“How much does a kitchen really cost?”
This is such a common question, and it’s really tough to answer since it mostly comes down to product selection. There are so many options that vary in quality, and it’s my job as a designer to help you make selections to give you the most bang for your buck. We want the perfect blend of fitting your budget, and materials that last for the long haul. First of all, let’s forget everything you’ve seen on HGTV…
Cabinetry
Let’s start here, since it’s my specialty. Quality, custom cabinets designed with all of your hand selected details – door style, wood specie, finish color, interior accessories, moldings, etc. – will likely be the biggest investment in your kitchen project. They’re also the hardest to swap out for future updates, so we want to make sure to get the “bones” right the first time. Plato or Medallion cabinets will stand the test of time and offer a ton of options to fit each budget.
Total: $20,000-$40,000
Countertops
My top two choices for countertops – and what I recommend for all of my kitchens, are natural stone or quartz. Again, we can see a wide range in pricing based on quality and availability of the materials. Cambria is my top choice for quartz – you cannot beat the quality and it is locally made in MN and sourced from Canada. Natural stones will range in price from the most common granites to the rarest marbles and quartzites.
Total: $10,000-15,000+
Tile Backsplash
There are so many options when it comes to tile – you could be looking at a basic tile for $5/square foot, or an intricate marble mosaic at $100/square foot. I usually like to set aside around $1500 for tile from the get-go.
Total: $1500+
Plumbing
Your sink and faucet are one of the items that get a ton of use in your kitchen, so I highly suggest making sure they are quality fixtures. Pricing increases if you want a luxury brand or finish, a faucet that uses touchless technology, a sink with all the “fixin’s”, an additional prep sink, a pot filler, etc. Moving existing plumbing, or adding features will quickly increase labor costs.
Total: $1500-$4,000
Flooring
Whether you go with porcelain tile, luxury vinyl planks or engineered hardwood, flooring adds up quickly. Durable options that look great will likely run $7-$15 per square foot.
Total: $2,000-$4,500
Appliances
Appliances really come down to personal preferences, budget, and how much cooking you like to do. High-end appliances that can be built-in seamlessly with your cabinetry and with spectacular technology could run you $15,000-$45,000. More standard stainless steel appliances could look more like $5,000-$10,000.
Total: $10,000
Hardware
This is one of the most important design considerations that pulls the entire look of your kitchen together. Don’t skimp here – we don’t want them falling off when you pull open your drawer! Pricing could be anywhere from $5-$20 per piece. I typically create an allowance at $8/piece to start.
Total: $1000
Lighting
Here’s where we factor in new recessed light fixtures, under cabinet lighting, and pendants. I like to plan for $500 per each new pendant light.
Total: $1500+
Misc
Don’t forget your new accessories! Any decorative objects on the countertop, a new runner, new barstools, etc. They easily get left off the to-do list, but are necessary for the function of your new kitchen.
Labor
This will be one of the biggest variables from project to project. Tearing out walls, doing a “full gut”, relocating plumbing, and the experience of your contractor will all factor into this. Labor is not part of my bid through reDesigned.
Grand Total
On average, a typical kitchen remodel with cost around $50,000-$75,000 in the materials listed above. Labor would be additional. If clients are keeping existing appliances, flooring, or staying with a very similar plumbing + appliance layout, you can sometimes complete the entire remodel (with labor) for that range.