How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Kitchen in 2025?

What's the Average Cost of a Kitchen Renovation?

The cost of a kitchen renovation can vary wildly, anywhere from $10,000 to $60,000. But that's just the starting point. For custom or large kitchens, costs can easily exceed $100,000. The type of remodel you choose—and how you choose to do it—makes all the difference in determining the overall cost.

Kitchen cabinet refacing projects usually fall between $10,000 and $40,000. That's influenced by how many cabinets, doors and drawers you're refacing—and what material you choose to use. Plastic laminate or hardwood are popular options, but they come with different price tags.

A full kitchen remodel, where you replace existing cabinets with new ones and install a new countertop, can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000. Your kitchen's size and the materials you pick will determine where your project falls within that range.

What is a Realistic Budget for a Kitchen Remodel?

When it comes to budgeting for a kitchen remodel, a general rule of thumb is to spend 5-15% of your home's value on the renovation. That helps ensure you get a high-quality remodel without breaking the bank. If your home is worth $300,000, a reasonable budget for a kitchen remodel would be $15,000 to $45,000.

When setting your budget, consider these three key factors:

1. Total Project Cost: The full amount you'll pay, including the contract price, taxes, financing fees (if you're financing) and interest charges.

2. Cash Needed Upfront: Most contractors require a down payment, usually 30% of the total cost if you're not financing. If you are financing, your upfront amount will depend on the lender's requirements.

3. Financing Amount and Monthly Payment: You can pay cash, finance the entire project, or combine the two methods. If financing, determine how much you're comfortable paying monthly towards the renovation.

To establish a realistic kitchen remodel budget, follow these steps:

1. Identify Problems to Solve: List what issues you want to address, such as outdated aesthetics, poor layout, lack of storage, etc. Prioritize these problems to guide your remodel scope.

2. Choose Cabinet Refacing or Full Remodel: Refacing can save 5-15% compared to full cabinet replacement but won't change the cabinet interiors.

3. Measure and Count Cabinets: Note your kitchen's dimensions and cabinet quantities to estimate material needs accurately.

4. Get Quotes and Compare: Request quotes from multiple contractors detailing costs for labor, materials, and your desired scope of work. Compare quotes to find the best value.

By understanding pricing factors and taking a systematic approach, you can develop a kitchen remodel budget that aligns with your goals—and avoids sticker shock.

What are all the Costs involved in a Kitchen Renovation?

The two main cost factors for a kitchen remodel are labor and materials.

Labor Costs

Labor costs are directly tied to the scope of work in your kitchen project. The more extensive the renovations, the higher the labor costs will be. For example, if you’re doing a full gut renovation versus just refacing cabinets, you’ll pay much more in labor. Even small additions like replacing countertops or backsplash will increase the labor scope.

Material Costs

The materials you choose have a big impact on the overall cost. From cabinets and countertops to flooring, appliances and fixtures - each product line has good/better/best pricing tiers. Work with your contractor to choose luxury high-end materials or budget-friendly options to fit your renovation goals and budget. Don’t sacrifice quality but understand there is usually a wide range in material pricing.

How much will a Kitchen Renovation Cost for Kitchens of Different Sizes?

The size of your kitchen plays a big role in determining the overall cost of the project. As a general rule of thumb, larger kitchens are more expensive due to more materials and labor required. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for common kitchen sizes in the area:

Cost of a 10x10 Kitchen Remodel

A 10x10 kitchen has 8-14 cabinets, often in an L-shape with an island. For a cabinet refacing project in this size, you can expect to pay between $10,000 - $23,000. The final cost will depend on the refacing material and whether you choose to replace other components like countertops, backsplash, sink, faucet or lighting.

If you’re doing a full remodel for a 10x10 kitchen, the estimated cost is $15,000 - $25,000. This includes replacing cabinets, countertops and potentially cabinet organization accessories or lighting updates.

Cost of a 12x12 Kitchen Remodel

A 12x12 kitchen has 15-18 cabinets, often in an L-shape with an island. For a cabinet refacing project in this size, you can expect to pay between $18,000 - $30,000 or more, depending on the refacing material and any additional kitchen features in the project.$22,000 - $36,000

Cost of a 10x20 Kitchen Remodel

When planning a 10x20 kitchen remodel—you know, that galley kitchen layout—you can expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 to $33,000 for a cabinet refacing project. That price range depends on the material you choose for refacing and any additional components like countertops, backsplashes or lighting you want to add.

A full kitchen remodel in that size can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $45,000. As you add more features or higher-end materials, that price will creep up towards the higher end of that range.

Keep in mind those estimates are based on average costs in your area—and costs can vary depending on your project's specifics, your material choices and the contractor you work with. If you're looking to splurge on high-end or custom designs, be prepared for costs to exceed those ranges.

Setting a Realistic Kitchen Remodel Budget

To feel confident in your kitchen renovation journey, follow these steps:

1. Get clear on what you want: Write down all the changes you want to make to your kitchen. Then, prioritize those elements based on how much you need them. That will help you (and your contractor) determine the right approach for your remodel.

2. Determine your budget: Research costs in your area to establish a budget that aligns with your goals. Look to reliable sources like the Cost vs. Value Report by the National Remodeler magazine for location-specific pricing information. Check out what reputable contractors like JSB Home Solutions say about average pricing for kitchen remodels on their website and learning center.

3. Find the right contractor: Interview multiple contractors to see how they can help you with your project. You can streamline that process by looking at curated lists of top-rated contractors in your area—like the best kitchen remodelers in Columbus, OH.

Frequently Asked Questions

What about unexpected costs during a kitchen renovation?

Set aside 10-20% of your total budget for those expenses that might pop up during the project.

Should I finance my kitchen remodel or pay cash?

That depends on your financial situation. Financing lets you spread costs over time, while paying cash means avoiding interest charges. Consider your monthly budget and long-term goals.

How can I save money on a kitchen renovation?

Some cost-saving strategies include refacing cabinets instead of replacing them, choosing mid-range materials and doing some work yourself (if you're capable). Just be cautious not to sacrifice quality for short-term savings.