Kitchen remodel cost can vary widely, largely depending on three significant factors:
- Type of cabinets
- Type of contractor
- Level of customization and quality of materials
If you’re not looking to invest significantly in your kitchen or if you plan to sell your house soon, imported cabinets might be the most economical choice. However, if you wish to invest more in your kitchen, require a fair amount of customization, or have a complex kitchen layout, American-made cabinet lines would be the optimal choice. It’s worth noting that American-made customizable cabinet lines, which come with a lifetime warranty, can be almost 3 to 5 times more expensive than cheaper Chinese-made cabinet alternatives.
High-End Kitchen Remodel:
A high-end kitchen remodel can cost anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on the scope of the project and the materials used.
Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel:
A midrange remodel involves replacing key fixtures and introducing extra aesthetic touches such as semi-custom cabinetry, new countertops, electronic appliances, lighting, flooring, and walls overhaul. The average cost for midrange remodels is about $69,000.
Average Kitchen Remodel Cost:
An average kitchen remodel can cost around $25,000 to $40,000 in the United States.
10×10 Kitchen Remodel Cost
On the lower end, you might expect to pay around $15,000, but costs can rise significantly for more extensive remodels or higher-end materials, with some projects exceeding $70,000. Per square foot, costs generally range from $150 to $300.
These cost estimates are general and can vary based on your specific location, the complexity of the work, and the materials and appliances you choose. Customization, unique design requests, and any structural changes can significantly increase the cost.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Based on Type of Cabinets
The cost of kitchen cabinets plays a major role in the total expense of your remodel. Here’s a breakdown:
Imported Cabinets:
- Stock Cabinets (which include many imported options): The cost for stock kitchen cabinets ranges from $100 to $400 per linear foot, or $220 to $500 per box installed. These are pre-built units and typically come in limited sizes and styles, aligning with the characteristics of imported cabinets.
- General Cost Range for Kitchen Cabinets: The national average cost for kitchen cabinets is $11,100, with a typical range of $4,000 to $13,000. This range aligns closely with the previously mentioned range for imported cabinets. However, it’s important to note that this range covers a variety of cabinet types, not just imported ones.
- National Average for New Cabinet Sets: For a new 30 linear foot set of cabinets, the national average cost ranges from $5,000 to $13,000, which includes off-the-shelf (stock), semi-customized, and fully-customized options. This again supports the updated price range for imported (stock) cabinets.
American Cabinet Lines:
The cost for custom cabinets ranges between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot. This translates to a total of between $12,500 and $18,100 for custom cabinets installed.
Electrical Work:
The cost of electrical work in kitchen remodels has also changed. For larger electrical jobs like installing wiring or replacing an electrical panel, homeowners can expect to pay between $2,000 and $6,000. The cost to replace or upgrade an electrical panel averages between $850 to $2,500.
- Installing new electrical wiring costs between $6 to $8 per linear foot. For structured wiring, add $2 per foot, and for low-voltage wiring, the cost is $0.40 to $0.62 per linear foot
- Installation of light fixtures averages $133 to $414 for basic fixtures. For advanced fixtures like chandeliers, costs can be higher.
- The cost to install or replace an electrical switch ranges from $150 to $200 for a single pole switch and $100 to $250 for a three-way switch.
- The cost to install or replace electrical outlets ranges from $120 to $150 for GFCI interior outlets and $200 to $275 for exterior receptacles.
- For kitchen rewiring, the cost starts at $1,843 – $2,199 per wiring run
Plumbing Work:
The cost of plumbing work for a kitchen remodel in 2024 can vary significantly based on the complexity of the project and other factors. Here are some key points to consider:
- General Plumbing Costs:
- Plumbing costs can vary depending on the type of work being done. Different categories of plumbing renovations require different legal permits, which can cost between $2,000 and $5,000 per permit. Additional costs for base materials or fixtures can total up to around $3,500.
- Specific Plumbing Work Costs:
- The cost to re-pipe a house with PEX tubing is $0.40 to $0.50 per linear foot, with re-piping a 2,000-square-foot home costing between $2,000 and $4,000.
- The cost to replace galvanized pipes ranges from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on the materials used.
- The cost to replace plumbing in an old house ranges from $2,000 to $15,000, varying due to house size, pipe type, and additional repairs needed.
- Installation Costs for Specific Features:
- Installing a kitchen sink can range from $400 to $2,000.
- Kitchen faucet installation ranges between $500 and $2,500.
- Installing a garbage disposal costs between $350 and $700.
- The average cost to install a pot filler is between $400 and $640.
- Labor Costs:
- Plumbers generally charge $75 to $150 per hour for labor. The rate can be higher for a master plumber, around $200 per hour.
- For smaller projects, a handyman might charge between $50 and $100 per hour, which can lower overall costs.
- Moving Kitchen Plumbing:
- Moving kitchen plumbing can cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on factors like distance, accessibility, and existing infrastructure.
- Budgeting 5% to 15% of your total renovation cost for moving kitchen plumbing is recommended.
- Additional Costs:
- Costs such as removing existing plumbing fixtures, permits, inspections, and any repairs or modifications to the existing plumbing infrastructure should be considered as well.
It’s important to consult with professional plumbers or contractors for accurate estimates based on your specific project requirements. The costs can vary based on your location, contractor rates, and the specifics of your kitchen remodel.
Cost Associated With Choosing a Contractor
The type of contractor you hire also impacts the overall cost of your kitchen remodel. There are three main options: independent contractors, high-end design and build firms, and licensed, insured mid-sized kitchen and bath remodeling companies.
Cost of Independent Kitchen Contractors:
Independent contractors present a high-risk option. While their overall kitchen remodeling cost may be lower, they can come with hidden expenses such as high labor costs and the responsibility of procuring your own materials.
There’s also the risk of them disappearing on you, and any damage to materials during shipment, delivery, or building falls on the homeowner. Independent contractors also don’t usually offer a workmanship warranty. Your kitchen remodeling process will also definitely take longer because you will be basically the project manager and shop around for materials that need your price and taste. With an independent contractor, you get:
- High risk for lack of accountability
- High labor costs
- Low material cost
- No project management process
- No workmanship warranty
- No credit for damaged materials
Cost of High-End Design and Build Services:
High-end design and build firms or independent interior designers, who sometimes also work with verified, very expensive contractors provide high-quality designs and a lot of attention to your project.
However, this comes at a premium cost, often three times higher than other options due to less competition. The advantage is less headache during the building process. With these firms, you get:
- Outstanding design
- Flawless labor and installation
- Exorbitant fees
- High-end cabinet lines
- A lot of attention
Cost of Mid-Sized Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Companies:
Licensed and insured mid-sized kitchen and bathroom remodeling companies that have been in business for at least a decade offer a balanced approach. They offer decent design quality, a reasonable amount of attention, and a competitive price due to the fierce competition in the market.
These companies are responsible for possible damages to materials, offer a decent quality process for the project, and provide up to 2 years of workmanship warranty (often even more to keep customer referrals coming). With mid-sized kitchen and bath renovation companies, you get:
- Project management
- Affordable pricing
- Credit for damaged materials
- Workmanship warranty
- High-level of accountability
- Decent design quality
- Decent amount of attention
It’s worth noting that it is almost impossible to do a bad job in this industry and get away with it. So look for kitchen and bath places that have been in business for more than a decade. If they could survive for a decade, they are reasonably legit.
Keep in mind that contractors may likely charge more if you come across as a demanding, high-maintenance customer. This is because they anticipate potential issues and confrontations that could erode their profits.
However, if you are kind, reasonable, and understanding, they are more inclined to offer generous discounts to win your business. The remodeling process is often lengthy and challenging, and many kitchen and bath remodeling businesses are prepared to compromise on their profits in favor of a more easy-going customer. Being rude and demanding is expensive.
Level of Customization and Quality of Materials
More than half of your kitchen remodeling cost will typically go towards kitchen cabinets, especially if you opt for American-made lines. Around 20-30% of the cost will be allocated to natural or engineered stone countertops. Some countertops are quite affordable, but others can start at $100 per sq ft. For flooring, your most expensive option is high-quality hardwood, while the most affordable choice is LVT flooring.
If you plan to relocate anything that requires changing plumbing and electrical work by at least one foot, you will need to pull permits from the county, pay extra for electrical and plumbing work, and potentially see a significant increase in your costs. Contractors generally prefer simple pull-and-replace jobs, and any customization can substantially drive up prices.
Structural changes, such as adding an island, relocating your stove, sink, or appliances, or removing a wall, can likely add 30-40% to your project costs.
How to Save Money on Kitchen Remodel
It’s important to establish and stick to a realistic budget from the start to save on a kitchen remodel. Opt for materials that offer a balance of quality and affordability, and tackle some projects yourself through DIY to reduce labor costs. Choose upgrades that will enhance energy efficiency, saving money in the long run. Be cautious of over-customizing, as it can quickly inflate costs, and consider doing the remodel in stages rather than all at once to spread out the expenses over time.
