How much should a kitchen renovation cost?

Most full kitchen renovations land between roughly $25,000 and $80,000, with a mid-range remodel in an average-sized kitchen commonly falling near $40,000 to $55,000. Cabinet-and-counter refreshes that keep the existing layout can run $15,000 to $30,000, while moving plumbing, removing walls or specifying custom cabinetry pushes past $100,000. The single largest swing factor is cabinetry, which often accounts for a third of the total. A useful rule of thumb is to plan for 6 to 12 percent of your home's value.

Reviewed by Owners & Homes · Published February 10, 2026 · Last reviewed September 2, 2026

Typical kitchen budgets

Cosmetic refresh (paint, hardware, counters): $8,000 – $18,000
Same-layout remodel with new cabinets: $25,000 – $45,000
Mid-range full remodel: $40,000 – $65,000
Layout change or premium finishes: $75,000 – $150,000+

What affects the answer

Whether the layout stays put. Moving the sink, range or refrigerator means plumbing, gas and electrical work, plus flooring patching.
Cabinet construction. Stock, semi-custom and custom cabinetry can differ by a factor of three for the same footprint.
Counter material and the number of cutouts, seams and waterfall edges.
Appliance package. A builder-grade set and a professional-style set can be $15,000 apart.
Age of the house. Older homes often need electrical circuits, venting or subfloor work before finishes go in.
Local labor rates, which vary widely between metro and rural markets.

What homeowners often overlook

Temporary kitchen costs — takeout, a hot plate setup, a rented refrigerator — over a six to ten week build.
Range hood venting to the exterior, which is often missing in older homes and is not cheap to add.
Electrical code upgrades triggered once walls are open, including dedicated small-appliance circuits and GFCI protection.
Flooring that has to be replaced across adjoining rooms because the old material can no longer be matched.
Cabinet lead times, which can stretch eight to sixteen weeks and quietly stall the whole schedule.

Questions to ask before hiring

Is the appliance package included in this number, or is it an allowance I supply?
What allowances are in the bid for counters, tile, plumbing fixtures and lighting?
Who handles permits and inspections?
What is the cabinet lead time, and when do you order?
How will change orders be priced and approved?

A practical next step

Write down whether your layout is staying or moving before you talk to anyone. That one decision sets most of your budget, and it makes every bid you receive easier to compare.

This is general planning information, not an appraisal, engineering opinion, financial advice or a contractor proposal. Costs, timelines and property-value effects vary according to location, scope, materials, workmanship, property condition and market activity.