How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? (2026 Guide)
A kitchen remodel costs between $5,000 and $130,000+ nationally, depending on the scope of work, the quality of materials and whether the floor plan changes. The national midpoint for a mid-range kitchen update runs $25,000 to $50,000, according to Zonda's 2026 Cost vs. Value Report and national homeowner survey data. In the Denver metro, expect to pay 15 to 20 percent above the national average due to higher labor demand and longer supply chain distances.
A minor update, swapping hardware, painting cabinets and replacing countertops, sits at the low end of that range. A full gut-and-remodel with custom cabinetry, high-end appliances and a new layout sits at the top. The single biggest cost lever is whether the plumbing and gas lines move. A kitchen remodeling contractor can walk you through the details of both approaches so you can make that decision with confidence before any construction begins.
Kitchen remodel cost by scope.
Based on Zonda's 2026 Cost vs. Value Report and national homeowner survey data.
* National average estimates. Denver-area jobs typically run 15 to 20 percent higher. Prices confirmed before any work begins.
What drives kitchen remodel cost.
Cabinets
Cabinets are the largest single line item in most kitchen remodels, typically 30 to 40 percent of the total budget. Stock cabinets from a big-box store run $50 to $200 per linear foot installed. Semi-custom cabinets run $150 to $500, and fully custom cabinets can reach $1,000 per linear foot.
Countertops
Laminate countertops run $15 to $40 per square foot installed. Quartz and granite run $50 to $120. Marble and quartzite start around $80 and can reach $200+. A standard 30-square-foot counter in quartz adds $1,500 to $3,600 to the project.
Appliances
A basic appliance package (refrigerator, range, dishwasher) runs $2,000 to $4,000. A mid-range package with stainless steel finishes runs $4,000 to $8,000. High-end or professional-grade appliances can add $10,000 to $25,000 on their own before installation.
Labor and permits
Labor makes up 20 to 35 percent of a typical kitchen remodel. Denver permit timelines for kitchen work run 2 to 4 weeks for standard permits. Jobs involving gas line relocation or electrical panel upgrades require separate sub-permits that add to both cost and timeline.
Denver kitchen remodel costs.
Denver labor costs for kitchen remodels run 15 to 20 percent above the national average. High construction demand across the Front Range keeps skilled tradespeople busy, and scheduling 6 to 10 weeks out is common for quality crews.
Permit timelines at Denver Building and Inspections typically run 2 to 4 weeks for a kitchen remodel permit. If your project involves moving gas lines, adding electrical circuits or changing the layout in a way that affects structural walls, budget for additional review time.
Colorado's supply chain adds a modest freight premium to specialty items. Custom cabinetry made outside the region can add 4 to 8 weeks of lead time. Stocking locally sourced materials or choosing in-stock options at regional suppliers cuts both cost and delay.
Layout change vs. cosmetic update.
Moving the kitchen layout, relocating the sink, island or range, can double the cost of a remodel. Every plumbing or gas move requires a qualified trade contractor and a permit. An open-concept conversion that removes a load-bearing wall adds structural engineering, a beam and a permit to the bill.
A cosmetic update that keeps everything in place, new cabinets, countertops, appliances and flooring in the same footprint, avoids all of those costs. Most homeowners get 80 percent of the visual impact at 40 to 50 percent of the price by keeping the layout. A good contractor will go over the specific details of both options, including the construction phases and permit requirements, before any work starts.
If a layout change is truly necessary, get a structural engineer's assessment before asking for quotes. Contractors price unknown structural work with a large contingency. A $500 engineering report often reduces that contingency by $3,000 to $5,000.
How to get the best price.
Get at least three quotes. Kitchen remodel prices vary 20 to 40 percent between contractors for the same scope. Ask each contractor for a line-item breakdown so you can compare what is and is not included.
Book in the off-season. November through February is slower for kitchen remodelers in Colorado. Contractors who prefer steady winter work often price more competitively than in peak summer months.
Keep the layout. The biggest single way to save on a kitchen remodel is to keep the plumbing and gas lines where they are. New cabinets and countertops in the same footprint transform a kitchen at a fraction of the gut-and-relocate cost.
Mix material tiers. Put the budget into the elements that get touched most: countertops and a high-use faucet. Save on upper cabinets (painted MDF looks sharp) and flooring (luxury vinyl plank performs as well as hardwood in a kitchen at half the price).
Kitchen remodel cost FAQ.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A cosmetic update with no layout changes takes 2 to 4 weeks. A mid-range remodel with new cabinets and countertops takes 4 to 8 weeks. A full gut with layout changes, new plumbing and electrical work takes 8 to 16 weeks from demo to punch-list. The most common delay is cabinet lead time, which can run 6 to 12 weeks for semi-custom or custom orders.
Does a kitchen remodel add value to a home?
Yes, though the return depends on the project type and the local market. A mid-range kitchen remodel returns roughly 68 to 75 percent of its cost at resale, according to Zonda's 2026 Cost vs. Value Report. An upscale remodel returns closer to 50 to 60 percent but can make a home sell faster at the asking price in competitive markets like Denver.
What should I do first in a kitchen remodel?
Start with a clear scope of work and a realistic budget before any contractor conversations. Knowing whether you want a cosmetic update or a full gut lets contractors price accurately rather than quoting a low number and discovering scope gaps mid-project. Cabinet selection should come early since lead times affect the whole schedule. A detailed scope document also gives every contractor the same construction details to work from, which makes comparing quotes far easier.
Can I stay in my home during a kitchen remodel?
Most homeowners stay put during a kitchen remodel, but plan around it. A microwave, toaster oven and a temporary prep station in another room cover most cooking needs during a 4 to 8 week project. Full gut-and-remodels with asbestos abatement or major structural work may require a short move-out for a specific phase, which your contractor will flag upfront.
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