Here’s the Average Kitchen Remodel Cost for Each Part of Your Remodel

If you're considering selling your home, a new kitchen can significantly increase its value and can also help you attract more potential buyers, oftentimes outsizing the average kitchen remodel cost. But that’s not the only reason to do it: A full kitchen renovation can improve accessibility and safety, make cooking more efficient, and improve the look and feel of a space you spend a significant amount of your home-time in. The average cost of a kitchen remodel can vary overall depending on whether you take the DIY approach or enlist the help of professional contractors.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. A renovation can help transform this area into a more welcoming space that can accommodate family dinners, hosting events, and the spirit of togetherness. Some of the features that can be included in a kitchen remodeling include a built-in kitchen island, new cabinets, flooring, and additional lighting.

Average Kitchen Remodel Cost

Depending on if you are completing a smaller DIY project or a larger renovation that involves the outside help of kitchen remodel contractors, the total cost of your kitchen remodel can vary.

Breakdown of the Average Kitchen Remodel Cost

There’s a lot that goes into the breakdown of the average cost of kitchen remodel. These following subsections will provide a complete overview of kitchen remodel ideas and how to renovate each part of your kitchen and the costs that accompany it!

Cabinets ($4,000 - $13,000) - Professional

Usually, kitchen cabinets come with a large price tag, but there are lots of factors that can affect the cost of the purchase. Labor is the most obvious place to start, but unless you’ve done this job before, it’s best to leave the installation to the pros. You don’t want your cabinets to fall off your wall, shattering your everyday dishware or even worse, your fine china.

The most common type of kitchen cabinet is a frame with an attachable door. This type of door is commonly used in traditional designs. In modern kitchen designs, you can come across frameless options. This type of cabinet features open access to the interior of the cabinet.

Consider the design you want before starting. Custom-built cabinetry may be what the doctor ordered if you have a very specific vision (maybe acrylic?). However, it should be noted that the build time for a custom-built cabinet is typically much longer than that of other types of kitchen furniture and can really rack up the tab.

Plumbing ($3,480 - $6,980) - Professional (if needed)

Although your new kitchen fixtures and faucets may look like they’re in good condition, the pipes that are attached to them may not be working properly. Having the plumbing system inspected and potentially replaced before the new fixtures and appliances are installed can prevent water damage and major headaches and bills down the road.

Before you start a kitchen remodeling project, it’s advisable to speak with a professional to inspect your current setup and determine if anything needs replacing.

Replace damaged or worn kitchen fixtures and pipes during your kitchen remodeling project. You’re already doing major work, so it makes sense to knock everything out at once. This may include some demo work. Having the walls, floors, and countertops removed makes it easier for plumbers to access the various features and plumbing lines.

Island ($3,000 - $5,000) - Professional

Before you start planning your kitchen island, think about how you will use it. If you’re not planning on using it as a seating area, you might want to consider adding more storage space beneath the countertops or leaving it empty. On the other hand, if you’re planning on entertaining guests, you might want to add a few built-in stools to make it more functional.

While you don’t want to overdo the size of your island, you should ensure that it’s not cramped. When designing the layout of your kitchen, make sure that you leave enough space between the island and its various appliances and countertops. This is where your handy-dandy measuring tape comes in. You will want about four feet at a minimum of space between your island and the rest of the kitchen to give you enough room to walk through, turn around, and move things around as you cook or host.

Retailers such as Wayfair offer various styles and price points for kitchen islands. If you have enough space but your kitchen is on the smaller side, having one that’s on a rolling chassis might be ideal. If you’re okay with DIY projects, you can create one by sourcing materials and assembling components yourself. Bonus points for creativity!

Kitchen countertops are a prominent part of the room and can truly set the tone.

Countertops ($1,900 – $4,400) - Professional

One of the most important factors that a kitchen remodeling project will include is the addition of kitchen countertops done by a professional. This part of the kitchen is a prominent part of the room and can truly set the tone.

One of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops is quartz, which is a type of stone made using a combination of resins, pigments, and stone chips. Quartz countertops are incredibly resilient as they are made from a hard mineral. Manufacturers are now producing various patterns for this material which can mimic the look of marble and granite, giving you a refined look at a fraction of the cost.

Electrical ($1,924 - $2,296) - Professional

Most people don’t consider the electrical work needed to be done when it comes to remodeling a kitchen. You need lights, heavy-hitting appliances like fridges and stoves, as well as odds and ends like outlets that all need checking.

A typical kitchen layout requires a minimum of eight circuits and the main components of this system include the refrigerator, the dishwasher, the microwave, the lighting, and the breakfast area.

When the insulation of the kitchen is stripped back, the kitchen's wiring will show a neutral wire, a ground wire, and a power wire. The ground wire will dissipate any extra charge that's generated by the overload, preventing the appliances from burning out. It’s a good idea to have a professional come out and make sure that the wiring is properly grounded before you start a kitchen remodeling project.

For years now, PVC flooring made to mimic the look of hardwood has been one of the most sought-after flooring types for kitchens.

Flooring ($1,500 - $4,500) - Professional

You have choices here, but we recommend avoiding hardwood and carpet since this is one of the most stain-prone areas of your home.

For years now, PVC flooring made to mimic the look of hardwood has been one of the most sought-after flooring types for kitchens. It’s durable and is a great budget alternative to hardwood — it’s also much easier to care for. This type of flooring can be used in any kitchen and it has a unique grain that will give it a beautiful look for years to come!

Various types of stone flooring are also popular to use in kitchens, such as marble, slate, and travertine. Plus, it’s easy to clean and maintain.

The durability and variety of porcelain and ceramic tiles make them an ideal choice for homeowners. They can be used indoors or out and they’re moisture-resistant. The appealing part about choosing tile is its near-limitless range of colors, textures, and shapes which allows you to create your own unique look.

Lighting ($1,500 - $2,500) - DIY or Professional

The lighting in a kitchen can greatly affect a room’s mood, and it’s important to consider the function when it comes to choosing the right fixtures. While a kitchen is primarily a work area, it also serves various other functions such as entertaining guests and preparing meals. Having the appropriate lighting setup will help set the tone in the best way possible for all the cherished memories that will take place there!

One type of lighting that can be used in a kitchen is overhead lighting, which is a type of fixture commonly used in kitchen remodeling projects as it provides continuous illumination. However, it can be very inefficient when it comes to providing task illumination on the countertops and island.

When it comes to planning a kitchen remodeling project, the lighting under the cabinets should also be taken into account. Darkened upper cabinets can make the area harder to see while having lighting installed directly under the kitchen's cabinets can provide the necessary illumination for various tasks.

Strip lights and fixtures with LED technology are almost invisible as they can hide under the upper cabinets and provide good task lighting. They are also versatile and can be used in varying brightness and temperature levels.

Painting ($400 - $1,500) - DIY or Professional

Although it's generally easier to paint than other dangerous jobs such as electrical work and plumbing, the process can still be challenging and might just call for outside help. Before you start painting a project, it's important that you take the time to plan out the details of the project. For instance, if you're planning on redoing the plumbing, wait for that work to be done. There’s no point in painting a wall that’s going to be ripped out to replace pipes.

In order to complete a successful painting job, you must have the necessary supplies such as high-quality paints and equipment. In addition to having the proper materials, you must ensure that the surfaces being painted are free of dirt, debris, and dust. It is also important to cover any surfaces that you don’t want to come into contact with paint drips like countertops, floors, and cabinets.

While you can do this work yourself, hiring a professional painter can save time. If you're in a particular rush to get the job done, start collecting quotes early in the kitchen remodeling process.

Appliances ($200 - $10,000) - DIY or Professional

The appliances you choose, like a refrigerator, oven, and microwave, can significantly affect the look and functionality of your kitchen (and the cost of your kitchen remodel). For instance, if you're planning on just replacing one of your kitchen appliances (e.g. the dishwasher), it could cost as little as $400. However, as you expand your budget to include more appliances, the price will certainly go up.

The brands that you buy all of your appliances from will play a significant role in the cost of the remodeling project. Most mainstream brands offer great performance and reliability at an accessible price with kitchen appliances that come with everything you need to prepare meals and store food efficiently.

Kitchen appliances go beyond just having better performance by integrating with your lifestyle. You'll also find more convenient features such as smart refrigerators and ovens that let you control everything much easier. You’ll want to think about how much energy each appliance uses as well. Over the lifetime of the appliance, you may end up saving money with a more energy-efficient model even if the upfront cost is higher.

Faucets ($161 - $364) - Professional

Today, there are two popular styles of sink faucets — single lever and two-handle. You can also choose between a variety of spigots, such as those that have a low or high arc. The single lever design is more compact and takes up less space than the other styles. The dual-handled style is only slightly better than the single lever when it comes to temperature control. Water pressure? Get plenty. You’ll be washing dishes often and you’ll want help for those tough grease stains.

The hands-free design of faucets is a new style that's ideal for cleaning and convenience, which activates water through movement. Another type of faucet is the pot-filler which features a sensor that lets you fill your pot without you having to stand over it.

There are various types of finishes that can be used for your kitchen faucet, such as oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and chrome. It's important to choose one that fits well with the look of your kitchen.

Use PODS & Make More Room For Your Kitchen Remodel

Need more room to store your things during the remodel? Look no further than PODS, where you can have a portable container delivered to your driveway. Use it to store tools, pots, pans, or other materials throughout the remodeling process.