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:
“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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Two categories will contribute to most of the cost of your kitchen remodel: labor costs and material costs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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!