Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown: How to Budget and Plan in 2026

When you're thinking about upgrading your home, few projects have as much impact (or as many variables) as a kitchen remodel.

The kitchen is where life happens: meals, conversations, morning coffees, and late-night snacks. Sprucing up this space is an exciting time for homeowners. But before the excitement of new cabinets and countertops completely takes over, you need to understand your options and plan for kitchen remodel costs.

In this guide, we'll break down what drives the average kitchen remodel cost, how to plan your budget wisely, and what to expect from small, mid-, and large-scale renovation projects.

Whether you're refreshing your space or starting from scratch, understanding your kitchen remodel cost is the first step toward creating a kitchen you'll love for years to come.

What Affects Your Kitchen Remodel Cost?

No two kitchen remodels are exactly alike. That's why understanding what drives your kitchen remodel cost can help you make smarter decisions and avoid sticker shock along the way.

Size and Layout

The larger the kitchen, the higher the cost. More square footage means more flooring, cabinetry, and countertop material (which also means additional labor hours). A compact galley kitchen refresh might stay on the lower end of the budget, while expanding to an open-concept design can increase kitchen remodel costs.

Location and Labor Rates

Where you live also affects your final bill. Remodeling in large metropolitan areas or regions with high labor costs typically increases the total cost of a kitchen remodel. Local building codes, permits, and contractor availability can also affect timelines and pricing.

Materials and Finishes

From quartz countertops and hardwood floors to tile backsplashes and custom cabinetry, your material choices can drive up expenses. Premium finishes elevate the space but also increase the overall cost of a kitchen remodel. If you're on a tighter budget, opt for durable, cost-effective alternatives like laminate or vinyl.

Labor and Expertise

Labor accounts for roughly 20–30% of the total kitchen remodel cost. Skilled trades, such as electricians, plumbers, designers, and installers, ensure that everything is done safely and in accordance with code. While DIY might seem tempting, professional craftsmanship often prevents costly mistakes in the long run.

Project Scope and Complexity

According to NerdWallet, kitchen remodel costs in 2025 range from $15 to $150 per square foot, translating to about $20,000 to $150,000+ depending on scale. A cosmetic update might involve paint and lighting, while a complete renovation could mean removing walls, rerouting plumbing, and installing high-end appliances. Custom designs and older homes often add even more to the total.

How Much Should You Budget for a Kitchen Remodel?

So, how much should you really spend on your kitchen remodel? The answer depends on your home's value and your goals. Having a clear plan makes all the difference.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), homeowners should budget about 15–20% of their home's value for a remodel. That means if your home is valued at $400,000, your ideal kitchen remodel cost would fall between $60,000 and $80,000.

But that's just the baseline. Experts at Fidelity suggest adding an additional 15–25% cushion to account for surprises such as outdated plumbing, electrical upgrades, or material shortages. Having a safety net helps you avoid financial stress if costs rise above expectations.

When budgeting for a kitchen remodel, think beyond resale value. Sure, an updated kitchen can boost your home's price tag, but it's also about improving your day-to-day life. The right investment can make cooking easier, entertaining more enjoyable, and mornings a little brighter. We do spend a lot of time in our kitchens, after all.

Ultimately, learning how to plan your kitchen remodel cost requires you to balance value and design. Treat your renovation as both a financial investment and a lifestyle upgrade, and you'll get lasting returns every time you walk into your kitchen.

Understanding Where the Money Goes

Cabinetry accounts for the largest share of your kitchen remodel cost because it defines the look, layout, and storage of your space. Custom cabinetry and high-end hardware can quickly raise your total, but choosing semi-custom or refaced cabinets offers savings without sacrificing style.



Countertops and flooring are also flexible budget areas. For instance, opting for laminate instead of quartz, or luxury vinyl tile instead of hardwood, can trim thousands off your final bill while still achieving a beautiful, durable finish.

Appliances and installation costs are less negotiable but can still be managed. Bundling appliance purchases, reusing existing layouts, and planning ahead with your contractor can help minimize surprise expenses.

In the end, knowing how each element contributes to your overall kitchen remodel cost empowers you to prioritize where to splurge and where to save.

Comparing 3 Types of Kitchen Remodels: Small, Mid, and Large Scale

For any kitchen remodel cost breakdown to be successful, you need to be clear about your wants, needs, and end goal.

Start by asking yourself some basic questions:

• Are you planning on reselling your home in a few years, or is this going to be your long-term home?
• How much kitchen space do you and your family need?
• What do you like about your current kitchen layout?
• What do you dislike about your current kitchen layout?
• What will the primary function of your kitchen space be (cooking, entertaining, kids, etc.)?

Once you have these questions answered, you can begin to envision the scope of your project. The scope refers to the building and design strategies you'll use to create the space you want. Typically, there are three categories of remodeling projects: small-scale, mid-scale, and large-scale.

Small-Scale Kitchen Remodel

A small kitchen remodel cost typically covers cosmetic updates rather than major construction. This option is not for homeowners who want an entirely new space but for those who want to invest in certain improvements.

These projects will change the space's appearance and functionality without shifting the original layout, such as:

• Installing custom countertops or cabinets
• Upgrading light sources and fixtures
• Upgrading flooring
• Installing new sinks and faucets
• Re-painting the walls, ceiling, and trim

Mid-Scale Kitchen Remodel

A mid-scale kitchen remodel cost includes more substantial updates. The layout typically remains the same, which keeps costs manageable while still achieving a significant transformation. This level of remodel is the sweet spot for most homeowners because it balances quality, value, and aesthetic improvement without requiring a complete structural overhaul.

The goal of these projects is to remove and replace most, if not all, elements without altering the kitchen's original layout. Think:

• Installing custom cabinets
• Installing a new sink and faucet
• Choosing new appliances
• Upgrading light sources and fixtures
• Upgrading flooring
• Installing high-end countertops
• Re-painting the walls, ceiling, and trim
• Adding a backsplash or kitchen island

Large-Scale Kitchen Remodel Cost

For homeowners who dream of a true "wow" factor, a large kitchen remodel cost covers a full redesign starting from scratch and doing so with luxury-grade materials. A large-scale remodel means gutting everything, tearing down walls, and stripping interior finishes like plumbing and electrical.

Since the goal of this project is to redesign and renovate, the changes can be extensive, including:

• Removing walls
• Relocating windows or exterior doors
• Installing custom cabinets
• Installing high-end countertops
• Upgrading light sources and fixtures
• Choosing custom, built-in appliances
• Installing a high-end sink and faucet
• Upgrading flooring
• Re-painting the walls, ceiling, and trim
• Adding any additional elements such as a backsplash, kitchen island, bar areas, etc.

While this type of remodel is a significant investment, it's ideal for long-term homeowners who plan to enjoy their kitchen for years to come and want every detail to reflect their lifestyle and taste.

Invest in a Kitchen Remodel That Pays Off

Whether you're updating a few key features or going for a full-scale renovation, each decision shapes how your kitchen looks and how it feels to live in. The right upgrades can elevate your home's functionality, boost its market appeal, and make everyday moments like cooking breakfast or hosting friends more enjoyable.

When planning out your kitchen remodel cost, take time to prioritize what matters most and consult design and remodeling experts who can help you stretch your budget where it counts.

Ready to start planning a space that's beautiful and uniquely yours? Schedule a free consultation today to find out which budget best suits you and your family.

Start transforming your kitchen space today. Request a consultation from our kitchen design experts near Lancaster PA to see what type of budget best suits you and your family.