How Much You Should Expect To Spend On A Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel can be as simple as painting the cabinets and upgrading the countertops or as complex as gutting the entire space and starting from scratch. There are also many factors that affect how much it will cost, including:

Kitchen Size

The total cost of a renovation also depends on how large the space is. Larger spaces will require more materials and more labor hours. The higher the square footage, the higher the cost of the remodel. According to Bob Vila, the average cost for a kitchen remodel ranges from $75 to $250 per square foot.

Extent of Renovations

If you're updating an older home with an outdated kitchen, you may want to consider a total gut renovation with new cabinets, countertops, and appliances. This can significantly increase your budget. Partial kitchen remodels tend to run about half as much as full-blown renovations. A partial renovation typically involves replacing cabinets or countertops while leaving the rest of the space untouched — which means it will be cheaper than replacing everything at once. Partial renovations typically range in price depending on what exactly needs updating and how extensive the changes are expected to be.

Style

While it may seem simply aesthetic, style has a major impact on the cost of a kitchen remodel. Contemporary or traditional? Modern or classic? Rustic country style? Art Deco? Each style has its own set of materials and finishes that impact costs significantly.

Material Quality

Some homeowners opt for expensive materials like granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances in order to make their kitchens stand out from all the others in their neighborhood. We'll explore the cost of specific materials.

Location of Property

Renovations carry different costs based on the average cost of labor in your area. Kitchen renovations in urban areas, for example, tend to be pricier than those in rural areas. Kitchens located in upscale neighborhoods generally cost more because they have higher-quality materials and finishes in order to compete with other comparable houses in the area.

Structural Issues

One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of a kitchen remodel is structural issues. If there are problems with the foundation or existing plumbing, these may need to be fixed before you can begin working on your new kitchen. In some cases, this could add thousands of dollars to your total budget.

One of the biggest factors to consider is countertop material. A high-end material will increase your costs significantly more than a budget-friendly choice, but you may not feel that you can compromise on style. Here are some common options and how they impact your overall budget.

Granite

For those who like natural stone, granite is one of the most popular choices. It comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose something that suits your aesthetic preferences and also matches existing elements in your kitchen. Bear in mind that granite is prone to staining, so it's not a great choice for busy kitchens where lots of cooking spills will happen. If you do choose this option, seal it regularly to reduce its porosity. According to Home Remodeling Costs Guide, expect to spend between $85 and $175 per square foot for granite countertops.

Marble

Marble is one of the most luxurious-looking options you can choose for your kitchen countertops, but it's also pretty high maintenance. Marble is soft and porous, meaning it needs to be sealed annually and can easily be damaged. Expect to spend between ​​$125 and $200 per square foot for marble.

Quartz

If you like the look of granite or marble but worry about its durability, quartz can be an excellent alternative since it's nonporous and doesn't require sealing. It costs $75 to $125 per square foot installed. Quartzite is similar but slightly more expensive.

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops are a popular addition to many kitchens because they're easy to clean and come in an array of colors and textures. They can also be cut to fit around plumbing pipes, electrical outlets, or other hardware that may be integrated into your countertop design. Solid surface countertops cost $65 to $85 per square foot installed.

Butcher's Block

Butcher block counters are a popular choice for those looking for style without sacrificing functionality or durability. Butcher block countertops have a tendency to absorb stains, so it is important that you clean them regularly. You should also avoid using abrasive cleaners or sponges on your butcher block countertop because they can damage the wood. Expect to spend between $65 and $120 per square foot (via Home Remodeling Costs Guide).

Along with cabinetry, flooring, and countertops, there are a number of other costs to factor in when planning a kitchen remodel. Home Guide estimates that installation and labor make up 18% of the total budget, for an average of $4,130. Appliances vary greatly in price depending on whether you decide to opt for budget models or more high-end options, though you should expect them to make up about 15% of your budget for a total of $3,390. Lighting costs an additional $1,050, while you can plan for painting and drywall to run you up about $1,150, depending on the scope of the work. 

Many homeowners opt to work with a designer to plan out the renovation work, and this costs an average of $720. Plumbing averages a total of $730, though you can expect those costs to be much higher if you're installing an island sink or changing the location of the plumbing. It's always important to budget for incidentals, so don't forget to leave a little extra room in the budget for unexpected expenses.