How much will it cost is the very first question on every homeowner’s mind when thinking about
updating their kitchen. It’s also usually the very question that contractors try to avoid answering.
It’s the old thinking that the first person who mentions price loses. Well, I am a contractor and a
consumer so I find myself on both sides of this issue. I know how frustrating it is to research
something to purchase and not be able to at least get a range of prices.
But, in fairness to contractors everywhere without some sort of scope of work prices are very
difficult to measure accurately. For instance, replacing cabinets and counters without changing
the layout is a much different price then taking down a wall and moving the stove and sink to a
different wall.
So, the first step is to get a design done by a professional. Some companies will charge a
design fee for a full set of plans while others will provide a basic plan for free.
Once a plan is in place you can then get estimates for the work. This is the only way to get
specific pricing on the project you are planning. And even then you will get varying prices from
different companies depending on how busy they are. Vetting a contractor is part of your due
diligence. Online reviews can be helpful, but word of mouth is preferred. Hearing a friend’s
experience and seeing the finished project is the best way to gauge a contractor’s
professionalism.
Having said all of that, there is still a frustration as to how to figure out how much a kitchen
remodel will cost before you start the design process so you can start saving and budgeting.
Below is a range of prices for the different parts of an average kitchen remodel for a room size
of approximately 150 square feet
| Item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plans/Designs | Free | $750.00 | $2,500.00 |
| Permits | $750.00 | ||
| Dust Containment | $500.00 | ||
| Temporary Kitchen | $500.00 | $1,000.00 | $2,200.00 |
| Plumbing2 | $900.00 | $1,800.00 | $3,500.00 |
| Electrical | $850.00 | $1,500.00 | $3,100.00 |
| Heating | 0 | $750.00 | $ 1,500.00 |
| Flooring | $1,500.00 | $2,000.00 | $3,500.00 |
| Drywall | $1,200.00 | $1,800.00 | $2,300.00 |
| Cabinetry | $4,000.00 | $11,000.00 | $22,000.00 |
| Counters3 | $1,500.00 | $5,000.00 | $8,000.00 |
| Back splash4 | 0 | $1,500.00 | $2,200.00 |
| Trim Work | $750.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,800.00 |
| Appliances | $2,500.00 | $7,000.00 | $15,000.00 |
| Hardware | $100.00 | $300.00 | $500.00 |
| Paint5 | $200.00 | $1,500.00 | $3,000.00 |
| Lighting | $500.00 | $1,200.00 | $3,500.00 |
| Totals | $17,750.00 | $41,350.00 | $77,850.00 |
| Overhead & Profit6 | $3,550.00 | $8,270.00 | $15,570.00 |
| Total Price | $21,300.00 | $49,620.00 | $93,420.00 |
The prices above are averages based on previous projects we have completed for
homeowners. Of course, these numbers can and will fluctuate based on product selections and
what the project scope actually consists of. This guide should assist you to get a rough idea on
what a kitchen remodel costs.
1 High price includes running electrical and plumbing for a temporary sink and stove
2 Plumbing includes labor and materials to move and connect also includes sink and faucet cost
3 Low price is for laminate counters. High price is granite or quartz
4 Prices are for tile backsplash. 0 price is painted backsplash
5 Low price is do it yourself, but includes paint, trays, and rollers
6 Overhead and profit is calculated at 20% of the job costs.