Short version: most homeowners land somewhere between a modest five-figure refresh and a six-figure transformation. In 2025, reputable industry snapshots show mid-range kitchen remodels commonly running from the mid-teens to the $50k range, with higher-end projects easily crossing $100k—especially in big metros or when layouts move.

Big drivers? Scope (are you moving walls or just swapping finishes), size (a 10×10 vs. a 300-sq-ft chef’s space), location (labor rates vary wildly), and finish level (stock vs. custom everything). Major national reports back up those swings: median “major” spends for large kitchens around ~$60k–$72k, while the top 10% of projects can push $200k+.

What Counts as a “Remodel”? Three Scopes to Know

Cosmetic refresh (keep the layout)

You’re repainting cabinets, swapping hardware, maybe resurfacing counters, updating lighting and backsplash. Appliances might stay, or you replace one or two. Minimal trades, minimal surprises.

Pull-and-replace (same layout, new everything)

Cabinets, counters, appliances, sink/faucet, flooring, lighting—all new—but you’re not relocating plumbing or electrical runs. The look changes dramatically without opening walls or moving utilities.

Full gut / reconfigure (move walls, utilities)

Down to studs. You may steal space from a dining room, add an island with plumbing, reroute HVAC, update service panels, the works. Highest design complexity, longest timeline, biggest budget.

Typical Cost Ranges in 2025

By project scope

• Cosmetic refresh: ~$10k–$25k for small and efficient updates; you’ll stretch dollars by keeping the layout. (Ranges aggregated from 2025 cost guides and remodeling platforms.)
• Pull-and-replace: ~$25k–$60k depending on size and finish level. Mid-range projects commonly settle around ~$27k on average per several sources.
• Full gut / reconfigure: $65k–$130k+, with larger and high-end kitchens moving well north of that. Industry articles and Cost-vs-Value data affirm six-figure totals are normal for upscale.

By kitchen size (10×10, small, medium, large)

• 10×10 (about 100 sq ft): Roughly $15k–$50k, with ~$24k often cited as a representative middle. Cabinet choices swing this the most.
• Small (<150 sq ft): $15k–$40k for pull-and-replace; higher if you reconfigure. (Synthesis of 2025 guides.)
• Medium (150–250 sq ft): National medians for major remodels often hover in the $60k–$72k band; bigger footprints and better finishes climb from there.
• Large (250+ sq ft): $70k–$120k+, and top-tier projects can exceed $200k.

Cost per square foot

Expect something like $75–$250 per sq ft (light to mid-range), with premium work easily surpassing that.

Reality check: One popular design outlet pulled 2025 figures showing $71,159 for a medium kitchen and $137,228 for a large one when projects trend higher-end—useful as an upper-bound benchmark for fully loaded, design-forward remodels.

Suggested Budget Breakdown (Percentages)

A practical allocation keeps money where it’s most visible and functional:

• Cabinets & hardware: ~25–35% (can hit 40% with custom).
• Labor & installation: ~15–20% (varies by market/complexity).
• Appliances & ventilation: ~10–15%.
• Countertops: ~10–15%.
• Flooring: ~5–10%.
• Lighting/electrical: ~5–10%.
• Plumbing & fixtures: ~4–8%.
• Design/permits/misc: ~5–10%.

These are averages; if you splurge on panel-ready appliances or stone slabs, rebalance elsewhere.

Hidden / Overlooked Costs

Permits and inspections

Even a straightforward kitchen may need permits for electrical, plumbing, and structural work. Typical kitchen remodel permit fees often fall around $500–$1,500, with broader building-permit averages near $1,000–$1,600 depending on municipality. Always confirm locally.

Structural/electrical upgrades

Older homes might require panel upgrades, GFCI/AFCI circuits, venting corrections, or joist reinforcement for stone countertops. Budget a buffer here.

Temporary kitchen & eating out

Microwave meals and takeout add up over 6–10 weeks. Plan a modest line item (and set up a mini-kitchen with a hot plate and the old fridge in the garage).

Design fees & project management

Expect hourly or flat fees for designers; pro guidance often saves money by preventing rework.

How Your Location Changes the Math

Labor rates and supply chains vary by region. Coastal metros trend higher; smaller markets lower. National studies (Houzz, Cost-vs-Value) show large swings—even within the same state. Use the ranges above as a baseline, then price with three local bids to calibrate your market.

Timeline and How It Impacts Budget

A typical mid-range pull-and-replace might span 6–10 weeks once materials are in hand; full guts can take longer, particularly if you’re relocating systems or waiting on custom cabinets. Time = money: longer schedules can increase labor, rentals (dumpsters), and temporary-kitchen costs. (Design-build firms can compress schedules with better sequencing.)

DIY vs. Hiring Pros (Where to Save, Where Not To)

• DIY-friendly: paint, hardware, simple backsplash, minor demo, open-shelving installs.
• Hire a pro: electrical, gas, structural changes, panel upgrades, stone fabrication. Mistakes here are expensive and unsafe (and can blow up permits/insurance).

If you’re handy, a hybrid approach—DIY demo/paint, pro for trades—can shave thousands without risking code violations.

Smart Ways to Fund the Project

• Cash + contingency (best control, no interest).
• 0% APR credit card promos (only if you can repay within promo window).
• Home equity line/loan (often lower rates; watch closing costs).
• Contractor financing (convenient, not always cheapest).

Run the numbers and factor interest into your ROI expectations.

How Much Contingency to Hold (and Why)

Set aside 10–20% of your total budget as a contingency. Hidden plumbing, subfloor rot, asbestos/lead abatement, or panel upgrades are common “oh-no” moments. Higher contingency (15–20%) is smart on older homes or layout changes.

ROI: What You’re Likely to Recoup at Resale

Kitchen projects rank high for buyer appeal. Recent data suggests minor kitchen remodels can return a large share of their cost at resale—frequently ~80%–110% depending on market and scope—while major remodels generally recoup less but still boost saleability and time-on-market. Always check your local Cost-vs-Value figures for nuance.

7 Cost-Saving Tactics That Don’t Look “Cheap”

1. Keep the layout. Moving water, gas, or walls is what makes budgets balloon.
2. Semi-custom cabinets. Great bang-for-buck; use custom only where you truly need it. (Cabinetry can swallow 25–40%; keep it in check.)
3. Reface or repaint solid-wood boxes. If your boxes are good, spend on new doors/hardware and soft-close hinges.
4. Bundle appliances. Manufacturer bundles can save hundreds, sometimes thousands.
5. Mix materials. Splurge on a statement island slab, go cost-effective on the perimeter.
6. Stock sizes. Choose standard cabinet widths and prefabricated counters where possible.
7. Right-time purchases. Shop holiday promos or off-season for appliances and fixtures.

Sample Budgets You Can Copy

These are illustrative starting points. Customize with your bids and priorities.

$15k–$25k light refresh (best for smaller kitchens or rentals)

• Paint existing cabinets; upgrade hardware
• New laminate or butcher-block counters
• Mid-range faucet/sink, one or two new appliances
• Backsplash, LED under-cabinet lighting
• LVT or engineered flooring where needed
• Permits: minimal or none if you’re not moving utilities—confirm locally (plan ~$500–$1,500 if required).

$35k–$55k mid-range pull-and-replace (most common)

• Semi-custom cabinet line with soft-close
• Quartz or quality solid-surface counters
• Full appliance suite (mid-tier, energy-efficient)
• New LED lighting plan (recessed + pendants), new LVP/tile floor
• Plumbing fixtures, backsplash, paint
• Basic electrical upgrades to code
• Contingency: 10–15%
• Cost reality check: This band matches many 2025 mid-range project reports.

$70k–$110k major reconfigure (open plan or island with sink)

• Layout changes, possible wall removal/beam
• Higher-end semi-custom or select custom cabinetry
• Stone/quartzite counters, panel-ready or pro-style appliances
• Substantial electrical/plumbing reroutes, possible panel upgrade
• Premium tile, ventilation, and lighting design
• Permits: budget ~$1,000 on average, more in pricey jurisdictions.

Luxury: $120k+

• Custom millwork, integrated/panel-ready appliances
• Stone slab backsplash, specialty storage, smart tech
• Designer-led project with bespoke finishes
• In large kitchens, six figures is common, and $200k+ happens at the 90th percentile.

Common Budget Traps to Avoid

• Under-spec’ing ventilation. A weak hood makes a gorgeous kitchen smell like last night’s fish forever.
• Ignoring lighting layers. Plan ambient + task + accent; it’s cheap compared to cabinets and transforms the space.
• Choosing materials before measuring. Wait for verified cabinet plans and appliance specs; avoid re-orders and change orders.
• Forgetting disposal/delivery. Include dumpster, haul-away, delivery, and elevator fees if you’re in a condo.
• No wiggle room. Zero contingency is a budget booby trap.

Step-by-Step Budget Planner (Mini Checklist)

1. Define scope first. Cosmetic vs. pull-and-replace vs. full gut.
2. Measure everything twice. Cabinets, clearances (36–48″ aisles), landing zones by appliances. (Good planning advice from design authorities.)
3. Set a ceiling number (what you won’t exceed) and a target number (what you hope to hit).
4. Allocate by % (cabinet 25–35%, labor 15–20%, etc.), then price real products to sanity-check.
5. Pull permits (as required) and schedule inspections.
6. Order long-lead items (cabinets, special-order tile/appliances) before demo.
7. Protect the rest of the house (zip walls, floor protection) to avoid unrelated repairs.
8. Track change orders in writing—and update your contingency every time.
9. Final walk-through with punch list before final payment.

Conclusion

So, how much should you budget? Anchor your number to scope and size, then let percentages guide the breakdown. In 2025, a sensible plan for many homeowners is $35k–$55k for a mid-range pull-and-replace, more for reconfigurations and large kitchens—and less for smart cosmetic refreshes that keep the layout intact. Factor permits, design, and a 10–20% contingency, and you’ll avoid the classic budget blow-ups. Most importantly, invest where you see and feel it every day—function, storage, lighting, and a workhorse layout—because that’s the kind of “ROI” you enjoy long before you sell.

FAQs

1) What’s the fastest way to ballpark my kitchen remodel?

Use size × a per-sq-ft range ($75–$250 for mid-range) to get a quick bracket, then refine by scope and finishes.

2) Are permits always required?

Not for simple like-for-like swaps (varies by city), but electrical, plumbing, layout changes, and structural work typically require them. Plan $500–$1,500 (average), and confirm locally.

3) How much should I set aside as a contingency?

Hold 10–20%—closer to 20% for older homes or if you’re moving utilities.

4) What line item eats the most budget?

Cabinets—often 25–35% of the total (even up to 40% with full custom).

5) What remodels deliver the best resale ROI?

Minor kitchen remodels typically recoup a larger share compared with major overhauls; recent snapshots show ~80–110% in many markets (check your local Cost-vs-Value).