"What's this going to cost?" is the first question every homeowner asks before a kitchen remodel — and it's a harder question to answer than most contractors let on, because the honest answer is: it depends on scope. Here's how to think about it before you request an estimate.
The Three Tiers of Kitchen Remodeling
Most kitchen projects fall into one of three general tiers:
- Refresh: New countertops, hardware, backsplash, and paint or cabinet refacing. You keep the existing layout and most fixtures.
- Mid-range remodel: New cabinets, countertops, and flooring, possibly with minor layout tweaks (moving a sink, adding an island).
- Full gut renovation: Everything comes out — cabinets, counters, flooring, sometimes walls — and the kitchen is rebuilt from the studs, often with plumbing and electrical changes.
Each tier has a wide price range depending on material choices, square footage, and local labor rates — which is exactly why we don't publish a one-size-fits-all number on this page. A free in-home estimate is the only way to get pricing that actually applies to your kitchen.
What Actually Drives the Cost
1. Cabinetry
Cabinets are typically the single biggest line item in a kitchen remodel. Refacing existing boxes with new doors is far cheaper than full custom cabinetry — and often looks just as good if your existing layout works.
2. Layout Changes
Moving a sink, range, or wall changes plumbing, electrical, and sometimes structural work — all of which add cost and time compared to keeping the existing footprint.
3. Countertop Material
Laminate, butcher block, granite, and quartz all sit at different price points, with quartz and natural stone generally costing more than laminate but requiring less long-term maintenance.
4. Structural or Code Work
Older homes sometimes reveal outdated wiring, plumbing, or subfloor damage once cabinets and flooring come out. A good contractor flags this risk upfront rather than hitting you with it mid-project.
How to Get an Accurate Number
Online calculators and national averages are a starting point, but they can't account for your home's specific layout, your material preferences, or local labor costs. The most reliable way to budget is a free, in-home estimate — we measure your space, talk through your priorities, and hand you an itemized, written quote before any work begins.
Our pricing is fixed once you sign off — no surprise change orders mid-project.
Ready to Get a Real Number?
If you're planning a kitchen remodel, the fastest way to get accurate, written pricing is to request a free estimate. Learn more about what's included in our kitchen remodeling services.