Kitchen Remodel Budget Planner

How Much Should You Spend on a Kitchen Remodel?

Are you ready to remodel your kitchen? Before you start shopping for materials, meeting with designers, and calling in contractors, we will help you break down your kitchen remodeling budget. Each remodeling project is unique, but we can share budget percentages, benchmarks, and tips on saving on renovation costs. 

The national average dollar amount for a kitchen remodel is around $22,000. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recommends a good benchmark. Stick with a kitchen remodeling budget within 10-20% of your home’s value. Houzz has a Real Remodeling Cost calculator that is a quick way to see local average costs to get an idea of what you might spend.  

If you are remodeling to enhance your home’s resale value, you can look at Remodeling Magazines Cost vs. Value Calculator. You can also talk to a local real estate professional to determine your new kitchen investment return for your neighborhood.  

What Should Be Included in a Kitchen Remodel Budget?

Basic Kitchen Upgrade: $5,000 to $15,000

You most likely won’t be changing the layout or making any structural changes at this level. However, you can refresh your space by painting or refacing the cabinets and replacing appliances, plumbing, and light fixtures. In addition, you may want to DIY some projects, like adding new cabinet knobs, to keep the budget lower. If you are considering replacing your countertops, keep in mind that you want to make sure the lower cabinets are sturdy and in good shape. You don’t want to have to remove the countertop a year later to replace the cabinets.

Kitchen Renovation: $15,000 to $35,000

This budget range could include all of the above and new cabinets and/or flooring. You might also be able to include some structural changes like removing soffits, moving a window, removing a non-supporting wall, or adding a kitchen island. Installing semi-custom cabinets could be part of this budget .

Full Kitchen Remodel: $35,000 to $75,000 and Up

At this level, a larger-scale remodel may include any or all of the above and a redesigned layout of the kitchen and possibly nearby rooms. You may be moving plumbing, electrical, and gas lines too. You will want your budget to include hiring a general contractor and/or designer to help with this size project.

Ways to Save Money on Your Kitchen Remodel

Please look at our breakdown below to see the estimated percentage costs for each component of a kitchen remodel. Set your budget based on your priorities from there. Always wanted a marble countertop, professional stove, or walnut kitchen cabinets? Budget for that perfect element and choose less expensive materials elsewhere.  

Bring your specifications with you when you are comparison shopping to make sure you are comparing the same product prices. Granite prices can vary by grade, for instance. 

Avoid changing your mind once products are ordered and installation begins. Of course, you can start your shopping online, but it is important to visit showrooms to make sure you like the way a material looks. It also helps to enlist a professional-like one of our kitchen designers. Professional designers have in-depth product knowledge and experience solving common kitchen design problems like blind corner storage solutions.

Finally, set aside at least 5-10% for contingencies. Realistically, some challenges will come up during the build or product availability.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimating

Use the percentages of the total budget below to set up your initial kitchen remodeling budget. These percentages are based on the NKBA recommendations. Then, if you have questions – feel free to give us a call or stop by the showroom. 

Sample Budget Worksheet