Thinking about remodeling a kitchen feels like more than just a home upgrade — it’s an investment every homeowner has to plan with care. A beautiful and functional space where you cook meals, entertain guests, and spend family time can completely change the vibe of a home. A good remodel can even bring a higher return rate in the real estate market, but the truth is, every project needs smart planning and focus on affordability.
From my own experience helping people plan theirs, I’ve seen how factors like labor, size, materials, and cost decide whether dreams match reality. The budget can shift fast, and a resource like Dwellify Home cost guide makes things easier. It breaks down remodels for a 200-square-foot kitchen, whether you’re going minor, major, or upscale in scope. With data from Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, you can look at estimates, check national averages, and see how your location might affect the total.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know how to match your vision with your budget and understand exactly what shapes your kitchen remodel cost without getting lost in the numbers.
Mission Statement
Our goal is to provide homeowners with clear, accurate, and up-to-date information on kitchen remodel cost so they can make confident decisions for their projects. Every detail in this article is researched, fact-checked, and drawn from industry expertise to ensure reliability. We are committed to delivering honest guidance, practical insights, and trusted recommendations that reflect real-world pricing and proven remodeling practices.
Average Cost of Kitchen Remodels
Minor Remodel
I’ll be real with you, a minor remodels is all about finding ways to preserve your kitchen’s existing footprint while giving it a refreshing lift in appearance and usability. Small changes with budget-friendly fixes like painting walls, adding flooring, or buying energy-efficient appliances can make a big difference without draining your wallet.
From my own work with clients, I’ve seen how a customer can save a lot by selecting smart materials and products. While cabinetry is often the biggest expense, a money-saving move is using measures like refacing cabinets instead of replacing them. Choosing entry-level, mass-produced, and ready-to-install options can still deliver a fresh look without going over budget.
A small-scale remodel often features:
• Cabinet refacing or installing entry-level cabinets
• Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances
• Adding new countertops, kitchen sink, and faucet
• Laying new flooring
• Applying fresh paint to walls
AVERAGE TOTAL COST: $24,000
Major Remodel
Hands down, the best way to describe a major remodels is a full transformation. It’s a larger overhaul of your existing kitchen compared to a minor update. You focus on key fixtures like lighting, appliances, and flooring, all replaced with fresh versions. Then you add those extra touches — maybe a high-end sink with a matching faucet, and semi-custom cabinetry that makes the space truly yours.
From my own work, I’ve seen how cabinets that are customizable with versatile sizing and unique door front options can completely change the flow and look. This kind of remodel doesn’t just refresh — it redefines the whole kitchen experience.
A large-scale remodel often includes:
• Semi-custom cabinetry with a 3-by-5 foot island
• New countertops paired with a deep, roomy sink and faucet
• Updated appliances, plus a garbage disposal
• Custom lighting
• New flooring
• Fresh painted walls
AVERAGE TOTAL COST: $69,000
Upscale Remodel
Believe me when I say, an upscale kitchen remodels is where specialty and luxury meet. You bring in additions and items that feel exclusive, like high-end countertops, top-of-the-line appliances, and built-in water filtration systems.
From my experience, it’s not just about looks — it’s about usability and appearance working together. Even the footprint can be altered to create a space that feels tailor-made for your lifestyle.
A high-end remodel often features:
• Custom cabinetry with built-in sliding shelves and tailored interior accessories
• Stone countertops paired with ceramic or glass tile backsplash
• New, advanced appliances with modern technology
• Undermount sink with a designer faucet and water filtration system
• New general and task lighting, including undercabinet lights
• Floor tile installation or upscale flooring that mimics hardwood
• Freshly painted walls
AVERAGE JOB COST: $136,000
Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
I kid you not, knowing the average cost of refacing your kitchen cabinets is $10,000 – $40,000. It depends on how many doors and drawers get refaced and what material you pick. Some companies use plastic-based laminate, while others prefer hardwood to reface each cabinet.
From what I’ve seen, making a smart comparison between quotes from different kitchen contractors can make a big difference in both price and quality.
- Number of cabinets, doors, and drawers included in the quote
- What parts of the cabinet, if any, will be replaced such as doors and drawer fronts, boxes, and glides
- The quality of the material being used to reface
Cost of Full Kitchen Remodel
Honestly, it blew my mind how the average cost is $20,000 – $60,000 for a full kitchen remodel changes with the size and material you choose. Your selections decide how the job will look and feel. In most cases, cabinets get replaced, a new countertop is added, and nothing is reused when you replace the old setup.
In my own work, I’ve seen people go for fresh lighting, add cabinet organization accessories like pull-out spice racks, trash bins, cookie sheet organizers to keep the space tidy. A well-set budget can handle a remove and replace plan where old products are removing, worn existing parts are replacing with new.
If you decide on structural changes or additions to your home, then projects need a design-build approach and a larger spend. This is where planning and knowing your priorities really pays off.
Cost Information by City
Let me tell you, average cost for a kitchen remodeling projects shifts by region across the Southern United States, Northern Western areas. Fixtures, appliances, labor change with place — cheaper in Titusville, FL at $56,639, higher in San Francisco CA at $77,460.
Midrange materials or a major overhaul raise figures. Identical work completed can still differ with lowered income level, region’s inhabitants, smart budgeting.
What is a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel?
I was honestly blown away by how the average cost for a kitchen remodeling projects can change from one region to another. Fixtures, appliances, and labor all play a part, and in the Southern United States it’s often cheaper compared to Northern and Western areas.
An identical job completed in Titusville, FL might cost far less than the same work in San Francisco CA. A major overhaul or midrange materials can shift the figures, while lowered income level and the region’s inhabitants affect budgeting.
Many experts suggest putting aside about 5-15% of your home’s value for a kitchen remodel if you want the best return on investment. So, if your property is valued at $300,000, setting a budget between $15,000 and $45,000 can be a smart starting point.
From my own experience, a good remodel plan comes from comparing prices, using Dwellify Home to estimate the total before committing.
1. Total Cost of Your Kitchen Remodel
The moment I walked in to my first big project, I learned fast that the dollar amount at the end is more than just a guess. It’s every payments made, even after construction is complete. The total cost comes from your contract, price, and taxes, plus any financing fees or interest you’ve agreed to.
From my own work, I always remind clients to keep track of each part, because knowing the breakdown keeps the surprises away.
2. Cash Needed Up Front
I can’t even explain how important the down payment is when starting with a contractor. If financing through an agency isn’t part of your kitchen project, like with JSB, the cost and contract terms usually set the first big step.
If you finance, your plan decides how and when those first amounts are due — and that can shape the whole project flow.
3. Percent You Want to Finance and Monthly Payment
I swear, it felt unreal when a client realized they had the option to pay for a project out of pocket, finance the whole kitchen remodel, or go with a combination of both. The monthly payment they could allocate made a big difference.
Some contractors offer financing plans, and the right plan can keep the budget comfortable while still making the remodel happen.
How to Set a Realistic Budget for a Kitchen Remodel?
I felt like I was in another world when I saw how a realistic budget can make a kitchen remodel stress-free. Simple steps help you decide what your renovation should include and how much you can actually spend without worry.
- Identify the Problem(s) You Want to Address During Your Project: I’ll never forget it — walking into a kitchen renovation where the space felt outdated and unsightly. The cabinets were still sturdy, but the traffic flow didn’t move naturally; it was tight and choppy.
For that house, the owner wanted to sell, so fixing these issues became the top priority. - Identify if You want to Reface Your Cabinets or go for a full kitchen gut: The vibes were unmatched when a client chose refacing their kitchen cabinets to cut cost and finish the project in less time. The inside didn’t change, but a simple reface made it look brand new.
Other times, a full remodel is the only way to get the transformation you want. - Measure Your Kitchen and Count Cabinets: Grab a tape measure and check the dimensions of your kitchen. Count every cabinet, noting which have doors or drawers. If you plan to add more, make sure they’re in your final count.
For a 10×10 space, a realistic remodel budget is around $10,000 – $25,000. A 12×12 layout usually needs $18,000 – $36,000, while a 10×20 starts near $20,000 – $45,000. Large kitchens with larger budgets can easily go higher, depending on your limit and vision.
What are all the costs associated with a kitchen renovation?
Low-key, it was amazing to see how categories of cost in a kitchen remodel break down. You’ve got labor costs and material, each playing a big role in the final total.
Labor costs
I can’t stress this enough — labor costs change with the type of kitchen remodel and the features being upgraded. Contractors look at the scope of work for your project, the tasks completed, and how involved they are. Bigger jobs mean a greater cost and often a higher bill.
If you reface kitchen cabinets, you might keep the existing countertops and backsplash or replace the countertop entirely. Each choice shapes the project and adds to the greater scope of work.
Material costs
I was completely hooked when I saw how the materials you choose for a kitchen can shape the whole impact and cost of a project. The contractor you work with, your selections, and the range of prices available all matter.
A good remodeler can tailor the remodel to match your budget, helping you get the look you want without overspending. Every choice in this stage plays a role in how the final kitchen turns out.
What will a kitchen renovation cost for kitchens of different sizes?
I was living for it when I learned how the size of a kitchen can be one of the biggest factors in a remodel costs. The general rule is simple — larger spaces are more expensive to renovation.
Different sizes and dimensions matter too. In places like Columbus, Ohio, kitchens follow common layouts, which gives a good reference point for planning.
Cost of a 10×10 Kitchen Remodel
The second I saw a 10×10 kitchen plan, I knew the number of cabinets, the combination of doors and drawers, and the common layout like an L-shape or even an island would all matter for the price.
Refacing kitchen cabinets in a 10×10 kitchen will cost between $10,000 – $23,000. a kitchen with cabinets in a 10×10 space has a cost that depends on whether you reface or replace certain components. The lower end of the range may work if you keep countertops and backsplash, but adding an install of a sink, faucet, update to lighting can push you closer to the top.
A full remodel for a 10×10 kitchen will cost between $15,000 – $25,000 more, depending on what you choose to include. Optional tasks like replacing lighting, adding cabinet organization accessories will influence the final number.
Cost of a 12×12 Kitchen Remodel
Man, it was something else seeing how a 12×12 kitchen layout with cabinets, a combination of doors and drawers, plus the size and style like an L-shape or an island, can change the cost completely.
For refacing, a kitchen with cabinets in a 12×12 space can run about $18,000 to $30,000, depending on the material, features, and overall project needs.
A full kitchen remodel for a 12×12 space has a cost between $22,000 and $36,000, with the features you’re upgrading in the project deciding whether you hit the top end of the range.
Cost of a 10×20 Kitchen Remodel
You could feel the energy in the air when we planned a 10×20 kitchen with cabinet configurations, plenty of cabinets, rectangular dimensions, and a shape that could be galley style with features like a U-shape. Some galley kitchens are wider than 10 feet, making space for an island in the middle.
For a 10×20 kitchen cabinet reface project, the cost is about $20,000 to $33,000, and the price changes by type of material and other kitchen remodel components like countertops, backsplash, and lighting in the project.
A full remodel for a 10×20 kitchen runs from $25,000 to $45,000, with tasks involved in the project pushing you toward the top of the range in price.
Ranges shift when you choose high-end luxury materials, custom designs, or stick with average prices and mid-range remodeling options. The industry in central Ohio often sees all of these choices in play.
Now That You Know the Cost, What’s Next for Your Kitchen Remodel?
It felt like home when I helped someone set a realistic kitchen remodel budget without playing detective to find the secret numbers. A renovation can be a journey that’s rewarding and exciting when you have the right information about the project and its costs.
Whether it’s a refresh or a full makeover, the goal is to make the remodel fit your budget and your style perfectly.
To get the ball rolling with your kitchen remodel planning, follow these next steps:
- Identify Your Goals: That’s when it hit me — to identify your goals, make a list of changes for your kitchen. Prioritize what’s most important and determine the right remodeling approach for your project. The right contractor can make the plan real.
- Determine Your Budget: I was just soaking it all in when I saw how to identify your goals and list the changes for your kitchen. Prioritize the most important updates and determine the remodeling approach that works for your project and your contractor choice.
- Hire Your Contractor: I can’t recommend it enough — hire a contractor after you interview several contractors. For your project, try searching kitchen remodelers on the internet, make a list, and pick the best in Columbus, OH through your search.
From my own work, I’ve learned finances in remodeling can feel like a puzzle, even stressful. Find a contractor you trust like family, so the anxiety fades, your peace of mind grows, and your decision turns into pure excitement for your brand new kitchen.
Disclaimer
This article offers general information about kitchen remodel cost and is not professional, financial, or construction advice. Actual costs and results can vary based on location, materials, and project scope. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a qualified remodeling professional.
