Kitchen Remodeling Cost in America in 2024

In 2024, the average kitchen remodel ranges from $20,000 to $60,000. For a minor remodel focusing on surface updates such as painting, refacing cabinets, and installing a new backsplash can fall between $10,000 to $25,000. On the higher end, luxury remodels with custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, and premium countertops can exceed $70,000.

Kitchen Remodeling Cost Breakdown

Kitchen Element	Cost Per Square Foot (Low)	Cost Per Square Foot (High)
Cabinetry (Refacing)	$15	$45
Countertops (Granite)	$50	$200
Countertops (Quartz)	$70	$150
Flooring (Vinyl)	$3	$10
Flooring (Hardwood)	$14	$30
Backsplash	$10	$50
Lighting (Basic)	$80	$350
Lighting (High-End)	$100	$400
Drywall Replacement	$2	$6
Painting (Walls and Ceiling)	$1	$3
Plumbing	$45	$150

Top Kitchen Remodeling Cost Factors

Cabinets and Countertops:

Cabinets often make up a significant portion of the budget. Depending on whether you’re refacing or installing custom units, costs can range from $1,500 to $4,500 for refacing or well over $10,000 for custom-built cabinets. Countertop choices like granite, quartz, or marble will also impact the overall cost, with materials priced between $50 to $300 per square foot​.

Appliances:

High-tech and energy-efficient appliances can elevate your kitchen but add to the cost. On average, new kitchen appliances, including a refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and microwave, can run from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the brand and features​.

Labor and Installation:

Labor can account for 40% to 50% of the total cost. This includes fees for professionals such as plumbers, electricians, and contractors. More extensive projects, such as altering the kitchen layout, will significantly increase these costs​.

Additional Elements:

Items like lighting, backsplash, and flooring also contribute to the total price. For instance, updating lighting can cost between $1,500 and $4,000, while backsplash installation typically ranges from $500 to $1,700​.

Setting a Budget

Here are some budgeting tips for setting a kitchen remodel budget:

Spend 5-15% of your home’s value

To maximize return on investment, allocate 5-15% of your home’s value to the kitchen remodel. For a $300,000 home, that means budgeting between $15,000 and $45,000.

Prioritize key elements:

Focus on high-impact features like cabinetry, countertops, and flooring, as these often bring the most value and aesthetic improvement.

Set aside a contingency fund:

Allocate 10-20% of your total budget for unexpected expenses that may arise during the project, such as structural repairs or design changes.

Obtain multiple quotes:

To ensure competitive pricing, get estimates from several contractors before finalizing your budget.

DIY smaller tasks:

If possible, take on small DIY projects like painting or installing a backsplash to save on labor costs.

 

Return on Investment (ROI) for Kitchen Remodels

If you’re planning to sell your home, it’s smart to think about the return on investment, or ROI, for any kitchen upgrades. Kitchen remodels are a great way to boost your home’s value, but how much you get back depends a lot on how big of a remodel you do.

Minor Kitchen Remodels:

Pros:

• Higher ROI: Minor remodels typically recoup about 70-80% of their costs upon resale.
• Cost-Effective: Focusing on surface updates like painting, refacing cabinets, and installing new backsplashes keeps expenses lower.
• Quicker Completion: Less extensive work means shorter project timelines, reducing inconvenience.

Cons:

• Limited Transformation: Minor updates may not address underlying structural or layout issues.
• Potential for Overlap: If the existing kitchen is significantly outdated, minor changes might not meet market expectations.

Luxury Kitchen Remodels:

Pros:

• Enhanced Aesthetics and Functionality: High-end materials and appliances can significantly improve the kitchen’s appeal and usability.
• Increased Buyer Attraction: In upscale markets, luxury kitchens can be a strong selling point.

Cons:

• Lower ROI: Luxury remodels often recoup about 50-60% of their costs.
• Higher Costs: Premium materials and custom features substantially increase the budget.
• Longer Project Duration: Extensive renovations require more time, leading to prolonged disruption.

Comparison of Upgrades and Their ROI:

• Cabinetry: Refacing existing cabinets offers a higher ROI compared to installing custom cabinets.
• Countertops: Upgrading to mid-range materials like quartz or granite provides better returns than opting for luxury materials such as marble.
• Appliances: Investing in energy-efficient, mid-range appliances yields a higher ROI than purchasing top-of-the-line models.

Key Areas to Focus On

To get the most value, stick to updating key areas like cabinets, countertops, and energy-efficient appliances. Also, it’s wise to keep your remodel in line with the style and price of your home. For instance, adding a high-end chef’s kitchen in a mid-priced home might not bring as much return as it would in a luxury home.

 

How to Save on Kitchen Remodeling Cost

Remodeling a kitchen can be expensive, but there are several ways to reduce the overall kitchen remodeling cost without sacrificing quality or style. Here are some practical tips to help you save:

1. Refacing Instead of Replacing Cabinets

Rather than completely replacing your cabinets, consider refacing them. This involves updating the cabinet doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing framework. Refacing costs significantly less than installing new custom cabinets and can give your kitchen a fresh look at a fraction of the price.

2. Choose Cost-Effective Materials

High-end materials like marble or custom wood can quickly inflate your kitchen remodeling cost. Instead, consider more affordable alternatives such as laminate countertops, ceramic tile backsplashes, or vinyl flooring. These materials can mimic the look of more expensive options while keeping costs down.

3. Keep the Existing Layout

One of the largest expenses in a kitchen remodel is moving plumbing, gas lines, and electrical systems. To save on costs, keep your existing kitchen layout. By avoiding major structural changes, you’ll minimize labor costs and project time.

4. DIY Where Possible

If you’re handy, consider taking on some of the smaller tasks yourself. Painting walls, installing hardware, or even tiling the backsplash can be done as DIY projects. However, leave complex work like electrical or plumbing to professionals to avoid costly mistakes that could raise your kitchen remodeling cost in the long run.

5. Shop Smart for Appliances

Appliances can significantly add to the overall kitchen remodeling cost. To save money, shop for appliances during holiday sales, look for energy-efficient models that offer rebates, or consider purchasing gently used or refurbished appliances. Bundling appliance purchases can also lead to discounts from retailers.

6. Reuse or Upcycle Materials

If some elements of your kitchen are still in good condition, consider reusing them. For example, if your countertops are durable but outdated, you can refinish them instead of replacing them. Upcycling or repurposing existing materials can significantly reduce your overall remodeling cost.

Common Questions

1. What is the average kitchen remodel cost in 2024?

The average kitchen remodel cost in 2024 ranges between $20,000 to $60,000. Minor remodels that focus on updates like painting, refacing cabinets, and installing new countertops can cost between $10,000 to $25,000, while high-end luxury remodels can exceed $70,000.

2. What factors influence kitchen remodel cost the most?

Several factors impact the overall kitchen remodel cost, including the size of the kitchen, the quality of materials (e.g., custom cabinetry or high-end appliances), labor costs, and the complexity of the project. Altering the kitchen layout or moving plumbing and electrical systems will also increase costs.

3. How much should I budget for a kitchen remodel?

Experts recommend budgeting 5-15% of your home’s value for a kitchen remodel to ensure a good return on investment. For a home valued at $300,000, a reasonable kitchen remodel cost would be between $15,000 to $45,000.

4. What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

Typically, cabinetry and countertops make up the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel cost. Custom cabinets can exceed $10,000, while countertops, especially those made of materials like granite or marble, can cost $50 to $300 per square foot.

5. Can I reduce the kitchen remodel cost by doing some tasks myself?

Yes, taking on small DIY projects such as painting or installing a backsplash can help reduce the overall kitchen remodel cost. However, for complex tasks like plumbing or electrical work, it’s best to hire professionals to avoid costly mistakes.

Remodeling your kitchen takes some good planning and budgeting. You’ll want to look at all the costs—from cabinets and countertops to the work involved and the appliances you choose. Whether you’re going for a simple refresh or a full luxury makeover, it helps to know where to splurge and where to save. With a clear budget, a prioritized list of features, and a bit of flexibility for the unexpected, your kitchen remodel will not only enhance your home’s value but also bring lasting enjoyment for years to come.