Breaking down kitchen remodel costs

Planning a kitchen renovation is an exciting way to bring your dream space to life with new cabinets, countertops, finishes, lighting, backsplashes, and more. With all these elements to consider, we know that kitchen remodel costs can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you navigate your renovation priorities, with a focus on kitchen cabinets and the style and function they’ll bring to your new kitchen.

Average kitchen remodel costs

When estimating your kitchen remodel costs, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) generally recommends spending about 10-25% of your home’s total value. To put that into actual numbers, according to Houzz, the average kitchen remodel in the United States costs about $27,000.

Of course, your kitchen remodel costs will depend on your remodel goals, and your budget has to be specific to your kitchen needs. A full renovation of your kitchen layout, cabinets, appliances, and floors, will cost much more than a partial remodel. Costs also vary based on factors like the size of your kitchen and the materials you choose. 

As you begin the renovation process, Rebode Jumpstarter is an easy-to-use tool that helps you estimate your kitchen remodel costs based on your style and function preferences, kitchen size, and remodel goals. We’ll even connect you with one of our trusted designers, who can work with you to finalize your budget and get started on your renovation project!

Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

Allocating your kitchen remodel budget

Once you have an approximate total figure for your kitchen remodel budget, you’re probably wondering how that money should be divided. How much should go to your cabinets compared to your countertops? What about lighting and appliances?

We’ve listed out our recommended budget allocation for a full-scale kitchen renovation below. While you may not be updating every single one of these components, we put together these percentages in Rebode Jumpstarter as guidelines for how a remodel budget could be distributed. We always suggest that new kitchen cabinets and accompanying hardware take the lion’s share of your budget.

We suggest allocating your kitchen remodel budget roughly according to these percentages. Photo from Rebode Jumpstarter.

We also suggest setting aside 10-15% of your total budget in case of contingencies. Unexpected costs can arise during a kitchen remodel, and you want to have money set aside for repairs, structural reinforcements, and other potential incidents.

Why cabinets deserve a larger share

Cabinets typically make up the most sizable chunk of kitchen remodel costs, and they deserve a larger share of your budget because they are one of the most prominent stylistic and functional elements in your kitchen. 

When working on your remodel, you and your trusted designer will pay special attention to creating the perfect layout, selecting the right materials, hardware, and finishes for your kitchen cabinets. All of these pieces work cohesively to make your vision a reality based on your style preferences and desired uses for your space.

Consider how storage solutions and multipurpose functionality can amplify your kitchen’s efficiency. In fact, according to recent MasterBrand research, homeowners who recently remodeled their kitchens overwhelmingly recommend giving extra thought to your cabinets’ function, storage, and organization. Some ways you can bring both beauty and purpose to your kitchen (and maximize your remodel budget!) with functional kitchen cabinets are:

• Install a kitchen island that works as a preparation surface, dining table, or even a work/study space
• Create a dedicated coffee and beverage station, integrate your appliances with your cabinetry, or install an appliance garage at countertop level to hide small kitchen gadgets
• Invest in drawer organizers and roll trays to keep your belongings organized and within reach
• Designate a cabinet drawer as a charging station for your electronics

Drawer organizers and integrated appliances are just two ways to add personalized style and function to your kitchen cabinets. Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

Regardless of how you choose to personalize your space, by allocating more of your budget on kitchen cabinets, you and your trusted designer can keep your new kitchen feeling fresh and efficient for years to come.

Suggestions to streamline your kitchen remodel

We understand that sometimes you have to prioritize certain elements of a renovation over others when considering kitchen remodel costs. If you’re looking to zero in on the most impactful ways to make the most of your renovation, we’ve listed a few recommendations below. 

The 2025 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study reports that many homeowners prioritized new countertops, backsplashes, and cabinets over updated appliances and electronics. Additionally, when considering what cabinetry works for your space, you can revise your budget depending on whether you go with premade, semi-custom, or premium cabinets. 

Premium cabinets cost more because they offer unmatched home and personal value. Designed entirely around your space and lifestyle, they can be customized to any size, shape, style, finish, and cabinet color, bringing lasting beauty and durable quality. If fully custom cabinetry isn’t necessary, semi-custom is a wonderful alternative that provides a tailored look and quality materials that suit most kitchen layouts. If your kitchen layout doesn’t require any customization in cabinetry, stock cabinets provide functional, attractive solutions for your space. 

Start estimating your kitchen remodel costs today

If you’re ready to create your kitchen renovation budget, fill out our simple and free questionnaire in Rebode Jumpstarter today. We’ll help you estimate your kitchen remodel costs, and then we’ll connect you with a local kitchen designer who can help you kick off your remodel project!