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PROJECT GUIDE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

Kitchen Remodel Cost & Project Guide

Everything for your Kitchen Remodel in one place: cost by state, DIY vs. hire, the tools and materials, and a local pro if you want one.

NATIONAL AVERAGE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

HIRE A PRO

$15,000$45,000

DIY COST

$6,000$18,000

Typical project: 10×12 ft kitchen, mid-range finishes, no layout change

Skill levelAdvancedAnyone can take this on. The Blueprint walks you through it, step by step.
Get the Kitchen Remodel Blueprint →

Source: 3+ benchmark aggregations (RSMeans, Angi, Fixr, HomeGuide) plus Submitted Quotes data

Plan your Kitchen Remodel

A quick checklist to get from idea to done. Want it as a printable PDF? Grab the full free version, emailed to you.

  • 1Set a realistic budget using the cost range above.
  • 2Check whether your project needs a permit in your state.
  • 3Decide DIY or hire (see the breakdown below).
  • 4Make your materials and tools list.
  • 5If hiring, get three quotes and compare them like-for-like.
  • 6Plan the timeline and order materials with a 10 percent buffer.

Tools and materials for a Kitchen Remodel

What you will actually buy. We flag what to rent versus own so you do not overspend on a one-time tool.

Materials

  • Semi-custom cabinets (10×12 kitchen) · 1 set
  • Quartz countertop (30 sq ft installed) · 30 sq ft
  • Subway tile backsplash (3×6 in) · 40 sq ft
  • Tile adhesive + grout · 2 sets
  • LVP flooring (120 sq ft + 10% waste) · 132 sq ft
  • Undermount stainless sink + faucet · 1
  • Cabinet hardware (pulls, 30-pack) · 1
  • Under-cabinet LED lighting kit · 1
  • Paint + primer (kitchen-grade) · 2 gallons

Tools

  • Drill / impact driver · you likely own
  • Circular saw or miter saw · you likely own
  • Level (4 ft) · you likely own
  • Tile saw (wet saw) · rent or buy
  • Jigsaw (for sink cutout) · you likely own
  • Stud finder · you likely own
  • Pry bar and oscillating tool · you likely own
  • Caulk gun · you likely own

Pro tips for your Kitchen Remodel

The mistakes that cost DIYers the most, and how to stay ahead of them.

Ordering cabinets before confirming exact wall measurements, kitchens are rarely square

Skipping the countertop template step and ordering to plan dimensions

Installing flooring before cabinets, then having gaps at toe kicks

Forgetting to add dedicated circuits for high-draw appliances

Choosing countertop material before confirming cabinet lead times (mismatched schedules)

Should you DIY or hire for Kitchen Remodel?

It depends on three things: your skill level, your time, and your tolerance for the riskiest parts of the project.

When DIY makes sense

  • You have trade-level experience or have completed this type of project before
  • You own or can rent the specialized tools required
  • You've read the local code requirements and understand the permit process
  • A trusted helper with relevant experience is available for the critical phases

When to hire

  • The project involves significant fall risk, high voltage, or gas lines
  • Your jurisdiction requires a licensed contractor, no exceptions
  • A DIY mistake could void your homeowner's insurance or mortgage terms
  • You lack the specialized tools and can't justify renting them for a one-time job
  • The project scope is large enough that crew efficiency outweighs DIY savings
DifficultyHard

Advanced, but within reach with the right prep. The Blueprint covers the safety-critical phases step by step, and a pro is there if you would rather not.

Not planning to DIY? Find a local Kitchen Remodel pro →

What drives the cost of Kitchen Remodel

Materials

The single biggest material variable is your product choice. Cabinet refacing (keep boxes, replace doors/hardware) and Full cabinet replacement sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum, a decision that can shift your materials budget by 40–60%. Key line items include semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertop, subway tile backsplash, each priced per unit and sensitive to regional supply-chain conditions. Bulk purchasing and timing your order outside peak season (spring and early summer) can reduce material costs by 10–15%.

Labor

BLS occupational wage data shows interior-trade crews earn $28–$52/hour depending on metro area, and most kitchen remodel jobs require a two- to three-person crew for at least one full day. Labor typically accounts for 40–60% of the total project cost. Project complexity, custom details, tight access, or non-standard configurations, adds crew time and can push labor costs well above the national average.

Site conditions

Slope, soil type, and existing-structure condition are the three site factors contractors price most aggressively. Demolition or removal of old materials adds dumpster and disposal fees that rarely appear in online estimates. Local code requirements, permit fees, required inspections, and jurisdiction-specific material standards, can add $200–$1,500 to any project before a single tool is lifted.

Rather hire it out?

Find a vetted Kitchen Remodel pro near you. We never sell your info and never take kickbacks.

Find a Kitchen Remodel pro →

Frequently asked questions

Get the Kitchen Remodel Blueprint →

Kitchen Remodelers near you

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