The cost of renovating a kitchen can seem daunting, but with some planning, some cosmetic work, and a little gut renovation, you can upgrade your kitchen without breaking the bank. We'll share what a typical kitchen remodel costs and highlight how to break down your budget while planning your kitchen renovation.

Types of Kitchen Remodels

Typically, there are two popular types of kitchen remodels.

• Cabinet Makeover
• Full Remodel

Cabinet makeovers are great for giving your current kitchen layout a new look while a full kitchen remodel allows you to start from scratch with your kitchen layout. We'll break down what a typical kitchen remodel costs and highlight where you can save the most.

How Much a Typical Kitchen Remodel Costs

Typically, one third of your budget will go toward new cabinetry or resurfacing. Another third of your budget will go towards countertops, sinks and faucets, backsplashes, flooring, and appliances. The last third of your budget will go to installation and labor expenses.

Bar or Buffet - Total: $7,200+

• Custom Cabinets: $4,500+
• Countertops: $1,000+
• Appliances: $200+
• Flooring & Fixtures: 1,500+

Small Kitchen (10' x 10') - Total: $15,500+

• Custom Cabinets: $7,500+
• Countertops: $2,500+
• Appliances: $2,600+
• Flooring & Fixtures: $2,900+

Medium (10' x 15') - Total: $20,500+

• Custom Cabinets: $10,000+
• Countertops: $3,700+
• Appliances: $3,300+
• Flooring & Fixtures: $3,500+

Large (12' x 16') - Total: $26,500+

• Custom Cabinets: $14,000+
• Countertops: $5,000+
• Appliances: $3,600+
• Flooring & Fixtures: $3,900+

Extra Large (14' x 18') - Total: $33,600

• Custom Cabinets: $18,000+
• Countertops: $7,000+
• Appliances: $4,200+
• Flooring & Fixtures: $4,400+

Before You Start

Think about the layout of your current kitchen. If you're looking for a total kitchen remodel, consider getting a free kitchen design consultation from Wayfair to develop the optimal layout for your cabinetry and appliances. If you can work with your current layout, you may not need to hire one.

It might also be helpful to create a mood board (digital or otherwise) to see all your ideas come together. It is easier to plan and keep your remodel organized with an end goal in mind.

Finally, make a list of what services or contractors you need to hire based on your comfort level with home improvement projects. Be sure to get quotes from a variety of sources, or ask friends and family for recommendations. This list may include:

• Professional Contractor
• Painter
• Plumber
• Tile installer
• Fabricator for countertops/backsplash

Before & After

Before: a bit drab, but overall a well-laid-out kitchen.

What This Kitchen Remodel Cost

Contractors: $9,000
Quartz countertop and backsplash: over $8,000
Floor tile installation: $3,000
Appliances: $5,000
Fixtures/hardware/lighting: $2,000

Total Cost: $27,000

After: These are the same layout and cabinets, but everything is brightened up with fresh paint, new countertops, dramatic flooring, and updated fixtures and lighting.

Ways to Save Money

Plan Ahead: Planning ahead, even months before the beginning of the project, will give you breathing room to budget and gather all your materials before your project.
Pick & Choose: Consider hiring individual subcontractors vs. hiring a general contractor. If you're not doing a complete overhaul, this may be easier to manage.
Refresh with Paint: A fresh coat of paint can go a long way! This homeowner brightened up her kitchen with a crisp coat of white paint. Painting the walls yourself can cut down on remodel costs.
Dream Fixtures: Use your mood board! Start saving and bookmarking your favorite fixtures, and when you see your dream kitchen faucet go on sale, purchase it and start building your kitchen stockpile. Your contractors will appreciate having everything on site before they start. (Or you can learn how to do it yourself using our How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet guide.)

Appliance Haul: Similarly, keep an eye on the kitchen appliances you need and buy them on sale. If you're looking to add a new refrigerator during your kitchen remodel, use our Refrigerator Buying Guide to learn what type suits your needs and keep an eye on the price. You just might see it go on sale at the perfect time!

Keki Cannon is a Chicago-based interior stylist and professionally trained home stager whose work with staged-to-sell properties has resulted in over $250 million in sales. At the same time, Keki is building an interior design business, rehabbing her 100-year-old home, and documenting it all with three kids in tow. Check out her blog, Home with Keki!