2026 researched cost data
Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator
Real national ranges — from a $9,000 facelift to a $150,000 gut job. Your answer in ten seconds, no email, no signup.
Kitchen Facelift
Cosmetic refresh — keep the layout, update the surfaces
$9,000 – $28,500
$60–$190 / sq ft · 2–5 weeks
Best value in remodeling — minor kitchen remodels recoup up to ~113% at resale (2025 Cost vs. Value Report)
- • Reface or paint cabinet boxes, new doors + hardware
- • New countertops (laminate, butcher block, or entry quartz)
- • New sink + faucet, paint, lighting swap
- • No plumbing moves, no layout changes
Standard Remodel
Full midrange remodel — new everything, same footprint
$30,000 – $55,000
$200–$367 / sq ft · 6–12 weeks
Major midrange remodels recoup roughly half (~51%) at resale — you keep the other half as a better kitchen (2025 Cost vs. Value Report)
- • New semi-custom cabinets, full-height
- • Quartz or granite counters, new backsplash
- • New midrange appliances + fixtures
- • New flooring, electrical + plumbing updates to code, same layout
Gut Renovation
Down to the studs — new layout, walls, and the kitchen you really want
$75,000 – $150,000
$500–$1,000 / sq ft · 12–26 weeks
Upscale gut renovations recoup the least (~40–50%) but transform daily life — do them for living, not resale
- • Down-to-studs demo, possible wall removal / open plan
- • Custom cabinets + stone counters (quartzite, marble)
- • Premium integrated appliances, workstation sink
- • Structural, HVAC, electrical + plumbing relocation, permits
Labor inside these bands: $1,800–$60,000 depending on tier — cabinets and labor are the two biggest lines in every kitchen budget.
Kitchen Facelift
$9,000 – $28,500 at a typical 150 sq ft kitchen
- Reface or paint cabinet boxes, new doors + hardware
- New countertops (laminate, butcher block, or entry quartz)
- New sink + faucet, paint, lighting swap
Standard Remodel
$30,000 – $55,000 at a typical 150 sq ft kitchen
- New semi-custom cabinets, full-height
- Quartz or granite counters, new backsplash
- New midrange appliances + fixtures
Gut Renovation
$75,000 – $150,000 at a typical 150 sq ft kitchen
- Down-to-studs demo, possible wall removal / open plan
- Custom cabinets + stone counters (quartzite, marble)
- Premium integrated appliances, workstation sink
Kitchen Remodel Cost FAQ
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in 2026? +
Most US kitchen remodels land between $15,000 and $75,000. A cosmetic facelift runs $9,000–$28,500, a standard full remodel lands near $30,000–$55,000 (the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report puts the major midrange job at about $55,000), and gut renovations with layout changes start around $75,000 and can pass $150,000.
What part of a kitchen remodel costs the most? +
Cabinets, almost always — they take 30–40% of a full remodel budget. Labor is the other big line at 20–35% of the total. Appliances and countertops trade places for third depending on the grades you pick.
Is a kitchen remodel worth it for resale? +
A minor kitchen remodel is the single best-value project in the annual Cost vs. Value Report — the 2025 edition shows a $28,458 minor midrange remodel recouping about 112.9% at resale. Major remodels recoup roughly half, so do those for how you live, not for the sale price.
How long does a kitchen remodel take? +
A facelift takes 2–5 weeks. A standard full remodel runs 6–12 weeks. A gut renovation with layout changes runs 3–6 months once design and permits are included.
How can I save money on a kitchen remodel? +
Keep the layout (moving plumbing and walls is expensive), reface instead of replacing cabinets when boxes are solid, buy appliances during holiday sales, and do demo, painting, or hardware yourself — DIY can trim 10–20% off labor, which is 20–35% of the job.
Are these estimates quotes? +
No. They are researched national ranges for planning. Real bids vary by region, kitchen condition, and the finishes you choose — always get three local quotes before committing.