How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?

Remodeling your kitchen is a great investment for any homeowner. In addition to creating a beautiful, functional place to cook delicious meals, entertain guests, and spend family time, a kitchen remodel offers a high return rate in the real estate market. Such a large project does require careful planning to ensure its affordability, since certain factors like the amount of labor, the kitchen’s size and the chosen materials can greatly affect the overall cost.

To help you stay on budget, The Home Depot has compiled a comprehensive cost guide. This guide compares three possible remodels for a 200-square-foot kitchen, categorized as minor, major and upscale in scope. Sourced from Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, the following estimates are national averages and will vary by location.

Average Cost of Kitchen Remodels

A small remodeled white galley kitchen

Minor Remodel

Minor remodels aim to preserve the kitchen’s existing footprint while refreshing its overall appearance and usability. The significant changes are usually budget-friendly fixes like painting the walls, adding new flooring and buying energy-efficient appliances, since the customer isn’t selecting top-of-the-line materials or products. Cabinetry is often a lofty expense, but minor remodels opt for money-saving measures like refacing the existing cabinets or selecting entry-level cabinets, which are mass-produced and ready-to-install.

A minor remodel typically includes:

  • Cabinet refacing or the addition of entry-level cabinets
  • Appliances updated to new, energy-efficient models
  • New countertops, kitchen sink and faucet
  • New flooring
  • Freshly painted walls

    AVERAGE TOTAL COST: $24,000

A beautifully remodeled gray kitchen with a square island

Major Remodel

Major remodels involve a larger overhaul of the existing kitchen than minor remodels. Key fixtures—lighting, appliances and flooring—are replaced with new versions, while extra touches are added such as a high-end sink with matching faucet and semi-custom cabinetry. Semi-custom cabinets are customizable, with versatile sizing and door front options.

A major remodel typically includes:

  • Semi-custom cabinetry and a 3-by-5 foot island
  • New countertops with a deep, spacious sink and faucet
  • New appliances, including a garbage disposal
  • Custom lighting
  • New flooring
  • Freshly painted walls

    AVERAGE TOTAL COST: $69,000

A gorgeous white high end, newly remodeled kitchen with dark wooden beams

Upscale Remodel

Upscale kitchen remodels usually include specialty or luxury additions. These items—like high-end countertops, top-of-the line appliances and built-in water filtration systems—help a kitchen go above and beyond both in usability and appearance. The kitchen’s existing footprint may also be altered in upscale remodels.

An upscale remodel typically includes:

  • Custom cabinetry with built-in sliding shelves and custom interior accessories
  • Stone countertops with ceramic or glass tile backsplash
  • New, technologically-advanced appliances
  • Undermount sink with designer faucet and a water filtration system
  • New general and task lighting, such as undercabinet lights
  • Installation of floor tiles or upscale flooring that resembles hardwood
  • Freshly painted walls

    AVERAGE JOB COST: $136,000

Cost Information by City

The average cost of kitchen fixtures, appliances, and labor differs by U.S. region. Remodeling projects in the Southern United States are generally cheaper than identical projects completed in Northern and Western areas. For instance, a major kitchen overhaul with midrange materials could cost $56,639 in Titusville, FL and rise to $77,460 if completed in San Francisco, CA.

These differing figures are partially due to lowered labor costs in the south, but the average income level of the region’s inhabitants also plays a role. When budgeting for your kitchen remodel, we suggest comparing prices with your local Home Depot to accurately estimate the total cost.

Questions To Ask Yourself

Prior to getting started, it’s necessary to determine the primary goals of your kitchen remodeling. We recommend answering the following questions in order to successfully plan your project.

Your Lifestyle

  • Do I like to entertain?
  • Is my kitchen a family gathering area?
  • Do my kids do homework while I prepare meals?
  • Do I sometimes work in my kitchen when I’m away from the office?

Your Decorating Style

  • What is the style of my home? Farmhouse, Modern, Traditional, etc.?
  • Do I want my kitchen to match the rest of my home or take things in a new direction?

Your Budget

  • Am I interested in a minor remodel, a major remodel or an upscale remodel? See “Average Cost of Kitchen Remodels” to help decide.
  • Will my kitchen remodeling project require new plumbing or electrical re-wiring? This kind of labor is not typically included in initial quotes. Your licensed Home Depot service provider should be able to provide specific pricing as needed.
  • How much will local code requirements impact my cost? This varies widely across geographic regions.