Kitchen remodeling is one of the most rewarding and smart investments you can make in your home. If you’re currently living in an older, outdated home, then you know how exciting it is to start planning a fresh, new space.
However, if you’ve started researching costs, you’ve probably noticed the numbers vary dramatically.
That’s because no two kitchens—or homeowners—are exactly alike. The investment you make in your kitchen will ultimately depend on unique factors like the size of your space, whether you’re changing the layout, and the materials and finishes you choose. Each element is different and will have different costs.
This guide developed by our experienced team of remodeling designers will walk you through the main factors that affect the cost of a kitchen remodel so you can approach your project with confidence and knowledge.
Why Kitchen Remodel Costs Vary So Much
Since you’ve started your kitchen remodeling journey, you’ve no doubt seen plenty of ads promising a full remodel for one, low set price. The truth is—those “average cost” numbers are rarely accurate, especially if you’re considering a custom remodel.
Don’t fall for clickbait that lures you in with a fixed price, only to reveal the real estimate later after you’ve already invested time in meetings. Or worse, as infield change orders.
Every kitchen and every homeowner’s vision is different—your project deserves more than a one-size-fits-all price tag and inevitable scope creep after you’ve signed the contract.
According to Melbourne designer, Lindsey Schwartz, “One of the most common things we see is homeowners getting an initial quote from us, then choosing another company because the number looks lower up front. But more often than not, they come back and tell us — it ended up costing exactly what we originally said it would. The truth is, when you account for construction, materials, and labor accurately, the price is the price. Unfortunately, many companies don’t include everything— trades, materials, and other essentials — so the final cost is much higher than the initial quote. Here at S&W Kitchens, we prefer to be transparent from the very beginning. We give you the full price up front so there are no surprises later. It might feel high in the beginning, but it’s an honest number — and that means no hidden costs or nasty surprises down the road.”
Read more about our 96% budget and scheduling accuracy.
We are here to tell you that every choice—from tile selection to plumbing upgrades—affects your overall price. You have control over how much your remodel will cost you.
Educating yourself on how to make choices and decisions is the best way to know “how much will my kitchen remodel cost”.
Here Are the Elements that Impact Overall Cost
1. Scope of Work Will Vary Dramatically
Every homeowner has different needs and a different budget. You’ll decide with your designer which option is right for you.
- Cosmetic Updates: Leaving your existing footprint in place and simply refreshing your space with new countertops, backsplash, hardware and more will be less involved.
- Cabinet Refacing: Instead of replacing cabinets, some homeowners choose to simply refresh their existing cabinets (called cabinet refacing) - which involves replacing all doors and drawer fronts and refacing all other exposed surfaces thus decreasing the investment.
- Full remodels: Often involve new cabinets, surfaces, appliances, lighting, and fixtures.
- Structural changes like removing walls or relocating plumbing add complexity and cost.
Tampa Designer Larissa Hicks advises: “If you love your counters and simply want to refresh your cabinets without a lot of fuss then this is an option for you. True savings is in not doing the counters; the reface costs the same as new most of the time.”
2. Cabinetry
Cabinets are often the largest single investment in a remodel. At S&W Kitchens, we offer a variety of the highest quality, American made cabinet manufacturers to choose from who can meet your needs and budget.
- Custom cabinetry offers handmade options like tailored storage, premium finishes, and seamless integration. All our custom cabinetry lines are handmade in America and built to your unique specifications.
- Semi-custom options provide more standard options at a slightly lower cost.
3. Countertops & Surfaces
There are so many choices when it comes to countertops and surfaces. Whether you choose durable quartz to striking natural stones like marble, your choice will influence both aesthetics and budget.
4. Appliances
High-end appliances—especially integrated designs—can be a significant part of the total investment. These usually dictate higher end cabinetry due to their customized needs on openings and panels
5. Lighting and Electrical
Thoughtfully designed lighting transforms both style and function, whether it’s statement pendants, under-cabinet lighting, or recessed fixtures.
6. Finishing Touches
Backsplashes, hardware, faucets, and decorative accents bring your design to life and vary widely in price depending on style and quality.
Average Investment by Product Category
Percentages shown are based on national averages and 3rd party sources for full kitchen remodels. Your numbers may vary depending on priorities, materials, and scope of work.
Four General Investment Levels
At S&W Kitchens, we pride ourselves on meeting our clients at their budget level. We always come out to your home to measure and discuss your project before giving estimates to ensure we know exactly what you are looking to accomplish so there are no nasty surprises along the way.
Here’s how many of our clients approach a remodel:
1. REFRESH REMODEL
You are keeping the existing layout and updating some of the surfaces and fixtures. This is often called a partial remodel.
2. REMOVE AND REPLACE REMODEL
You are keeping the existing layout and replacing the cabinetry, surfaces, fixtures, lighting and appliances.
3. FULL REMODEL
New layout, custom or semi-custom cabinetry, upgraded surfaces, premium appliances, and new lighting.
4. LUXURY CUSTOM REMODEL
Structural changes, fully custom cabinetry, top-tier materials, and designer-selected finishes.
The Value of Working with a Professional
A kitchen remodel isn’t just about picking pretty finishes—although that’s a lot of fun -- it’s about creating a space that works for your lifestyle and stands the test of time.
At S&W kitchens, you’ll have both a professional kitchen designer and a construction project manager working with you from beginning to end.
Our professional design-build team will:
- Provide an accurate investment range after an in-home consultation.
- Offer design expertise to maximize beauty and function.
- Manage every step to ensure a seamless experience and exceptional results.
Our professional remodeling team has earned hundreds of 5 star reviews from Florida homeowners and won over 33 nationally accredited awards for our design excellence and superior craftsmanship. You are in good hands with us!
Plan Your Dream Kitchen
Every dream kitchen starts with a conversation. Give us a call today to speak to a designer about your project. Our design team will help you analyze your space, explore your options, understand the factors that impact cost, and create a kitchen that’s uniquely yours.
Schedule a design consultation and free estimate and let’s start planning your kitchen remodel.
Article Contributors: S&W Designers: Krista Agapito, Lindsey Schwartz, and Larissa Hicks