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Kitchen Remodel Cost Guide: How Much Should You Budget in 2026?

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, the first question is almost always the same one: what’s this going to cost? The honest answer is “it depends” — but it doesn’t have to be a mystery. Below are real, current price ranges by kitchen size and project scope, so you can budget with confidence before you ever call a contractor.

These figures are national industry averages for 2026. Your actual cost will depend on your home’s layout, the cabinets and materials you choose, and the condition of the plumbing and electrical behind your walls — which is exactly why we offer a free in-home estimate before any work begins.

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost on Average?

Nationally, a kitchen remodel runs from about $14,588 on the low end to $41,559 on the high end, with most homeowners landing around $26,945. Major renovations with a full layout change can range from $3,500 up to $65,500 or more. Where you fall in that range comes down almost entirely to size and scope, which we break down below.

Cost by Kitchen Size

Bigger kitchens cost more to remodel simply because there’s more square footage of cabinetry, countertops, and flooring to cover. Kitchens typically run $75 – $250 per square foot, which breaks down like this:

• 75 sq ft: $5,600 – $17,500
• 100 sq ft: $7,500 – $25,000
• 150 sq ft: $11,250 – $37,500
• 200 sq ft: $15,000 – $50,000

Cost by Project Scope

Size is only half the equation — how extensive the work is matters just as much:

• Minor refresh (new paint, hardware, backsplash, no layout changes): $10,000 – $20,000
• Midrange/major remodel (new cabinets, countertops, and appliances, same layout): $20,000 – $65,000
• High-end/complete remodel (premium materials, custom cabinetry, layout changes): $65,000 – $130,000+

What Affects Your Kitchen Remodel Cost?

A few factors move the needle more than anything else:

• Cabinets: typically 40%+ of the total budget, ranging $2,000 – $28,000. Stock cabinets run $100 – $300 per linear foot, while custom cabinetry runs $500 – $1,200 per linear foot.
• Countertops: $1,800 – $4,400 for most materials, with premium stone options running $10,000 or more.
• Appliances: anywhere from under $100 to $5,000+ per appliance, plus $125 – $300 installation per unit.
• Flooring: typically $1,000 – $5,000 depending on material and square footage.
• Labor: usually around 25% of the total project cost.
• Permits: most municipalities require permits for plumbing and electrical work, typically $460 – $2,770 depending on scope.

Ways to Manage Your Budget

You don’t have to choose between the kitchen you want and the number you’re comfortable with. A few ways we help homeowners bridge that gap:

• Phase the project: new cabinets and countertops now, with a flooring or lighting update later, can spread cost over time.
• 0% financing: we offer flexible 0% financing options so you can spread the cost of your remodel into manageable monthly payments.
• Prioritize the fixtures that matter most: stock cabinets paired with a standout countertop or backsplash often look and feel more custom than spending evenly across every finish.

Looking for inspiration before you budget? See our small kitchen remodel ideas for ways to make a smaller kitchen feel bigger without a full layout change.

Get an Accurate Cost Estimate for Your Home

National averages are a helpful starting point, but the only way to know what your kitchen remodel will actually cost is a free, no-pressure in-home estimate. GC Home Improvement has been remodeling kitchens and bathrooms across North Metro Atlanta since 2014, with a 5.0-star Google rating built on transparent pricing and detailed written estimates.

Request your free estimate or call us at (404) 512-8559 to get a real number for your home.