The Real Cost of Kitchen Remodeling in 2025 (Yep, It’s More Than You Think)

Okay, I’ll just say it. If you’ve been daydreaming about tearing out your old kitchen and making it finally feel like you, you are so not alone. I’ve been right there too, staring at my brown cabinets (which I once proudly designed... long story 😂) and wondering if this is the decade I finally pull the trigger.

And that’s exactly what I want to talk about today. The real cost of remodeling your kitchen in 2025 and why so many of us are thinking about it right now.

Why Remodel in 2025?

Blame the mortgage rates. With interest rates hanging around 7% a lot of homeowners are hitting pause on moving and saying, “Let’s just make this place work.”

Honestly? Same. Between rising home prices and all the stress that comes with buying a new place, remodeling the kitchen you already have is often the smarter (and more exciting) choice.

And yes, social media has everything to do with it. One scroll through Pinterest or a TikTok kitchen glow-up and suddenly you're side-eyeing your cabinets like they betrayed you. Been there.

Kitchens Have Totally Evolved

Here’s something you might not know. Almost half the homes in the U.S. were built before 1980. That means tons of kitchens were designed to be tucked away and purely functional. No charm. No flow. No space to gather. 👎

Now? Kitchens are the heart of the home. They're where life happens. From wine nights and family dinners to remote work and last-minute science projects, it all goes down in the kitchen.

Most of my clients come to me saying the same thing. “I just want to open it up.” They want bigger islands, better layouts, more natural light, and honestly, I’m right there with them.

So… What’s It Going to Cost Me?

Let’s rip off the Band-Aid. The average cost of a kitchen remodel in 2025 is around $60,000. Back in 2020, it was closer to $35,000. So yes... big jump.

💡 Budget rule of thumb: Plan to spend 15-20% of your home’s value on a remodel, which usually looks like this:

• $250,000 home → $37,000 to $50,000

• $500,000 home → $75,000 to $100,000

• $1 million home → $150,000 or more

  
  

And no, it's not just inflation. Homeowners are going big. We’re talking full layout changes, removing walls, adding walk-in pantries, better lighting, custom storage and all the things that make a kitchen work smarter, not harder.

Should You Hire a Contractor or Do It Yourself? 👷‍♂️

Here’s where it gets juicy.

• Hire a General Contractor if you want someone else to handle the permits, scheduling, and subs. They take a cut (usually 20-35% of the total cost), but they make life a whole lot easier.

• Manage it yourself if you’ve got the time and patience to hire every trade professional, pull permits, and keep the project on schedule. You’ll save money, but it’s a lot to juggle.

Personally? If you’ve got a full-time job or kids (or both), hiring someone you trust might be worth every penny. Peace of mind is priceless.

Before You Break Out the Sledgehammer... 🔨

I made something for you. My free Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit is packed with planning tips, budget breakdowns, and helpful advice to get you going without the overwhelm.

Download it here... KITCHEN REMODEL STARTER KIT 🥂

Whether you're still pinning ideas or already clearing the counters, I hope this gave you a little more clarity and confidence to take the next step.

Be sure to catch my inaugural podcast (eeek! Been in the works for a while!) where I dive even deeper into the very important subject of BUDGETING for your kitchen remodel.

Click the button below to listen... 🎧

KITCHEN REMODEL MADE EASY 🎤

Cheering you on always and yes, dreaming of a new kitchen with you too,