How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

By scope: minor refresh: $5,000-$15,000. Mid-range remodel: $25,000-$50,000. Major remodel: $50,000-$100,000+. National average: about $25,000-$35,000. By size: small kitchen (under 100 sq ft): $10,000-$25,000. Medium kitchen (100-200 sq ft): $25,000-$50,000. Large kitchen (200+ sq ft): $50,000-$100,000+. The biggest cost items: cabinets (25-35% of budget). Countertops (10-15%). Appliances (10-20%). Labor (15-25%).

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Minor refresh: 1-2 weeks. Mid-range remodel: 4-8 weeks. Major remodel: 8-16 weeks. By phase: planning and design: 2-8 weeks. Ordering materials and appliances: 2-8 weeks (lead times vary). Demolition: 1-3 days. Rough plumbing and electrical: 3-7 days. Drywall and painting: 3-5 days. Flooring: 2-4 days. Cabinet installation: 3-7 days. Countertop (template and install): 2-3 weeks. Backsplash: 2-4 days. Appliance installation: 1-2 days. Final connections and trim: 2-4 days. Total from first call to completion: 3-6 months (including planning and ordering). Biggest delays: cabinet lead times (4-12 weeks for custom). Countertop fabrication (2-3 weeks after template). Appliance availability.

Does a kitchen remodel add home value?

Yes, kitchens are the highest-ROI remodel. Mid-range kitchen remodel ROI: 70-80%. Major/upscale remodel ROI: 50-60%. Minor refresh ROI: 80-100% (best bang for the buck). The rule: spend 5-15% of your home's value on a kitchen remodel. In a $300,000 home: $15,000-$45,000 kitchen budget. In a $500,000 home: $25,000-$75,000 kitchen budget. Best value-adds: new countertops and backsplash. Cabinet refacing or painting (vs. full replacement). Updated appliances. Improved lighting. An island or peninsula (if space allows).

Should I reface or replace cabinets?

Reface when: cabinet boxes are solid and in good condition. You like your current layout. Budget is a priority. Refacing cost: $4,000-$10,000 (vs. $8,000-$25,000+ for new stock cabinets). What refacing includes: new doors and drawer fronts. Veneer on exposed cabinet boxes. New hardware. Result looks like new cabinets at 40-60% of the cost. Replace when: cabinet boxes are damaged, warped, or water-damaged. You want to change the layout. You want different cabinet sizes or features (soft-close, pull-outs). You are doing a major remodel anyway. The trend: cabinet painting (white or gray) is the most popular budget-friendly update. Cost: $3,000-$7,000 professional. DIY: $200-$500 (paint and supplies).

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Home Improvement

Kitchen Remodel Guide: Cost, Ideas & Planning Tips

Lumberama Editorial Team, Kitchen Remodeling Specialists Nov 4, 2026 11 min read

Budget Levels

Minor refresh ($5,000-$15,000): Reface or paint cabinets. New hardware. New countertops (laminate or butcher block). New backsplash. New light fixtures. Fresh paint. Keep existing layout, appliances, and flooring.

Mid-range remodel ($25,000-$50,000): New cabinets (stock or semi-custom). New countertops (quartz or granite). New backsplash (subway tile or similar). New appliances (mid-range). New flooring. New lighting. New sink and faucet. Keep existing layout (same plumbing locations).

Major remodel ($50,000-$100,000+): Custom cabinets. Premium countertops (quartz, marble, quartzite). Designer backsplash. Professional-grade appliances. New layout (island, open concept). Structural changes (removing walls). Custom lighting. High-end flooring. Built-in pantry.

The average kitchen remodel: $15,000-$45,000.

Cost Breakdown

By component (percentage of total): Cabinets and hardware: 25-35%. Countertops: 10-15%. Appliances: 10-20%. Labor/installation: 15-25%. Flooring: 5-10%. Lighting: 3-5%. Backsplash: 3-5%. Plumbing and electrical: 5-10%. Design: 3-8%. Miscellaneous: 5-10%.

Individual costs: Cabinets: stock: $100-$300 per linear foot. Semi-custom: $200-$600 per linear foot. Custom: $500-$1,200+ per linear foot. Cabinet refacing: $4,000-$10,000. Countertops (per sq ft installed): laminate: $10-$40. Butcher block: $20-$70. Granite: $40-$100. Quartz: $50-$120. Marble: $75-$200. Quartzite: $60-$150. Appliances (set of 4: range, fridge, dishwasher, microwave): budget: $2,000-$4,000. Mid-range: $4,000-$8,000. Premium: $8,000-$20,000+. Island: $2,000-$10,000 (custom). Backsplash: $800-$3,000. Flooring: $1,500-$5,000.

Layout Options

Common kitchen layouts: Galley: two parallel walls. Efficient for cooking. Best for narrow spaces. L-shaped: counters on two adjacent walls. Open, flexible. Most common layout. U-shaped: counters on three walls. Most storage and counter space. Can feel enclosed. Island: added to L or U layout. Extra counter space, seating, and storage. Requires at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides. Peninsula: like an island but connected to a wall or cabinet run. Good for kitchens too small for a true island. Open concept: kitchen open to living/dining. Requires removing a wall (may be load-bearing: $3,000-$10,000 for structural beam).

The work triangle: Sink, stove, and refrigerator should form a triangle. Each leg: 4-9 feet. Total perimeter: 12-26 feet. No obstructions crossing through the triangle.