How Much Does a Kitchen Makeover Cost?
See what upgrades you can expect in 3 budget ranges, from basic swap-outs to full-on overhauls
Emily Paprocki
5 September 2013
How much is it going to cost? This inevitably comes up during an initial consultation for a remodeling project, and is important to address. As an architect, I usually provide ballpark ranges early on in the process to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the scope of work we are talking about is realistic for the budget the homeowner has in mind. A more detailed construction estimate comes later, once a design has been completed.
Let’s look at remodeling a kitchen as an example. The ranges below are based on my experience as an architect and a builder in the Louisville, Kentucky, area. Of course, these costs will vary based on locale; a kitchen remodel tends to be more expensive in large metropolitan areas, less expensive in smaller towns and rural areas, and comparable in other midsize cities.
Check out the Houzz Real Cost Finder for info from more than 100,000 homeowners in the U.S. — and make sure you talk with local architects, designers and contractors to get estimates based on building costs in your region and the type of kitchen project you're doing.
Let’s look at remodeling a kitchen as an example. The ranges below are based on my experience as an architect and a builder in the Louisville, Kentucky, area. Of course, these costs will vary based on locale; a kitchen remodel tends to be more expensive in large metropolitan areas, less expensive in smaller towns and rural areas, and comparable in other midsize cities.
Check out the Houzz Real Cost Finder for info from more than 100,000 homeowners in the U.S. — and make sure you talk with local architects, designers and contractors to get estimates based on building costs in your region and the type of kitchen project you're doing.
1. Basic upgrade: $5,000 to $15,000. This may include updates as simple as new cabinet knobs, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures and paint — often DIY projects. Perhaps it includes replacing the appliances, painting the cabinets or putting new doors put on them, installing new countertops or adding a tiled backsplash. But the general rule in this price range is that everything will more or less stay in the same place, and the shell of the kitchen (floors, walls and ceiling) will stay intact.
2. Renovation: $15,000 to $35,000. This scope would allow for all of the above plus new cabinets and possibly some changes to the room's shell, such as removing soffits, relocating lighting or adding a skylight. It may include new flooring or replacing a window within an existing opening. But as with the first category, this budget assumes that the major features will stay in place and that the floor plan will not be dramatically altered.
3. Remodel/addition: $35,000 to $75,000 and up. A larger-scale remodel may include any or all of the above, as well as a new layout of the kitchen space and possibly nearby rooms. It could involve an addition or opening walls up to adjacent spaces. With a project of this scope, it is wise to enlist an architect or other design professional to ensure that you are making the best use of the space and exploring all options. Sometimes there are relatively simple things, such as relocating that bulky refrigerator or making some minor changes to the floor plan, that you may have never thought of and that can have amazing results.
While the third option is indeed the most costly, it is usually well worth it for the improvement of space and functionality that can result. Things such as natural light and space flow may be less tangible than granite countertops, but they are infinitely more important in creating a space that feels good. I believe in getting the space itself right even if it means having to select less-expensive fixtures and finishes.
What's great about this kitchen? Foremost, the window and the tree. How different would this space feel if there were a solid wall at the end?
Costs will vary widely
Obviously the categories above are broad, and the project cost will vary widely depending on location, scope, how much help you need and the finishes you choose, but they can be useful as you start weighing what is important to you.
Having realistic expectations of how much your dream kitchen is going to cost, and adjusting your scope accordingly, will make for a more enjoyable and successful project regardless of your budget.
More: How to Remodel Your Kitchen | Find a Kitchen Designer
What's great about this kitchen? Foremost, the window and the tree. How different would this space feel if there were a solid wall at the end?
Costs will vary widely
Obviously the categories above are broad, and the project cost will vary widely depending on location, scope, how much help you need and the finishes you choose, but they can be useful as you start weighing what is important to you.
Having realistic expectations of how much your dream kitchen is going to cost, and adjusting your scope accordingly, will make for a more enjoyable and successful project regardless of your budget.
More: How to Remodel Your Kitchen | Find a Kitchen Designer
Related Stories
Renovating Advice
How Do I Find, Assess & Hire the Right People for My Renovation?
Do you need a kitchen designer or a joiner? An architect or an interior designer? Find out with our essential reno guide
Full Story
Renovation Guides
What Key Measurements & Room Dimensions Should I Know for a Reno?
Read practical information about key room measurements and minimum clearances for fittings and fixtures in every room
Full Story
Kitchens
How Practical Is... Handleless Joinery?
Handleless joinery is popular in modern homes. But how suitable are cupboards that can only be opened with a touch?
Full Story
Most Popular
12 Decorating Tips to Make Any Bedroom Look Better
By Anne Ellard
Want to know how to make your bedroom look better? Here are 12 great tricks
Full Story
Renovation Guides
Room by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
From the kitchen to the garden, and all areas in between, experts identify common mistakes and share priceless insights
Full Story
Interior Design
The Golden Rules of Proportion: Decor Laws You Need to Know
An interior designer reveals the essential rules for achieving a perfectly balanced interior
Full Story
Most Popular
5 Reasons Your Bathroom Smells Funky (and How to Fix the Problem)
A plumber reveals five reasons your bathroom might smell like sewage or emanate a musty odour
Full Story
Most Popular
From Planning to Pendants: Kitchen Lighting Essentials
By Joanna Tovia
This valuable guide will give you all you need to know about choosing kitchen lighting for fabulous form and function
Full Story
Most Popular
The Full Picture: How High Should Your TV Be?
By Matt Clawson
We look at an important question to consider when locating your television: how high should you set it?
Full Story
Bathrooms
All the Dimensions You Need to Know for Your Bathroom Makeover
Fit everything comfortably in a small or medium-size bathroom by knowing standard dimensions for fixtures and clearances
Full Story
This is an excellent article, it helps people to have realistic expectations of how much the kitchen makeover is going to cost, thus adjusting to the budget. And to achieve exactly that, I always use an online free estimator https://app.mykukun.com/Kitchen-Renovation-Cost which estimates your kitchen remodel cost in your zip code. It even takes into account material and labor costs. As you said, we all want an enjoyable and successful project regardless of the budget. Thanks
Outstanding article
Oh, great. Another article from 2013 about what a kitchen remodel should cost in 2024. Prices are so drastically different after COVID and after the supply chain shortages …this is a joke.