If you are thinking about a kitchen remodel, you need to know the costs involved–which can sometimes be pretty tricky to figure out without spending hours gathering estimates and meeting with contractors! We put together this pricing guide to hopefully make you feel better prepared and give you some ideas on what can affect the bottom line on your project.
Of course, asking how much a kitchen remodel costs is kind of like asking how much a car costs. Are you asking about a simple, compact, budget-friendly car? Or a Bentley? Similarly, kitchens can have a wide range of prices, but we have tried to break down some approximate costs and explain what can make it more or less expensive.
What Impacts Kitchen Remodel Costs?
Some key factors that affect the final costs of a kitchen remodel include:
- Kitchen Size
- Cabinetry Options (Prefabricated, Semi-Custom, Custom)
- Countertops and Backsplash (materials and layout)
- Floor Plan/Layout Changes
- Permitting Requirements
- Plumbing and Electrical Work
We will break each of these down for you.
Kitchen Size
Obviously one of the biggest factors is the size of your kitchen. Bigger kitchens demand more materials and labor.
Here’s a very rough estimate of typical costs based on size:
- Small Kitchens (70-100 sq. ft.): $25,000 – $40,000
- Medium Kitchens (100-150 sq. ft.): $35,000 – $60,000
- Large Kitchens (150+ sq. ft.): $50,000 – $100,000+
The size of your kitchen will determine the extent of cabinetry, countertops, backsplash and flooring you need.
Cabinetry Options
Cabinetry is often the biggest investment in a kitchen remodel. The three main options (and the average price ranges) are:
Prefab Cabinets
- Cost: $300-$550 per linear foot (assembled and installed)
- Pros: Least expensive, quick installation, quite a few style options these days
- Cons: Limited customization: if you have a very specific style in mind you may not be able to get it.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
- Cost: $400 – $700 per linear foot (installed)
- Pros: More style options, some customization possible
- Cons: Still limited on customization, more expensive than prefab, usually a longer lead time than prefab
Custom Cabinets
- Price: $700 – $1,200+ per linear foot (installed)
- Pros: Infinite customization, made for your exact kitchen dimensions
- Cons: Most expensive and typically has the longest lead times
Pro Tip: Many homeowners are unaware of quality improvements available in modern prefab cabinets. High-end prefab lines now provide durable materials, soft-close drawers and quite a wide variety of stylish designs for a much better price custom cabinetry.
Countertops and Backsplash
The materials you choose for your countertops and backsplash will influence your budget by a wide margin.
Countertops (Material, Fabrication & Install)
- Granite: $60 – $125 per sq. ft. (High durability, natural stone)
- Quartz: $60 – $125 per sq. ft. (Low maintenance, ideal for busy kitchens)
- Quartzite: $70 – $200 per sq. ft. (Durable and elegant natural stone)
- Marble: $75 – $250 per sq. ft. (Luxury but more maintenance)
Slabs vs. Prefab Countertops
Slabs are custom-cut, often requiring more material and labor, and they are the pricier option. Prefab countertops are more affordable and are made in standardized sizes, which lowers material and fabrication costs. There are more options available in slabs but if you can find something that you like that comes in prefab pieces, that can definitely help your budget!
Backsplash (Material & Install)
- Ceramic Tile: $35 – $75 per sq. ft.
- Glass Tile: $60 – $130 per sq. ft.
- Cement Tile: $80 – $120 per sq. ft.
Some Options And Additional Costs:
The type of material you select can have an impact on installation costs. For instance, Quartzite costs more to fabricate than Quartz does. Also, the more complicated your backsplash tile layout is, the higher your costs will be.
What you spend on materials and installation will vary depending on the size and pattern of the tile; a basic subway tile arranged in a brick pattern is typically cheaper to install than a small tile in a herringbone pattern, for example. And how high you want your backsplash to go—behind the stove to the top of your cabinetry, for example, or lined up to the bottom of your cabinetry—will add square footage and dollars. If you are on a tight budget, use a 4-inch backsplash in your countertop material to save money.
Floor Plan/Layout Changes
This is probably self-evident, but altering your kitchen layout can add significant expense. Moving walls, changing plumbing or moving electrical wiring is more complicated, may require additional permitting and increases costs.
- Small Layout Changes (like changing the position of an island): Usually adds $1,000 – $3,000
- Major structural changes (like moving walls or appliances): $5,000 – $20,000+, depending on complexity
Permitting Requirements
A permit is generally needed if you’re making major changes to a floor plan. This can involve:
- Architectural Plans: $1,000 – $3,000
- Structural Engineering: $500 – $2,500
- Permit Fees: $200 – $1,000 (depending on the city)
The permit required for replacing cabinets, counters and other fixtures but keeping them in the same location is much simpler, cheaper and faster to get, and in some parts of Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties it may not even require a permit. This reduces project delays and costs.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
Renovations to plumbing and electrical systems can be some of the most unpredictable costs in a remodel.
- New Electrical Wiring: $500 — $4,000+
- Moving Plumbing: $1,500 — $5,000+
Other older homes could have outdated wiring, as an example, or corroded pipes, and once the walls get opened up you may discover those need to be replaced.
Sample Budget Breakdown
For a kitchen remodel, medium (125 sq. ft.) with prefab cabinets, quartz countertops, and some minor layout changes:
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Cabinets | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| Countertops | $5,000 – $11,000 |
| Backsplash | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Flooring | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Electrical/Plumbing/Framing | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Permitting/Plans | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Grand Total | $32,000 – $52,000 |
Final Thoughts
Kitchens are the heart of the home, and creating your dream kitchen remodel can be a very rewarding experience. We hope this pricing information has helped you come up with some ideas on how you can have the kitchen remodel you want!
Request a Personalized Estimate
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel in the Tampa Bay area, we invite you to schedule a consultation for a tailored estimate. Honesty, communication, quality craftsmanship, and timely project management are our priorities. Whatever vision you have in mind, Sherman General Contracting can help you plan and make your dream kitchen remodel!