Kitchen remodel cost by scope (2026)
- Cosmetic refresh: $2,500β$8,000 (paint, hardware, fixtures)
- Minor remodel: $8,000β$20,000 (refacing + counters + appliances)
- Mid-range: $25,000β$50,000 (new cabinets + counters + appliances + floor)
- Major remodel: $45,000β$90,000 (full gut + layout change + premium materials)
- Luxury custom: $75,000β$200,000+
Remodeling Magazine Cost vs Value 2026: Minor remodel ROI ~85%, Major ~60%, Luxury ~55%.
Where the money goes
- Cabinets: 30β40% β biggest single expense
- Labor: 20β30% β GC, plumber, electrician, tile setter
- Appliances: 15β20%
- Countertops: 10β15%
- Flooring: 5β8%
- Plumbing + electrical: 3β5% each
- Permits + misc: 2β3%
How to save
- Keep the layout. Moving sink/stove adds $2,000β$5,000.
- Reface, don't replace. Cabinet refacing is 30β50% less.
- IKEA cabinets. Quality for 40% less than big-box stock.
- Buy appliances Black Friday. Save 20β40% on packages.
- Skip luxury appliances. GE CafΓ©, KitchenAid are 3β5x cheaper than Wolf/Sub-Zero.
- DIY paint + demolition. Save $1,500β$3,000.