Few companies in town are willing to take on the challenges of hold homes, they are not easy, but the end result, with a few added doses of patience makes the project and end result worth the wait. Our clients knew they wanted to dig their roots into SW Minneapolis, the community and proximity to the lakes with walkable activities, encouraged the search for an old home with renovation qualities. Sitting on the hilltop near Lake Harriet, this 1916 home had the bones and the square feet to reimagine into a modern style home.

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Really Cost?

Builder FAQ, Cabinet Shop, Featured, Kitchen Renovation

January 18, 2026

A kitchen remodel is one of the most valuable updates you can make, and one of the easiest places for budgets to get blurry. Costs vary wildly not because contractors aren’t clear, but because a “kitchen remodel” can mean anything from swapping surfaces to reworking the entire footprint, systems, and cabinetry.

This guide breaks down what a kitchen remodel costs in 2026, where the money typically goes, and the decisions that move the number the most. The goal is simple: help you plan with realistic ranges, ask better questions early, and invest in the parts of your kitchen that will pay you back every day.

If you’re getting ready to demo, consider this blog on Things To Purge Before a Major Home Remodel.

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Really Cost?

What Influences the Cost of a Kitchen Remodel?

Before we discuss numbers, let’s break down the key elements that impact the overall cost of a kitchen renovation.

Custom Cabinetry

Cabinets often account for the largest portion of your renovation budget. High-quality custom cabinetry with tailored details such as soft-close drawers, unique finishes, or built-in storage solutions adds character and functionality. Each kitchen should be uniquely designed and cabinetry is typically one of the ways we can achieve this. Read more on How We Blend Old and New by using cabinetry features.

Countertop Selections

Countertops set the tone for your kitchen. While granite and quartz provide durability and style, luxury options such as marble or quartzite enhance aesthetic but come with a larger investment. We see more clients trending in this direction, you can read more here on why; Trends We Actually Believe In.

1934 home addition, all new kitchen with two tone cabinetry, wall ovens and cooktop. Quartzite countertops and marble backsplash.

Appliances

Investing in professional-grade appliances from brands like Sub-Zero, Miele, or Thermador can make your kitchen highly functional while achieving that upscale feel. Larger ranges, smart refrigerators, or high-end espresso machines will naturally increase your costs. When possible, consider panel ready options for a more integrated design in your kitchen. Read our guide on How to Hide Appliances, Of All Sizes.

A Warm Collected Kitchen Rooted in Craftsmanship, featuring a marble island, brass faucet, dark pendant lights, wooden chairs, and olive green cabinets. Open shelving displays glassware, dishes, and plants in the background.

Layout Changes

Moving plumbing lines, removing walls, or altering the layout to optimize space can significantly affect the cost. If taking down a wall, you’re also increasing the finished square feet of your kitchen, often with more cabinetry, countertops, and more that will need to be considered in the budget.

Fixtures, Hardware, and Lighting

The finer details, consider living finishes in faucets, cabinet pulls, interesting lighting fixtures, and under cabinet lighting are added decorative elements such as handmade tile or open shelves with unique brackets. While seemingly minor, these accents can elevate your kitchen’s look and increase the total cost.

French cafe inspired kitchen with plaster hood detail, unlacquered brass, lacornue range, and natural limestone floor.

The Financial Breakdown

Here at Jkath, our kitchen renovations start at $175,000. This likely does not include removing a major wall (could be a larger opening), or all premium selections such as natural stone, living finishes, and added millwork details with paneling or ceiling features.

Here is a breakdown below for starting costs and what to expect; note the below table does not account for site prep, overall demo, house structure, mechanical items, or design and builder fees.

MATERIALS	BUDGET
General Conditions (permit, field and site expenses)	$7,500
Demolition	$4,000
House Structure (framing, insulation)	$4,000
Drywall, Paint, Millwork	$12,000
Mechanical Systems (plumbing, HVAC, electrical)	$15,000
Custom Cabinetry	$45,000
Countertops	$15,000
Plumbing Fixtures	$3,500
Lighting Fixtures	$3,000
Tile Backsplash and Labor	$5,000
Cabinet Hardware	$2,000
Painting	$6,000
Appliances	$25,000
Flooring (TBD on scope)	$5,000
Protection, Cleaning	$1,500
Interior Design, Project Management and Builder Fees	$55,000
TOTAL	$208,375

Our soft costs include project management fees, typically 5-7% of the total project, and builder fees, add additional 19% – 30%. These fees cover administration, onsite and offsite supervision and coordination, business overhead and expenses, taxes, and profit.

Kitchen renovations are a balance between vision and practicality. Start with clear priorities, explore design possibilities, define how you’ll use your space, and allocate your budget wisely. A trusted partner can make all the difference in bringing your dream kitchen to life.

If you’re eager to explore even more possibilities for enhancing your home, consider contacting our team to learn more about our design-and-build services.

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