
How Much a Kitchen Remodel Really Costs, According to Interior Designers and Contractors
Remodeling a kitchen is one of the most exciting projects you can take on—and and of the most expensive. The process is a chance to reimagine the heart of your home, whether it’s new countertops, elegant tile backsplashes, or cabinetry that feels like it was made just for you.
However, depending on the scale of your overhaul, a kitchen renovation can quickly end up breaking the bank—and then some. To take some of the guesswork out of the process, we’ve broken down every single financial aspect of a kitchen remodel, so you’ll know exactly how much one costs..
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?
According to 2025 data from Angi, a minor renovation can cost between $10,000 and $20,000, while a major renovation averages between $20,000 and $65,000. For a complete gut, you’re looking at a minimum of $65,000 to $130,000+.
Ultimately, the cost of a kitchen renovation depends on the project, including how much you’re changing, the size of the space, where you live, and the quality of materials and finishes you choose. A minor facelift might involve new paint, backsplash, and hardware, while a full-scale remodel could mean gutting the entire kitchen and reconfiguring the layout, including plumbing and electrical work.
“The reality of home remodeling is that most projects cost more than the financial value they add to the home, so rather than focusing on the ROI of a project, homeowners should consider the personal value of remodeling,” says contractor Liz Young, founder and CEO of Realm, a digital network of contractors and renovation experts.
Before jumping into the remodel, Young suggests first asking yourself how the project fits your family’s needs, what your long-term goals are, and what your preferred home functionality or design preferences are. “Additionally, rather than looking at the total cost of the project, it can be helpful to consider the cost per year to enjoy that newly remodeled space,” she says.
Don’t forget to factor in a contingency budget, which accounts for any unexpected expenses that you’re likely to encounter along the way. This buffer covers hidden damages, outdated electrical or plumbing, delays, and last-minute changes or upgrades. A good rule of thumb is to add 10 percent (for smaller projects and new homes) to 20 percent of the total expected cost (for larger projects and older homes).
Key Construction Costs in a Kitchen Renovation
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for construction. Keep in mind these are approximations—the price of your individual project may vary.
Permits and Inspections: $500 to $2000+
“If we consider that the original layout needs to be changed, like appliance location and plumbing, etc., then we have to submit a new plan to the city for kitchen remodeling, and an architect needs to put it together,” says Young. “The process is easy and fast, and can cost $2000 to get the permit.” Costs vary by state, and you may encounter the need for new permits along the way.
Layout and Planning: $500 to $15,000
Depending on the homeowner’s design preferences and the overall scope of work, Young says that layout and planning can range in cost from $500 to $1,500 for a 2D or 3D model. Alternatively, if you want architectural plans, this can cost between $5000 and $15,000.
“We encourage homeowners to choose a design and build firm instead of an architect to avoid over-engineering and to maximize cost savings,” she says.
Plumbing and Electric: $5,000 to $20,000
Plumbing and electrical work can be one of the most expensive aspects of a kitchen remodel, particularly if you’re changing the layout, says contractor Arvin Rostami, founder of Estates By Arvin Rostami.
If you’re keeping your sink, appliances, and lighting in the same locations, then costs will likely stay on the lower end. However, if you’re doing a full reconfiguration that involves moving water lines, adding outlets, or upgrading your electrical panel to support new appliances, then the cost can climb to $15,000, $20,000, or even more.
Interior Design and Finishing Costs
Lauren Pressey
Now for the fun stuff. Along with construction costs, there’s a wide range of interior design and finishing costs to factor in. These spends may vary depending on square footage (the more square footage, the higher the cost), whether you’re upgrading appliances, the cost of these new purchases, and your preferred finishes. Here’s what you can expect.
Interior Design Planning: $2,000 to $10,000
This is optional. However, if you want to hire an interior designer to plan your kitchen and oversee aspects of the project, then factor this into your budget. Costs range from $100 to $300 per hour or a flat fee of $2,000 to $10,000+, depending on the designer’s experience, your location, and the scope of work. Some designers also charge a percentage of the total project cost (typically around 10 to 20 percent).
Countertops: $2,000 to $8,000
The average cost of kitchen countertops depends on the material you choose, says interior designer Sarah Abdallah, founder and principal of Functional Creative Design. On average, most homeowners spend $2,000 to $5,000 total on countertops during a kitchen remodel. Keep in mind that rare or high-end slabs, custom edges, and thicker profiles can drive up the price.
- Laminate: $20 to $60 per square foot
- Butcher Block: $40 to $100 per square foot
- Granite: $40 to $100 per square foot
- Quartz: $50 to $120 per square foot
- Marble: $70 to $150+ per square foot
- Concrete: $70 to $140 per square foot
- Soapstone: $70 to $120 per square foot
- Quartzite: $80 to $200 per square foot
Flooring: $300 to $2000
There are a wide variety of flooring options—the final selection will depend on the homeowner’s goals and whether or not they’re motivated by a return on investment or building a forever home. “We encourage homeowners to order 15 to 20 percent overage to accommodate for installation waste,” says Young. “For a 130-square-foot kitchen remodel—[the average size of a kitchen]—we’re most often seeing homeowners choose mid-range flooring materials.”
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): $2 to $5 per square foot
- Tile: $3 to $10 per square foot
- Stone: $3 to $12 per square foot
- Hardwood: $4 to $10 per square foot
Appliances: $0 to $10,000+
Obviously, if you choose to keep all your existing kitchen appliances, then the overall cost is $0. However, if you want to upgrade one, two, or all of them, then the cost increases.
“Appliances can vary greatly,” says interior designer Andrea Derosa, co-founder of Avenue Interior Design. “On the low end, you should budget approximately $10,000 for your appliance package. The sky is really the limit on appliances, as a single specialty range can cost as much as a full kitchen buildout!”
Cabinetry: $0 to $20,000+
Cabinetry can greatly impact your budget. In some cases, you may want to keep your cabinetry as-is ($0), or give it a quick face-lift with paint or sanding/staining ($200 to $1000). New cabinetry gets expensive very quickly, with costs ranging between $3,000 and $20,000, depending on the size of your kitchen and the type of cabinets you choose.
“If you’re working on a limited budget, opt for closed base cabinetry and open shelving above the counter, rather than closed cabinetry,” says Derosa. “The quality of cabinetry—as well as the hinges and glides the manufacturer uses—can vary, as well, so we always recommend getting two or three quotes.” Stock cabinetry will also be cheaper than custom cabinetry.
Paint and Wallpaper: $50 to $2000+
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most affordable ways to refresh your kitchen, with DIY costs as low as $50 to $150 for paint and supplies. However, you can expect to pay up to $1,500 if you hire out, says Abdallah. If you’re opting for wallpaper—especially designer or textured styles—costs can climb to $2,000 or more, including installation.
Backsplash: $500 to $2500+
A backsplash adds both style and function, protecting your walls and serving as a key design element. Costs vary depending on the material: Ceramic tile is typically the most budget-friendly, while glass, marble, or slab stone options are more high-end. For a standard 20 to 30 square foot backsplash area, expect to pay between $500 and $2,500+. Custom patterns or intricate layouts will push costs higher.
- Ceramic Tile: $5 to $15 per square foot
- Glass Tile: $10 to $30 per square foot
- Marble Tile: $15 to $50 per square foot
- Zellige Tile: $20 to $50 per square foot
- Slab Stone (Quartz, Granite, etc.): $40 to $100+ per square foot
Light Fixtures: $250 to $2000+
Abdallah says to plan for about $1,000 for new light fixtures. You can either install them yourself or have a professional do it. If you DIY the project and choose lower cost items, the price will hover on the lower end. However, high-end designer fixtures can run the gamut.