How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?

A kitchen remodel is usually the largest interior investment a homeowner makes — and the easiest place for a "cheap" bid to hide missing scope.

Typical cost ranges (national baseline, 2026)

These are planning ranges, not contractor bids. Metro labor markets (Austin, Denver, Seattle, NYC) can run 10–50% higher than the national baseline.

What actually drives the price

1. Cabinetry (often 30–40% of the job)

Stock RTA boxes are far cheaper than semi-custom plywood. Soft-close hardware, full-extension drawers, and solid face frames add up quickly. Always get the brand, line, and box construction in writing.

2. Countertops

Laminate is the budget path. Quartz and granite sit in the mid band. Quartzite and marble land in the premium band — and fabricators charge for seams, sink cutouts, and edge profiles.

3. Layout changes

Keeping the sink, range, and fridge where they are is the cheapest path. Moving plumbing or gas lines can add thousands before a single cabinet is hung.

4. Electrical and lighting

Dedicated 20A appliance circuits, under-cabinet lighting, and recessed cans are frequently billed separately if the quote only says "reuse existing outlets."

Common omissions that inflate the true cost

• City building and trade permits
• Dumpster / haul-away
• Drywall repair and painting
• Subfloor leveling under old cabinets
• Appliance delivery and installation

If a bid looks thousands below market, ask which of those are included before you celebrate.

Get a personalized planning range

Enter your kitchen size, metro, and finish tier in our free kitchen remodel cost calculator — then audit any contractor quote for missing permits, disposal, and electrical scope.

Bottom line

Budget for the mid-range band unless you are truly doing a cosmetic refresh. Ask every bidder for an itemized scope that names cabinets, counters, permits, disposal, and electrical — then compare apples to apples.