As a leading real estate data company, Kukun has detailed data on virtually every home in America. We use this data about your home’s size, bedrooms, bathrooms, location, value, and more, to create a highly accurate cost estimate of the renovations you want to do.
Plus, we show you the ROI on your renovation and options for saving money or making more luxurious selections.
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Written by Ramona Sinha - Last Updated Monday, Nov 2, 2024. 6-min read
Ramona is the senior content writer for Kukun. This professional uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home renovation, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she's a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.
Achieving your dream kitchen starts with careful planning. First, determine a kitchen remodel project that suits your budget, style, and timeline. Then, rely on a trusted kitchen remodel cost estimator to gauge expenses.
Typically, homeowners invest 10-15% of their home's value in a kitchen remodel, so precision is key. Kukun's kitchen remodel cost estimator includes a breakdown of expenses, covering everything from cabinets and countertops to flooring, electrical work, and general contractor fees, aiding in precise project planning.
Renovation focuses on updating elements such as kitchen cabinets, while remodeling involves structural changes such as creating an open floor plan. Renovations generally cost less than remodels, which often involve the services of a structural engineer for safety and compliance.
When it comes to kitchen renovations, the cost can differ significantly based on several factors:
Understanding these factors can help you create a realistic kitchen remodel budget.
Your kitchen is central to your home's ambiance and value. With a well-planned renovation, you can significantly enhance both. Once you decide to remodel, it's crucial to understand the financial investment required. For example, if you're looking to remodel a 12x12 kitchen, which is a fairly standard size, this kitchen remodel budget estimator can give you a ballpark range based on the options you select. It helps you organize your project, manage costs effectively, and avoid unexpected expenses. It will help you ensure quality work at a fair price.
Updating an old kitchen typically yields an ROI of 50% to 70%. However, be cautious with extremely high-end renovations as they may have a lower ROI. Small improvements can still significantly increase your home's value and appeal.
The average kitchen remodel in the U.S. typically costs between $15,000 to $50,000. This averages $150 to $250 per square foot for a complete makeover, excluding structural changes. Of course, the costs vary greatly depending on the scale of the project, location, material costs, and other parameters. As a result, a 12x12 kitchen remodel cost will be much more than a large kitchen. Opting for a redesign and full renovation can raise the cost to $70,000 or more, with additional expenses ranging from $500 to $2,500 for demolition costs. Here's a cost breakdown for you.
Several factors impact the total remodeling costs:
Size: Larger kitchens require more labor and materials, increasing overall expenses.
Project scope: Complete gut remodels are pricier and take longer compared to updates that retain the existing layout.
Geographic location: Costs vary by region, with northern and western states typically more expensive than southern ones. For instance, a California remodel can cost over $800 per square foot, while a Florida remodel is often more affordable.
Material quality/finish level: Opting for high-end materials and luxury finishes can significantly raise project costs.
Structural engineer and other labor costs: If your project involves moving or removing walls, you might need a structural engineer, costing between $1,900 to $3,700+ or 1% to 5% of your total budget.
Here are some common kitchen sizes in square feet and their approximate renovation costs.
| Kitchen Size | Small/Partial Remodel | Medium Remodel | High-end Remodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8'x8' (64 SF) | $3,900 - $9,800 | $9,800 - $16,200 | $16,200 - $22,600 |
| 8'x10' (80 SF) | $4,900 - $12,100 | $12,100 - $20,100 | $20,100 - $28,100 |
| 10'x10' (100 SF) | $6,100 - $15,100 | $15,100 - $25,100 | $25,100 - $35,100 |
| 10'x12' (120 SF) | $7,300 - $18,100 | $18,100 - $30,100 | $30,100 - $42,100 |
| 12'x12' (144 SF) | $8,700 - $21,700 | $21,700 - $36,100 | $36,100 - $50,500 |
| 15'x15' (225 SF) | $13,700 - $33,900 | $33,900 - $56,500 | $56,500 - $78,900 |
| 18'x18' (324 SF) | $19,500 - $48,700 | $48,800 - $81,200 | $81,200 - $113,500 |
| 20'x20' (400 SF) | $24,100 - $60,200 | $60,200 - $100,100 | $100,100 - $140,100 |
The total kitchen cost can be broken down into several components. Here's a breakdown of these components according to the different projects. The percentages give you a good idea of how much of your budget you should allocate to these components.
To stay within your desired budget, consider these tips:
Renovating a standard-size kitchen, including plumbing, electrical changes, and new appliances, typically spans three to five months, subject to project size and complexity. Note that specialty materials, custom cabinetry, or unique products may extend the renovation timeline.
On average, renovating kitchen cabinets costs between $4,500 to $15,100, depending on size and customization.
Budget-friendly alternatives include replacing doors, cabinet refacing, refinishing, or painting cabinets.
The cost to replace cabinet doors ranges from $180 to $340 per door, totaling $2,200 to $6,700 for an average kitchen.
Redoing kitchen countertops typically costs between $1,500 and $6,000 for an average-sized kitchen, varying based on material and customization.
Engineered quartz and granite are the preferred and widely used options for kitchen countertops.
Installing a backsplash typically ranges from $500 to $1,700 or $10 to $50 per square foot, considering factors such as size, material, and surface preparation.
Labor constitutes up to 50% of the total cost, making DIY-friendly options such as peel-and-stick tile an effective way to lower your overall remodeling expenses.
Buying kitchen appliances costs between $200 and $3,700+, including installation, depending on quality and features. You can expect to invest varying amounts, such as refrigerators ($760 to $2,800), dishwashers ($610 to $1,800), stove/range hoods ($710 to $1,700), cooktops ($560 to $1,800), wall ovens ($1,300 - $3,700), microwaves ($210 - $1,100), and exhaust fans ($210 to $860).
Opting for higher-quality materials may elevate the overall expense, particularly regarding installation costs.
The average cost varies based on design and type, ranging from $230 to $1,100 for interior doors, $300 to $1,100 for exterior doors, and $400 to $1,000 per window.
Revamping the kitchen floor comes with a price tag ranging from $300 to $3,000, covering both labor costs and material costs.
Installing a new kitchen island can set you back by $3,000 to $5,000, depending on size, material, features, and type.
Hiring kitchen contractors costs $75 to $120 per hour, with labor typically comprising 15% to 25% of the total renovation cost.
Hiring a kitchen designer typically costs around $100 to $200 per hour. This covers services such as creating 3D design plans, selecting materials, and choosing layouts and styles.
The cost to gut a kitchen typically ranges from $500 to $2,500 for an average-sized kitchen. This translates to $5.00 to $12.50 per square foot.
Shop locally, reface existing cabinets, try DIY painting, keep plumbing and layout unchanged, add new trim and hardware, convert existing furniture into a kitchen island, remove old carpeting, and choose affordable tiles. Also, avoid transferring plumbing pipes, gas lines, or electricity wiring to save costs.
Financing options include home equity loans, HELOCs, cash-out refinances, personal loans, Fannie Mae HomeStyle renovation loans, FHA 203(k) loans, and home improvement or personal loans. You may also use your credit cards for small upgrades. Choose a loan option based on your affordability and long-term plans for staying in the house.
We answer every question you may have. This feature equips you with everything you need to know about home renovations
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