Introduction: Why Kitchen Remodel Costs Vary Wildly
One of the most transformative changes in your house is a kitchen remodel, not only for its functionality but also for the potential increase in the resale value of your home. However, if you want to know exactly what your budget will be, the price of the kitchen remodel can fluctuate widely. It doesn’t matter if you are going to refurbish for better flow, to acquire modern aesthetics, or to increase the value of the market; the very first step to that journey is acquainting yourself with the cost drivers of those eventualities.
Several factors significantly contribute to the final amount: the space of your kitchen (measured in square feet), the type and quality of the materials (ranging from very cheap to very expensive finishes), the choice of work (completely by yourself or hiring a professional), and of course the unforeseen issues that could pop up structurally or in your plumbing during the renovation.
According to the latest remodeling data, the average cost of a kitchen remodel in 2025 is around $71,159 for a medium-sized kitchen and $137,228 for a large-scale renovation.
This guide will break down these figures, indicate the cost of each portion of your project, and help you allocate your budget towards your dream kitchen.
National Average Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2025
The cost of kitchen remodeling in 2025 continues to rise, due to the general increase in prices, the shortage of the required labor force, and the growing popularity of high-quality materials. A recent study conducted in 2024, called the U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, reports that the median cost for a minor kitchen remodel has gone up to $18,000, while a major remodel (full cabinet and appliance replacement) has risen to $55,000. The changes in the two cases, going from 2022 to 2024, amount to 19% and 22% respectively.
| Project Scope | Median Cost | Cost Range | Notes |
| Minor Remodel | $18,000 | $13,000 – $30,000 | Fewer changes; may include paint, cabinet refacing, new fixtures |
| Major Remodel | $55,000 | $50,000 – $200,000+ | Full cabinet/appliance replacement, layout changes, high-end materials |
| National Average (All sizes) | $36,500 | — | Varies by location, kitchen size, and material choices |
| Small Kitchens (<250 sq. ft.) | — | $13,000 – $50,000 | Lower material/labor costs, fewer upgrades |
| Large Kitchens (250+ sq. ft.) | — | $20,000 – $66,000+ | Higher costs due to larger scale, premium features, or structural changes |
Kitchen Remodel Cost by Project Type
Most of the cost to remodel a kitchen is generally based on the level of detail in the changes. It is always beneficial to understand the significance of each type of project and to have a rough idea of your expenses when setting your goal, whether it is a surface-level upgrade or a comprehensive redesign. The three typical kitchen rebuild types in 2025 are described below:
Cosmetic kitchen refresh
A cosmetic refresh is the most cost-effective way to revive the old charm of your kitchen. There, the focus is solely on surface-level improvements, with no alterations to the layout or major structures.
Cost: $5,000–$22,000
This alternative is ideal for individuals who, among other things, are satisfied with the layout of their kitchen and want it to have a simple, fresh, and updated appearance for a modest investment.
Full midrange remodel
An entirely midrange remodel drills down more than just the surface of the kitchen. The improvements are both functional and design-focused, including things such as cabinet refacing, full replacement, new countertops and sinks, appliance upgrades, modern lighting, and new flooring in most cases. Conversely, this type of rebuild is still less costly than a full custom build; however, it significantly enhances the kitchen’s usability and resale value.
Cost: $25,000–$50,000
Home renovation of this kind is perfect for those who want to achieve a nice balance between the functionality of the house and its beauty.
High-end custom kitchen remodel
At the very top of the assortment is a high-end custom kitchen remodel. Most of these initiatives arise from a new beginning, accompanied by a complete change in layout, the relocation of plumbing or electrical lines, and the introduction of luxury finishes.
Cost: $50,000–$75,000+
In such a large, customized, and detailed project, working with a high-end and professional team like George Project is the only guarantee of quality and an effortless kitchen transformation. The George Project has the advantage of being located in Foshan, China—a hub for luxury furniture manufacturing, renowned worldwide.
The most compelling factor of George Project’s work is their one-stop solution model, where the customer can choose to start either from scratch or with an existing plan and receive full assistance with design, CAD drawings, 3D renderings, and stylish kitchen cabinets. With an impressive 20,000+ square meter showroom and hundreds of successful projects worldwide, George Project is the number one choice for homeowners, contractors, and interior designers.
Cost Breakdown by Component (2025)
Remodeling a kitchen is a massive undertaking that covers every aspect, from cabinetry and countertops to lighting and the new layout. It will be very valuable to you if you know ahead of time how your budget will be divided.
This knowledge helps you plan smartly and invest in the features that matter most to you. These are the average nationwide percentages of how the costs are expected to be divided in 2025.
Cabinets – 29% of Your Budget
Cabinetry is the primary feature in any kitchen design, and it is often the most expensive part of the entire project, accounting for nearly 30% of the total budget. The cost is significantly influenced by the type of cabinetry you choose, ranging from stock ($100–$300/linear foot) to semi-custom ($150–$650) and fully custom ($500–$1,200).
Labor and Installation – 17%
Skilled trades are the main reason for about 17% of the cost of the average remodel. They include general contractors, electricians, plumbers, as well as the personnel for the installation of cabinets, appliances, and flooring. Labor costs will be higher if the space is reconfigured or if the plumbing and electrical lines are relocated.
Appliances – 14%
Most redesigned kitchens nowadays include high-tech, high-performance appliances, for example, a refrigerator with a touch screen or a smart oven. The price of modern kitchen appliances can range from as low as $ 5,110 (on average) to more than $20,000 if you opt for the most luxurious one.
Countertops – 10%
Usually, countertops account for approximately 10% of the total renovation cost. One of the major factors affecting the price of countertops is the material used. For instance, the price of a laminate countertop starts at $25 per square foot, whereas marble or stainless steel can reach $300–$400 per square foot.
Flooring – 7%
The floor of the kitchen can be made of budget-friendly vinyl, priced from $3 to $10 per square foot, or of luxurious hardwood, ranging from $ 14 to $30 per square foot. Typically, 7% of the total cost of a kitchen remodel is allocated to the flooring component. Both laminate and ceramic tiles are also office-friendly, offering the durability and beautiful finish that your flooring needs.
Lighting – 5%
Although lighting is in the shadows in terms of the percentage it takes from the whole budget (5%), it is one of the main features of your kitchen that will instantly change the look. The installation of pendant lights or LEDs, such as under-cabinet lights, is a simple and inexpensive project that costs around $1,500–$2,500 for a smaller kitchen. $4,000 is more like a budget to aim at if you want smart lighting or rewiring.
Walls and Ceilings – 5%
The total used for refreshing drywall, installing moisture-resistant panels, or going only with a paint job is usually around 5%. If you are tearing down walls or opening up your kitchen layout, the expenses can be significantly higher than the few hundred dollars required for repainting.
Doors and Windows – 4%
Replaced old windows or new patio doors not only gives your kitchen a fresh look but also increases the natural light in there. This category, which mainly deals with doors and windows, accounts for about 4% of the total renovation cost (or $1,500) only. However, the cost of enlarging window frames or installing energy-efficient models can be higher than usual.
Plumbing and Fixtures – 4%
Changing faucets, sinks, and water lines typically account for 4% of the total cost. The average price for a basic plumbing setup is around $1,460, but it can increase significantly if you are relocating fixtures or upgrading to a more complex system, such as a pot filler or instant hot water tap.
Design Fees and Miscellaneous – 5%
Generally, kitchen design fees are about 4% of the total budget. To ensure you avoid layout issues and design mistakes, hiring a designer is a smart move. Miscellaneous items—such as permits, delivery fees, or small accessories—are usually the last 1% of the budget.
Factors That Impact Kitchen Remodel Cost
Let’s look at the main factors that can influence the bill:
Location matters more than you think
Your location is the most significant factor that affects remodeling costs. The expenses of labor and materials for homeowners in high-cost-of-living states (HCOL), such as California or New York, are higher than those living in Midwest states, like Ohio.
Size and layout of your kitchen
The larger the kitchen, the more you will need to invest in new cabinets, countertops, flooring, and lighting to cover the area. A kitchen remodel for one less than 250 sq. ft. typically costs between $13,000 and $50,000, whereas a larger one (250 sq. ft. or more) can cost between $20,000 and $66,000.
Materials and fixtures selection
The cabinets, countertops, and appliances you select will have a significant impact on the total cost. Off-the-shelf cabinets typically range from $60 to $200 per linear foot, whereas custom-designed cabinets can cost over $500 per linear foot.
Labor and your local market rates
One of the essential costs will be labor which, depending on the work, can cover between 30–50% of the total cost of the renovation. The demand for contractors in urban areas tends to be high, leading to increased labor costs.
5 Proven Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel
- Rather than replacing your cabinets, replace them. Do not tear out old cabinets; instead, make them new with new doors or a fresh coat of paint.
- Appliance and flooring purchases should be planned around sale events such as July 4th and Black Friday. Typically, you can save between 15 to 30%, which is a significant reduction in your overall expenses.
- If you are skilled with basic tools, doing demolition or site prep on your own can save you $1,500 or more in labor costs. Be cautious around plumbing and electrical areas, though.
- Pick the affordable materials that look like the originals. For instance, quartzite can give you the beauty of marble for almost 40% less—similarly, vinyl planks can resemble hardwood.
- By hiring a designer just for some hours of expert input (costing $300/hour), you get help avoiding mistakes of the costly kind without paying a full-service fee. Another option is to utilize the George Project for smart and cost-effective design solutions.
Why George Project for your kitchen remodel?
The George Project is a contemporary kitchen design and renovation platform that helps homeowners save time, stay on budget, and avoid expensive mistakes without compromising style or quality. If you are planning a complete overhaul or just upgrading a few elements, George Project will cost you only a fraction of the traditional design with expert guidance.
- On-demand design consultations: Access expert designers without long-term contracts, which is perfect for solving layout or style dilemmas quickly.
- Budget planning tools: View your kitchen remodel budget and receive personalized recommendations that align with your priorities and space.
- Curated material selections: Get the most stylish, yet affordable, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, and finishes that professionals recommend.
- 3D visualization: Get a highly realistic 3D model of your renovated kitchen before making your final decision, thus allowing you to be well-informed.
- In-house furniture manufacturing: Custom kitchen cabinets, countertops, and fittings built in their own facility—ensuring quality, cost control, and quicker delivery.
Conclusion
Kitchen remodeling is a significant expense; however, if you approach the process with a clear and wise mind, the outcome will not be a disaster. Knowing how to break down the costs, caring wisely for the materials, and saving with small but effective strategies, such as cabinet refacing and shopping at times when goods are on sale, are some ways you can cut down on your expenditure. Besides that, you can also count on George Project to provide you with much-needed budget clarity and professional design support—without the hefty designer fees.
