A kitchen remodel is one of the largest home projects most people take on, and its cost depends on scope first and finishes second. A like-for-like refresh, a full replacement in the same layout, and a remodel that moves walls or plumbing are different projects, even if they start in the same room.
Summary: key takeaways
- Scope is the biggest driver: layout changes, plumbing and electrical moves, and structural work add cost beyond cabinets and worktops.
- The Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator works from area in square feet times a cost per square foot, plus a contingency and permits.
- Compare quotes by scope, not by headline total alone, and get the scope in writing.
- A written agreement should list materials, work included and excluded, timeline, payment terms, permits, change orders, and warranty.
- An addition is a different project from a remodel; check the Home Addition Cost Calculator separately if you are adding space.
Scope and tiers table
All figures below are illustrative only. Tier rates are from the Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator, and totals are base cost only, before contingency and permits, for a 180-square-foot kitchen.
| Tier | Illustrative rate per square foot | Illustrative base cost for 180 sq ft | What typically changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120 | $21,600 | Simpler cabinets, worktops, and finishes, same layout |
| Standard | $180 | $32,400 | Mid-range cabinets, worktops, and appliances |
| Luxury | $350 | $63,000 | High-end cabinets, worktops, appliances, and custom work |
Worked example: the calculator’s standard kitchen
Using the Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator’s own worked example, for a kitchen of 180 square feet:
- Base cost: 180 × $150 = $27,000.
- Contingency at 15%: 27,000 × 0.15 = $4,050.
- Permits: $800.
- Total: 27,000 + 4,050 + 800 = $31,850.
That example sits between the budget and standard tier rates above, which is why it is useful as an illustration of the method rather than as a price for a particular kitchen. For a related room in the same project, check the Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator on the same basis.
What to get in writing
- Full scope: every room, wall, and item included, and what is explicitly excluded.
- Materials and products: cabinet, worktop, appliance, tap, and tile specifications, with model or range where agreed.
- Timeline and access: start and finish expectations, working hours, and what happens if work is delayed.
- Payment terms: deposit, stage payments, and final payment on completion, with no payment for work not yet done.
- Permits and inspections: who obtains permits and arranges inspections, and who pays the fees.
- Change orders: how any change is priced and approved in writing before the work is done.
- Warranty and snagging: what is covered, for how long, and how defects are reported and fixed.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a kitchen remodel quoted per square foot if cabinets are the main cost? Area times rate is a planning shortcut. A detailed quote should still break out cabinets, worktops, appliances, labour, and other items, so you can see what the rate actually covers.
Should I include a contingency? Yes, in planning. The calculator adds 15% in its example, and a contingency helps cover surprises found during the work, such as old wiring or uneven floors.
What if I change my mind mid-project? That is a change order. Agree its price and effect on timing in writing before the work starts, rather than after it is done.
Is an addition the same as a remodel? No. Adding floor area brings foundations, structure, roofing, and permits that a remodel inside the existing footprint does not, so estimate it separately.
Planning-only disclaimer: This guide is for planning only, and all costs are illustrative only. Get written, itemised quotes for your own kitchen, confirm permits and licensed work requirements, and do not treat these figures as a quote, a contract, or legal advice.