Small kitchen remodels without appliances typically fall within an $8,000 to $28,000 range in the United States, with the spread driven by cabinet quality, countertop material, flooring, and finishes. Labor for installation, electrical or plumbing changes, and permitting are the main cost components, while excluding appliances removes some equipment costs but not the need for skilled trades. The lack of appliances can simplify procurement, but layout changes and finish work still influence total price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets (replacement/refacing) | $2,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | Stock to semi-custom; per linear foot installed |
| Countertops | $1,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 | Laminate to quartz/granite; per square foot installed |
| Flooring | $800 | $2,000 | $4,500 | Vinyl plank, tile, or engineered wood |
| Backsplash & finishes | $300 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Material plus labor |
| Electrical & plumbing rough-in | $1,000 | $3,000 | $5,500 | Needed for wiring, outlets, water lines, vents |
| Demolition & disposal | $200 | $600 | $1,500 | Wall openers, cabinet removal, waste removal |
| Labor & project management | $2,500 | $6,000 | $12,000 | Contractor workforce and coordination |
| Permits & design | $0 | $500 | $1,500 | Local rules and design fees |
| Totals | $8,800 | $22,100 | $42,000 | Assumes 40–60 sq ft kitchen; exclude appliances |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Typical Cost Range
Typical costs for a small kitchen remodel without appliances range from about $8,000 to $28,000 nationwide, depending on materials and layout.
When estimating, the main determinants are cabinet quality, countertop material, and whether plumbing or electrical changes are needed. If the project includes a layout change or wall modifications, prices tilt toward the upper end of the range. For reference, typical per-unit ranges include cabinets at $100–$350 per linear foot installed, countertops at $15–$110 per square foot installed, and flooring at $2–$12 per square foot installed.
Other line items, such as lighting, backsplash, and finishes, add variability based on finish quality and the complexity of installation. The total cost will also reflect regional labor rates and permit requirements. The figures assume no major wall removals and no new rough-ins beyond standard outlets and plumbing lines for a renovated kitchen.
Cost Breakdown
Most of the budget goes to cabinets and labor, with smaller shares for countertops, flooring, and finishes.
| Cost Category | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Labor | $3,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 |
| Equipment | $0 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Permits | $0 | $500 | $1,500 |
| Delivery/Disposal | $300 | $800 | $2,000 |
| Contingency | $600 | $2,000 | $5,000 |
Cost Drivers
Material quality and layout changes are the biggest cost drivers in a small kitchen remodel.
The following factors typically determine how quickly costs escalate or stay controlled:
- Cabinet type and finish: stock cabinets run about $100–$200 per linear foot installed, semi-custom about $200–$350 per linear foot, and custom cabinets can exceed $400 per linear foot.
- Countertop material: laminate ranges around $15–$45 per square foot installed; quartz or solid-surface materials run from $50–$110 per square foot; natural stone like granite can push toward $60–$100 per square foot.
- Layout changes and plumbing/electrical work: moving water lines or outlets adds labor and materials, often $1,000–$5,000 depending on scope.
- Flooring selection: vinyl plank or tile typically $2–$8 per square foot installed; premium options (hardwood, ceramic) cost more per square foot.
- Backsplash, lighting, and finishes: mid-range finishes add several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on complexity and layout.
- Permits and design fees: depending on local rules, design plans and permits can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Ways To Save
Smart design and selective material choices can cut costs substantially without sacrificing function.
- Keep the existing footprint to avoid wall removals and remodeling of plumbing or electrical lines.
- Choose stock or pre-fabricated cabinets instead of semi-custom or custom options.
- Opt for laminate countertops or mid-range engineered options instead of premium stone.
- Use cost-conscious flooring like vinyl plank or affordable ceramic tile rather than premium hardwoods.
- Limit moving plumbing and electrical to only what is necessary; consolidate outlets and lighting plan to reduce wiring runs.
- Shop for bids from multiple contractors and ask for itemized quotes to compare labor costs precisely.
- Do some tasks yourself if feasible (prep, painting, simple backsplash), but hire licensed help for critical plumbing, electrical, and structural work.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region, with urban markets generally higher than rural markets.
National ranges can drift by region due to labor rates, material costs, and permitting practices. For a small kitchen remodel without appliances, a rough regional adjustment might look like this:
- Urban/High-cost markets: Low $9,000; Average $17,000; High $31,000 (roughly +10% to +25% vs national)
- Suburban markets: Low $8,500; Average $16,000; High $29,000 (roughly near national averages)
- Rural markets: Low $7,000; Average $12,000; High $22,000 (roughly −5% to −15% vs national)
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs reflect crew size, region, and schedule, with typical install windows ranging from one to three weeks for a small kitchen.
Typical durations by scope:
- Cosmetic updates (paint, backsplash, new hardware): about 1–2 weeks, 2–4 trades involved
- Cabinets and countertops replacement with new layout: about 2–3 weeks, more if layout changes are involved
- Electrical/plumbing rough-ins or vent upgrades: may require additional days within the project window
Expect labor hours in the range of 40–80 hours for a modest cosmetic upgrade, and 80–180 hours for a full cabinet and countertop remodel with minor layout changes. Labor rates vary by region and contractor experience, so obtaining multiple bids is prudent.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs often appear in permits, disposal, and transition work, so include a contingency as part of the budget.
- Delivery delays, staging, and material waste disposal can add small but cumulative costs.
- Wall patching, drywall repairs, or repainting may be needed after cabinet or countertop installation.
- Water shut-off and temporary power arrangements can incur service fees from utilities or contractors.
- Design fees or architectural consultations may apply if the layout changes are complex.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic Scenario
Kitchen size: ~80 sq ft; materials: stock cabinets, laminate countertops, vinyl flooring; minimal plumbing and electrical changes; few lighting updates. Labor: 60–80 hours. Per-unit ranges: cabinets $2,500; countertops $1,200; flooring $1,200; backsplash $400; lighting $200; demolition $300; design/permits $0–$300. Total estimate: $9,000–$13,000.
Mid-Range Scenario
Kitchen size: ~100–110 sq ft; materials: semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, ceramic tile flooring, mid-range backsplash; modest layout adjustments; electrical upgrades for outlets and lighting. Labor: 100–140 hours. Per-unit ranges: cabinets $5,000; countertops $3,000; flooring $2,000; backsplash $1,000; lighting $500; demolition $500; permits/design $500. Total estimate: $16,000–$25,000.
Premium Scenario
Kitchen size: ~120–140 sq ft; materials: custom cabinets, granite/quartz countertops, premium tile flooring, high-end backsplash; layout redesign with plumbing and venting improvements; multiple new outlets and upgraded lighting plan. Labor: 140–180 hours. Per-unit ranges: cabinets $9,000; countertops $4,500; flooring $4,000; backsplash $2,000; lighting $1,200; demolition $1,000; permits/design $1,500. Total estimate: $28,000–$38,000.