One of the biggest questions homeowners ask is: How much does a kitchen renovation cost? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. A kitchen remodel can range from a few thousand dollars for minor updates to six figures for a full-scale luxury transformation. Understanding the factors that influence costs can help you set a realistic budget and avoid surprises.
This post will help you understand what goes into a kitchen renovation budget/price range, including:
- Average price ranges for a partial to complete renovation/remodel
- Average pricing for each aspect of your renovation
- Factors that impact kitchen renovation cost
- Ways to save money without compromising quality
- A step-by-step process for determining the cost of YOUR renovation plan
Average Cost Range for a Kitchen Renovation
Before diving into details, decide on a comfortable spending limit. This initial figure will help keep you within a realistic range of choices. But how to even know what’s a realistic “ballpark” figure? At a high level, here’s what you can expect to pay for a kitchen renovation or remodel, starting from a light/partial refresh to a full scale renovation:
Photo by Taylor Friehl on Unsplash
Low Cost Kitchen Renovation (Up to $20,000)
If your kitchen is in decent shape but needs a facelift, a budget-friendly remodel can make a big impact. This might include painting cabinets, updating hardware, replacing countertops, installing a new backsplash, and upgrading lighting. You can save money by keeping appliances and plumbing in place.
Mid-Range Remodel ($20,000 – $60,000)
A mid-range kitchen renovation often involves replacing cabinets, upgrading to higher-end countertops (like quartz or granite), adding new flooring, and installing semi-custom cabinetry. You might also swap out old appliances for more energy-efficient models. To keep costs down you can choose to do one or two of the above instead of doing them all.
High-End or Luxury Remodel ($60,000+)
A top-tier kitchen renovation includes custom cabinetry, high-end appliances (Sub-Zero, Wolf, or Miele), premium materials like marble, smart home features, and a completely redesigned layout. This often involves moving plumbing and electrical systems, which increases costs.
What Impacts the Cost of a Kitchen Renovation?
Size of Your Kitchen
Larger kitchens naturally require more materials and labour, from additional cabinetry and countertops to increased flooring and lighting needs. A bigger space may also demand more structural changes, further driving up expenses.
Scope of Work
Are you planning a simple refresh with minor updates, such as new paint and hardware? Or are you embarking on a full gut renovation that involves tearing down walls, rewiring, and plumbing adjustments? The more extensive the work, the higher the cost.
Materials & Finishes
The choices you make for materials and finishes significantly affect your budget. Custom cabinets, stone countertops, and high-end fixtures can add up quickly, whereas stock cabinetry and laminate surfaces offer more budget-friendly alternatives without sacrificing style.
Labour Costs
Hiring skilled professionals such as contractors, electricians, plumbers, and installers is one of the biggest budget considerations. Labour costs vary based on location, expertise, and project complexity, so it’s important to get multiple quotes and factor them into your budget.
Structural Changes
If your renovation requires knocking down walls, moving plumbing lines, or rerouting electrical wiring, expect a significant price increase. These changes often require permits, inspections, and specialized labour, all of which add to the overall cost.
Appliances
Your choice of appliances can make a huge difference in your budget. Standard models are more affordable, while high-end, smart appliances with advanced features can cost thousands more. Consider energy efficiency and long-term savings when making your selection.
FYI… There’s a LOT to know about each of these things. My Kitchen Renovation Planning Guide goes through each of them in detail to help you understand the important “things to know” and make the right decisions.
Kitchen Renovation on a Budget: Ways to Save Without Compromising Quality
Avoid kitchen layout changes that require plumbing and electrical rerouting
Changing the location of major elements like the sink, stove, or fridge usually means rerouting plumbing, gas, and electrical lines—this can drastically increase your renovation costs due to the need for licensed professionals and possible permit requirements. By keeping your appliances and fixtures in the same locations, you avoid opening up walls or floors, which saves on both labour and materials.
Refinish or paint cabinets instead of replacing them
If your cabinets are structurally sound, refinishing or painting them can completely transform the look of your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry. It’s especially cost-effective if you’re happy with the current layout and the cabinet boxes are in good condition.
>However, this approach isn’t suitable if the cabinets are warped, water-damaged, or poorly constructed to begin with. In those cases, investing in new cabinets is likely more cost-effective in the long run, as refinishing won’t solve deeper issues and may not hold up well.
Mix high and low-end materials (e.g., quartz countertops with stock cabinets)
This strategy lets you invest where it really counts—like durable, attractive countertops—while saving on less visible or lower-impact areas. Stock cabinets, for example, can still look high-end when paired with premium hardware or countertops. By selectively splurging, you create a balanced, elevated design without blowing your budget.
Shop sales and clearance for appliances and fixtures
Major retailers regularly discount floor models, last year’s designs, or discontinued finishes—often by hundreds of dollars. These pieces typically function just as well as full-price versions but come with significant savings.
Being flexible with style and finish, or timing your purchase around holiday sales, can make a big difference in your final renovation cost.
Consider DIY for simpler tasks
Tackling straightforward jobs like painting walls or even assembling flat-pack cabinets can save on labour costs. These are often manageable with a bit of research and patience.
You should avoid DIY when it comes to anything involving electrical or plumbing unless you are confident in your abilities. Mistakes in these areas can be costly, dangerous, or void warranties and insurance coverage. Gas fitting, or precision installations like stone countertops should be left to a professional.
Photo by Oak Motion on Unsplash
Step by Step: How to Determine Your Kitchen Renovation Budget
A well-thought-out design is the foundation of your budget—and the success of your entire project. Without a clear vision, costs can spiral, and decisions become overwhelming. But with a solid plan, you can set a realistic investment estimate, make informed material choices, and obtain accurate contractor quotes. Here’s how to break it down:
1. Define Your Vision
Before diving into costs, determine the look and feel you want to achieve. Gather inspiration from magazines, social media, and design websites. This will guide your choices and ensure consistency throughout your project.
Prioritize Needs Over Wants
It’s easy to get carried away with trendy features and luxury upgrades, but a smart renovation focuses on essentials first. Identify your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves before committing to purchases.
Think of your budget as a roadmap to achieving your top priorities before diving into the extras. By clearly identifying which features are essential to your kitchen renovation—whether it’s energy-efficient appliances, custom cabinetry, or upgraded lighting—you can allocate your funds where they matter most. This helps you make smart trade-offs, like opting for more affordable tile or hardware in order to invest in the items that will have the biggest impact on your daily life.
Pro tip: Create two lists—your “must-haves” and your “nice-to-haves.” This simple exercise will help you stay focused, make intentional choices, and keep your project on budget without sacrificing what matters most.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Why am I renovating my kitchen? High-end appliances are great, but if your cabinets are falling apart, they should come first.
- What do I like about this current space? What works well? The cabinets are dark and dated, but if the space is functional, simply painting the cabinets could do the trick.
- Does it add value? Energy-efficient appliances or durable countertops can increase resale value, making them smarter investments than changing the floor.
Use these helpful questionnaire pages from my Kitchen Renovation Planning Guide to determine why you need to renovate or remodel your current kitchen.
2. Take Accurate Measurements
Knowing your space’s exact dimensions is absolutely essential before making any design decisions. These measurements serve as the foundation for your entire renovation plan. Skipping this step or measuring hastily can lead to expensive delays, custom alterations, or last-minute compromises. Here is a list of some of the essential components to measure prior to creating your plan:
- Room length, width, and height
- Doorways, windows, and any other openings
- Fixed elements (e.g. kitchen island, cabinets, etc.)
- Main walkways (aim for at least 39 inches wide for main walkways!)
- Locations of outlets and switches
3. Choose Your Appliances
If new appliances are part of your renovation plans, it’s important to select them early in the process. Their size, installation requirements, and features will directly impact the layout, cabinetry, and placement of electrical and plumbing connections. Choosing appliances first ensures your design works with them—not around them—saving you from costly adjustments later on.
Here are the key appliances to consider early:
- Refrigerator: Standard, counter-depth, or built-in styles vary greatly in size and depth
- Range or Cooktop + Oven: Each has different space and ventilation needs
- Dishwasher: Placement affects cabinet spacing and plumbing lines
- Microwave: Whether it’s built-in, over-the-range, or drawer-style, sizing matters
- Vent Hood: Needs proper clearance, ducting, and often its own power source
By finalizing these selections early, you can design your kitchen layout more efficiently and avoid surprises down the road. Check out my Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide for more insights on this step.
Josh Hemsley via Unsplash
4. Select Your Finishes
Decide which finishes you’re updating, including:
- Flooring: Will you refinish or replace it? Consider durability and maintenance.
- Cabinetry: Custom, semi-custom, or stock cabinets—each affects cost and design flexibility. Will you be painting or re-facing?
- Countertops: Materials like quartz, granite, and butcher block vary in price and upkeep. Laminate is a budget-conscious choice.
- Backsplash: Will it be tile or countertop material? Metal or glass? Simple subway tile has classic appeal and a very affordable price point.
- Lighting: Will you be changing out existing fixtures or will you be adding additional light sources? Consider task lighting as well as overall illumination.
For more detailed information on how to select finishes, read my previous blog post, Making Informed Choices: Essential Kitchen Finishes for Your Remodel.
The Kitchen Renovation Planning Guide
Your Ultimate Planning Resource
For more comprehensive information about choosing finishes for your kitchen, pick up the Kitchen Renovation Planning Guide. It will help you compare materials, understand cost differences, and avoid common pitfalls when selecting flooring, cabinets, countertops, and more. Purchase it here for help making smart, stylish choices that fit your budget!
5. Labour & Permits
When it comes to hiring the right contractor or tradesperson for your renovation project, my go-to method involves a few key steps that can help you confidently choose a professional who fits both your vision and your budget.
- Define your goals and design direction, know what you want to achieve and how you want it to look
- A clear plan helps to communicate your vision effectively to potential contractors
- Research contractors and build a shortlist of professionals to call
- Interview and compare quotes
- Get detailed, written quotes to understand pricing and value
- Call references
- Review contract details thoroughly
- Choose someone who communicates well and understands your vision—even if their bid isn’t the lowest
Don’t forget to factor in permit requirements and their associated costs when budgeting for your kitchen renovation. Depending on your location and the scope of work, permits may be necessary—and accounting for them early on can help you avoid unexpected delays or expenses down the road. The contractor you end up choosing should be one that is well versed in your local municipalities permit requirements.
Chapter 4 of the Kitchen Renovation Planning Guide covers everything you need to know about permits and insurance for your kitchen renovation. You’ll learn when permits are required, why they matter, and how to obtain them. I’ve also included a handy checklist to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. In addition, we dive into insurance and liability to help ensure you’re fully protected during the construction phase.
6. Do the math
Using your measurements and selections, you should be able to determine what your materials costs will be. Also, knowing the design direction you want to take and being able to clearly communicate that to your labour force is the key to getting accurate pricing for planning your kitchen renovation budget.
All this information can be compiled into a spreadsheet that will determine how much your kitchen renovation will cost:
Final Thoughts
Your kitchen renovation cost depends on your budget and your goals. A well-defined design serves as the cornerstone of your project’s budget and overall success. Before a single dollar is spent or a contractor is hired, having a clear and cohesive vision ensures that every element of your renovation or construction is purpose-driven.
Design encompasses more than just aesthetics—it includes:
- the layout,
- function,
- style preferences,
- and overall flow of the space.
A thoughtfully developed design helps you anticipate needs, avoid expensive detours, and align your project goals with financial realities.
By understanding the exact look and feel you’re aiming for, you’re better equipped to evaluate which materials, fixtures, and finishes will best support your vision within your financial parameters. Instead of guessing or relying on general price ranges, you can make deliberate, informed choices that balance cost, quality, and aesthetics. The key is that when contractors and vendors have access to a detailed design plan, they can provide precise and itemized quotes—reducing ambiguity, preventing budget overruns, and helping you compare proposals on an apples-to-apples basis. The more refined your design, the more control you’ll have over your spending and the smoother your project will run.
Photo by Bailey Alexander on Unsplash
