Have you searched far and wide across the internet for answers to your seemingly simple question: how much will it cost to remodel my kitchen? Only to be met with answers like:
“Well, it depends on a lot of factors.”
“It’s best to talk to a sales representative to get an accurate price.”
“How much are you looking to spend? We can design a project around any budget!”
Contractors have been holding their cards close for decades when it comes to home remodel costs. It’s frustrating to homeowners like you who just want to know what to expect as you start this remodel journey and it probably puts you on edge when you meet with potential contractors.
Here at JSB Home Solutions, with 45 years in the business, we are laying all our cards on the table to give you straight forward information about kitchen remodeling costs. We feel so strongly that you need access to accurate information about kitchen project pricing that we have built a dedicated page on our website to give you just that.
In this article, you will learn how much a kitchen renovation should cost in today’s remodeling industry based on the type of remodel approach you choose and the size of your kitchen. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to set a realistic remodel budget for your situation and find a contractor who fits within that price point.
Table of Contents:
- What’s the average cost of a kitchen renovation?
- What is a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel?
- What are all the costs associated with a kitchen renovation?
- What will a kitchen renovation cost for kitchens of different sizes?
What’s the average cost of a kitchen renovation?
The average cost of a kitchen remodel can range from $10,000 - $60,000 depending on the type of updates and size of your kitchen. Custom or large kitchen projects can exceed $100,000! With such a wide range, it can be a challenge to determine where your project would fit. The categories below will help you narrow down the price range for your kitchen renovation.
Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
The average cost of refacing kitchen cabinets is $10,000 - $40,000 depending on how many cabinets, doors, and drawers are being refaced. The cost will also depend on the refacing material that is used. Some companies use a plastic-based laminate while others use hardwood to reface kitchen cabinets.
To make a fair comparison between cabinet refacing quotes from multiple kitchen contractors, consider the
- Number of cabinets, doors, and drawers included in the quote
- What parts of the cabinet, if any, will be replaced such as doors and drawer fronts, boxes, and glides
- The quality of the material being used to reface
Cost of Full Kitchen Remodel
The average cost of a full kitchen remodel is $20,000 - $60,000. The size of your kitchen and the material selections you make will determine where along the continuum your job falls. For a full kitchen remodel, existing cabinets will be replaced with new ones and you will need a new countertop and backsplash. These usually cannot be reused when you replace your cabinets. You can also choose to update kitchen lighting and include cabinet organization accessories like pull-out spice racks, trash bins, or cookie sheet organizers.
What is a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel?
Many credit agencies recommend spending between 5-15% of your home's value on a kitchen remodel to maximize your return on investment. For example, if your home is worth $300,000, a kitchen remodel between $15,000 - $45,000 is a good place to start. You can always budget higher if you want a more custom, luxury-level kitchen.
At the end of the day, a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel is one that allows you to accomplish the goals you want to tackle without giving you heartburn at the thought of the cost. These are the three things you should consider as you determine your kitchen remodel budget.
1. Total Cost of Your Kitchen Remodel
This is the dollar amount that you will have spent at the very end of your project, including payments that occur even after construction is complete. The total cost will be your contract price, taxes, financing fees (if you have financing), and interest (if you have financing).
2. Cash Needed Up Front
This is your down payment. It will vary by contractor and financing agency. For example, if you are not financing your kitchen project with JSB, 30% of your project cost is due at the time you sign your contract. If you choose to finance your project, your first payment will depend on your payment plan.
3. Percent You Want to Finance and Monthly Payment
You have the option to pay for your entire project out of pocket, finance your entire kitchen remodel, or do a combination of the two. When you consider financing your kitchen remodel, it comes down to your monthly payment. How much per month do you want to allocate towards your kitchen remodel? Some contractors will have financing plans available so that you can find a payment plan that works within your monthly budget.
How to Set a Realistic Budget for a Kitchen Remodel?
The best way to set a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel is to follow these steps as you decide what your kitchen renovation will look like.
- Identify the Problem(s) You Want to Address During Your Project: What is it about your kitchen that has you looking into a renovation? Is it outdated and unsightly? Are your cabinets still sturdy? Does the traffic flow through your kitchen naturally or is it tight and choppy? Are you looking to get more out of your house when you sell?
- Identify if You want to Reface Your Cabinets or go for a full kitchen gut: Refacing your kitchen cabinets can save you 5-15% on the cost of your kitchen project and cut your project time in half. But the inside of your cabinets will not change. If you don’t like the inside of your cabinets now, you won’t like them after a reface project. Opt for a full kitchen remodel.
- Measure Your Kitchen and Count Cabinets: Get out your tape measure and determine the dimensions of your kitchen. Better yet, count the number of cabinets you have and whether they have doors or drawers. If you want to add any cabinets to your kitchen, include those in your final count. For a 10x10 kitchen, a realistic remodel budget will be $10,000 - $25,000. For a 12x12 kitchen, a project budget between $18,000 - $36,000 would be more appropriate. A 10x20 kitchen should have a starting budget of $20,000 - $45,000. Large kitchens will require larger budgets and you can honestly go as high as you want with the top limit of a kitchen remodel.
What are all the costs associated with a kitchen renovation?
Two categories will contribute to most of the cost of your kitchen remodel: labor costs and material costs.
Labor costs
Labor costs are influenced by the type of kitchen remodel you choose and what other features of your kitchen are being upgraded. Most contractors will refer to this as the scope of work for your project. The more tasks that are completed or the more involved the task, the greater the scope of work. And consequently, the higher the cost of labor.
For example, if you reface your kitchen cabinets, you could keep your existing countertops and backsplash or replace them. If you choose to replace your countertop and/or backsplash, your project would have a greater scope of work.
Material costs
The materials that you choose to put in your kitchen will also have a large impact on the cost of your project. Depending on the contractor you work with, you will have many selections to make that fall within a wide range of prices. With the right kitchen remodeler, you can taylor your kitchen remodel to fit your budget.
What will a kitchen renovation cost for kitchens of different sizes?
The size of your kitchen is one of the most influential factors in determining your remodel costs. As a general rule, the larger the kitchen, the more expensive the renovation. The sizes listed below are common dimensions found in Columbus, Ohio kitchens so they have been highlighted as a reference point.
Cost of a 10x10 Kitchen Remodel
A 10x10 kitchen generally has between 8-14 cabinets. These can be any combination of doors and drawers. The most common layout for this size of kitchen is an L-shape with an island.
Refacing kitchen cabinets in a 10x10 kitchen will cost between $10,000 - $23,000. If you only reface cabinets and do not replace any other kitchen components, your cost will be on the lower end of the range. If you choose to reface cabinets, replace countertops and backsplash, install a new sink and faucet, and update the lighting will land you towards the top of the range.
A full remodel in a 10x10 kitchen will cost between $15,000 - $25,000 depending on if you choose to include optional tasks such as replacing lighting and adding cabinet organization accessories.
Cost of a 12x12 Kitchen Remodel
A 12x12 kitchen typically has around 15-18 cabinets in any combination of doors and drawers. This size of kitchen is also usually laid out in an L-shape with an island.
Refacing kitchen cabinets in a 12x12 kitchen will start around $18,000 and can reach $30,000 and up depending on the refacing material and other kitchen features included in the project.
A full kitchen remodel of a 12x12 kitchen will cost between $22,000 and $36,000. Once again, the more features you are upgrading during your project, the closer to the top end of the range your remodel will be.
Cost of a 10x20 Kitchen Remodel
A 10x20 kitchen could have many different cabinet configurations but usually there are 16-24 cabinets. Because of the rectangular dimensions, this shape of kitchen is often called a galley kitchen and commonly features a U-shape. For galley kitchens wider than 10 feet, sometimes there is a long island in the middle.
A 10x20 kitchen cabinet reface project will usually cost $20,000 - $33,000. The final price will depend on the type of reface material used and other kitchen remodel components like countertops, backsplash, and lighting that could be included in the project.
A full remodel of a 10x20 kitchen will be around $25,000 - $45,000. You know the drill by now! More tasks or more involved pieces to your project mean you will land closer to the top range of the price range.
You can easily go above any of the ranges mentioned here if you choose high-end, luxury materials and custom designs. But on average, these prices represent the what you will encounter in the mid-range remodeling industry in central Ohio.
Now That You Know the Cost, What’s Next for Your Kitchen Remodel?
Setting a realistic kitchen remodel budget shouldn’t require you to be a world-class detective. The secret is out! Embarking on your kitchen renovation journey can be rewarding and exciting when you have all the information about project costs beforehand. From a simple refresh to a complete makeover, there’s a remodel to fit every budget and style.
To get the ball rolling with your kitchen remodel planning, follow these next steps:
- Identify Your Goals: Make a list of all the changes you want to make in your kitchen, and then prioritize them based on what’s most important to you. This will also help you determine which kitchenremodeling approach your project requires so that you can find a contractor who fits with that approach.
- Determine Your Budget: Research project costs in your are to help you set a realistic budget for your goals. This will help you plan more effectively and ensure your project is financially feasible from start to finish. The Cost vs Value Report published by the National Remodeler magazine is a great place to start to get pricing information specific to your geographic location. You can also get average pricing for kitchen remodels with JSB on our website and in our learning center.
- Hire Your Contractor: Interview several contractors to better understand how they can help you with your project. Just searching for kitchen remodelers on the internet can make your head spin so we have compiled a list of the best kitchen remodelers in Columbus, OH to help you jumpstart your search.
Finances are a huge piece of the remodeling puzzle. And quite frankly, the most stressful. When you find a contractor that you can trust to treat you like you are family, the anxiety melts away and peace of mind over your decision will explode into excitement over your brand new kitchen!
