Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator
Get an instant free estimate for your kitchen remodel based on scope, cabinet quality, and countertop material.
How is Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculated?
Kitchen remodel cost is calculated primarily by remodel scope, cabinet quality, and kitchen square footage. A cosmetic refresh runs $20–$40 per sq. ft., while a full luxury remodel can exceed $300 per sq. ft. Cabinets alone account for 30–40% of the total budget. Countertop material, appliances, plumbing changes, and electrical upgrades add significantly on top of the base rate.
Estimate Your Project Cost
Kitchen Location
Choose which state the kitchen is located.
Kitchen Size
Enter the total square footage of your kitchen (typical kitchens are 100–300 sq. ft.).
Remodel Scope:
Cabinet Quality:
Countertop Material:
Additional Services:
Key Factors Influencing Kitchen Remodel Cost
Remodel Scope
Scope is the single largest cost driver. A cosmetic remodel avoids demolition entirely — paint, cabinet hardware, faucets, and lighting can transform a kitchen for $5,000–$15,000. A minor remodel replaces cabinets, countertops, and appliances within the same footprint. A major remodel involves full gut demolition, potential wall removal, and complete plumbing and electrical relocation — it also triggers permit requirements and inspections. A luxury remodel adds custom cabinetry, professional design services, premium appliances, and high-end stone.
Cabinet and Countertop Selection
- Stock Cabinets: Pre-built in standard sizes. Available immediately, lowest cost. Best for budget or cosmetic remodels.
- Semi-Custom Cabinets: Built to order with more size and finish options. 4–8 week lead time. Best value for most remodels.
- Full Custom Cabinets: Built to exact specification. Any wood, finish, and interior configuration. 8–16 week lead time. Best for luxury and unique layouts.
Kitchen Remodel Cost by Scope (2026)
| Remodel Scope | Typical Total Cost | What's Included | Avg. ROI at Resale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic | $5,000 – $15,000 | Paint, hardware, lighting, faucet | 85–100% |
| Minor | $15,000 – $40,000 | Cabinets, counters, appliances | 80–85% |
| Major | $40,000 – $80,000 | Full gut, layout change, all trades | 60–70% |
| Luxury | $80,000 – $200,000+ | Custom everything, professional design | 50–65% |
Countertop Cost by Material
| Material | Installed Cost / Sq. Ft. | Durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $15 – $40 | Good | Very low |
| Ceramic / Porcelain Tile | $20 – $50 | Very good | Low (grout sealing) |
| Butcher Block | $40 – $80 | Good | Medium (oiling) |
| Quartz | $55 – $100 | Excellent | Very low (no sealing) |
| Granite | $45 – $90 | Excellent | Low (annual sealing) |
| Marble | $75 – $150 | Good (prone to etching) | High (frequent sealing) |
How to Estimate Kitchen Remodel Cost Manually
If you cannot use the calculator above, follow these 4 steps to get a baseline estimate:
Step 1: Measure Your Kitchen
Measure the full floor area of your kitchen in square feet. Include the space in front of the cabinets, the island footprint, and any nooks or breakfast areas that will be remodeled. Common kitchen sizes: galley (80–120 sq. ft.), standard L-shape (120–175 sq. ft.), U-shape (150–225 sq. ft.), open-concept (200–400 sq. ft.).
Step 2: Determine Your Remodel Scope
The remodel scope sets your base cost per sq. ft.: Cosmetic ($20–$40/sq. ft.) — paint, hardware, new light fixtures, no demolition. Minor ($60–$100/sq. ft.) — replace cabinets, countertops, and appliances within the existing layout. Major ($120–$180/sq. ft.) — full gut, moving plumbing or walls, complete new layout. Luxury ($250–$350+/sq. ft.) — custom cabinets, premium stone, professional design services.
Step 3: Factor In Cabinets and Countertops
Cabinets are typically 30–40% of a kitchen remodel budget. Stock cabinets cost $100–$300 per linear foot installed; semi-custom $200–$500; full custom $500–$1,200+. Countertop material adds to the cost: laminate ($15–$30/sq. ft.), quartz ($55–$100/sq. ft.), granite ($45–$90/sq. ft.), marble ($75–$150/sq. ft.).
Step 4: Apply the Formula
Use this formula to build your estimate:
Sq. Ft. × Scope Rate × Cabinet Multiplier + Countertop Cost + Extras = Total
Example: A 150 sq. ft. minor remodel with semi-custom cabinets and quartz: (150 × $80 × 1.30) + (150 × $18) = $15,600 + $2,700 = $18,300.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel?
According to industry data for 2026, a minor kitchen remodel (new cabinets, countertops, and appliances in the same layout) averages $15,000–$40,000. A major mid-range remodel runs $40,000–$80,000. A luxury custom kitchen can exceed $100,000–$150,000. The national average across all remodel types is roughly $27,000. Cost varies significantly by region — coastal metro areas run 20–40% higher than the national average.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A cosmetic refresh (paint, hardware, new fixtures) can be completed in 1–2 weeks. A minor remodel with cabinet and countertop replacement takes 3–6 weeks once materials arrive. A major gut remodel — which requires demolition, rough plumbing, electrical, inspection approvals, and full finish work — typically takes 6–12 weeks. The largest variable is the permit and inspection timeline, which alone can add 2–6 weeks depending on your municipality's backlog.
What is the ROI on a kitchen remodel?
A minor kitchen remodel consistently ranks among the highest ROI home improvement projects. Remodeling Magazine's 2025 Cost vs. Value report shows a minor mid-range kitchen remodel recouping approximately 80–85% of its cost at resale in most markets. Major and luxury remodels recoup less (50–65%) because buyers rarely pay dollar-for-dollar for premium upgrades in average-priced neighborhoods. The best ROI strategy is to match your kitchen quality to your neighborhood's price tier.
Should I replace or reface my kitchen cabinets?
Cabinet refacing (replacing only the door fronts and drawer faces, and applying veneer to the cabinet boxes) costs 40–60% less than full replacement and takes 2–5 days versus 2–4 weeks. It is the right choice when your cabinet boxes are structurally sound and you are happy with the existing layout. Full replacement is necessary when the boxes are damaged, when you want to change the layout or add cabinets, or when you want soft-close hardware and modern interior features (pull-out shelves, drawer inserts) that cannot be retrofitted.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets are almost always the largest single line item, consuming 30–40% of the total budget. In a $30,000 remodel, expect $9,000–$12,000 in cabinets alone. Countertops are the second-largest cost at 10–15% (more for marble or quartz in a larger kitchen). Labor for installation, plumbing, and electrical is collectively the most expensive category — often 30–35% of the total — but it is spread across multiple trades and not always visible as a single line item.
What is the difference between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets?
Stock cabinets are pre-built in fixed sizes (typically in 3-inch width increments) and finishes. They are available immediately from home improvement stores at the lowest cost ($100–$300/linear foot installed). Semi-custom cabinets are built to order in a wider range of sizes and finish options, with 4–8 week lead times ($200–$500/linear foot). Full custom cabinets are built to exact measurements with virtually any wood species, finish, and interior configuration — they have the longest lead times (8–16 weeks) and highest cost ($500–$1,200+/linear foot).
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel?
It depends on the scope. Purely cosmetic work (paint, new hardware, light fixture swaps) typically does not require a permit. Work that involves moving or adding electrical circuits, moving plumbing, or removing walls (especially load-bearing ones) almost always requires a permit and inspections. Working without permits when required creates liability when selling the home — a buyer's inspector or the underwriter may flag unpermitted work, potentially requiring you to open walls for inspection or restore the original condition.
What countertop material offers the best value?
Quartz is widely considered the best balance of performance and cost. Unlike granite, quartz is non-porous and requires no sealing. Unlike marble, it resists staining and etching from acidic foods. Installed cost of $55–$100 per sq. ft. is higher than laminate or tile but lower than marble. Laminate (modern options now closely mimic stone) offers the best value at $15–$30 per sq. ft. for budget-conscious remodels, especially with waterfall edge profiles that look premium at a fraction of the cost.
Can I stay in my home during a kitchen remodel?
Yes, but it requires planning. During a major gut remodel, your kitchen will be completely non-functional for 4–8 weeks. Set up a temporary kitchen in another room with a microwave, mini-fridge, and electric skillet. Budget for increased takeout and restaurant meals — $50–$150 per day for a family is typical. Dust is the biggest nuisance: plastic sheeting barriers between the kitchen and living areas reduce, but do not eliminate, dust migration throughout the house.
How do I hire a reliable kitchen contractor?
Get a minimum of three written bids that break out labor, materials, and subcontractor costs separately. Verify the contractor's general contractor license, liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage in your state. Check references from projects completed within the last 12 months — specifically ask about communication, timeline adherence, and how disputes were handled. Avoid contractors who demand more than 30–40% upfront (the standard is 10–30% deposit, with remaining payments tied to project milestones). A detailed, signed contract specifying scope, materials, timeline, and payment schedule is non-negotiable.