Kitchen Remodel: Where to Spend and Where to Save

The average kitchen remodel costs $15,000-$50,000, but spending wisely matters more than spending heavily. Some upgrades transform your kitchen's look and function while others are money pits that don't add value.

SPEND on cabinets — they're 30-40% of your budget and define the entire look. But spend smart: refinishing existing solid-wood cabinets ($3,000-$8,000) often delivers a better result than cheap new cabinets ($5,000-$15,000). New custom cabinets run $15,000-$40,000+.

SAVE on appliances — mid-range models from major brands perform nearly identically to premium lines. A $1,200 refrigerator keeps food just as cold as a $4,000 one. Exception: invest in your range/cooktop if you actually cook frequently.

SPEND on countertops in high-visibility areas. Quartz ($50-$100/sqft installed) and granite ($40-$100/sqft) are durable and beautiful. But for a pantry counter or laundry area, laminate ($10-$40/sqft) is perfectly fine.

SAVE on backsplash. Subway tile ($3-$8/sqft) is a design classic that's inexpensive and timeless. Skip the $30/sqft designer tile unless you're doing a luxury renovation. Peel-and-stick options ($5-$15/sqft) look surprisingly good for budget remodels.

SPEND on layout improvements if your kitchen flow is bad. Moving a doorway or adding an island can transform how the space functions. Good kitchen design follows the work triangle: sink, stove, and refrigerator within easy reach of each other.

SAVE on hardware — you can get beautiful cabinet pulls and knobs for $3-$8 each. No need to spend $25+ per pull when the visual impact is the same. This is also the easiest thing to swap later if your taste changes.

SPEND on lighting. Under-cabinet LED lighting ($200-$500 DIY, $500-$1,200 installed) is the single highest-impact upgrade per dollar. Add pendant lights over an island and recessed cans for general illumination.

SAVE on flooring — luxury vinyl plank ($3-$7/sqft) is waterproof, durable, comfortable underfoot, and available in convincing wood and stone patterns. It's better than real hardwood in a kitchen because it handles moisture and spills without damage.

SPEND on soft-close hinges and drawer slides ($3-$5 per hinge vs $0.50 for basic). This small upgrade makes your kitchen feel expensive every time you use it. It's cheap during a remodel but annoying to retrofit.

The golden rule: allocate 35% to cabinets, 20% to labor, 15% to countertops and backsplash, 10% to appliances, 10% to flooring, and 10% to lighting, plumbing fixtures, and miscellaneous.

Average ROI for a kitchen remodel is 50-80% at resale, with mid-range remodels returning a higher percentage than luxury ones. The market rewards kitchens that look updated and function well, not necessarily kitchens with the most expensive finishes.