How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?

In most homes, the kitchen serves as the epicenter of family life. It is the place you spend ample time preparing meals, sharing drinks, eating food, socializing together, and making special memories.

Because your kitchen receives frequent attention and use, however, it can start to wear down. Additionally, over time, you may become drawn to different styles and features that would optimize the appearance and function of the space. When that happens, there’s one simple solution: remodeling.

What’s the Average Cost of a Kitchen Remodel?

Remodeling your kitchen can take several forms. In some cases, you may want a major overhaul that changes the layout and entire appearance of the kitchen. In others, a simple but effective kitchen makeover, or even changing out your cabinets and countertops, may suffice. The cost to renovate the kitchen at your home in the Independence, Iowa, area varies based on the scope of your project and what you plan to accomplish. Here is a look at the cost to remodel your kitchen when the project falls into one of three main categories:

Cost of a Small Kitchen Remodel

A small kitchen remodel typically takes a functional but dated kitchen and gives it a much-needed spruce without adjusting the existing footprint or changing electrical wiring or plumbing. The cost for a small kitchen remodel in Iowa is typically about $23,000, according to Remodeling’s 2020 Cost vs. Value report. The scope of a small kitchen remodel generally includes leaving the cabinet boxes but replacing the fronts, including new hardware, and replacing laminate countertops. For that price, you also can:

• Replace your cooktop/oven range and refrigerators with newer, energy-efficient models
• Install a new mid-priced sink and faucet, as well as a new tile backsplash
• Add fresh paint and trim

If you’re looking to make a few updates in your kitchen with the intention of selling your home down the road, a small kitchen remodel will get you a gorgeous space and recoup much of the project price with these modest updates. However, if you’re in your forever home, you may want to think about more upscale features that you can utilize for years to come.

Cost of a Major Kitchen Remodel—Midrange

A major kitchen remodel includes many of the same projects accomplished during a small kitchen remodel, with a few additional items to further enhance the space. Midrange refers to the quality of materials and features used for the renovation. A major midrange kitchen remodel is more expensive than a small kitchen remodel, but includes better quality materials and is higher end if you plan to stay in your home long term. You can expect to pay around $35,000 for a midrange major kitchen remodel.

The cost includes installation of semi-custom wood cabinets, including a 3x5-foot island, and a standard double-tub stainless steel sink. For the project, your kitchen remodeling team may install new custom lighting and tackle electrical work in order to change the kitchen layout or rearrange appliances. Major kitchen remodels also tend to include:

• Installing new resilient flooring
• Adding a built-in microwave, dishwasher, and garbage disposal
• Putting in an energy-efficient range and vented range hood

Cost of a Luxurious Kitchen Remodel

As the name implies, an upscale kitchen remodel transforms the room into a luxurious, highly functional space chalk full of modern conveniences and high-end materials. The cost for a high-end kitchen upgrade can easily reach six figures, and the average is about $132,000. With that price, the project includes installing high-end appliances with the EnergyStar rating; a commercial-grade cooktop and vent hood; a built-in microwave unit; and stone countertops with an extravagant ceramic- or glass-tile backsplash. In terms of lighting, you can opt for additional overhead lighting and include low-voltage under-cabinet lights. Other common projects to include in a major high-end kitchen remodel are:

• Adding hardwood, stone tile, or luxury vinyl flooring
• Installing top-of-the line custom cabinets with built-in sliding shelves and other interior accessories
• Installing a high-end sink with designer faucets and a water filtration system

If you decide to do a kitchen remodel of this scope, the main goal should be to enhance your lifestyle while you reside at your home. After all, a luxurious kitchen remodel will be highly customized to your lifestyle and preferences and is meant for you to enjoy for as long as possible.

Material Costs for a Kitchen Remodel

At times, you may not be ready to undertake a whole kitchen remodel, but you would like to update a single feature. If you plan to do a smaller project, or want to break down your full kitchen remodel cost by item, here’s what you should know.

How Much Do New Cabinets Cost?

The cost for new kitchen cabinetry can range from $3,000 to $15,000 or more, although the average homeowner pays about $9,000 for cabinets as part of a kitchen remodel. The products themselves range from about $75 to $1,500 per linear feet, while the installation costs are between $2,000 and $8,000. The cost of cabinets depends primarily on whether you choose stock or custom products. Pre-made stock cabinets, which are readily available at home improvement stores, tend to be about $75 to $150 per linear foot. Custom cabinets, on the other hand, which are designed to your individual preferences and require a skilled carpenter, are about $500 to $1,500 per linear foot.

How Much Does a New Backsplash Cost?

Installing a new backsplash in your kitchen costs an average of $1,000 per 16 square feet, although you could pay between $600 and $1,400, including labor. It depends on what type of material you use for the backsplash tile. The most common materials and their approximate pricing are:

• Ceramic, $25 per square foot
• Stone, $30 per square foot
• Glass, $32 per square foot
• Stainless steel, $36 per square foot

Other factors that impact the cost of backsplash installation in your kitchen include the amount of tile needed, the pattern complexity, cutting tiles to fit around other fixtures and finishes, and whether you are tiling unique angles or hard-to-reach places.

How Much is a New Countertop?

Countertop installation costs depend not only on the type of material used, but also the quality and how much is needed for the project. Granite and quartz are popular countertop options used for various styles of kitchens, with quartz edging into the top spot. Countertop installation typically starts at $2,000 and you can expect to pay between $800 and $5,000 the countertop depending on the material you select.

Granite countertops tend to be the most expensive, but are extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and heat resistant. Soapstone countertops come in at a close second to granite countertops in terms of cost. Quartz countertops tend to be slightly cheaper but still come in a variety of colors and style options. Quartz is also stain-resistant, easy to clean and difficult to chip or scratch. If those stone options aren’t right for you, you may want to consider another solid surface countertop such as Corian, Formica, Wilsonart and Avonite. Moving down the list from most expensive to least expensive, tile countertops and laminate countertops are great options for remodeling your home.

Choosing a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

When it comes to a kitchen remodeling cost estimate, you are looking at average labor costs; average costs for materials and equipment; permitting and inspection fees; and any applicable sales tax. Remodeling your kitchen in Independence can be a major but worthwhile investment, especially with the right team behind you. Whether you’re planning a major, high-end kitchen remodel or just looking to install new countertops or cabinets, Home Indeed approaches your project with the same level of care, attention to detail, and customer service from conception to completion.

Sources

• “Kitchen Remodeling Costs in Independence, IA in 2020.” Manta. Accessed online at
  https://www.manta.com/cost-kitchen-remodeling-independence-ia
• “REGIONAL DATA - WEST NORTH CENTRAL.” Remodeling 2020 Cost v. Value Report.
  https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2020/west-north-central/
• “How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Kitchen?” HomeAdvisor. Accessed online at https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/kitchens/remodel-a-kitchen/