How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Really Cost?

Ask three contractors what a kitchen remodel costs and you’ll get three shrugs. Here’s the honest version, from someone who prices these every week.

The three price tiers

Refresh ($15k–$30k): Keep the layout. New counters, paint or reface the cabinets, new fixtures and flooring. Biggest bang for the buck if your layout already works.

Full remodel ($35k–$75k): New cabinets, counters, flooring, lighting, and appliances — layout mostly stays. This is most of the kitchens we do.

Down to the studs ($75k+): Walls move, plumbing moves, maybe an island gets added. Structural work and permits push the number up fast.

What actually drives the price

Cabinets are usually a third of the budget. Moving plumbing or gas lines adds thousands before you see anything pretty. And the demo always uncovers something — budget a 10–15% contingency and you’ll never be surprised.

Where not to cheap out

Spend on the things you touch every day (cabinet hardware, faucet, counters) and on the things behind the walls. Save on the things you can swap later, like lighting fixtures and backsplash tile.

Want a real number for your kitchen? Estimates are free — and they’re written, itemized, and good for 30 days.