The average kitchen remodel cost is a nebulous number that hinges on different factors.
In one sense, you can say that the average pro-level cost is $25,000 and the average do-it-yourself level cost is $16,000. But as soon as you pin down one cost, other factors begin to change. So it is best to look at this estimate from a few basic angles before arriving at that final cost.
Combination Of National Averages
For the last two decades, Remodeling Magazine has published its annual Cost vs. Value Report, (CVVR) which breaks down average kitchen remodeling costs, as well as for other areas of the home. These averages are further broken down by area of the U.S.
CVVR is the most reliable source for average remodeling data because it is the only publicly accessible source of that scale. It is also the source that everyone tends to fall back on it without drawing in other data or questioning its numbers.
Most consulted for resale values, CVVR derives this data from perceived value by remodeling industry professionals such as Realtors, builders, remodelers, and so on. For remodel costs, it relies on RemodelMax’s data in conjunction with Clear Estimates construction estimating software.
These renovations are full-on, professional-level kitchen remodels, yet built with mid-range quality materials. They do not include do it yourself work, shortcuts, or skimping. Because do-it-yourself is such an important part of mid-range kitchen remodels, data for this is broken down here:
Remodeling Magazine’s national figures are $22,507 for a minor mid-range kitchen remodel and $131,510 for a major upscale kitchen remodel. This chart concentrates on minor remodel figures:
| Cost – Pros | Cost – DIY | |
| Reface cabinets (1) | – | $9,000 |
| New cabinet hardware (2) | – | $150 |
| New wall oven (3) | – | $854 |
| New cooktop (4) | – | $300 |
| Replace laminate countertops (5) | – | $414 |
| New sink and faucet (6) | – | $263 |
| Repaint trim (7) | – | $28 |
| Add wall covering (8) | – | $75 |
| Replace resilient (vinyl) flooring (9) | – | $400 |
| Sub-total | – | $11,484 |
| Local and state tax @ 5% | Included | $574 |
| $20,122 | $12,058 |
Bracketed numbers refer to notes in Footnotes, below.
Five Views of Average Kitchen Remodel Costs
- $12,000: Do-it-yourself cost, rock-bottom kitchen remodel.
- $13,000: Do-it-yourself cost, adding nearly $1,000 for reasonable upward adjustments like better quality materials.
- $16,000: More realistic do-it-yourself cost (number arrived at by averaging the do-it-yourself cost and the professional cost to take into account the occasional need to hire subcontractors).
- $20,000: Professional level cost, rock-bottom.
- $25,000: More realistic professional level cost, arrived at by adding about $5,000 to account for better quality materials and real-world variables that may influence the cost.
Lowering Kitchen Remodel Costs
- Sub Out. Avoiding the full-blown kitchen remodeling companies and even a contractor. Instead, subbing out the job yourself to the trades. Trades include new flooring, electrical, plumbing.
- Do (Some Of) It Yourself. Do-it-yourself in this case would be demolition, painting, new flooring (if vinyl tile, ceramic tile, or laminate).
- Reuse Cabinets. Preserving kitchen cabinetry if at all possible. Painting, refacing, or sanding and staining your existing cabinets save the four- or five-figure bill for new cabinets.
- Keep the Footprint. Moving services (electrical, plumbing, vents, drain, etc.) automatically shoots up the price. Can you live with this layout?
- Builder-Grade Materials. Avoiding any upscale surface material like granite, stainless steel, or special hardwoods.
- Less Detail Work. Details like crown molding dress up a room. But they also act like gasoline on your remodeling-cost fire. Limit details to control costs.
Footnotes
- Higher-end of estimated cabinet refacing costs, $7,000 to $10,000. Because do-it-yourself refacing is essentially not possible, professional-level refacing is listed in both categories.
- Polished chrome pulls (40 pieces @ $1.71 ea.) and satin nickel overlay door hinges (48 pieces @ $1.70 ea.).
- Whirlpool Single Door 24. In. Black @ $854 ea.
- Whirlpool 30 In. Gas 4 Burner Cooktop @ $300 ea.
- Valencia Spicewood Springs Laminate Countertop @ $31.50 per linear foot.
- Thermocast Manhattan Drop-In Acrylic 33 in. 2-Hole Single Bowl Kitchen Sink in White @ $193 ea. with Delta Foundations 2-Handle Standard Kitchen Faucet with Side Sprayer in Chrome @ $70 ea.
- One gallon of Glidden interior trim paint @ $20 ea. with set of three angled sash brushes at $8.20 ea.
- Glidden interior latex paint (3 gallons at $20 ea. = $60) plus 8-piece paint roller set ($15 ea.).
- TrafficMaster Allure resilient vinyl plank flooring (200 sq. ft. x $2.00/sq. ft. = $400). Even though 200 sq. ft. will not be used due to cabinet footprint, extra is added for wastage.
Source: The Spruce
