“The Hidden Costs of Kitchen Renovation Unveiled”
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The advantages of renovating your kitchen are well-known. Apart from the pleasure of enjoying your new space, a kitchen remodel is likely to boost the resale value of your home. In fact, experts suggest that you could recoup around 60% of the money invested in your kitchen renovation. However, the initial investment required can vary depending on the extent of the remodel and the reasons behind it.
The motivations for undertaking a kitchen renovation range from wanting to update outdated laminate countertops to addressing space constraints. Once you’ve made the decision to proceed with the project, budget considerations come into play.
Determining the cost of a kitchen remodel is more complex than choosing a new paint color for the living room. Nikki Pulver, principal at Shaker Interiors in Cleveland, Ohio, explains, “It’s so hard to quantify a kitchen. Every single thing you put in there determines the cost.” Planning and spending are two things you can expect a lot of during a kitchen remodel.
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2025 Kitchen Trends Report, the average total cost (including materials and labor) for a medium-sized kitchen renovation is $71,159, while a large kitchen remodel can cost around $137,228.
Your personal style, the scope of the remodel, and material choices all impact the final cost. Location is also a factor, with homeowners in certain states tending to spend more on kitchen renovations than others.
To give you an idea of the typical expenses involved in a kitchen remodel, we consulted designers across the country to break down the factors and provide cost estimates. Here are the key elements to consider before embarking on your kitchen renovation project.
Kitchen Design:
If you enjoy creating mood boards and testing paint samples, you could potentially save 12 to 20% of the total kitchen budget by designing it yourself. However, if design isn’t your strong suit, hiring a designer might be the way to go to ensure you achieve the kitchen of your dreams. Designer fees vary based on the scope of work, ranging from $2,500 for a simple refresh to $8,000 and beyond for a more extensive renovation project.
Labor:
Unless you’re tackling the project yourself, budgeting for labor costs is crucial. Plan to allocate 15 to 25% of the total budget for labor expenses.
Contractor work typically accounts for 15-25% of the total project cost, as explained by Goineau. For a medium kitchen remodel averaging $70,000, this translates to allocating $10,500 to $17,500 for plumbing and electrical labor.
Kitchen Countertops
When it comes to kitchen remodels, countertops are a major expense. The cost varies based on the material chosen. For example, Calacatta Viola marble costs $200 per square foot, while a quartz Calacatta alternative is priced at $30 per square foot. Goineau emphasizes that countertops are more than just surfaces; they are an integral part of a home’s aesthetic. While materials like marble, quartzite, and soapstone offer unique veining and character, they come at a higher price point, ranging from $45 to $85 per square foot for marble.
For those looking for more budget-friendly options, quartzite, quartz, and granite are popular alternatives. Granite, in particular, is praised for its durability and beauty, with prices ranging from $30 to $150 per square foot, while quartz can cost between $50 and $200 per square foot.
Floors
In terms of kitchen flooring, wide-plank wood, natural stone, and textured surfaces are favored choices. Investing in durable materials like oak is crucial for high-traffic areas. Oak flooring, for instance, can cost around $15 per square foot for engineered options.
Wood flooring, known for its warmth and longevity, can start at $7 per square foot for engineered hardwood and $12 per square foot for solid oak. Meanwhile, terra-cotta brick is priced between $9 and $15 per square foot, and porcelain tile flooring ranges from $8 to $20 per square foot.
Wall Tile and Slabs
Backsplashes are another essential element in kitchen design. Quality tile choices, such as handcrafted ceramics and natural stone, can create a visual impact. While machine-grade subway tile is affordable at $4 per square foot, premium options can go up to $18 to $25 per square foot.
“Exploring a delicate balance between gentleness and resilience, form and texture,” she explains, noting that terrazzo prices can range from $15 to $25 per square foot. For those seeking alternative options to tiles, upscale kitchen renovations are now favoring a seamless integration between the countertops and backsplash, creating a unified look known as a “countersplash.” Kerry O’Dubhir, CEO of New Wave Design in New York City, uses a distinctive brown Arabescato marble with captivating veining to create a harmonious and continuous surface. While this luxurious style may cost around $120 per square foot, Calacatta marble can be found starting at $30 per square foot.
In terms of cabinetry, Henderson recommends paint-grade wood cabinets featuring a simple shaker-style door, which complements various countertops and allows for easy updates. She emphasizes the importance of high-quality construction, such as soft-close drawers, concealed guides, and durable prefinished maple interiors. While stained wood cabinets can be visually appealing, painted cabinetry offers more flexibility as design trends evolve. Pricing for paint-grade cabinets is determined by linear footage and customization, with estimated costs of $275 per linear foot for lower cabinets and $200 per linear foot for uppers.
For a more refined and high-end option, Goineau suggests custom cabinetry ranging from $500 to $1,500 per linear foot, depending on the materials and craftsmanship involved. She emphasizes the importance of creating a cohesive design that seamlessly integrates with the overall architecture, using materials like oak, walnut, and soft matte finishes for a timeless appeal. Alternatively, modular cabinetry from retailers like IKEA provides a cost-effective alternative with surprisingly attractive options.
When considering painting cabinets or applying wallpaper, budget at least $3,500 for professional painting services that include deglossing for a thorough finish. Interior painting for 1,000 square feet typically ranges from $545 to $1,668, while wallpaper installation costs can amount to several hundred dollars due to the average price of $135 per single roll.
Appliances and range hoods play a crucial role in defining the kitchen space. Plan to allocate a significant budget for appliances, with standard fridge prices ranging from $1,300 to $2,300. For luxury appliance splurges, prices can range from $5,000 to $20,000 per piece, with brands like Gaggenau and Miele known for their precision and aesthetic appeal. Thermador is a recommended brand for competitive pricing and heritage brand status. Ventilation options, such as concealed or sculptural range hoods, can range from $1,500 to $5,000 to complement the overall kitchen design.”
When embarking on a kitchen remodel, one of the key elements to consider is the selection of the right kitchen sinks and faucets. Goineau recommends opting for fireclay, stainless steel, or integrated stone sinks to achieve a seamless and stylish look in your kitchen space. Fireclay sinks typically range in price from $800 to $2,500, providing a range of options to suit different budgets. For kitchen faucets, midrange brands such as Delta and Moen offer a starting price point of around $150, with costs increasing based on additional technological features. High-end faucets can begin at $500 and reach prices exceeding $2,000, offering a luxurious touch to your kitchen design.
In addition to kitchen sinks and faucets, lighting is another crucial aspect that can significantly impact the overall budget of your remodel. Goineau estimates that lighting expenses can amount to approximately 8% of the total kitchen renovation budget, though this figure can vary based on the specific fixtures chosen. She emphasizes the importance of lighting in enhancing the ambiance of a space, noting that the interplay of light, texture, and detail can truly bring a room to life. Custom light fixtures, while pricier, can provide a unique and personalized touch to your kitchen, with costs ranging from $500 to $5,000 per fixture.
When it comes to selecting light fixtures, midrange options such as pendant lights are available at a more accessible price range of $200 to $300. It is essential to factor in installation costs, which typically range from $150 to $250 on average, especially if electrical work is not included in the contractor fees. Making thoughtful choices in lighting fixtures can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your kitchen space, and when you finally illuminate your new kitchen and witness its beauty, the investment of time, effort, and resources will undoubtedly prove to be worthwhile.
For those currently engaged in a design project, House Beautiful offers assistance and inspiration. Be sure to stay connected by following House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok for more design ideas and tips. Additionally, explore curated lists of home bar gifts for cocktail enthusiasts and discover a selection of low-light indoor plants that can thrive in even the darkest corners of your home. Whether you’re seeking the perfect paint colors for your living room or exploring new design trends, House Beautiful is here to guide and inspire you on your design journey.
