The three cost tiers
Most kitchens we build land in one of three ranges: a refresh at $45,000–$65,000, a full remodel at $65,000–$110,000, and a structural remodel at $110,000 and up.
The jump between tiers is almost always structural. Moving a sink is cheap. Moving a bearing wall is not.
Where the money actually goes
Cabinetry and countertops typically account for 35–45% of the budget. Labor is 25–30%. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing run 10–15%. Permits, dumpsters and protection round out the rest.
Appliances sit outside most contracts, and they surprise people. A pro range package can add $18,000 on its own.
How to protect your budget
Finalize selections before demolition. Every decision made after the crew is on site costs more than the same decision made three weeks earlier.
Hold a real contingency — 10% for houses built after 1980, 15% for anything older.
After twenty years, the single biggest driver of cost is not finish level. It is how much of the existing house has to change to make the new layout work.
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