How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Really Cost in 2024? A Breakdown & Guide
Are you contemplating a kitchen renovation but feeling unsure about the potential costs? Let's demystify the budgeting process together! I'll guide you through creating a realistic budget based on industry-standard data, ensuring your remodel stays on track financially.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, an upscale kitchen remodel averages a 31% return on investment, and a mid-range minor remodel can yield a 41% return on investment! Not even considering these figures, having a functional and beautiful kitchen you, your family, and your guests can enjoy for years, is priceless.
We’re going to look at a basic budget breakdown, then what you can expect with a Basic, Mid-level, and Premium Kitchen remodel. Remodeling costs vary by region so always start by researching the figures in your area, then come up with a budget number that you feel comfortable with. Don’t forget to add 20% for unplanned issues.
Here are a few general guides:
$75-$110K+ for a Large Kitchen
$65-85K+ for a Medium Kitchen
$35-55K+ for a Small Galley Kitchen
Now let's take a look at how to distribute that money and what you can expect for these 3 levels:
Basic Kitchen Remodel Budget Breakdown
The First 2 Questions to ask yourself for budgeting:
1. What are your expectations for quality? If you know you’re drawn to high end things, don't expect that to change when it comes to selecting quality finishes for your kitchen. Examine your closet and garage to get a sense your expectations. Two 300sf kitchens can have completely different price tags based on the chosen finishes.
2. How big is your kitchen? Square footage is the second biggest factor in determining a realistic budget. There are baseline costs that can't be ignored. Bottom line, the bigger the kitchen, the bigger the price tag.
Use the chart above as a general guide but make it your own! Maybe the backsplash tile or lighting are the most important items to you, figure out how to reallocate that money to make your budget work.
Jean Stoffer Design
Cabinetry
BASIC
Stock cabinets. Averages $70 per linear foot, Cons - limited sizes and finishes
Re-paint (professionally) or Re-surface your existing cabinetry
Buy reusable cabinets from Habitat for Humanity and have professionally painted
Ikea flat-pack cabinets - Good for DIY'ers but consider cost to have assembled and trips back and forth to store for inevitable mishaps
MID-LEVEL
Semi-custom cabinets - Averages $150-$250 per linear foot.
Typically comes in 3" increments so you can have more precise configurations without a lot of filler pieces.
Quality can vary from veneered particle board to plywood
Many lines offer custom paint color selections
PREMIUM
Custom Cabinets - Averages $250-$500 per linear foot
Designed to your kitchen so there are no filler panels
Ability to add custom features such as lift cabinets, knife storage, specialty storage
Ability to do custom appliance cover panels for refrigerators and dishwashers
Plywood boxes
Premium wood species such as Walnut
Any paint color
Decorotation Interiors
Construction & Labor
BASIC
Plan to DIY most of the work. Leave electrical and plumbing to the professionals. Always work with a licensed insured pro and ask for references from past clients.
Don't DIY the cabinetry paint. A pro should paint the doors in a professional spray environment that prevents hair, debris, etc. from sticking to wet paint. Always use the right paint for the job.
Plan to assemble your own cabinetry if they don't arrive pre-assembled
MID-LEVEL
Plan to hire more help.
Save money by doing your own demo work.
Premium
Leave the work to the pros
House Beautiful
Major Appliances
BASIC
Re-use existing
Re-finish with Liquid Stainless Steel
Purchase white appliances which tend to be less expensive than their stainless counterparts.
MID-LEVEL
Mix appliances - Perhaps you decide to splurge on a nice range but save on a dishwasher
Buy a suite of appliances - If you don't mix, consider buying all from the same line which are often discounted when bundled.
Time your renovation so you can take advantage of Black Friday deals.
PREMIUM
Consider finer appliances such as Viking and Blue Star which allows you to customize the color of your appliances
Look into integrated panel-ready appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers that blend with the cabinetry for a custom look.
Maureen Stevens
Floors & Wall Tile
BASIC
Plan to keep your existing floor
New ceramic backsplash tile. Lay them in a unique pattern for visual interest
MID-LEVEL
Existing hardwood floors can be refinished
Replacing existing floor tiles may blow your budget if you don't find other areas to save
New ceramic backsplash tile. Lay them in a unique pattern for visual interest
PREMIUM
New tile or wood flooring
Wood flooring can be laid in interesting patterns such as herringbone or chevron
Can play with inset tile "rugs"
New backsplash can be natural stone or more premium ceramic tiles
Ladybird Designs
Countertops, Sinks & Faucets
BASIC
Countertops - Level 1 Granite or Quartz (Simple edge details, 2CM thick), Butcher block, Laminate
Level 1 plumbing and faucets
MID-LEVEL
Countertops - Level 2 Granite or Quartz (Simple edge details, 2CM thick)
Level 2 plumbing and faucets
PREMIUM
Countertops - Level 3 Granite or Quartz (Detailed edge profiles, Thicker 3CM), Natural Stone
Level 3 Plumbing and Faucets
Pure Salt Interiors
Lighting
BASIC
Recessed Lighting
Look for salvaged or DIY options
MID-LEVEL
Recessed Lighting
Level 2 lighting on basic such as island pendants, or over sink light.
PREMIUM
Recessed Lighting
Level 3 lighting throughout
Under cabinet lighting and/or cove lighting.
