How Much Does It Cost To Remodel Your Kitchen?

Remodeling your home kitchen can be a seriously stressful proposition, from squinting at near-identical samples of tile backsplash to browsing the wide variety of kitchen cabinets to make yours stand out. But the real stressor in a kitchen remodel is the cost. Many experts say that you should plan on spending no less than 5% and no more than 15% of the overall value of your home on a kitchen remodel — although some numbers place that maximum as high as 20%. Of your total budget, you should set aside an additional 20% for unexpected (but inevitable) costs that pop up with such a big project. So, for an example, if your home's value is $422,000, the median American home price in July 2025, you should budget for between $21,100 on the low end and $63,300 to $84,400 on the high end, with somewhere from $4,220 to $16,880 earmarked for variance.

Naturally, your cost for a kitchen remodel depends on the scale of the project and the level of trim you are aiming for. Gutting the kitchen down to the studs? That price tag is going to soar. Any time you need to bring in professionals like plumbers, electricians, or joiners, you will hear that "cha-ching" sound effect. Simply stripping and refinishing cabinets, buying new appliances, and redoing the flooring, on the other hand, will be a more modest project. Similarly, purchasing builder-grade supplies will run you less than custom, high-end fixtures that make your budget balloon.

If you are going to be spending a mint in remodeling your kitchen and want to watch your wallet, it makes sense to sink your funds into the projects that will bring you the biggest ROI, either for your personal equity in your home or as assets that will drive up your selling price if you decide to move out in the future. Quality countertops are an investment that pays off. You might want to skip certain countertops like laminate that are low-cost but offer poor durability and little visual appeal. Quartz, granite, and stainless steel are all popular options that hold their value. On that note, adding an island or breakfast bar can pay off big, as everyone loves the extra seating and prep space.

Great appliances are another remodeling purchase that will pay dividends. Knowing what kitchen appliance brand to avoid — we've heard bad things about Haier — is important, but certain features will really pay off. Energy-efficient appliances pay for themselves over time by saving you money on utilities, and high-tech integration can make your life easier, ensuring that you truly enjoy your fridge, dishwasher, and built-in microwave over their lifespans. On the topic of cold storage, folks shopping for homes really love roomy, spacious refrigerators. Whether you want a kitchen that's totally modern for yourself or to impress potential future buyers, you would do well to note what's trending when you plan a kitchen remodel.