The Complete Guide To Kitchen Remodel Costs in 2026

Kitchen remodeling is one of the most common home renovation projects because it can improve daily function and support resale value. A complete kitchen remodel for a moderately sized home can range from $54,285 to $144,900, depending on the property’s size, location, materials, and renovation scope.

This guide breaks down the main kitchen remodeling costs, including labor, appliances, cabinets, countertops, flooring, plumbing, electrical work, lighting, and finishes.

Explore our guide to kitchen trends for layouts, cabinets, backsplashes, and finishes.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown

The table below summarizes the main cost categories in a full kitchen remodel, from labor and appliances to flooring, plumbing, and finishes.

Cost Category Estimated Cost
Full kitchen remodel $54,285–$144,900
Labor and contractor fees $30,135–$72,450
Appliances $6,038–$12,075
Lighting and backsplash $1,811–$3,014
Cabinets Around $24,150
Countertops $3,623–$6,636
Flooring $24–$37 per sq. ft.
Premium flooring Up to $53 per sq. ft.
Plumbing permits $2,415–$6,038 each
Electrical rewiring Around $2,237
Painting and fixtures Around $3,623

Kitchen Remodel Labor and Contractor Costs

Labor is one of the largest expenses in a kitchen remodel. For an average-sized kitchen, contractor and labor fees may range from $30,135 to $72,450.

This category can include demolition, carpentry, installation, plumbing, electrical work, painting, and finish work. If you hire an interior designer to help with layout, style, and materials, expect rates between $79 and $305 per hour.

A useful budgeting rule is that labor and material costs are often close to equal in full kitchen renovations.

New Kitchen Appliance Costs

Light oak kitchen with integrated appliances

New appliances are a major cost factor in a modern kitchen remodel. A typical appliance package may cost between $6,038 and $12,075, while luxury appliances can raise the total budget.

Refrigerators may range from $604 for entry-level models to almost $60,375 for high-end designer versions. Pricing depends on brand, size, finish, smart features, and whether the appliance is built-in or freestanding.

Lighting and Backsplash Costs

Open shelves kitchen lighting and backsplashes

Lighting and backsplash upgrades can improve both the appearance and usability of a kitchen. For a kitchen up to 120 square feet, these updates often cost around $1,811, while high-end upgrades may reach $3,014.

Lighting fixtures can range from $63 for store-bought options to $2,100 for custom designs. Under-cabinet lighting and accent lighting usually cost around $2,415. Extra electrical work may be needed if the project includes new outlets, fixture relocation, or layout changes.

Learn more in our article about kitchen backsplash materials, costs, and design ideas.

Kitchen Cabinet and Countertop Installation Cost

Cabinets and countertops are usually among the largest material investments in a kitchen renovation. For a typical-sized kitchen, cabinets may cost around $24,150, depending on construction quality, finish, hardware, and customization level.

Countertops commonly range from $3,623 to $6,636. Cosentino countertops may start around $604 and increase based on material type, thickness, edge profile, installation complexity, and the number of linear feet required.

Kitchen Flooring Costs

Tile kitchen flooring typically ranges from $24 to $37 per square foot, while premium materials can cost up to $53 per square foot.

For a kitchen remodel with a $54,285 budget, flooring refinishing may start at about $4,226. Common kitchen flooring options include tile, hardwood, engineered wood, vinyl, and premium stone surfaces.

Kitchen Plumbing and Electrical Costs

Plumbing and electrical work can significantly affect the total remodel cost, especially if the kitchen layout changes. Moving sinks, dishwashers, lighting, outlets, or appliances usually increases labor and permit expenses.

Plumbing permits may range from $2,415 to $6,038 each. Additional plumbing materials, fixtures, or base items may cost around $4,226.

For an average-sized kitchen, new wiring supplies may cost about $546. With labor, total rewiring costs can reach around $2,237.

Paint and Fixture Costs

Rebel green kitchen with marble countertops

Painting and fixtures are finishing details, but they still affect the final kitchen remodel budget. A professional paint job for an average kitchen may cost around $3,623, including materials and labor.

Some homeowners paint themselves to reduce costs. However, a professional level 4 finish includes wall, ceiling, and corner touch-ups, caulking, skim coating, and detailed finish work.

Kitchen Remodeling Costs by Scope

Kitchen remodel costs also vary by project scope. Minor remodels focus on surface-level updates, while major remodels usually involve layout changes, premium materials, and custom features.

Remodel Type Typical Cost Common Inclusions
Minor kitchen remodel Around $28,980 Appliance upgrades, countertops, flooring, cabinet additions or replacements
Midrange kitchen remodel Around $83,265 Semi-custom cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, walls, and lighting
Major kitchen remodel Around $164,220 Layout changes, custom cabinetry, premium backsplashes, high-end appliances, designer fixtures, new lighting, and premium flooring

How to Choose Kitchen Storage Features Before Technical Drawings

Storage features should be chosen before technical drawings are finalized, not after production begins. Drawers, pull-outs, lighting, appliance garages, and specialty mechanisms can affect cabinet dimensions, hardware, power planning, and installation.

  1. List what currently clutters your countertops. Start with the items that are always left out, then decide which ones need a fixed storage place.
  2. Decide where trash, recycling, and compost should live. Place waste storage close to prep and cleanup zones so it works naturally in daily use.
  3. Identify which small appliances need to stay accessible. Decide which appliances should live in an appliance garage, tall cabinet, pantry zone, or open counter area.
  4. Choose which drawers need dividers, inner drawers, or lighting. Plan internal storage around the items each drawer will hold before the cabinet structure is finalized.
  5. Confirm appliance sizes before planning appliance garages or panels. Appliance dimensions can affect cabinet width, depth, ventilation, outlets, and door clearances.
  6. Review which features need electrical or installer coordination. Drawer lighting, appliance garages, under-cabinet lighting, and charging zones should be planned before production drawings are approved.
  7. Finalize storage accessories before production drawings are approved. Pull-outs, bins, specialty mechanisms, and internal organizers should be locked before production begins.

This is especially important in minimalist kitchens. The cleaner the exterior, the more carefully the interior needs to be planned.

Conclusion

Remodeling a kitchen can be complex, especially when plumbing, electrical work, layout changes, or custom materials are involved. Working with a professional can help you define your priorities, compare options, and understand the expected cost before construction begins.

Get a free instant kitchen estimate here!

FAQ: Kitchen Remodel Cost

How much does a full kitchen remodel cost?

A full kitchen remodel for a moderately sized home may cost between $54,285 and $144,900. The final price depends on the project scope, location, labor, and material selections.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

Labor, cabinets, and countertops are usually among the most expensive parts of a kitchen remodel. Cabinets alone may cost around $24,150 for a typical-sized kitchen.

How much should I budget for kitchen appliances?

A typical appliance package for a remodeled kitchen may cost between $6,038 and $12,075. High-end or designer appliances can raise the total cost.

How much does a major kitchen remodel cost?

A major kitchen remodel may cost around $164,220 and often includes layout changes, custom cabinets, premium countertops, high-end appliances, designer fixtures, lighting, and upgraded flooring.

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May 11, 2026
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6 min read
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