Pick your kitchen size, cabinet strategy, countertop material, appliance tier, and add-ons. The estimate updates live with a full line-item breakdown, contingency, and timeline.
By Alexander Georges ·
At a glance
A typical kitchen remodel costs $35,000 to $75,000 in 2026, with cabinets driving 25 to 40 percent of total spend and labor another 20 to 35 percent. Layout changes add roughly $8,000 plus extra labor on top of any base scope.
Typical cost
$35,000 to $75,000
Mid-tier renovation
Time
6 to 10 weeks
No layout change
DIY savings
10 to 25%
Limited safe DIY scope
Permit
Almost always
Kitchen size
Cabinets
Biggest single cost line in most kitchens
Countertops & appliances
Add-ons
Location
Estimated total range
$19K
–$30K
Most likely: $23,899
Line-item breakdown
Cabinets (stock (ikea, hd))
18 linear ft × $200/ft
$3,600
Countertops (quartz)
45 sqft × $85/sqft installed
$3,825
Appliances (mid-range)
Range, fridge, dishwasher, microwave
$7,500
Flooring
150 sqft × $12/sqft installed
$1,800
Backsplash
$450
Plumbing & electrical updates
$2,500
Installation labor
Demo, GC coordination, install
$3,974
Permits
$250
Subtotal
$23,899
Contingency (+20%)
$4,780
Total
$23,899
Typical timeline: 6–10 weeks
Numbers update as you adjust inputs. 2026 national averages.
How this calculator works
Want the full data behind these numbers? Read the 2026 Home Improvement Cost Report, our synthesis of public industry sources for project costs across 22 categories and every region.
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Frequently asked
The estimate is typically within ±20-25% for standard renovations. Accuracy decreases for: luxury custom projects (designer fees and bespoke materials swing widely), pre-1970 homes (asbestos, galvanized plumbing, knob-and-tube wiring surprises), HCOL markets where labor runs 1.5-2x average, and major layout changes (structural engineering reveals unknowns). Use the estimate for budgeting; get 3 contractor bids before committing.
Cabinetry is the single largest line item in most kitchen remodels, representing 25-40% of total budget. For a $35,000 renovation, that's $8,000-$14,000 in cabinets alone. The biggest way to control budget: keep existing cabinet boxes and paint or reface them (saves 70-80% vs full replacement). Second biggest cost is labor (20-35% of total), which is why DIY cabinet installation can save thousands but only if you have carpentry skills , crooked cabinets will haunt you daily.
Most jurisdictions require permits for any plumbing, electrical, or structural work. A cosmetic refresh (paint, hardware, appliances same location) usually doesn't need permits. A renovation (new cabinets, counters, floors) typically triggers electrical permits for new outlets or plumbing permits for new dishwasher lines. Any layout change with wall removal requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Budget $250-$800 total depending on scope. Unpermitted kitchen work is the #1 issue that derails home sales.
Industry rule of thumb: spend 5-15% of home value on a kitchen remodel. For a $400,000 home, that's $20,000-$60,000. Spending more rarely recovers at sale and risks over-improving for the neighborhood. If you're staying 10+ years, personal enjoyment value justifies higher spending. Budget allocation guideline: 35% cabinets, 20% labor, 15% appliances, 10% counters, 10% flooring, 5% lighting/backsplash/fixtures, 5% permits and design.
Timeline depends entirely on scope. A cosmetic refresh (paint, hardware): 1-2 weeks. An update (new counters and appliances, keep cabinets): 2-4 weeks. A renovation (new cabinets, counters, floors): 6-10 weeks from demo to final inspection. A remodel with layout change: 3-6 months including 2-4 weeks of pre-construction (permits, ordering cabinets). Custom cabinets alone can take 8-16 weeks to manufacture. Plan for the kitchen being unusable for the duration; many homeowners set up a temporary kitchen in the dining room.