What Is the Average Cost to Remodel a Kitchen in 2024?


A kitchen remodel is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects. It changes the feeling, functionality, and look of the home significantly. If you are interested in a kitchen remodel, arguably the most important question you probably have is what is the average cost to remodel a kitchen in 2024?

Kitchen remodels can vary significantly depending on the scope of the project and the materials used. Keep reading to learn more about the factors affecting the cost, cost-saving tips, and the average prices for kitchen remodeling projects.

Average Kitchen Remodel Costs in 2024

Before starting to plan a kitchen remodel, you should have at least some idea of the estimated costs for how much the project is going to cost. This will help you prioritize the must-haves for the remodel and prevent any unpleasant surprises.

If that is the case, what is the average cost to remodel a kitchen in 2024? The cost can differ depending on the size of the kitchen and the extent of the work. However, on average a complete kitchen remodel can cost somewhere between $25,000 to $75,000.

The price also depends on what parts of the kitchen you want to renovate. A minor kitchen renovation can be achieved easily and it involves surface-level changes such as new paint or upgraded lighting. These changes will refresh the look of the kitchen without structural modifications and they usually cost around $10,000 to $25,000.

In contrast, a major renovation includes redesigning the whole layout, changing the cabinets, countertops, flooring, new plumbing, and more. Major kitchen renovation can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000. If the renovation includes high-end luxurious materials the price can be even higher.

Factors Affecting the Cost of the Remodel

Several factors affect the price of the remodel significantly. Understanding these factors will help you prioritize which ones you value the most, thus helping you budget more effectively.

1. Size of the kitchen

The size of the kitchen is a fundamental factor that will impact the cost of the renovation. Larger kitchens require more material and more labor, they take longer to renovate, therefore they are more costly. Small kitchens might cost as little as $10,000 whereas larger kitchens can reach as high as $100,000 for a complete remodel.

2. Choice of materials and finishes

Materials make up a significant chunk of the remodel costs. Therefore, opting for higher quality, luxurious materials wil raise the costs. For example, laminate countertops are a budget-friendly option and they cost around $20 to $50 per square foot. On the other hand, high-end quartz slabs can cost up to $150 per square foot.

Similarly, flooring choices also vary in price. Vinyl is an affordable option but natural stones cost much more. Stock cabinetry is a more affordable option than custom-built ones which require much more labor to create and install.

3. Appliances and fixtures

New appliances add to the functionality and practicality of the space. They are a very important part of the kitchen, but they also come with a high price. Even basic models can cost between $1,500 and $2,500, while premium brands with additional features can cost up to $5,000 or $10,000. Higher-end options come with additional features, and the luxurious material they are made of provides your kitchen with a sophisticated appearance.

4. Labor and contractor fees

Labor and contractor costs are a substantial part of the kitchen remodel, and they can be between 20% and 40% of the total cost. Experienced fabricators, installers, plumbers, and electricians have the know-how and experience to fix any possible issue that might come up during the renovation. Moreover, they will ensure compliance with safety standards, which is an important factor to consider as the kitchen is a room where gas, electric, and water systems converge.

The cost of labor and contractors depends heavily on your region, the extent of the remodel, and the expertise level of the contractor. If you want to include ornate details or special customizations, they will require more time and effort, thus more expensive.

Cost Breakdown of Key Elements

Many elements will impact the cost of the remodel. Each of these components will raise the price depending on their grade and brand. Here is a detailed look into these key elements to determine what is the average cost to remodel a kitchen in 2024.

Cabinets

Cabinets are an important aesthetic and functional part of the kitchen. Cabinets are the main storage space and they can take up somewhere between 30-40% of the total cost of the renovation. Stock cabinets are more affordable because they can be mass-produced to fit in with standard measurements. Stock cabinets usually cost around $2,000 and $5,000. On the other hand, custom cabinets range between $10,000 and $20,000 because they are made custom to fit in with the specific dimensions and requirements of your kitchen.

Countertops

The material choice is the most important factor for the cost of the countertops. Depending on the material choice the countertops can cost as little as $20 or as much as $200 per square foot.

Laminate is the most affordable option and it is available in a wide range of patterns. Natural stones like granite and quartzite are known for their durability and they are loved among homeowners for their longevity. If you opt for a luxurious material such as exotic marble countertops, the cost will be more than standard-grade slabs.

Flooring

The choice of flooring can be very impactful in the final design of the kitchen. Moreover, the floors need to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. Vinyl floors are a budget-friendly and durable alternative. Vinyl floors generally cost around $3 to $7 per square foot.

Tile floors are a practical option because, in the case of damage, you can only replace the broken tiles without needing to replace the whole flooring. Tile costs anywhere between $5 to $30 per square foot.

Hardwood or natural stone flooring options are known to be very durable, but they can also be more costly than vinyl or tile. The durability and style of hardwood and natural stone flooring make it worth investing in.

Lighting

Lighting is an essential part of the design and provides both aesthetic and practical benefits. Basic light fixtures can cost about $100 or $200 each. However, custom-made or high-end options can be worth $500 or even $2000.

The best way of approaching the choice of lighting fixtures is to think about the ambient you want to create and pick the fixtures with this vision in mind. Different lighting options can create dimension and could help separate different areas from each other.

Backsplash

Backsplashes are a great way of creating a harmonious look in the kitchen. Moreover, backsplashes will be easier to clean in the case of food splashes or spills. Ceramic tiles cost around $15 per square foot including the installation. High-end options such as marble backsplashes can go as high as $30 per square foot.

Matching the countertop with the backsplashes is an easy way of creating cohesiveness in the kitchen. You can match the same material with the island to complete the set.

Plumbing and electrical work

Depending on your priorities, you can opt for more affordable options in some areas. However, when it comes to electrical work and plumbing, it is best to invest in an experienced contractor who is an expert in their field.

Basic plumbing updates can range from $1000 to $2000, whereas more extensive changes can reach $5,000. Similarly, smaller electrical work such as adding outlets will be more affordable than completely rewiring the whole house.

Tips for Saving Money on a Kitchen Remodel

To remodel your kitchen you don’t have to get the most expensive version of everything, nor do you have to get every single latest trend or appliance. While a kitchen remodel is an investment, there are areas where you can be more financially conservative and exercise some tips for saving.

For example, rather than replacing cabinets you can consider refacing them. This is a great option if your cabinets are still very durable and structurally sound. This way you can keep the wood skeleton of the cabinets and only change its looks.

You can also do some of the steps yourself. Renovations such as painting the walls, replacing the hardware of the cabinets, or similarly easy upgrades are a great way of saving on labor costs by doing them yourself.

Lastly, focusing on high-impact changes can refresh the kitchen without actually making a lot of changes. Elements like lighting fixtures, cabinets, and countertops have a lot of impact on the appearance of the kitchen. Changing one or two of them will create the illusion of a brand-new kitchen.

In conclusion, remodeling your kitchen can be very rewarding. However, before jumping into such an extensive project you should know what is the average cost to remodel a kitchen in 2024. Every choice impacts the final cost, being aware of the options will help you prioritize high-impact changes. With careful planning, an organized approach, and information about the prices, you can make your dream kitchen a reality.