Last Updated on February 27, 2025 by Advance Design Studio – Home Remodeling
This is always one of the first questions anyone will ask when researching their kitchen remodeling options.
While it’s not the only consideration in a remodel, cost is important to many people. We completely understand that. Project cost often dictates the scope of the remodel, material selections, upgrades, etc. You need to develop an initial budget, no matter what size, layout, or style you’re looking for.
We’ve answered this question countless times over the years, especially because kitchens (along with baths) are our most commonly requested renovation projects. Many prospects ask the cost question during their first phone call or consultation, and we’ve always said that asking this question is like asking how much it costs to buy a car.
Most kitchen remodels in the Midwest will range from $20,000 – $200,000+ in 2025, and while this range is wide, there is good reason for it.
The question of cost is tough to answer initially because kitchen remodels contain many complex variables and options. It’s difficult to know the exact cost until you’ve worked through the design process to establish exactly what you want and what is required to bring your new kitchen to life. Working with industry professionals is key to fully fleshing out the many components of your kitchen project.
Our team at Advance Design strives to educate everyone we meet with. We do our best to offer realistic cost ranges based on current projects in the field and past projects of similar size and scope to yours.
It’s important to remember that any estimate or range you receive for your kitchen or any other space you are considering remodeling, is just that; an estimate. Prices can (and often do) vary drastically depending on your material selections, the scope of work, the process behind the team you partner with, and many other factors.
Until every single detail is designed, specified (think flooring, backsplash, appliances, cabinetry, hardware, lighting), and priced by each and every industry professional involved (demo, carpentry, framing, plumbing, electrical, drywall, paint, installation, etc.), a real project estimate will not be 100% accurate.
WHAT ARE THE 3 TYPES OF KITCHEN REMODELS?
There are three general categories that fit with a kitchen remodel: cosmetic refresh, pull & replace, and a custom kitchen remodel. Each of these represents a different scope of work, customization, and investment ranges.
HOW MUCH DOES A COSMETIC KITCHEN REFRESH COST?
Most cosmetic kitchen refreshes range between $20,000 – $60,000 to complete.
If you’re looking to purely change the aesthetics of your kitchen, this is the remodel for you. These minor remodels aren’t invasive, are less expensive, and have the highest ROI in terms of dollars spent. A kitchen facelift might include cabinet repainting, new hardware or fixtures, and possibly updating countertops or floors. A cosmetic kitchen refresh is most commonly done when selling a home because it yields a quickly updated look of an existing space.
HOW MUCH DOES A PULL-AND-REPLACE KITCHEN COST?
Most pull-and-replace kitchens are $50,000 – $100,000+ to complete.
The “pull and replace” kitchen remodel is a middle ground between cosmetic and customization. Everything in the kitchen is removed and replaced with no additional layout changes. This means no major electrical, structural, HVAC, or plumbing changes to the layout. It allows you to get new cabinets, flooring, fixtures, and appliances, which is a good option if your existing kitchen layout is ideal for your needs and new cabinetry is a priority.
HOW MUCH DOES A CUSTOM KITCHEN REMODEL COST?
Most full custom kitchen remodels begin around $80,000 and can quickly creep up into the $100,000 – $200,000 range to complete.
If true functionality is really your goal, then a custom kitchen renovation is what you are going to want to do. While larger-scale kitchen remodels take a little longer to plan and complete, most people feel that if they are going to invest in a kitchen, there really is nothing like having a new kitchen perfectly complete with all your wants and needs.
Figures for a custom kitchen renovation are deceiving at the onset, because it is important to understand that the totality of a “custom kitchen cost” is directly tied to the scope of a custom kitchen project. Here’s the key; this type of project often includes other areas that you may desire to tie in, since opportunities to touch other first floor spaces is ripest at this time. Here are the most common factors that will impact the cost of your custom kitchen remodel.
As a custom kitchen project develops, it typically includes the reworking of walls, cabinets and appliances. Soffits may be taken out, and major structural elements of the home changed. Sometimes a cantilevered or foundational bump-out addition may be desired to achieve a better design with more space and the addition of a kitchen island. This can result in the need for new windows and door solutions, along with repairs to restore the exterior/roof when making these kinds of changes.
Many custom kitchen remodels bleed over into other areas of the first floor. Flooring updates such as rework/refinishing of hard wood floors, or the addition of new flooring may be necessary and may run throughout the house. It’s common to extend changes into the foyer including a new front door, along with updates to stairs/railings and millwork. Kitchen projects can quickly turn into first floor renovations that may include other spaces such as family rooms, powder rooms, home offices, and laundry/drop zones. If you have a specific vision for your remodeled kitchen or maybe the whole floor, a custom remodeled kitchen may be the direction you need to go.
HOW MUCH RESALE VALUE DOES A KITCHEN REMODEL ADD?
While many of our clients remodel with the main goal of creating long-term spaces to enjoy, eventual resale value is a smart thing to consider as you plan your project. Remodeler Magazine’s Cost Vs Value Report found that kitchen remodels in Chicagoland can add between 30%-70% of the total investment to the home’s value by year-end, depending on the scope.
WHAT ARE THE 10 MOST COMMON KITCHEN UPDATES?
As you plan your kitchen remodel, here are ten common kitchen elements to consider in your project that will make a positive statement in your kitchen.
1. Increased smart storage solutions
2. Layout reconfigurations
3. New flooring, often extending into other rooms
4. Upgraded countertops and backsplash
5. New appliances
6. New cabinetry
7. Changing windows/doors/exteriors to match the kitchen
8. Removing soffits
9. Ambient lighting
10. Moving or removing walls
As you continue to research your kitchen remodel, here are the top storage solutions to consider.
A kitchen renovation can be a complex undertaking, which is why many people choose to pursue a partnership with a professional remodeling team. It’s important to ensure you are getting the very best value for your investment. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey by scheduling a complimentary consultation with a member of our design team, click here. We’d love to explore the best plan for your kitchen project.