An 8×8 kitchen remodel cost commonly falls between $12,000 and $35,000, with an average near $24,000 for a 64-square-foot kitchen. Cabinet quality, changes to plumbing or electrical, labor rates, and whether appliances or flooring are included drive the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete remodel | $12,000 | $24,000 | $55,000 | Existing layout retained to custom finishes |
| Cost per square foot | $188 | $375 | $859 | Based on 64 sq ft; small jobs can have higher unit rates |
| Cabinet refresh | $4,000 | $8,000 | $16,000 | Painting or refacing through new stock cabinets |
| Labor share | $4,000 | $9,000 | $20,000 | Depends on trades, demolition, and finish complexity |
What an 8×8 kitchen remodel usually includes
A basic update can cost $12,000-$18,000 when the layout stays put and the project uses stock cabinets, laminate counters, standard fixtures, and mid-priced flooring. A typical midrange remodel runs $18,000-$35,000, often with new cabinets, quartz or upgraded laminate, a tile backsplash, and replacement appliances.
Projects reaching $35,000-$55,000 or more may include custom cabinetry, premium stone, higher-end appliances, extensive electrical work, or moving a sink or range. These estimates assume a 64-square-foot kitchen, ordinary access, and no major structural damage. Assumptions: U.S. contractor pricing, standard-size kitchen, existing walls retained.
For a straightforward 8×8 kitchen with new finishes but no layout change, budgeting about $20,000-$30,000 is a practical starting point. Per-square-foot figures can mislead on small kitchens because design, mobilization, and trade minimums do not shrink in proportion to floor area.
Where cabinet, labor, and finish charges go
Quotes vary in what they include. The table below gives broad installed ranges for a modest-to-midrange project; a contractor may group several tasks into one line item. Check whether demolition, delivery, tax, and finish work are included before comparing totals.
| Cost component | Low | Average | High | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets and hardware | $3,000 | $7,000 | $14,000 | Stock to semi-custom cabinets |
| Countertops | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | Laminate to quartz or stone |
| Labor and installation | $4,000 | $9,000 | $18,000 | Carpentry, fitting, and finish work |
| Flooring and backsplash | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | Material and installation |
| Appliances and fixtures | $1,500 | $3,500 | $8,000 | Basic package through upgraded models |
| Permits and disposal | $300 | $1,000 | $3,000 | Local permits, hauling, and debris fees |
Labor and cabinetry together often make up the largest share of an 8×8 remodel quote. Labor commonly bills through project pricing or trade rates of roughly $50-$125 per hour, depending on location and specialty.
How cabinet layout and appliance sizes change the quote
An 8-foot-by-8-foot room has limited cabinet runs, but cabinet selection still shifts the budget substantially. Refacing sound cabinet boxes may cost around $3,000-$7,000, while replacing them with stock units commonly costs $4,000-$9,000 installed. Semi-custom or custom cabinetry can push that line to $10,000-$18,000 or more.
Standard 30-inch ranges and 24-inch dishwashers usually fit existing layouts without special work. Changing appliance widths, adding a vent hood, or moving the sink more than a few feet can require cabinet alterations, new circuits, or plumbing changes. Moving plumbing may add $1,000-$4,000; electrical upgrades can add $500-$3,000, especially if the panel needs work.
Keeping the sink, range, and refrigerator in their current locations is one of the most effective ways to contain costs. A 64-square-foot kitchen with damaged subfloor, old wiring, or uneven walls can also exceed typical ranges because repairs are discovered after demolition.
Three 64-square-foot quotes with different scopes
These examples illustrate how scope changes the total, rather than serving as fixed bids. Regional labor, material availability, taxes, and contractor overhead can move each estimate.
| Project example | Materials | Labor and time | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface refresh, layout unchanged | $4,500-$7,000 | 60-90 hours; $3,500-$5,500 | $9,000-$15,000 |
| Midrange replacement, new cabinets and counters | $10,000-$16,000 | 120-180 hours; $7,000-$11,000 | $18,000-$30,000 |
| Premium finishes, some utility changes | $22,000-$34,000 | 180-260 hours; $12,000-$20,000 | $36,000-$58,000 |
A lower quote may reflect fewer included items rather than a more efficient contractor. Compare cabinet counts, countertop material and edge, appliance allowance, backsplash area, disposal, and warranty terms line by line.
Why labor rates differ between U.S. regions
Urban markets with higher wages and limited contractor availability can price 15%-30% above a national midpoint. Many suburban areas land near the estimates above, while some rural markets may be 5%-15% lower; travel charges, fewer competing trades, or delivery distances can erase that difference.
In expensive metro areas, a midrange 8×8 project may reach $25,000-$40,000, while a similar scope in a lower-cost market may be closer to $16,000-$28,000. Local quotes matter more than national averages, particularly when licensed plumbing or electrical work is required.
Use regional comparisons as a screening tool, not as a substitute for itemized local bids. Ask contractors to identify allowances and whether local permit fees are included.
What demolition, delivery, and temporary kitchen needs add
Removing old cabinets, counters, and flooring may add $800-$2,500, including hauling, depending on material and disposal access. Appliance delivery and installation can add $150-$600 per item; specialty hookups or removal of old appliances may cost extra. Lead-safe practices in older homes can add expense if regulated materials are disturbed.
A typical 8×8 remodel takes about 2-5 weeks of on-site work, though ordering cabinets or counters can extend the calendar to 6-12 weeks. Homeowners may also budget $300-$1,000 for temporary cooking equipment and basic meal arrangements. Hidden water damage or a subfloor replacement can add $500-$3,000 or more.
Ask how the estimate handles concealed damage, change orders, delivery, and debris before work starts. A written contingency of roughly 10%-15% is reasonable when demolition may reveal unknown conditions.
Which finish choices lower an 8×8 remodel bill
Retaining the existing layout, cabinet boxes, and serviceable appliances can avoid major trade and replacement charges. Painting or refacing cabinets, choosing stock sizes, and using laminate or entry-level quartz can reduce materials costs; changing from premium stone to laminate may save roughly $1,000-$3,500 in a compact kitchen.
Homeowners can often clear cabinets and arrange access before the crew arrives, but should leave electrical, plumbing, and regulated demolition to qualified professionals. Combining demolition and installation in one contract may simplify scheduling, while comparing at least three bids helps reveal unusually broad allowances.
Prioritize durable surfaces and necessary repairs, then price optional upgrades separately. Avoid paying for larger appliances, custom inserts, or cabinet changes that do not solve a real storage or workflow problem.