How Much Should You Spend on a Kitchen Remodel? (A Foodie’s Perspective)

As a food blogger, enthusiast, and someone who spends serious time cooking at home, I know firsthand that our kitchens are more than just rooms, they’re command centers, creativity labs, and the heart of our culinary adventures. If you’re reading our blog, chances are you share this passion. You understand the pure joy (and occasional chaos!) of creating delicious food, and you know how a truly functional, inspiring kitchen elevates the entire experience. It’s not just about looks; it’s about flow, efficiency, and that feeling of wanting to be in there. That desire for a space that works with us is often the spark for considering a remodel. But alongside the dream of the perfect layout and stunning finishes comes the very practical question: How Expensive is a Kitchen Remodel in 2025?

Remodelling your kitchen can be very exciting, and you may already know about the benefits of starting such a project. Apart from the enjoyment you’ll get when creating a new space, a kitchen remodel has the potential to boost your home’s resale value. In fact, according to experts, you can recoup around 60% of the money that you put into the renovation of your kitchen. But how much will you invest in such a project? There’s no straightforward answer to this question, as it all depends on what changes you want to make and why.

Homeowners’ motivations for remodelling their kitchens can range from the ennui of seeing the dated laminate countertops to not having enough storage space. But once you decide that you want to give your kitchen a makeover, it’s essential to consider your budget. The truth is, however, that quantifying a kitchen can be challenging, as everything you decide to incorporate in the space will influence the cost. One thing is clear: you will spend a lot of time planning for the remodel and a lot of money buying things. Below, we break down the key construction costs in a kitchen remodel, so be sure to check them out.

Layout and planning

Depending on your design preferences and the scope of work, the cost for layout and planning can vary from $500 to $1,500 if you want a 2D or 3D model. On the other hand, you can expect to pay around $5000 to $15,000 for an architectural plan.

As a rule of thumb, you should select a design and a build firm rather than hiring an architect because this will help prevent over-engineering and help you save money along the way.

Plumbing and electrical work

This can be the most expensive part of the kitchen remodel process, especially if you’re planning to change the layout. However, if you keep the appliances, sink, and lighting in the same locations, the costs will likely be lower.

But if you’re considering a complete reconfiguration that requires moving water lines, incorporating outlets, or upgrading electrical panels, expect to pay up to $15,000, $20,000, or beyond that range.

Kitchen design

If you enjoy testing paint samples and decide to design the kitchen yourself, you will save around 12 to 20% of the total budget that you allocate for the remodelling. Otherwise, if you work with a designer to ensure that you will achieve the kitchen of your dreams, you will have to factor in the costs for this as well. The fee will depend on the scope of the work: for instance, if you only want to give the kitchen a simple facelift that includes curating materials and replacing finishes, the cost can start at $2,500.

However, if you want a full gut job that includes a new seating area or something similar, such a project would take weeks, meaning that the cost would also increase, so you’re looking at $8,000-plus.

Cabinetry

Kitchen cabinets can significantly impact your budget. If you decide you can no longer keep them as they are and plan to give them a quick facelift with staining or paint, it will cost around $200 to $1000. Investing in brand-new cabinets can be really expensive, with costs ranging between $3,000 and $20,000, depending on the type of cabinetry you choose and the size of the kitchen.

The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank when replacing cabinets, as there are also cheaper options available – and they still offer excellent quality. There are kitchen manufacturers that provide an extensive range of kitchen cabinets at a reasonable price, while also allowing you to choose a gorgeous design for your space. You can visit them online to check the prices as well as the quality – given that cabinetry is among the most expensive components in a kitchen remodel, you will save a lot of money in the process, making it all worth it.

Countertops

You can pay more or less for kitchen countertops based on the chosen material, as interior designers state. On average, homeowners spend $2,000 to $5,000, but it’s essential to keep in mind that high-end or rare slabs, thicker profiles, and custom edges can lead to an even higher price. Of course, you don’t want to skimp here, because countertops aren’t just surfaces -they are the extension of your home’s natural rhythm. Homeowners tend to gravitate toward marble and soapstone, which offer unique veining, but stones with soul aren’t at all cheap. In fact, a veined marble is priced around $45 to $85 per square foot.

For more affordable alternatives, consider quartz and granite, which are also loved for their style and practicality. There’s a misconception that granite is old-fashioned, but that’s really not the case. In fact, you can find some really beautiful granites, and you will also benefit from better durability, given that it’s a natural stone. According to contractor pricing, you can pay around $30 to $150 per square foot for granite, while quartz tends to cost around $50 to $200.

Flooring

There are many flooring options available, and your choice will ultimately depend on your goals and whether you want an ROI or are instead looking to build a forever home. Either way, consider opting for a material that won’t need to be replaced in a decade, such as oak. It is long-lasting and costs around $15 per square foot.

Wood flooring is also a popular option among homeowners, and for good reason. Hardwood, for example, adds character and warmth to the kitchen, making it a lasting investment. Engineered hardwood costs around $7 per square foot, while solid oak starts at $12 per square foot, but it can be higher depending on some details, such as herringbone patterns.

The bottom line

These are only some of the factors that will influence the overall cost of the kitchen remodel. Always remember to leave some room for unanticipated expenses as well. They will happen, so having 10 to 15% of the overall budget on hand in cash reserves will help ensure that you handle any issues without too much pressure. In the end, while exciting, a kitchen remodel can be expensive, so you want to take into account all of the details and plan accordingly.