Kitchen Remodeling Statistics (2026): Costs, ROI & Trends

What Kitchens Cost

• The median spend on a kitchen remodel is roughly $25,000 nationally., Source: Houzz & Home Survey (2024)
• A midrange minor kitchen remodel (refacing, counters, appliances) averages roughly $27,000 nationally., Source: Remodeling Magazine, Cost vs. Value Report (2024)
• A midrange major kitchen remodel averages roughly $80,000 nationally; upscale versions exceed $150,000., Source: Remodeling Magazine, Cost vs. Value Report (2024)
• Cabinetry and hardware consume roughly 25 to 30% of a typical kitchen budget, the largest single category, ahead of installation labor, appliances, and counters., Source: National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) (2024)

ROI, Timelines, and Behavior

• A minor kitchen remodel recoups roughly 96% of its cost at resale, one of the best interior ROIs tracked., Source: Remodeling Magazine, Cost vs. Value Report (2024)
• A major upscale kitchen remodel recoups under 50% at resale, you do it to live in it, not to flip it., Source: Remodeling Magazine, Cost vs. Value Report (2024)
• A full kitchen remodel typically takes 6 to 12 weeks of on-site construction, plus 4 to 10 weeks of lead time for cabinets and counters before demo starts., Source: Make It Livable planner data (DMV) (2026)
• The large majority of kitchen renovators hire professional help, kitchens have among the lowest pure-DIY rates of any project., Source: Houzz & Home Survey (2024)
• In the DMV, kitchen remodels almost always require permits: plumbing, electrical, and often mechanical, plan review adds weeks, not days., Source: Make It Livable permit data (DC/MD/VA) (2026)

Common Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

Nationally the median is about $25,000, but the spread is enormous: a cosmetic refresh can be $10,000 to $15,000 while a full gut with custom cabinets exceeds $80,000. In high-cost DMV areas add 10 to 18% to national figures.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Six to twelve weeks of construction is typical, but the real timeline starts earlier: cabinet and countertop lead times run 4 to 10 weeks, and DMV permit review can add several more. Order everything before demolition day.