Costs in 2026: What Homeowners Should Expect (and How to Save)

Introduction

A kitchen remodel is one of the biggest investments you can make in your home—and one of the easiest places for costs to climb quickly. From cabinets and countertops to labor and timeline surprises, pricing can vary widely. The good news? With planning and competitive bidding, you can reduce overpaying and protect your budget.

Typical Kitchen Remodel Cost Ranges (2026)

Most homeowners spend around $14,586 to $41,534, with an average cost of about $26,965, though costs can rise significantly with structural changes or high-end materials.

Costs generally fall into these categories:

• Minor refresh: ~$10,000–$20,000 (paint, fixtures, some replacements)

• Mid-range remodel: ~$25,000–$60,000 (new cabinets, counters, appliances)

• High-end remodel: $60,000–$130,000+ (custom cabinetry, premium appliances, layout changes)

Where Most of Your Budget Goes

Typical high-cost categories include:

1. Cabinetry & installation

2. Countertops

3. Labor (plumbing, electrical, tile, carpentry)

4. Appliances

5. Flooring & lighting

How to Save Without Cutting Quality

Here are smart ways homeowners lower cost without sacrificing results:

• Keep your layout if possible (moving plumbing & gas is expensive)

• Choose “value luxury” finishes (quartz alternatives, durable cabinet lines)

• Set aside a 10–15% contingency for surprises

• Get multiple bids so you know what a fair price looks like

Smartbid Tip

The fastest way to avoid overpaying is to let submit your job specs to 5 - 10 vetted contractors in our network - and then, we'll negotiate pricing so you’re not paying inflated “first quote” numbers.