When considering a kitchen remodel, we know one of your first questions is likely, “How much will it cost?”
At Inspired Design, we believe in transparency and helping homeowners make informed decisions. A kitchen renovation is an investment in your home’s value, functionality, and aesthetic—and the cost can vary widely based on your style preferences, room size, and level of customization.
Our work has shown us that no two kitchens are alike, which means no remodeling plan will look the same either. This guide breaks down the primary cost factors that impact kitchen remodels to give you a better understanding of what to expect as you imagine your dream space.
What Influences the Cost of a Kitchen Remodel?
1. Remodel vs. Renovation
Let's first address a common misconception. “Remodel” and “renovation” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not.
A renovation freshens up an existing space, keeping your layout intact while upgrading materials, finishes, and fixtures.
A remodel typically involves reconfiguring the layout, knocking down walls, or adding entirely new elements to meet updated functionality and style goals.
Naturally, a full remodel costs more than a simple renovation. If you’re unsure whether your project calls for renovation-level upgrades or a full-scale remodel, our team can walk you through the differences. For the sake of this article, we'll be focusing on remodels.
2. The Size of Your Kitchen
The size of your kitchen directly affects the scope of the remodel.
Small kitchens (<70 sq. ft.) typically cost less since fewer materials, appliances, and labor hours are required.
Mid-sized kitchens (70–150 sq. ft.) provide a balance of opportunity for upgrades, often featuring new cabinetry, countertops, and updated layouts.
Large kitchens (>150 sq. ft.) allow for more extensive changes, such as custom islands, state-of-the-art appliances, and premium finishes.
At Inspired Design, we tend to work with mid-size to large kitchens. We find those sizes are suited best for highly customized designs with the best chance of major improvement and value given to our clients.
3. Custom Designs and Details
Standard designs may save on costs, but they don’t always capture the spirit of your home. Custom solutions, on the other hand, offer endless possibilities to create a kitchen that’s truly your own. Some examples include:
Built-to-fit cabinetry with custom details and finishes
One-of-a-kind islands with significant prep, cooking and seating space
Walk-in pantry with unique storage solutions
High-end finishes with personal touches
Custom designs elevate a remodel from basic to extraordinary—all while ensuring functionality blends seamlessly with sophistication. While they may raise your budget, their impact on daily living and long-term home value is undeniable.
4. The Quality of Materials and Finishes
Materials and finishes are where a significant portion of your budget will go. Here’s a breakdown of some typical options and their price impact:
Cabinetry: Stock cabinets are more budget-friendly, while semi-custom or fully custom cabinetry caters to specific dimensions and aesthetics.
Countertops: Options range from affordable laminate and butcher block surfaces to luxurious quartz and quartzite.
Flooring: Tile and Luxury Vinyl Plank materials can be cost-effective, but tile will cost more to install. Hardwood flooring adds timeless appeal.
Backsplashes and hardware may seem like smaller details, but they greatly influence the final look and quality of your space.
Appliances can make or break your budget, with high-end professional-grade appliances costing significantly more than standard models. We've had clients get all their appliances for $10k and others for over $150k.
5. Professional Contractors and Craftspeople
The finish on your kitchen is only as skilled as the craftsman behind it. Partnering with experienced contractors and tradespeople ensures your remodel runs smoothly and meets the highest standards. Costs can vary depending on the specialists involved, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters and even structural engineers.
We’ve worked in many homes where we’ve heard the all-too-common "terrible contractor" stories. It’s unfortunate how often homeowners encounter poor workmanship and a lack of professionalism, leaving behind clear signs of subpar quality. Choosing a designer and contractor with a skilled, reliable team won’t come cheap, but their expertise and commitment to craftsmanship can make all the difference.
6. Unexpected Costs and Contingency
Even the most well-planned remodels can come with surprises. We can't see behind walls (although we have used a camera at times!), which is why contingency funds are essential. A common approach is adding 10-20% of your budget for unexpected costs and additional upgrades that you might want to add during the project.
When presenting our initial estimates, we recommend adding a 10% buffer to the total. This isn’t because we haven’t accounted for contingencies (we have), but because, in our experience, clients often become more flexible with their budget once they see the full range of possibilities. This allows them to prioritize what they truly want without hesitation.
What’s the Average Cost of a Kitchen Remodel?
When you search “average cost of a kitchen remodel 2025” on Google, the AI preview estimates anywhere from $10,000 to $150,000. However, many of these results aren’t based on actual remodels—they often lump renovations and remodels together because the terms are frequently used interchangeably. (See why that is point #1 on our list?)
It’s also important to note that these figures aren’t tailored to specific locations. For example, remodeling costs in New York City will differ greatly from those in a small Midwestern town.
Some of these figures likely include data from countless DIY enthusiasts. While there’s nothing wrong with rolling up your sleeves and investing some sweat equity, it’s important to note that DIY costs don’t align with the expenses of hiring a professional.
To provide a clearer picture, and understanding that every project is unique, here's a general breakdown of average kitchen remodel costs specific to the Kansas City area.
Budget-Friendly Renovations start around $15,000–$50,000, focusing on updates to finishes such as painting cabinets, countertop replacement and flooring.
Mid-Range Renovations/Remodels cost between $50,000–$125,000, often incorporating semi-custom cabinetry, select higher-end materials, and upgraded appliances.
High-End Remodels start at $125,000+ with most of our clients settling within the range of $150,000-$300,000, featuring bespoke design details from floor to ceiling, premium finishes, extensive layout changes, and professional-grade appliances.
Final Thoughts
Determining how much to budget for a remodel can be challenging, especially when answers to the most common question—"How much does it cost?"—vary so widely.
As both designers and contractors, we prioritize a design-first approach. Once the design is finalized, we provide an estimate based on that vision. While we certainly discuss budget early in the process, we’ve found that the design-estimate-build process gives a much clearer and more accurate understanding of project costs.
If you’re in the Kansas City area and want to know what your kitchen remodel might cost, we’d love to help. Start by booking a free Design Discovery phone call with us—we’re here to guide you every step of the way!
Stay well and be inspired,
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