Kitchen Remodeling: Costs, Layout & Finishes

Kitchens are the most expensive room to remodel because they combine cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing, and electrical. Estimate your project below, then learn how to prioritize.

Kitchen floor area

sq ft

Floor area of the kitchen. A typical galley is 80–120 sq ft; a large open kitchen can exceed 300 sq ft.

Linear feet of cabinets

lin ft

Total run of base and wall cabinets combined (upper + lower). A 10×10 kitchen layout is 20 lin ft.

Scope of work

A cosmetic refresh keeps cabinets and layout; a full gut replaces everything and may change the footprint.

Finish level

New layout / move plumbingYes

Changing the kitchen footprint or relocating the sink or gas line adds plumbing and electrical labor.

Add kitchen islandYes

Adds an island cabinet run and countertop. Plumbing/electrical costs are included in the move-plumbing toggle if applicable.

Your state (regional adjustment)

Adjusts the estimate by an illustrative regional factor. State-level only — not ZIP-precise.

Estimated project cost

$29,800

Typical. Range $14,300 – $54,800

Materials: 75%Labor: 22%Fees: 3%

Materials: $19,900
Labor: $5,900
Contingency: +12%

Main cost drivers

Appliances allowance (mid-range)$7,500
Cabinets (mid-range / semi-custom)$7,000
Countertops — quartz / granite (mid-range)$3,250

Illustrative estimate — not verified market pricing

These figures are planning estimates for demonstration, not current verified prices. Actual costs vary by region, materials, and contractor. Always get written quotes. See the methodology and sources below.

Want real numbers for your project? Compare written quotes from local pros.

Request contractor quotes

The big three: cabinets, countertops, appliances

Cabinets are typically the largest line item, followed by countertops and appliances. Cabinet refacing or painting can modernize a kitchen for a fraction of full replacement if the boxes are sound.

Countertop cost swings widely by material — laminate is budget-friendly, while quartz and natural stone cost several times more per square foot installed.

Layout changes cost the most

Moving the sink, range, or walls triggers plumbing, electrical, and sometimes structural work. If your layout works, keeping it is the biggest single saving. Adding an island adds cabinetry, counters, and often electrical or plumbing runs.

Budgeting tips

Decide your must-haves before quoting, keep a 10–15% contingency, and get itemized quotes so you can compare cabinets, counters, and labor line by line.

Frequently asked questions

Should I replace or reface cabinets?

If the cabinet boxes are solid and the layout works, refacing or painting is far cheaper than replacing and can look nearly new. Replace when boxes are damaged or you’re changing the layout.

What adds the most value?

Functional improvements and broadly appealing, durable finishes tend to return the most. Hyper-personalized or ultra-luxury choices return less on resale.

Are these verified prices?

No — they are illustrative planning estimates. Get written quotes from local contractors for real numbers.