Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator (2026)
Quick answer
A midrange kitchen remodel costs about $250 to $400 per square foot in 2026. For a typical 150 sq ft kitchen, that is about $37,500 to $60,000. A cosmetic refresh can cost as little as $9,000 to $18,000, while an upscale remodel often runs $67,500 to $120,000 or more.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator
Pick your kitchen size and how much you want to change. You get an estimated 2026 budget range, including materials and labor.
Set aside 10% to 20% extra for surprises like old wiring or water damage. This is a planning estimate, not a quote.
Cabinets are the biggest part of most kitchen budgets. Compare painting, refacing and replacing cabinets before you decide.
How this calculator works
- Kitchen size. Measure the length and width of your kitchen floor and multiply them. A 10 by 15 foot kitchen is 150 sq ft.
- Type of remodel. We multiply the size by a 2026 cost range per square foot for the scope you choose. Very small kitchens have a minimum cost, because appliances, permits and labor do not shrink with floor area.
- Adjustments. Moving plumbing, gas lines or walls adds about 15%. We also adjust for labor costs in your area.
Kitchen remodel cost by type
| Type of remodel | What it usually includes | Cost per sq ft | 150 sq ft kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | Paint cabinets, new hardware, faucet, lighting, backsplash | $60 – $120 | $9,000 – $18,000 |
| Minor remodel | New counters, appliances, cabinet doors or refacing, flooring | $120 – $200 | $18,000 – $30,000 |
| Midrange full remodel | New semi-custom cabinets, quartz or granite, mid-range appliances | $250 – $400 | $37,500 – $60,000 |
| Upscale remodel | Custom cabinets, premium appliances, high-end stone, new layout | $450 – $800 | $67,500 – $120,000 |
Where the money goes
| Part of the project | Typical share of budget |
|---|---|
| Cabinets and hardware | About 30% |
| Labor and installation | About 20% – 35% |
| Appliances | About 10% – 15% |
| Countertops | About 10% |
| Flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, backsplash | About 15% – 20% |
| Design and permits | About 5% |
Cabinets are usually the biggest single cost. Keeping your existing cabinets and refacing or painting them is one of the easiest ways to cut the budget.
Ways to save money
- Keep the sink, stove and dishwasher where they are. Moving plumbing and gas lines adds cost quickly.
- Choose stock or semi-custom cabinets instead of fully custom.
- Use quartz or granite remnants for small islands or counters.
- Buy appliances during holiday sales events.
- Do simple tasks yourself, such as painting or removing old hardware.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A cosmetic refresh can take one to two weeks. A full midrange remodel usually takes six to twelve weeks of work, plus time for design, ordering cabinets and permits.
Why is my small kitchen so expensive per square foot?
Many costs stay the same no matter the size, such as a refrigerator, a range, plumbing work and permits. Spread across a small floor, those fixed costs make the price per square foot look high.
How much should I set aside for surprises?
Plan an extra 10% to 20% of your budget. Older homes often hide problems such as outdated wiring, plumbing leaks or uneven floors that only show up after demolition.
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How this calculator works
- Kitchen size. Measure the length and width of your kitchen floor and multiply them. A 10 by 15 foot kitchen is 150 sq ft.
- Type of remodel. We multiply the size by a 2026 cost range per square foot for the scope you choose. Very small kitchens have a minimum cost, because appliances, permits and labor do not shrink with floor area.
- Adjustments. Moving plumbing, gas lines or walls adds about 15%. We also adjust for labor costs in your area.
Kitchen remodel cost by type
| Type of remodel | What it usually includes | Cost per sq ft | 150 sq ft kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | Paint cabinets, new hardware, faucet, lighting, backsplash | $60 – $120 | $9,000 – $18,000 |
| Minor remodel | New counters, appliances, cabinet doors or refacing, flooring | $120 – $200 | $18,000 – $30,000 |
| Midrange full remodel | New semi-custom cabinets, quartz or granite, mid-range appliances | $250 – $400 | $37,500 – $60,000 |
| Upscale remodel | Custom cabinets, premium appliances, high-end stone, new layout | $450 – $800 | $67,500 – $120,000 |
Where the money goes
| Part of the project | Typical share of budget |
|---|---|
| Cabinets and hardware | About 30% |
| Labor and installation | About 20% – 35% |
| Appliances | About 10% – 15% |
| Countertops | About 10% |
| Flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, backsplash | About 15% – 20% |
| Design and permits | About 5% |
Cabinets are usually the biggest single cost. Keeping your existing cabinets and refacing or painting them is one of the easiest ways to cut the budget.
Ways to save money
- Keep the sink, stove and dishwasher where they are. Moving plumbing and gas lines adds cost quickly.
- Choose stock or semi-custom cabinets instead of fully custom.
- Use quartz or granite remnants for small islands or counters.
- Buy appliances during holiday sales events.
- Do simple tasks yourself, such as painting or removing old hardware.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A cosmetic refresh can take one to two weeks. A full midrange remodel usually takes six to twelve weeks of work, plus time for design, ordering cabinets and permits.
Why is my small kitchen so expensive per square foot?
Many costs stay the same no matter the size, such as a refrigerator, a range, plumbing work and permits. Spread across a small floor, those fixed costs make the price per square foot look high.
How much should I set aside for surprises?
Plan an extra 10% to 20% of your budget. Older homes often hide problems such as outdated wiring, plumbing leaks or uneven floors that only show up after demolition.
