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Kitchen Remodel Cost 2026

Real cost data. Free quotes from licensed contractors.

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The kitchen is the most remodeled room in American homes -- and one of the most expensive. Costs range from a few thousand dollars for a cosmetic refresh to $100,000+ for a full custom renovation. Understanding where the money goes helps you plan realistically and get the most value from your investment.

2026 Cost Ranges by Type and Home Size

TypeSmallAverageLarge
Minor refresh (paint, hardware, fixtures)$2,000 -- $8,000$5,000 -- $15,000$10,000 -- $25,000
Mid-range remodel (cabinets, counters, appliances)$20,000 -- $40,000$35,000 -- $65,000$55,000 -- $90,000
Full gut renovation (layout changes)$40,000 -- $70,000$60,000 -- $100,000$80,000 -- $150,000
Cabinet refacing only$4,000 -- $8,000$7,000 -- $14,000$12,000 -- $20,000
Countertop replacement only$2,000 -- $4,000$3,500 -- $7,000$6,000 -- $14,000

Costs vary significantly by kitchen size, material choices, and location. High-cost markets (NYC, SF, Boston) are typically 30-60% higher than the national average.

Where does kitchen remodel budget go?

Cabinets are typically the largest expense in a kitchen remodel, accounting for 30-40% of the total budget. Countertops are second at 10-15%. Labor (installation, plumbing, electrical) accounts for 25-35% of costs. Appliances, flooring, and fixtures make up the rest. If you are keeping existing cabinet boxes and just refacing them, you can cut cabinet costs by 50-70%.

Kitchen remodel return on investment

Kitchen remodels have one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement. A mid-range kitchen remodel recoups an average of 70-80% of its cost in home value. A minor cosmetic update can recoup 90%+ because of the low upfront cost. Full gut renovations in high-cost markets can recoup even more if they bring an outdated kitchen up to neighborhood standards.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

A minor cosmetic refresh takes 1-2 weeks. A mid-range remodel with cabinet replacement takes 3-6 weeks. A full gut renovation with layout changes typically takes 8-16 weeks, including permitting, demolition, rough work (plumbing, electrical), installation, and finishing. Plan for your kitchen to be out of commission for the full duration.

How to plan your kitchen remodel budget

Start with your total available budget and work backwards. Allocate 30-40% to cabinets, 10-15% to countertops, 15-20% to appliances, 10-15% to labor for installation, and keep 10-15% as a contingency for surprises. Always get at least 3 written quotes from licensed kitchen remodeling contractors before signing a contract.

Get free quotes from licensed kitchen remodel contractors

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