Kitchen Renovation Planning and Cost Guide

Kitchen renovation costs vary widely by scope. A budget refresh — paint, hardware, minor updates — typically runs $5,000 to $15,000. A mid-range renovation with new cabinets, countertops, and appliances usually falls between $20,000 and $50,000. Full gut renovations with premium finishes can exceed $60,000.

Cabinets are usually the single biggest expense, typically accounting for 30 to 40 percent of the total budget. Choosing stock or semi-custom cabinets instead of fully custom work is one of the most effective ways to control costs without sacrificing the overall look.

A common budgeting guideline is to keep a kitchen renovation to roughly 5 to 15 percent of your home's current value for a standard update, with some homeowners going higher for a full remodel with structural or layout changes.

Layout changes add cost fast. Moving plumbing or gas lines, knocking down walls, or reconfiguring electrical work all add labor and permitting costs on top of materials — cosmetic updates within the existing footprint are significantly cheaper.

Get at least three quotes before committing, and make sure each one clearly separates labor, materials, and any allowances for items like countertops or appliances you haven't picked out yet.

Plan for the timeline, not just the budget. A minor update can take 2 to 4 weeks, while a full renovation with custom cabinetry often takes 3 to 4 months from planning to completion.

Use our marketplace to compare general contractors for your kitchen renovation.