The Bottom Line
The cost of a custom kitchen renovation by a design-build remodeling firm can vary widely, from about $65,000 to more than $200,000, here in the Finger Lakes region of New York. The biggest cost drivers are whether you can keep your existing layout and whether you opt for very high-end fixtures and materials.
Introduction
A quality kitchen remodel is high on most lists of home improvement priorities, but many homeowners question just how much it will cost and whether it’s worth the money.
The truth is that there’s no one-size-fits-all kitchen remodel. These renovations come in various shapes and sizes, and, as you would expect, the total cost can change dramatically based on the project details.
In this post, I’ll go over how much a kitchen remodel costs, review the factors to consider if you want to set a realistic budget, and offer practical tips to help keep costs under control.
How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost?
High-quality, custom kitchen remodels range in cost from $65,000 up to and even above $200,000. That’s a wide range, which is why our cost of kitchen remodel Kitchen Remodeling Price Guide breaks these projects into three main categories:
- Level I — Kitchen Upgrade — $65K to $95K: This level of project works within your existing footprint but involves a major update, including new cabinets, fixtures, countertops, sink, faucet, lighting, and flooring.
- Level II — Total Kitchen Makeover — $85K to $125K+: This is a “down to the studs” type of renovation, including upgraded plumbing and electrical infrastructure and structural remodeling to open up the kitchen or add a kitchen island or peninsula.
- Level III — The Ultimate Kitchen — $125K to $200K+: This level of kitchen remodeling builds on level II with all sorts of extra features that are custom-designed for your home. That could include specialty fixtures or cabinets, an indoor-outdoor connection, or a spacious walk-in pantry. Although we call it level three, everything is to the nines.
If these budget numbers seem high, I want to reiterate that I’m talking about custom remodels, not pull-and-replace remodels that are purely cosmetic or just swap out some appliances.
Is a Kitchen Remodel Worth the Investment?
A kitchen remodel that is well-designed and executed is almost always worth the investment because of its impact both on quality of life and a home’s value.
The kitchen is perhaps the one place in the house that we rely on the most. It’s not just a place for preparing meals. It’s also a space for gathering together as a family and for entertaining family and friends. The right remodel can transform this hub of activity in ways that have a noticeable benefit on your everyday life.
On top of that, market analysis finds that most kitchen remodels have a return on investment (ROI) of 50% to 70%+, depending on the quality of the renovation. That’s also why a standard budget recommendation is to allocate 10–20% of a home’s value for a kitchen renovation. Similarly, you’ll find that many credit agencies recommend spending between 5-15% of your home’s value on a kitchen remodel.
What Factors Influence Your Kitchen Remodel Budget?
Kitchen remodeling costs are always project specific, which is why the price ranges are so wide. In this section, I’ll go over some of the main factors that contribute to the final cost of a kitchen remodel.
Kitchen Size
As you would expect, it usually costs more to remodel large kitchens than small ones. Average costs for a full kitchen renovation can be roughly calculated at $150 to $250 per square foot, so more space typically means a higher cost.
However, keep in mind that those are average numbers. Even a kitchen with less square footage can have a six-figure budget if everything is built to the highest standards, including custom cabinetry and top-tier new countertops.
Project Scope
A kitchen update costs less than a mid-range renovation, which costs less than the highest-end luxury project.
Labor costs are influenced by the scope of work involved in the kitchen remodel. If your project involves major structural changes, you can expect it to come with a higher cost.
Moving plumbing, electrical lines, or structural walls can add at least $10,000 to $25,000 (and often much more) to project costs. That’s because hiring specialized trades like electricians and plumbers adds to the renovation costs—labor rates for specialized laborers like electricians and plumbers can be $100 per hour or more.
Material Costs
Material costs significantly affect the overall price of a kitchen renovation. Upgrading to premium materials like granite or custom cabinets significantly increases costs. And in many cases, it’s not simply the cost of the materials themselves but also the installation costs that come with specialty or high-end materials.
Some of the main components that make up your materials costs include:
- Kitchen cabinets: Cabinet replacement often constitutes the largest expense in a kitchen remodel, and this cost gets even higher with features like integrated cabinet lighting.
- Countertops: Replacing existing countertops can drive up the project’s price, especially if you have a lot of countertop space or opt for premium materials.
- Flooring: New flooring, whether it’s tile or hardwood floors, needs careful installation, adding to the cost of the materials themselves.
- Appliances: The cost for new appliances, including a refrigerator, oven, range (and range hood), and dishwasher, can be significant. Standard kitchen appliances can cost between $200 and $3,700 each, depending on quality. High-end appliances can range from $6,000 to $25,000, depending on brand and features. As these price ranges indicate, choosing budget-friendly options can be a way to save money in your remodel.
Many other components are not as expensive, but the amount you have to spend on them can add up. Examples include:
- Kitchen lighting
- Plumbing elements, including the kitchen sink, sink hardware, and garbage disposal
- Backsplash tile
- Interior paint for kitchen walls
- Doors, windows, molding, and trim
- Cabinet hardware
- Furniture (for spaces like a breakfast nook or bar seating)
Tips for Cost Control in Your Kitchen Remodel
If you’re worried about overspending on a kitchen remodel, there are a few tips that can help you in the process.
First, be selective when defining your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t dream big when planning your remodel. But the more specific you can be about your priorities, the easier it is to make strategic decisions about what is really worth it when push comes to shove.
Second, when considering potential contractors, look for a kitchen remodeler who offers a fixed-price contract. With this type of contract, the remodeler is responsible for cost overruns. With a more traditional “time and materials” contract, the homeowner is on the hook for surprise costs.
If you don’t have a fixed-price contract, budgeting a contingency fund of 10–15% of the total project cost is advised for unexpected expenses. Baking this into your budget from the get-go can help keep your total costs in check.
Custom Kitchen Remodeling in Ithaca, NY
Upscale Remodeling is a custom home remodeler, and we love helping our clients create their dream kitchen. We’ve been serving the Ithaca area for over 30 years, utilizing the design-build process to offer homeowners a complete and seamless remodeling experience.
You can see examples of past projects in our portfolio and visit our website to learn about our team and roots in this region. If you’re thinking about a kitchen remodel, we invite you to contact us today to schedule a visit to our local design center or an in-home consultation.
