What Does the Average 12×12 Kitchen Remodel Cost? A Complete Guide

Kitchens need to be functional but appliances can break down, cabinetry can sag, and doors or hardware may even come off entirely. While quick fixes can help for a time, you may want to consider planning and budgeting for a full kitchen remodel. The average 12×12 kitchen remodel ranges from about $14,598 to $41,495. However, the price can vary depending on the project scope.

Learn more about the factors that may impact the average kitchen remodel cost and how to budget for one.

Kitchen Remodel Cost by Item

A kitchen remodel involves replacing and upgrading items like cabinets, appliances, flooring, and more—see costs below:

• Appliances will cost between $100 to $5,000 and account for about 5% of the budget.
• Backsplash installations are only about 4% of the total budget, but this still works out to about $500 to $1,700.
• Countertops are one of the more costly parts of a kitchen remodel. Expect to spend 14% of the project budget, or about $1,870 to $4,400, or more for countertop installation.
• Faucets and plumbing can take up 2% of the budget, or about $210 to $2,000 toward faucets and plumbing installation.
• Flooring is often changed during a kitchen remodel. Replacing the flooring takes up 18% of the budget, costing between $1,000 to $4,000, or more depending on the material.
• Kitchen cabinets typically take up about 41% of the budget, costing $2,000 to $28,000 or more.
• Labor costs depend on the company and local labor rates, but on average labor costs about 25% of the budget.
• Lighting upgrades usually cost about $1,400, or 5% of the budget, though this depends on the number and quality of the fixtures.
• Walls and ceilings can total around $900 to $1,800, including new walls, supplies, and paint.

How Geographic Location Impacts Kitchen Remodel Costs

The cost of a kitchen remodel project can fluctuate based on the geographic area. Price differences are often noticeable when comparing products, but the geographic location can also affect the local labor rate:

• Northwest: $25,600–$61,100
• Rocky Mountains: $12,700–$39,600
• Southwest: $12,350–$33,950
• Mountain Prairie: $6,000–$37,400
• Midwest: $10,500–$34,300
• Southeast: $12,000–$32,200
• Mideast: $13,600–$37,650
• Northeast: $15,600–$40,300

Scale of a Kitchen Remodel

Minor upgrades can improve the aesthetic appearance and functionality without making significant changes to a kitchen layout. Upgrades can include painting the walls, refacing the cabinets, or upgrading the flooring which cost significantly less than gutting a kitchen for a complete overhaul. Here are some comparisons for average kitchen sizes and comprehensive remodeling costs:

• Small kitchen: A small kitchen usually measures about 144 (12×12) to 150 square feet. Remodeling a small kitchen can run an average of $10,000 to $20,000.
• Medium kitchen: A medium-sized kitchen measures about 150 to 200 square feet. Plan on spending about $20,000 to $65,000 to remodel this size kitchen.
• Large kitchen: A large kitchen measures over 200 square feet. A large kitchen costs $65,000 to $130,000 or more to remodel.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Factors

Appliances

If the kitchen appliances are old, worn, or in disrepair, a kitchen remodel is a great time to choose new appliances. The cost of new appliances can vary significantly, depending on the type of appliance, the brand, and any additional features.

Kitchen Cabinets

It costs the most to replace the kitchen cabinets. Putting in kitchen cabinets will cost about 41% of the total project budget, so consider keeping your existing cabinets if they are in good condition or only require refinishing.

If the kitchen needs new cabinets, plan to spend between $2,000 to $28,000 for stock cabinets, or between $13,000 to $30,000 for custom cabinets. You can choose to reuse the cabinet hardware or purchase new hardware. The cost can range from $100 for basic, inexpensive hardware to $10,000 for antique or custom hardware.

Countertops

Generally, the larger the countertop space or the more unique the shape, the higher the cost of the project. Expect to pay between $1,870 to $4,400, or even up to $10,000, including the purchase and installation of the countertops.

Just keep in mind that the total cost of the countertops can vary depending on the material. Some materials, like laminate or tile, may cost less than $2,000, while premium materials, like stainless steel or quartz countertops, could cost $15 to over $60 per square foot.

Backsplash

Adding a backsplash during a kitchen remodel improves the aesthetic while creating an easy-to-clean protective surface. However, a new backsplash will typically cost about $15 to $40 per square foot, including the price of the materials and installation. This works out to about $600 to $1,300 depending on the size of the backsplash.

Flooring

New flooring is a common addition to a kitchen remodel project because the kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms in the home. The heavy traffic through the area and the high frequency of dropped food, drinks, dishes, and cookware can damage the floor and lead to early wear.

Depending on the kitchen’s size, a new floor will cost between $1,000 to $4,000. Choosing inexpensive flooring materials, like laminate, sheet vinyl, or linoleum reduces the overall cost of the kitchen remodel project.

Plumbing

A plumber will install a new sink and faucet, run new piping, or complete other plumbing modifications. Installing a new sink costs about $420. A new faucet typically costs $260 to purchase and install.

Expect to pay a plumber an hourly rate between $45 to $200 per hour, although some plumbers may offer a flat rate based on the job or the size of the kitchen. If you need new pipes run to the kitchen or significant plumbing modifications completed, plan to spend between $1,500 to $15,000.

Electrical

Similar to plumbing, some kitchen remodels may require new electrical outlets, light fixtures, or wiring. Electricians typically charge about $50 to $100 per hour, plus the cost of materials and products.

• New outlet installation will usually cost between $75 to $485.
• Electrical panel replacement can cost between $520 to $1,990.
• Under-cabinet lighting installations are less than standard lighting projects, ranging from $230 to $300.
• Typical lighting upgrades start at just $500, but can quickly exceed $2,000, depending on the number and quality of the new light fixtures.

Gas Line

A gas stove or oven will require a gas line connection. If the stove needs to be moved or the appliance is being replaced with an in-wall unit, then the gas line will need to be relocated. This is not a job for a local handyman, so make sure to hire a professional gas fitter to move the gas line to a safe location. Expect to spend about $375 to $750 to complete this modification during the kitchen remodel.

Room Size

Generally, the larger the kitchen, the higher the kitchen remodeling cost because the job will take longer and require more materials. On average the cost to remodel a kitchen ranges from $75 to $250 per square foot.

Based on this information, you can figure out the approximate cost of the project. For instance, a 75-square-foot kitchen will cost between $5,625 to $17,500 on average, but a 100-square-foot kitchen will cost $7,500 to $25,000. Large, 150-square-foot kitchens cost between $11,250 to $37,500, while a 200-square-foot kitchen will typically cost $15,000 to $50,000 to fully remodel.

Designer and Contractor Fees

Bringing in an interior designer can be a great way to finish the space. Designers cost about $50 to $200 per hour.

Similarly, some homeowners may hire individual workers for each part of the project, but having a general contractor is often more effective. These professionals typically hire their crews and oversee each aspect of the work to ensure a quality finished product. General contractors usually charge about $300 to $500 per day and may add $150 to $250 per day for each extra laborer.

Furniture Storage

Store a fridge, stove, kitchen table, and chairs if they are in good condition while the remodel is underway. Plan to spend about $90 to $250 per month for a portage storage unit, and about $25 to $50 per mover per hour to move your furniture and appliances to and from the storage unit.

Building Permits

You may also need to pay $460 to $2,770 to get a building permit before starting your kitchen remodel, though permit requirements vary depending on the location. Speak to the contractor or head to the local permit office to determine if a permit is required and who’s responsible for getting it.

When Should You Remodel Your Kitchen?

Remodeling a kitchen is a big job requiring forethought. If the kitchen is in relatively good condition, adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls or refinishing the cabinets may be all that is required to renew the aesthetic appeal of the room. However, if the kitchen has one or more of the issues listed below, it may be time to remodel the space:

• Lack of storage
• Worn cabinetry
• Old appliances
• Cracked countertops
• Damaged flooring
• Water damage

DIY vs. Professional Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel project is not recommended as a DIY job because it’s too big, complex, and time-consuming. Some changes to the kitchen, such as moving the drain line, running new water lines, or installing extra electrical outlets, may require a licensed plumber or electrician for permit approval.

Tackle some of the project’s more basic aspects, like painting or putting in a new backsplash, to reduce the overall cost. However, trained professionals can complete the work faster and more efficiently. Many general contractors, plumbers, carpenters, and electricians also offer a guarantee or warranty on their work.

How to Budget and Save on a Kitchen Remodel

Generally, a realistic budget of $26,960 is suitable for the average kitchen remodel. One of the best ways to save on a kitchen remodel project is to have the cabinets refinished or refaced instead of completely replaced. You can also limit the cost of the job by keeping the same basic kitchen layout, so the contractors don’t need to worry about moving drain lines, water lines, or electrical connections.

Make sure to shop around for the best price for products and materials and quotes from at least three reputable companies to ensure you get the lowest cost for the highest value. Ask your contractor for advice if you have questions about the materials or products.