How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost?

Kitchen renovation quotes are hard to compare. One contractor says USD 9,000, another says USD 35,000 for what sounds like a similar job. The gap usually comes down to what is included: whether the layout changes, what cabinetry and worktop you choose, and how many appliances are being replaced.

Before you collect quotes, it helps to know what typically drives the price and roughly where the money tends to go.

What affects the cost most

Three things drive kitchen renovation costs more than anything else: cabinetry and worktop choice, whether the layout changes, and local labour rates.

Refacing existing cabinet doors and fitting a new worktop costs a fraction of a full custom cabinetry replacement. Stock cabinets from a standard range also cost far less than bespoke, made-to-measure joinery, and the everyday difference between the two is often small.

Layout changes add cost fast. Moving the sink, hob or dishwasher means rerouting plumbing and electrical circuits, which adds both expense and disruption to the project. Keeping the sink and cooking area in their existing positions is one of the most effective ways to control the budget, even if everything around them is replaced.

Labour rates vary by country, city and contractor. In major cities in the US, UK or Australia, labour and installation account for a large share of the total cost. In lower-cost regions the figure is lower. Get at least two quotes from local tradespeople before settling on a budget figure.

Cost ranges by renovation scope

The ranges below are broad planning estimates, not fixed prices that apply in every market. Even within the same currency zone the spread is wide: a mid-range renovation in Western Europe typically costs considerably more than the same project in Southern or Eastern Europe. Treat every number here as a starting point for local research, not a quote.

These are wide, indicative ranges for a standard 8 to 12 m² kitchen, built from Western European and US/UK reference points. They are not a global average and will not match every market. Scandinavia and Australia typically sit toward the higher end of any equivalent range. Always get local quotes before you commit to a budget.

Where the money goes

A typical mid-range kitchen renovation splits roughly like this, though the split shifts with local labour costs and material choice:

Cabinetry is often among the largest line items. Buyers frequently focus their research on appliances and tiles because those are the visible choices, but a cabinet maker's rate does not change much based on the worktop colour picked. The cost of fitting 10 running metres of cabinets is similar whether the doors are basic laminate or a mid-range finish, though the material cost itself does shift.

For a first planning number based on your own kitchen size, scope and trades, the Kitchen Renovation Cost Calculator gives a quick breakdown before you speak to a contractor.

What drives costs up

Moving the sink, hob or dishwasher. Rerouting plumbing and running new electrical circuits adds cost, and considerably more in apartments or where pipe and cable runs are long. If moving them is purely for looks, it is rarely worth the added expense.

Bespoke or custom cabinetry. Made-to-measure joinery costs more than a stock cabinet range and takes longer to manufacture and fit. It is the right choice for an awkward layout, but it comes at a premium over standard sizes.

Stone worktops. Natural or engineered stone such as granite or quartz costs more per square metre than laminate, needs professional templating, and is heavy enough that base cabinets may need extra support. Budget for a longer lead time as well as a higher price.

Integrated, high-end appliances. Appliances built behind matching cabinetry panels cost more to buy and to fit than freestanding equivalents. Premium brands add further cost on top of the integration work.

Poor substrate or old wiring. Damaged subfloor, outdated circuits or pipework that needs rerouting are common discoveries once the old kitchen comes out. This is where contingency budgets get used up. You do not know what is behind the cabinets until they are removed.

Common mistakes that blow the budget

No written scope before work starts. Verbal agreements about what is included end in disputes. Get a detailed written quote that lists every item: removal and disposal of the old kitchen, cabinetry, worktop, plumbing, electrical, tiling and appliance installation. Anything not listed in writing is not included.

Choosing appliances last. Cabinet makers build around exact appliance dimensions, including door clearance and ventilation gaps. Confirm or order your appliances before cabinetry manufacturing starts, or you risk rework and delay.

Changing your mind mid-project. A decision that takes five minutes during the design phase often costs hundreds to implement once cabinetry is being built or plumbing is already in. If you decide on a different worktop edge profile after the stone has been cut, you pay for that work twice.

Skipping contingency. A contingency reserve is not pessimistic. It is realistic. Around 15 percent often gives enough room for outdated wiring, damaged flooring under old units or worktop template revisions. An older property or a project with more unknowns is worth budgeting higher. Build the contingency into your total budget from day one, not as a backup if things go wrong.

Getting one quote. A single quote gives you no reference point. Two quotes let you spot outliers and ask better questions. Three comparable quotes give you a much better picture of local pricing and what each contractor includes.

How to estimate your own project

Before you speak to a contractor, work through these four steps. You will get better quotes and make fewer expensive decisions under pressure.

1. Define your scope. Decide whether the layout stays the same. Write down every element you want to replace. Separate the non-negotiables from the nice-to-haves.
2. Set your appliance and worktop budget first. Get actual prices from suppliers for the appliances and worktop you want. These are your anchors. Cabinetry and other trades scale around them.
3. Estimate cabinetry and trade costs. Measure your kitchen area and decide which trades apply to your project, then run the numbers through a kitchen cost calculator for a breakdown by scope and trade.
4. Add contingency. Take your materials estimate, add the contractor's labour quote, then add a contingency reserve, typically around 15 percent, more for an older property or a project with layout changes. That is your working budget. Share the full figure with your contractor, not the contingency portion.

Once you have a working budget, the Home Renovation Cost Estimator puts the kitchen in the context of your overall renovation plan. If you are also assessing whether the renovation adds value to your property, the Renovation ROI Calculator lets you compare the cost against expected resale value uplift.