Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator 2026

The national average kitchen remodel cost is $27,000, but ranges from $10,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $100,000+ for a full gut renovation with custom everything. The most common mid-range remodel (new cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring) costs $25,000–$45,000.

A cosmetic update takes 2–3 weeks. A full cabinet-and-countertop remodel takes 4–8 weeks. A full gut renovation with plumbing and electrical changes takes 3–6 months. Delays are common — plan to be without a full kitchen for the duration.

Studies show kitchen remodels return 60–80% at resale. For ROI, focus on: modern cabinet fronts (vs full replacement), quartz countertops, energy-efficient stainless appliances, and updated lighting. Avoid over-customizing for your neighborhood — you won't recoup ultra-premium finishes.

Kitchen cabinet replacement is 35–45% of total remodel cost. Stock cabinets from Home Depot/IKEA cost $3,000–$8,000 installed for a standard kitchen. Semi-custom cabinets run $8,000–$20,000. Full custom cabinets cost $20,000–$50,000. Cabinet refacing (new doors + drawer fronts over existing boxes) costs $6,000–$18,000 and achieves a fresh look at 40–50% of full replacement cost.

Budget kitchen refresh options: (1) Paint cabinets — $500–$2,000 DIY or $1,500–$4,000 professional. Fresh paint transforms cabinets for a fraction of replacement cost. (2) Replace hardware — $200–$600 for new knobs and pulls. (3) New countertops only — $2,000–$6,000 for laminate or butcher block. (4) New sink and faucet — $500–$1,500 installed. Total for a focused cosmetic update: $3,000–$8,000 vs. $25,000+ for a full remodel. Keeping the existing layout saves $3,000–$8,000 alone.

Permits are required for: adding or moving electrical circuits, moving plumbing (sink location), gas line work, and structural changes (removing walls). Cosmetic work (cabinet replacement, countertops, painting) generally does not require permits. Permit fees range from $150–$500 for kitchen work. Always pull permits for electrical/plumbing — unpermitted work must be disclosed when you sell and can cause problems with home insurance claims.

Countertop replacement without full remodel costs $2,000–$8,000 depending on material and kitchen size. For a standard 30 sqft countertop: laminate $450–$1,200, quartz $1,800–$3,600, granite $1,800–$3,600, marble $2,400–$6,000. Quartz is the most popular choice — it's non-porous, durable, and doesn't need sealing. Add $300–$600 for sink cutout and $150–$300 for installation of a new undermount sink.

Minor kitchen updates (paint, hardware, fixtures) return 80–90% at resale — excellent ROI. Full kitchen remodels return 60–80% at resale nationally. The math: a $30,000 mid-range remodel may add $18,000–$24,000 in value. However, in hot markets, an updated kitchen can be the deciding factor that gets your home sold faster and at full asking price. Best approach: update cosmetically (paint, hardware, minor fixture update) for maximum return without over-investing.

Yes — the 2026 NAR Cost vs. Value Report shows a mid-range kitchen remodel returns 56–76% of its cost in home value. A $30,000 mid-range remodel adds $17,000–$23,000 to home value on average. Budget-level refreshes (paint, hardware, lighting) often return 80%+. Full gut renovations in luxury markets can return 50–60%. The best ROI upgrades: new countertops, cabinet refacing, updated appliances, and fresh paint.

A full kitchen remodel typically includes: new cabinets (30–35% of budget), countertops (10–15%), appliances (15–20%), flooring (5–10%), plumbing fixtures (5–10%), electrical/lighting (5–10%), backsplash (3–6%), and labor (20–35%). A full gut remodel also includes drywall repair, plumbing/electrical rough-in, and permit fees. Layout changes add $3,000–$8,000 for plumbing moves. Budget a 10–15% contingency for surprises discovered behind walls.