Average Kitchen Remodeling Costs in 2024 — and Ways to Save
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How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
A kitchen remodel costs around $27,000 for a minor remodel to over $150,000 for a major, upscale one, according to a 2024 study from Hanley Wood Market Intelligence. What you spend depends on where you live, whom you hire, the materials you select and the changes you make.
Though a kitchen remodel can be pricey, the return on investment can be huge in improving your home’s resale value. Here’s how to prepare for this popular home improvement project and some tips for controlling costs.
What is a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel?
The cost of a kitchen update can vary widely. Data from Hanley Wood Market Intelligence puts a minor remodel in 2024 at $27,492, a major midrange remodel at $79,982, and a major, upscale one at $158,530. Data from HomeAdvisor also prices the average remodel at around $27,000, with a typical range between $14,597 and $41,501 .
Cabinetry is the biggest expense, according to these sources. "Cabinets are the workhorse of the kitchen," says Tennille Wood, CEO and principal designer at Beautiful Habitat in Denver. “The entire floor plan and function of the kitchen is built on them.”
Location also plays a big role in the costs of remodeling, Cathy Norman, co-owner of Kitchen and Bath Design Center in Fort Collins, Colorado, said via email.
For example, labor and materials tend to be more expensive in bigger cities where wages and transportation costs are higher.
How to plan your kitchen remodel
1. Determine the goal.
Start by asking "What do I do most in the kitchen?," said Christina Starmer, a building contractor at CenterBeam Construction in Jacksonville, Florida, via email. How your kitchen is used should guide design choices, from adding an island to where you’ll hide the trash can.
Then ask, "Will this countertop, tile backsplash or flooring be timeless?" Starmer said. Unless it’s your forever home, avoid styles that may not be trendy in a few years.
2. Create a budget.
Make a list of must-haves and want-to-haves, and work with a professional to price them. Prioritize the replacement of elements that waste money — like inefficient appliances — or that make your kitchen look dated, like stained flooring. Only when all the must-haves fit into your budget should you splurge on that warming drawer or built-in wine fridge.
Once you have a design and a budget, stick to the plan. Clients often want to add things when the contractor is already in the house, Norman says. Soon, what started as a simple kitchen remodel becomes a much bigger project.
“A minor kitchen remodel recoups about 96% of its cost in increased home value.”Hanley Wood Market Intelligence
3. Think about ROI.
Keeping things simple often means more bang for your buck, especially if you’re remodeling to boost resale value.
A minor kitchen remodel, which includes refinished cabinets, new flooring and countertops and a couple of updated appliances, recouped about 96% of the cost, according to Hanley Wood Market Intelligence. A major midrange remodel, including custom cabinets and all new appliances, saw about 49.5% returned in a higher home value.
4. Do your research.
Finding the right contractor and materials requires some homework. Take the time to:
Read credible reviews of products, materials and professionals.
Get estimates from multiple contractors.
Ask about past projects, including the final cost and how long they took to complete.
Contact previous customers to find out if they were satisfied with the experience.
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Tips to make your kitchen remodel more affordable
1. Retain the same layout
Don’t move any existing plumbing if possible, Starmer said. Moving a sink to the opposite wall could mean pulling up your kitchen floor to move the drain line, for example. The same goes for relocating electric or gas ranges, which often add a full day of labor.
2. Keep it simple
If new cabinets are a must-have, choose ready-to-assemble or stock models instead of custom options. And resist fancy add-ons like cabinet and drawer dividers, vertical spice racks and countertop garages. "As lovely as these things may be, they add a hefty expense when you’re on a budget," Starmer said.
Use a similar approach with appliances: Efficient, mass-market products often cost less than their professional-grade counterparts without sacrificing performance or appeal.
3. Do a little yourself
If you have the time, tools and know-how, doing parts of your kitchen remodel yourself can trim the cost. For example:
Remove old cabinets, countertops or appliances before the contractor arrives to reduce labor and disposal costs.
Pick up materials instead of having them delivered to eliminate delivery fees.
Paint walls or door and window frames on your own rather than paying someone else.
Be sure to share your DIY aspirations with potential contractors to find out if they're comfortable leaving some parts of the job to you.
