How to Create a Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown
A kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive home projects you'll undertake. Understanding exactly where your money goes helps you make informed decisions, avoid surprises, and ensure you're getting fair quotes from contractors.
Quick Summary
Time needed
2-4 hours
Quotes to get
3-5 detailed bids
Biggest cost
Cabinets (30-35%)
Typical Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown
While every kitchen remodel is different, industry data shows consistent patterns in how budgets are allocated. Understanding these percentages helps you identify if a quote is out of line.
Cabinets & Hardware
30-35%The largest expense. Includes cabinet boxes, doors, drawer fronts, hinges, and drawer slides. Stock cabinets cost $100-$300 per linear foot, semi-custom $150-$650, and custom $500-$1,500+.
Labor & Installation
20-35%Covers demolition, installation of all materials, plumbing, electrical, and finishing work. Complex layouts, structural changes, or high-end finishes push labor costs higher.
Appliances
15-20%Refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave, and range hood. Budget packages start around $3,000, mid-range $5,000-$10,000, and professional-grade can exceed $25,000.
Countertops
10-15%Material and installation. Laminate runs $10-$40/sq ft, quartz $50-$150/sq ft, granite $40-$100/sq ft, and marble $75-$250/sq ft. Include sink cutouts and edge profiles.
Flooring
5-10%If replacing flooring during your remodel. LVP runs $3-$7/sq ft, tile $5-$15/sq ft, and hardwood $8-$15/sq ft, plus installation.
Lighting, Plumbing & Other
5-10%Light fixtures, sink, faucet, backsplash, paint, and finishing touches. These "small" items add up quickly and are often underbudgeted.
Getting Multiple Quotes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting accurate, comparable quotes requires preparation. Here's how to do it right so you can make an apples-to-apples comparison.
1. Prepare Your Project Scope
Before contacting contractors, document exactly what you want. Vague requests get vague quotes.
Your scope document should include:
- Kitchen measurements and current layout
- Desired layout changes (if any)
- Material preferences (cabinet style, countertop material, etc.)
- Appliance selections or specifications
- Timeline expectations
2. Require Itemized Quotes
Lump-sum quotes hide information. Always request line-item breakdowns so you can see where money is going.
Red flag: Any contractor who refuses to provide an itemized quote is hiding something. Professional contractors expect this request and have systems to provide detailed estimates.
3. Ensure Quotes Include Everything
The cheapest quote often excludes things other quotes include. Use this checklist to verify each quote.
Must Include:
- Demolition and disposal
- All materials specified
- All labor and installation
- Permit fees
- Plumbing connections
- Electrical connections
- Final cleanup
Often Excluded:
- Appliances (you may buy separately)
- Sink and faucet
- Backsplash installation
- Touch-up painting
- Trim and molding
- Hardware installation
- Unexpected structural work
4. Compare Apples to Apples
Create a comparison spreadsheet with identical line items across all quotes. This reveals true differences.
Pro tip: If one quote is significantly lower than others, ask what's different. They might be using cheaper materials, excluding work, or underbidding to win the job (and change-ordering later).
Commonly Forgotten Costs
Many homeowners blow their budget because they didn't account for these expenses. Add them to your breakdown now.
Permits & Inspections
Required for electrical, plumbing, and structural work. Budget 1-2% of your total project cost.
$500 - $2,000
Design Fees
Kitchen designer or architect fees. Worth it for complex layouts or if you lack design confidence.
$1,500 - $5,000+
Demolition & Disposal
Removing old cabinets, counters, and flooring. Includes dumpster rental and hauling fees.
$500 - $2,000
Temporary Kitchen
Setting up a temporary cooking space during construction. Microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and hot plate.
$200 - $500
Dining Out
Expect 4-8 weeks without a functioning kitchen. Eating out adds up fast for a family.
$500 - $2,000
Storage Rental
If you need to store kitchen items, furniture, or appliances during construction.
$100 - $300/month
Cost Breakdown Mistakes to Avoid
Using online cost calculators as gospel
Online calculators show national averages, but your costs depend heavily on your location, home age, and specific choices. Use them as rough ballparks, not budgets. Real quotes from local contractors are the only accurate way to budget.
Not accounting for material upgrades mid-project
Once you see those beautiful quartz countertops in the showroom, your laminate budget often goes out the window. Either commit firmly to your choices or budget extra for the upgrades you'll probably want.
Forgetting lead times in your timeline
Custom cabinets take 8-12 weeks to arrive. Countertops need 2-3 weeks after templating. Backordered appliances can delay projects for months. These delays extend your timeline and temporary living costs.
Skipping the contingency fund
Every kitchen remodel uncovers surprises: outdated wiring, water damage, code issues. Without a contingency fund (typically 20%), you'll be forced to cut corners elsewhere or take on debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of a kitchen remodel budget goes to cabinets?
Cabinets typically consume 30-35% of a kitchen remodel budget, making them the largest single expense. This includes cabinet boxes, doors, drawers, and installation. Custom cabinets can push this to 40% or more, while stock cabinets might bring it down to 25%.
How much should I budget for kitchen remodel labor?
Labor typically accounts for 20-35% of your total kitchen remodel budget. This varies significantly by region, with major metro areas on the higher end. Complex projects with custom work, structural changes, or high-end finishes require more skilled labor and cost more.
What costs are commonly forgotten in kitchen remodel budgets?
Commonly forgotten costs include: permits (1-2% of budget), design fees ($1,500-$5,000+), demolition and disposal ($500-$2,000), temporary kitchen setup ($200-$500), eating out during construction ($500-$1,500), storage unit rental, and final cleaning.
How many contractor quotes should I get for a kitchen remodel?
Get 3-5 detailed quotes from licensed contractors. Fewer than 3 doesn't give you enough comparison data. More than 5 becomes time-consuming and the additional data rarely changes your decision. Focus on contractors with kitchen-specific experience and verifiable references.
Ready for the Next Step?
Now that you understand the typical cost breakdown, it's time to add a contingency fund to protect yourself from unexpected expenses that arise in nearly every kitchen remodel.