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How Much Does a Small Kitchen Remodel Cost? [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $10,500 - $20,000
A small kitchen remodel costs between $10,500 and $20,000, or about $15,250 on average, depending on the materials you choose.
How we get this data
Photo: sweetlaniko / Adobe Stock
Photo: sweetlaniko / Adobe Stock
Cost Insights
Kitchen cabinets cost an average of $100 to $200 per linear foot and make up just over a quarter of a remodel budget.
You can expect to pay between $1,900 and $2,700 in labor for a full kitchen remodel.
New appliances run between $350 and $8,000 per appliance, depending on the size, model, and extra features.
Demolition of an existing kitchen runs around $4 to $7 per square foot, depending on your location and the size of the space.
A small kitchen remodel costs $10,500 to $20,000 on average. Preserving the overall layout of your kitchen, a small remodel can give your kitchen a revitalized and upgraded look while saving on the costs of larger remodeling plans. Here’s how the costs of a small kitchen renovation break down to help you budget for your project.
Average Cost of a Small Kitchen Remodel
A small kitchen remodel costs around $10,500 on average. That price varies depending on the scope of your renovations, as well as materials, labor, and permits. A small remodel can involve aesthetic upgrades and minor layout changes rather than major structural transformations. Some of those upgrades might include:
Cabinet replacement
Countertop refinishing
New sink
Appliance upgrades
Backsplash installation
Painting walls
Adding storage
Small Kitchen Remodeling Cost Factors
| Common Remodel Materials | Average Cost | Percentage of Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen cabinets | $100–$200 per linear foot | 28% |
| Labor | $1,900–$2,700 | 18% |
| Appliances | $350–$8,000 per appliance | 14% |
| Countertops and backsplash | $15–$70 per square foot | 9% |
| Flooring | $3–$22 per square foot | 7% |
| Paint and drywall | $100–$1,400 | 5% |
| Lighting and electrical | $50–$4,500 | 4% |
| Permits | $500–$1,500 | 4% |
| Design | $100–$800 | 3% |
| Plumbing | $350–$2,000 | 3% |
| Demolition | $4-$7 per square foot | 3% |
| Cleanup | $130-$370 | 2% |
Various cost factors impact the price of your small kitchen remodeling project, with the biggest being size, materials, and labor. The larger, more in-depth, and labor-intensive the project is, the higher the costs. Here’s a breakdown of each of these components and their role in the average small kitchen remodel cost.
Before you read more: Get inspired by these real pro projects
Size
| Kitchen’s Square Footage | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| 50 | $7,500 |
| 70 | $10,500 |
| 100 | $15,000 |
| 150 | $22,500 |
| 170 | $25,500 |
Remodeling a kitchen costs about $150 per square foot. The average size of a small kitchen is between 70 and 100 square feet, so anticipate spending between $10,500 and $15,000 for a kitchen of that size.
Project Scope
Your project’s scope and complexity will also dictate pricing. Minor kitchen remodeling involves refreshing your space without changing the layout—refinishing cabinets, updating hardware, replacing countertops or flooring, painting the walls, and upgrading one or more appliances.
That range still varies depending on the upgrades you make, even if they’re small. A small remodel that includes cabinet replacements will cost much more than one that includes painting and plumbing fixes but only a refacing of cabinets.
For a major or complete kitchen renovation project, expect to pay at least $20,000. A major overhaul includes moving plumbing and electrical work, structural changes, custom cabinetry, luxury flooring, appliances, countertops, backsplashes, a new kitchen island, fresh paint, and new lighting.
Cabinets
Photo: Casa imágenes / Adobe Stock
As stunning as cabinets look in a kitchen, they come at a cost. Kitchen cabinets cost $1,900 to $9,400 for a small kitchen—50% of the total cost of your project. You’ll pay anywhere between $100 and $1,200 per linear foot, depending on the size, depth, and type of material you choose for your cabinets. Most small kitchens need around 15 linear feet of cabinets.
Appliances
Home appliances cost between $350 and $8,000 on average for each appliance, including the installation. This wide price range takes into account high-tech appliances like stainless steel smart refrigerators and smaller appliances like microwave ovens. Installation can increase the price to the higher end of the range if you need new electrical wiring or plumbing.
Pro Tip
A counter-depth fridge is great for saving space, but you don’t get to store as much food. If you have a big household, you’re probably going to need more space.
Countertops
The cost of countertops in a small kitchen will fall around $1,050 to $7,000. Installing countertops costs between $15 and $70 per square foot. Granite, marble, and stainless steel countertops cost more than laminate, wood, or Corian—so consider your materials when making a decision.
Backsplash
Photo: artjazz / Adobe Stock
Small kitchen backsplash installation costs around $600 to $1,300, with the cost per square foot falling between the $15 and $40 range. Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are the most cost-friendly, while glass and stainless steel backsplash costs more.
Flooring
For a small kitchen, flooring costs between $1,000 and $1,250 on average. The type of flooring material you choose has the biggest impact on your total cost, with vinyl or linoleum flooring coming in at the lower end and ceramic, stone, porcelain tile, and hardwood flooring coming in toward the higher end.
Plumbing, Sinks and Faucets
Installing or replacing plumbing fixtures can add $350 to $2,000 to your project. Installing a kitchen faucet costs between $160 and $360, installing a sink costs $200 to $650, and the cost to repipe a kitchen is $3 to $10 per linear foot on average. You might also need to acquire a permit before a plumbing project, which can add $500 to $1,500 to your project.
Lighting
You can expect to pay an average price of $50 to $500 to enhance your kitchen lighting. Kitchen lighting includes pendant lighting, recessed lights, high-tech features, interior cabinet lighting, under-cabinet lighting, chandeliers, and flush-mount lighting. However, if you want a more high-end look, you could pay $2,000 to $4,500 to illuminate your kitchen.
Electrical
You’ll need to hire an electrician near you to install your new kitchen lighting. Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $100 per hour. Here are the costs to install common kitchen renovation lighting:
| Fixture | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ceiling lights | $90–$130 per fixture |
| Recessed lighting | $150–$230 per fixture |
| Specialty light fixtures | $150–$900 per fixture |
| Outlet installation | $200–$300 per outlet |
| Light switch | $85–$200 per switch |
Paint
The cost to paint kitchen cabinets and drawers is around $400 to $1,400. Meanwhile, the cost to paint the walls of a kitchen is between $2 and $6 per square foot, or $140 to $600 for the average small kitchen. If you paint your kitchen yourself, you’ll pay for the cost of paint, which is $25 per gallon on average, saving you on expenses.
Drywall
Installing drywall costs between $105 and $300 on average for a small kitchen. To break this down further, you’ll pay between $1.50 and $3 per square foot. Thicker, moisture-resistant panels cost more than thin, generic drywall panels.
Labor
The average cost of labor is $1,900 to $2,700 for a small kitchen or roughly 18% of your project’s total costs. Projects that require new electrical wiring and plumbing will cost the most, as you’ll likely need to hire separate contractors to take on these specialized installations.
Permits
Acquiring permits for your kitchen remodel will cost between $500 and $1,500. Your expenses may vary depending on where you live, the size of your kitchen remodel, and the type of work you’ll need to renovate it. New wiring, plumbing, and foundation or structural work will increase these costs.
Design Work
Photo: Casa imágenes / Adobe Stock
Why You Should Hire a Kitchen Remodeling Pro
Hiring a local kitchen remodeling company costs more upfront, but you benefit from faster results, less risk of damage or complications, and a professional finish. Pros bring specialized equipment and experience, making the process smoother and often saving you money in the long run.
Photo: aetb / Adobe Stock
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a kitchen remodeling company
Remodeling a kitchen is an extensive project that requires specialized expertise. Here are some of the top reasons to work with a pro:
Pros have the experience to handle intricate installations, from plumbing to electrical work, and ensure precision and lasting results.
Working with a pro prevents costly errors in planning, material selection, and installation that could become costly to fix mid-project.
A professional remodel team streamlines your kitchen project, completing the renovation more quickly and minimizing disruption to your life.
Local kitchen remodel companies know and follow all building codes and regulations, ensuring your renovation is safe and legally compliant.
If you want to DIY a kitchen remodel
If you want to take on some aspects of the project yourself, here are a few DIY tasks that can help save time and labor costs:
Empty all cabinets and drawers, storing your items out of the way and keep essential kitchen tools accessible in another location.
Set up a temporary cooking area in another room with smaller, portable appliances, such as a microwave, coffee maker, and mini-fridge.
Cover any furniture or items in adjoining rooms that could be affected by dust or debris.
Measure doorways and hallways to ensure there is a clear path for workers and new appliances to get in and out.
Jobs Done Well
Having someone with extensive work experience and knowledge in the area helped us tremendously as this was our first big remodel project. Alex walked us through the process, provided detailed documentation on what to expect, how to prepare for the remodel, and patiently answered our (endless) questions before the remodel began.
— Edith K., Alex Freddi Construction, Tigard, OR
Signs Your Kitchen Needs to Be Remodeled
If you recognize any of these signs, it’s time to consider a small I’m kitchen remodel:
Outdated Appearance: Your kitchen isn’t up to par with your tastes or feels stuck in a different decade.
Inadequate Storage Space: You find yourself doing a dance to get around because there’s not enough space for pots, pans, and pantry essentials.
Wear and Tear: Cabinets are falling apart, countertops are chipped, and flooring could use a refinish.
Inefficient Appliances: Your appliances are past their prime, leaving you with high energy bills or difficulty with cooking and cleaning.
Safety Concerns: You’ve spotted some kitchen hazards like faulty wiring or slippery flooring.
Resale Value: If you plan to sell your home, an updated kitchen is a great way to attract buyers and increase the value of your property.
How to Save When Remodeling a Small Kitchen
Since kitchen remodeling is largely a matter of personal taste, you can easily go over budget if you’re not careful or start picking out high-end materials. If you’re working with a smaller budget, you can still make the most out of your remodel by following these tips for saving money:
Since cabinets take up half of the project’s cost, choose stock cabinets over custom cabinets.
Avoid purchasing high-tech appliances with big price tags.
Select cost-friendly materials for your countertops, floors, and cabinets like wood, laminate, and porcelain.
DIY simple projects like painting existing cabinets and installing a backsplash.
Try to install appliances that use the same plumbing and electrical system you currently use.
Elisa Greenberg contributed to this piece.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Kitchen Remodel Pro
Request a detailed estimate, including all costs for labor, materials, permits, and potential fees that could arise during the remodel.
Clearly define what the project includes, such as moving plumbing or electrical lines, to ensure you aren’t surprised mid-project.
Ask who will be on-site, what their role is, and if they use subcontractors, who those subcontractors are.
Establish the best way to communicate with the project manager and who to contact for changes or concerns.
Confirm that the contractor will handle all necessary permits and schedule inspections.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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