Key takeaways
- Typical cost: $10,000–$70,000 for a minor to major remodel.
- Minor remodel: $10,000–$20,000
- Major remodel: $20,000–$70,000
- Per sq ft: about $75–$250
- Timeline: Minor remodels take 3–6 weeks.
- Permits: Electrical, plumbing, gas and wall changes need permits.
Kitchen Remodel Cost at a glance
Kitchen remodels typically cost $10,000–$20,000 for a minor refresh and $20,000–$70,000 for a major remodel. Full-gut upscale projects can reach $100,000–$130,000+. Cabinets and countertops are usually the largest line items.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor remodel | $10,000–$20,000 | Refaced/painted cabinets, counters, fixtures, paint |
| Major remodel | $20,000–$70,000 | New cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring |
| Full-gut, midrange | $30,000–$80,000 | Layout changes, new plumbing/electrical |
| Full-gut, upscale | $100,000–$130,000+ | Custom cabinetry, premium appliances |
| Stock cabinets | $100–$300 per linear ft | Installed |
| Semi-custom cabinets | $200–$650 per linear ft | Installed |
Prices run lowest in states like Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama and highest in Hawaii, California and Alaska. See the full breakdown and cost by state →
Kitchen Remodeling cost questions
- What is the cost of minor remodel? The typical cost of minor remodel is $10,000–$20,000. Refaced/painted cabinets, counters, fixtures, paint.
- What is the cost of major remodel? The typical cost of major remodel is $20,000–$70,000. New cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring.
- What is the cost of full-gut, midrange? The typical cost of full-gut, midrange is $30,000–$80,000. Layout changes, new plumbing/electrical.
- What is the cost of full-gut, upscale? The typical cost of full-gut, upscale is $100,000–$130,000+. Custom cabinetry, premium appliances.
- What is the cost of stock cabinets? The typical cost of stock cabinets is $100–$300 per linear ft. Installed.
- What is the cost of semi-custom cabinets? The typical cost of semi-custom cabinets is $200–$650 per linear ft. Installed.
- What is the cost of custom cabinets? The typical cost of custom cabinets is $500–$1,200 per linear ft. Installed.
- What is the cost of granite countertops? The typical cost of granite countertops is $40–$100 per sq ft. About $2,000–$4,000 typical.
- What is the cost of quartz countertops? The typical cost of quartz countertops is $50–$200 per sq ft. About $1,500–$8,000 typical.
Minor vs. major kitchen remodel
| Minor remodel | Major remodel | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10,000–$20,000 | $20,000–$70,000+ |
| Cabinets | Paint, reface, new hardware | New cabinets |
| Layout | Same | Often changed |
| Timeline | 2–6 weeks | 2–4+ months |
| Resale return | Highest of any kitchen project | Lower percentage return |
Kitchen remodel steps
- Set a budget and must-have list.
- Hire a designer or design-build contractor; finalize layout.
- Choose cabinets, counters, appliances and fixtures (cabinets can take weeks to arrive).
- Pull permits for plumbing, electrical or structural changes.
- Demolition, rough-in plumbing and electrical, inspections.
- Drywall, cabinets, countertops (templated after cabinets), backsplash, appliances and final inspection.
Is a kitchen remodel worth it?
Industry Cost vs. Value data shows minor midrange kitchen remodels recover more of their cost at resale than major upscale renovations. If you're selling within a few years, focus on updates buyers notice — counters, lighting, hardware and appliances. If you're staying long-term, design for how you cook and live.
Common kitchen remodeling questions
How much does a small kitchen remodel cost?
A minor or small kitchen remodel typically costs $10,000–$20,000 nationally. The full range, from minor updates to a major remodel, is about $10,000–$70,000.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets are usually the largest single line item, often around 30% of the budget, followed by labor, countertops and appliances. Moving plumbing, gas or walls adds the most unexpected cost.
How can I remodel a kitchen on a budget?
Keep the existing layout, paint or reface cabinets instead of replacing them, choose mid-range counters and do the painting and demolition yourself. Moving sinks and ranges is what blows budgets.
Which kitchen upgrades add the most value?
National cost-versus-value studies consistently show minor, mid-range kitchen updates recouping a larger share of their cost than major upscale remodels.
Quartz or granite: which countertop is better?
Quartz is nonporous and never needs sealing. Granite handles heat well but should be sealed periodically. Prices overlap, so choose on look and maintenance.
What order is a kitchen remodel done in?
Design and order materials, then demolition, plumbing and electrical rough-in, inspections, drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertop templating and install, backsplash, appliances and final inspection.
How do I live without a kitchen during a remodel?
Set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, coffee maker, fridge and a folding table, and plan simple meals. Minor remodels take 3–6 weeks; major ones 2–4 months.
Do I need a designer for a kitchen remodel?
Not for a like-for-like refresh. A designer or design-build firm earns their fee when you change the layout, and removing a load-bearing wall needs an engineer.
Timeline, permits and DIY
How long it takes
Minor remodels take 3–6 weeks. Major remodels with layout changes take 2–4 months.
Permits
Electrical, plumbing, gas and wall changes need permits. Purely cosmetic updates usually don't.
DIY or hire a pro?
Painting, hardware, backsplash tile and demolition are realistic DIY jobs. Electrical, plumbing and gas work need licensed trades.
Questions to ask contractors
Ask every bidder the same questions so you can compare quotes apples to apples.
- Is this a fixed-price or cost-plus contract?
- What allowances are included for cabinets, counters and fixtures?
- Who orders materials, and what happens if items are back-ordered?
- What milestones is the payment schedule tied to?
Maintenance that prevents costly repairs
- Reseal natural stone counters once a year
- Check under-sink connections for drips twice a year
- Clean range hood filters monthly
Frequently asked questions
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Minor remodels take about 2–6 weeks. Major remodels often take 2–4 months or more, including design and cabinet lead times.
Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen?
You need permits for most plumbing, electrical, gas or structural changes. Cosmetic work like painting, new counters or cabinets in the same location often doesn't need one — check with your city.
Can I live at home during a kitchen remodel?
Usually yes. Set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, fridge and hot plate in another room, and expect dust and noise.
Which countertop is best for the money?
Quartz and granite offer the best mix of durability and resale appeal. Laminate and butcher block are budget options.
Should I hire a designer?
For layout changes or major remodels, a kitchen designer or design-build firm helps avoid costly mistakes. Minor refreshes often don't need one.
What adds the most value to a kitchen?
Updated counters, modern lighting, refreshed cabinets and newer appliances add the most perceived value for the money.
How do I avoid going over budget?
Finalize all selections before demo starts, keep the layout, and hold 10–20% in reserve for hidden issues.
In-depth kitchen remodeling guides
Kitchen Remodeling by city
Sources: HomeLight — Kitchen remodel cost (compiles Angi, HomeGuide, Fixr, JLC Cost vs. Value). Ranges are rounded estimates; see our editorial policy.