The Cost of a 10x10 Kitchen Remodel: A Breakdown

‍

A kitchen remodel is one of the best investments you can make in your home, whether you love hosting friends and family for dinner, or you simply want to enjoy your cooking space with modern conveniences. Kitchen remodels (and any remodels) can vary widely in cost and timeline, but I’ve assembled the price ranges for each component of the process to give you a ballpark estimate. 

‍

I’ve made all of my estimates and recommendations for a 10x10 kitchen, but feel free to scale up or scale down to whatever size kitchen you have!

‍

1. Cabinets: $3,000 - $15,000

‍

Cabinets are often the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a kitchen remodel. They draw the eye and take up significant space. Also, due to their construction, it's pretty easy to tell when something isn’t 100% right. The cost of new cabinets will vary based mostly on the material you’ve selected and any custom features you want (wood being more expensive than laminate). 

‍

Expert Tip: Smaller or more uniquely arranged kitchens are more likely to have higher costs for cabinets, based on their custom size requirements, whereas larger area layouts can easily fit the standard sizes. I know, it probably seems a bit counter-intuitive!

‍

Benefits of New Cabinets: New cabinets can totally change the look of your kitchen, increase storage, and improve functionality.

‍

2. Countertops: $1,200 - $4,000

‍

New countertops are just like cabinets in that they draw in the eye and can really set the tone of a new kitchen. They also are the main surface for cooking, cleaning and serving, so the decision has a high impact on your daily life. With so many varieties of materials, colors and finishes, countertops can also range more widely than other kitchen remodel components. 

‍

Expert Tip: Make sure to consider heat resistance, scratch resistance and durability when selecting a material and installation method. The last thing you want is to spend solid money on a countertop that will fade and scratch after a few years. Personally, I’m a huge fan of the butcher block and stone look and functionality (especially for bakers). There’s a new product called paper stone which is sustainably sourced, super highly rated, has the durability of stone and is made from recycled material. Definitely worth a look!

‍

Benefits of New Countertops: Durable countertops make cooking easier, and they’re a major design element that will elevate your space.

‍

3. Appliances: $1,500 - $6,000

‍

When you upgrade your kitchen, the appliances can make a major difference, not just in looks but in energy efficiency. The three main areas to focus on here are longevity, durability and color matching to the kitchen and other appliances. Just make sure that you are considering the plumbing and electrical considerations with each appliance!

‍

Expert Tip: I’ve added a pretty wide price range to this component as well, but I think this is an area to save a bit of cash. In my experience, the mid-range appliances operate just as well as the high-end ones, and can even be a bit easier to maintain and repair. A lot of high end appliance makers come with fancy bells and whistles that may seem nice, but don't hold up after a few years of use. 

‍

Benefits of New Appliances: New appliances increase your kitchen’s functionality, improve energy efficiency, and give your kitchen a modern look.

‍

4. Flooring: $800 - $3,000

‍

Flooring is a great way to update the mood of your kitchen without spending a ton of cash. I’d rate this pretty highly on my return on investment for everyday use, as long as you select good materials. The most popular options are hardwood, tile and luxury vinyl (when I’m asked to install vinyl glue-down tiles, I politely decline). The main concern with cheaper materials is buckling, or warping of the flooring, which I have seen happen after just a few years of use. 

‍

Expert Tip: Personal preference and durability are the primary concerns here. Ceramic tile has a lot of durability but it can be colder on the feet (especially in winters here in Bellingham). I like Mohawk, they are a commercial-grade company that started doing residential flooring. 

‍

Benefits of New Flooring: Fresh flooring improves your kitchen’s overall mood and adds value to your home, plus it’s more durable than ever and reasonably easy to install yourself. 

‍

5. Backsplash: $1,000 - $2,500

‍

A new backsplash can be a great way to add color and personality to your kitchen, like an accent wall. Whether you go for sleek subway tile, a mosaic design, or something more rustic, the backsplash adds both style and function. It protects the wall from splashes while also acting as a focal point for your design eye. 

‍

Expert Tip: Broken record here, this is mostly a look and feel decision. You can paint the walls, you can swap appliances, but this is literally set in stone, so don't take this one lightly. I'd consider cleanability of material as well as design (the rougher the texture, the harder to get sauce out). My personal preference is subway tiles. 

‍

Benefits of a Fresh Backsplash: A stylish backsplash brings life to your kitchen, protects your walls from water, and is relatively inexpensive for the impact it has. Make sure you like what you pick!

‍

6. Lighting: $200 - $1,500

‍

My friends jokingly call me ‘Ambient Man’. I love lighting. Good lighting makes all the difference in the kitchen, especially if you’re cooking at night or entertaining guests. Under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights over the island, and recessed lighting can all brighten up your space and create the perfect moods. 

‍

Expert Tip: Solid lighting has become relatively inexpensive recently. There's many options that are budget friendly, just be cautious of the warmth of the lighting that matches your cabinets, countertops and appliances. We want ‘warm’ not ‘clinical’. 

‍

Benefits of New Lighting: Better lighting boosts the kitchen’s function, mood, and overall feel—plus, it’s a relatively low-cost upgrade for the impact it brings.

‍

7. Plumbing & Electrical: $1,500 - $3,000

‍

If you're changing the layout of your kitchen or adding new appliances, you might need to adjust plumbing or electrical work. Moving sinks, adding a dishwasher, or installing an island with a sink may require plumbing adjustments. New outlets, wiring for appliances, and lighting might involve some electrical work as well.

‍

Expert Tip: Don't skimp here. This is probably the most important item on this list. Consider shaving other areas of the budget to make sure this is done properly. You don't want to spend a bunch of money on new flooring, and new appliances and see water leaking down your cabinets or under your floors, or worse, behind a wall without you noticing. 

‍

It's a good news/bad news situation. The good news is that you may need to do minimal work or really none at all for a kitchen remodel. If you have a newer home or have recently had work done to your systems, you’re probably in good shape. Either way, I cannot stress the importance of getting these systems evaluated while doing a remodel. That's the bad news, if you have leaks or under-maintained systems, now is the time to get those resolved. 

‍

Benefits of Checking Plumbing and Electrical Systems: Upgrading plumbing and electrical ensures everything is up to code, functional, and safe—and it helps prevent future headaches.

‍

Final Thoughts

A 10x10 kitchen remodel typically costs anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on your choices. While the upfront cost may seem intimidating, a remodel can boost your home’s value and make your kitchen a much more enjoyable space to work in. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning, an upgraded kitchen makes a huge difference in your quality of life. 

‍

Thank you for reading, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback! With material prices increasing, its always better to consider a remodel sooner than later. 

‍