals and objectives so that we can develop a client focused design. We discuss a realistic financial investment range for your project and also determine the time frame of when you want to start and finish your project. At TCB, it all comes down to delivering the finest product we possibly can while staying within your budget.